“The officer quarters have been reinforced as per Ariez’s instructions, if that is your concern.”
She met Kanzo’s gaze, then glanced at Ava and Cy.“Sounds like you want me to go.”
“I do,” Cy said, bringing her hand to his lips.I would like to meet your blood-bonds without you being detained.
She forced a smile she was far from feeling.“You’d like my dad.My mom, though, she can be scary.”She wasn’t about to mention her brothers.
“Excellent.”Kanzo grinned.“I will have additional officers’ quarters built from the barracks for Fyca and Durok.”
Ava laughed.“Like a pleasure cruise.”
“Indeed.”Kanzo set his empty mug on the table.“If you do not have questions, I would like to spend a little time with my wife.”
Ava’s cheeks bloomed.She set her cup down and rose, clinging to Kanzo’s arm when he joined her.“Thank you for the coffee.”
Wren and Cy escorted the couple to the door.
“I thought you said he wasn’t her Eth?”Ava asked as they strolled off.“His eyes are neon.You can’t get more Eth than that—” The door shut.
Cy froze then caught Wren’s chin between his forefinger and thumb.“What color are my eyes?”
“A breathtaking turquoise.”She pulled out of his grasp to kiss his palm before carrying the cups to the waste disposal.If what Ava said was true, that she was his Eth, Wren would have to walk away from Cy…to save him.She didn’t have the strength to even think about it.
Cy sat, staring at nothing.
“What’s your…void like?”she managed to ask, looping her arms around him from behind.She kissed his neck, trying to ignore her pounding heart.
“It is a beam of warm light where darkness once reigned.”He leapt from the chair and circled it, catching her by her hips.“Do you not see, ensa ra ensa?”You are forever mine and I yours.
“We chose to stay together,” she said, burrowing into his embrace.
“No,thamani.”Dar Eth.
She jerked back but didn’t get far.“I will kill you, Cy.No, please don’t tell me the Ethera happened…”
He scooped her up and swung her, laughing as he did so.“You have saved me.Those three days without you were torture.I cannot bear a separation again.And if that means I die by your side, I will be a happy male.”When he set her feet down, he met and held her gaze.Where you go, I go…as your husband.
She ignored the tear that slipped past her defenses.He was right.Who knew what tomorrow would bring?She wasn’t going to be a chicken and not cherish every moment with him.“Where you go, I go, as your wife.”
He chuckled.Is that so?He nudged his chin at their bedroom.I do believe I promised you a quickie.
Epilogue
Demeter Science Station
Year of 2254, October
Wrenneverexpectedtoever set foot on Demeter again.Approaching it had been surreal.Her beloved Pluto was unchanged in her absence.She snorted at that bit of silliness.TheKevolhad docked in a prime spot.When she strolled down the ramp, she half expected the station head to be there to greet her.
Instead, Pierce stood there.His eyes were huge as he scanned the ship then settled on Durok and Fyca.When he spotted her, he glared at her.
“Wren, what have you done?”he hissed, grabbed her elbow, and pulled her aside.
She could only meet his gaze for a second.
Before he floated, his feet dangling.
Cy held him off the floor with a grip on his jaw.“Do not touch what is not yours.”
