AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Na’ith smiled. “The skin is hers, but the substructure is a construct. Unfortunately for me, they do seem to be a match.”
Nova blinked. “What am I missing?”
Heboren smiled. “Lily is an impressive woman, but she is not for me, and you are. Shall we complete our contract?”
Nova looked at Na’ith and saw a wistful expression in his eyes. “You like her.”
He shrugged. “The Hmrain take precedence.”
Heboren patted his shoulder, and they made their way to the contract kiosk. From what Nova remembered, most ships had one so that staff could enter into contracts for anything from major to minor events.
Heboren brought up the basic contract, and they spoke quietly to create a contract that suited both of them.
“A hundred years or a child?”
He inclined his head. “That much is standard for my people. If you have a child, you are free to go with a considerable credit account.”
She looked at the number and swallowed. “Considerable is right.”
She looked at him creating an image of him holding a little baby with his skin and a tuft of blonde hair, waving goodbye as she left. “Stop crafting images.”
He chuckled. “Apologies, but you have already decided what our offspring would look like, so I was just having fun.”
He knew she was going to sign.
She sighed and wrote in one stipulation.
“What is gifting day?” Heboren frowned.
“Around my world, there are gatherings and celebrations that involve family coming together at least once a year. I want that.” She pulled images of her family getting together. Laughing and mocking. Quiet moments curled together in front of the fire. Skiing, running through the snow, laughing, and the overwhelming feeling of joy.
He reached out, and his thumb wiped the tears the memories brought. “They are all gone?”
“As far as I know. They didn’t make it to the station while I was there. We were told it is best to assume that they are missing and gone forever.”
He looked at her and nodded. “We will inscribe the names on a memorial.”
She nodded. “Sounds good.”
They finished a few more details, and she signed, marked, and did an ocular scan to confirm her identity. He did the same, and that was it. They were contractually bound for the next century. Despite his assurances, she wasn’t sure what she would look like on the other side of the contract.
He drew her to her feet and held her against him. “Consort Nova. We begin today.”
She nodded. “Can we check on Lily?”
“We will find Nebel and ask him why he is here. We do not casually visit our siblings.”
He wrapped his wing around her, and they walked to the door. When it opened, Lily and Nebel stood on the other side of the door.
Nova stared at the lean Hmrain and his golden body. He looked like he was sculpted out of muscle and metal. Lily and he were holding hands. Lily looked very nervous and rather embarrassed, but she held Nebel as tightly as he held her.
Heboren raised his brow. “Nebel, what are you doing here?”
“I came on board to apologize, was met with your captain and my mate, and am now going to hash out a bond contract with her.” Nebel smiled, and his stunning face was pleasant.
“I own her bond right now as a rep for the education station.” Heboren looked at his brother with narrow eyes. “How much are you offering?”
“Twenty million.” He was calm with a slight smile.
