by Pearl Tate
Again, I’m reminded why I love her so much. Even when Remus is unhelpful, she’s still kind. “Later, when we meet with Bill and Ted, I’ll get him to tell us why and who they sent back to that prison planet. What could they have been thinking?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
- Lisa
The past few weeks have been wonderful. Travek and I have taken advantage of the beautiful outdoors. Except for the daily meetings with the Ashen, we’ve tried to enjoy this like a honeymoon. The concept of a honeymoon was totally foreign to him, but once I explained it meant lots of sex, he was fully on board.
“Do you have everything packed?” Travek pokes his head in from the other room while I continue to stuff items into a suitcase. It’s large, but I’m still having trouble fitting all the clothes I’ve accumulated. Once Bill demonstrated their “duplicator,” life got way easier.
“Almost!” As he walks up next to me, I see his expression is flabbergasted. “Yeah, yeah. I know. But you guys aren’t positive we’ll be back here. These aren’t all for me.” I’m not sure he believes what I’m saying based on the skepticism I feel in our bond.
We’ve ironed out a written agreement for settling here with the Ashen. Unfortunately, Travek and the other guys aren’t confident that everyone will agree to it. And it has to be unanimous. I don’t get why they wouldn't. But considering the reality TV game shows I've watched over the years, I understand his concern.
Travek helps me flip the lid on the huge suitcase and watches me tuck clothing in around the edges so it can be zipped up. “Who are they all for?” The styles on Quasar must be totally different from Earth. Every time I wore something new, he seemed impressed. As if I’d designed them myself!
Climbing on top of the suitcase, I hang my legs off the edge as I move around it, zipping it up. “My friends. Susan, Shelly, Rachel… you know? If what you explained is correct, they’ll need some comfortable and familiar clothing. And I can do that. It’s an assortment, and I have a good idea of what they all like and would need for sizes.” I shrug as he takes over finishing up the zipper.
Travek tugs me to the edge of the suitcase, wrapping me in his arms. “My mate is so smart.” Planting his hands on either side of my body, he traps me against the hard-plastic surface. “And kind. And beautiful.” The last is said with a growl into my neck and the full body shiver makes my nipples harden into tight beads.
Grabbing his shoulders, I latch onto his neck and suck, pulling off with a nip. “Don’t we need to go?” His audible sigh of frustration makes me giggle.
“Yes. That’s why I was checking with you. Everyone else is already on board.” It doesn’t surprise me the guys are. Gilip never could relax enough to enjoy this place. Sol’s been assured his mate will be brought by the Ashen representatives when they meet us at Dactyles to rendezvous with the Discovery.
“Even Jo-Anne?” We’ve only been hanging out for the last couple days. The Ashen insisted on Remus and Jo-Anne having their own uninterrupted time over the first week they were together—just as required by their agreement made with the Quasar Council over two thousand years ago. They are anal about following the rules.
Travek lifts me off the suitcase and sets me on the floor before lifting the case onto the floor next to me. “Yes. Remus had her on board over an hour ago. You realize how punctual he is. We’re last.”
Following him from the room, I run around opening and shutting drawers one more time. There’s nothing worse than realizing you’ve left something. “Well, I don’t think they will leave without us. I didn’t even realize we actually had a set time.”
Travek is standing by the door, watching me with an odd expression. “We don’t. It’s just that everyone is excited to get going.”
Ignoring him and the pressure he’s putting on me to head out, I systematically work my way through the kitchen. I wish I could take everything, but he’s assured me I won’t miss a thing. I highly doubt that.
It’s not that I’m not eager to see everyone. In person, I mean. We’ve talked over long-range communications when we could. It’s all space-weather-permitting, depending on meteor showers and solar flares.
But it’s almost like going back to work or school. There’s so much that we need to do. It’s our job to convince everyone that being here and under the Ashen protection is the best decision for us all.
Sure, they have their conditions, but this place is beautiful. And where else would we possibly fit in the universe? We’re going to be an entirely new species combining Human and Quasar genetics.
“Are you done?” Travek doesn’t sound angry or annoyed, more resigned.
Exiting the kitchen area, I head towards him where he’s waiting by the door. “Yes. As ready as I’ll ever be. Sorry I’m so slow.”
When I reach Travek, he stops me with both hands on my shoulders. “Wait here.” Freezing, I watch him open the door and wheel the luggage out the door before coming back to my side. Picking me up in his arms, he murmurs huskily, “I want to carry you over the threshold. I read this is a Human custom, signifying good luck and leaving bad behind.”
Laughing, I wrap my arms around his neck as he turns sideways, and we walk into the bright sunlight. “That’s very sweet.” His expression is soft and loving as he looks down at me. “I think usually the groom carries the bride into their new home.”
Lifting me higher, he presses his lips gently against my forehead. “My home is whereever you are. This is the beginning of our future together, and I want you to realize I’m looking forward to it.”
Pulling his head down, I lock my lips to his before pulling back breathlessly. “We’re off on another adventure! I love you, Travek. Even though I plan to push for coming back here, I know as long as we are together, I’ll be happy too.”
“I couldn’t agree more, my beautiful mate. Thank you for being the greatest treasure I’ve ever located in the universe.”
About Pearl Tate
I’m super excited to be spreading my wings and sharing what I enjoy!
I’m happily married to the love of my life and working on being the best mom possible to our great children.
I love all kinds of stories but there is a special place in my heart for all forms of romance. The good, the bad and yes, even the ugly. When I write, I get to make sure there is always a happily ever after and that is the best part of all!
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