He patted Mevine’s head and stepped back, drained by the exchange. Byron felt Athee’s fingers curl around his palm. He realized she’d overheard their exchange. They weren’t even a bonded pair yet, and already she knew his thoughts.
“Stay out of trouble,” Byron told Mevine.
The young man stood at attention as they boarded the shuttle. Athee released Byron’s hand and returned to the cockpit. Byron hesitated before closing the hatch, his eyes on Mevine. His friend offered a mischievous smirk as the shuttle door began to close.
I’m glad you won’t be alone anymore, Mevine thought.
Yeah, me too.
Byron wasted no time lifting the shuttle into the sky. He spun the ship around and caught Mevine staring up at them, his thin frame growing smaller by the second. Grasping the throttle tighter, he tapped into the teleporter and envisioned their destination.
The Rennather’s hanger crew assisted with the bags. An ensign led Erndell out of the hanger, leaving Byron to escort Athee to his quarters. He offered his elbow and she grasped his arm. Without a word, he ushered her into the nearest telepod. Two crewmen followed with Athee’s possessions draped across their shoulders.
Arriving at his quarters, Byron indicated where the bags were to be placed. He eyed the pile with trepidation. His closets weren’t big enough to house so many bags. Opening up the nearest compartment, Byron attempted to place the sacks inside. He managed to fit three into the tiny compartment. The remaining two would have to reside elsewhere.
Frustrated, he closed the door. Byron glanced around the room. He noticed Athee by his computer and detected curiosity. Ignoring the last two bags, he approached the Tgren woman.
She stepped back and stared at him in wonder. Is that Bassa?
Noting the photo beside his computer, Byron placed a hand on her back and nodded. He gazed at the image, aware that it was the first time Athee had ever viewed his former navigator. Byron had kept his friend hidden from her, almost afraid to allow a connection between the two. As he gazed at Bassa’s image, he realized the importance of the moment.
I wish you could’ve met Athee, my friend, he thought. Now I know I’ll be all right.
Forgetting the bags on the floor, Byron twisted Athee’s body to face him. His arms wrapped around her back and he pulled the Tgren woman close.
Time to test your final ability, he announced, feeling hunger arise in his body.
Her eyes narrowed. If you want us to bond, you’ve got to do better than that.
Byron grinned and raised a hand to stroke her hair. I love you.
Athee relaxed in his arms. I love you, she thought.
Returning her affectionate smile, Byron gave Athee a light shake. Now, all I ask is that you remember your place in this relationship. You will be my mate and navigator, understood?
Yes, sir!
Which makes me…? he prodded, affecting his most threatening expression.
Athee’s grin grew and she stroked the back of his neck. The luckiest pilot in the universe.
I can live with that, Byron thought as he bent to kiss her.
The End
About The Author
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Currently the author lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com
Table of Contents
Epigraph
Copyright
Also by Alex J. Cavanaugh
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
About The Author
CassaFire Page 25
