by Kali Argent
When Cynda had offered to take over the cooking, she’d been afraid she might be overstepping, but her suggestion had been met with enthusiastic agreement. Apparently, everyone was tired of ordering from the same local restaurants, but it was either that, sandwiches, or risk Osian setting the kitchen on fire.
Since cooking was one of the few things she had a little confidence in, she was more than happy to do it. Especially since no one expected it of her. It made her feel useful, and while she didn’t consider it a repayment of her debt, preparing meals for her new family was at least a way to show her appreciation.
That morning, with the weather outside particularly nasty, she had decided a little comfort food was in order. Osian had been so intrigued by the concept of sweet bread casserole, he’d volunteered to go out into the rain to buy the butter bread from the Krytos-owned bakery down the street. Syrie, per usual when it pertained to anything unfamiliar, was skeptical.
As it turned out, the dish was a personal favorite of the commander’s. He’d shared with her that his mother had often made sweet bread casserole on Saturday mornings when he’d been little, and the smell of cinnamon and brown sugar always brought back fond memories.
When he’d asked if it would be okay to invite his sister and her mate for breakfast, Cynda had happily agreed. It was his house, after all, and if he wanted to invite half the city, that was his right. It was nice that he’d been concerned about the extra work it would cause her, but she didn’t mind. After spending so many years isolated and alone, she loved the idea of a house filled with conversation and joy.
She just hadn’t realized that Cami and Tariq would be bringing seven rambunctious children with them.
It saddened her to learn there were so many orphaned children in the galaxies that a sanctuary specifically for them was even necessary. After meeting Cami and Tariq, however, she couldn’t think of anyone better to oversee it. From the moment they’d walked through the door, it had been clear how much they loved the children in their care.
“Hello, fayah.” A solid presence emerged at her back, and strong arms encircled her waist. “How are you fairing?”
She smiled when Xi leaned around her to place a kiss on her cheek. “These are almost ready to go into the oven.” With the addition of nine extra mouths to feed, she’d had to send Osian back out into the stormy weather for two more loaves of bread, which meant she was running a little behind schedule. “Do you think three casseroles will be enough?”
“I’m sure it will be fine. They’re youngling. They don’t eat much.”
True, but she wanted everything to be perfect.
The patter of tiny feet echoed behind her, followed by the most infectious giggles. Nudging Xi out of the way, she turned and crouched down on the floor to greet the Tarin twins. “And what are you giggling about, huh? Having you been getting into mischief?”
Maacon shook his head, making his long, black hair swish around his shoulders. “We’re being good.”
“Promise,” his sister, Malia, said, drawing a little X over her heart. “Can Xi come play?” She stared up at him with big, onyx eyes that shimmered with hope. “Please?”
“I’m sorry, little one,” Xi began, a gentle smile on his lips.
“Of course,” Cynda interrupted. How could anyone say no to such sweet little faces? “You guys go play, and I’ll call you when breakfast is ready. How does that sound?”
The twins whooped and cheered.
Xi chuckled at their antics, but he still looked unconvinced as he helped Cynda to her feet. “Are you sure, fayah? I could stay and help you here.”
“I’m sure.” She gave him a little push, then swatted his backside playfully. “Go on. Get out of my kitchen.”
Before she could turn back to the counter, he caught her by the wrist and jerked her forward to capture her lips in a brief but heated kiss. “As you wish, my lady.”
“Ewww, gross!” Maacon stuck his finger in his mouth as he mimicked a variety of retching noises. “Why you gotta kiss her? I’m never gonna kiss females.”
Laughing, Xi took Maacon’s hand, then Malia’s, and led them out of the kitchen. “You’ll change your mind one day,” she heard him say. “When you’re older.”
“Nuh uh,” Maacon countered. “I’d rather kiss a slimy frog than kiss a girl.”
Having never been around children before, Cynda had been nervous when the brood had first arrived. Stars, they were so easy to love, though, and the sounds of their sweet voices and elated laughter was a welcome addition to the big house.
Three of the older boys had managed to talk Osian, Luke, and Tariq into a mock battle in the holo-room. Judging by the squeals and shouts, it was going well. A couple of the girls were down in the lab with Jael and Cami doing some kind of science experiment. They’d come into the kitchen only once for something to drink, but they’d looked pleased with themselves, so Cynda assumed whatever they were working on had been a success.
That just left Jarah. At twelve, she was the oldest of the group, and the only human. Quiet and shy, she’d blushed furiously when being introduced to everyone, but she hadn’t said a word since she’d arrived. Instead of exploring the mansion or playing with the other children, she sat in the breakfast nook with Daisy, silently watching the rain splatter against the windowpanes.
The pair had been cuddled together on the cushioned window bench for the better part of an hour, and both looked perfectly content to remain there indefinitely.
Cynda didn’t know what had happened to the girl’s parents, and she didn’t need to know. The inky star tattooed at the corner of her eye, as well as the fact that she wasn’t currently attending the Academy, said a lot.
Cynda had been that girl once upon a time. Judged and found lacking. Lonely and afraid. Trying to force Jarah out of her shell wouldn’t work. What she needed was time, a safe environment, and someone to be there for her when she needed to talk.
That didn’t mean she should be ignored completely, though. A little unobtrusive pampering might go a long way, just a small gesture to let her know that someone—anyone—cared.
Popping the casseroles into the oven, Cynda set the timer, then headed to the library. It was one of her favorite rooms in the house, and it still amazed her that the commander had such a vast collection of old books that had survived the Alien Wars.
It took her a few minutes to find just the right one, a story filled with both adventure and romance. Pleased with her selection, she tucked it under her arm, grabbed one of the soft throw blankets off the sofa, and made her way back to the kitchen.
Without a word, she placed the book down on the seat beside Jarah and draped the blanket over her lap. The child tensed, but she didn’t look away from the window. Cynda hadn’t expected her to. There was still something missing, though.
Realizing what they needed, she went to the pantry and dug around on the shelves until she came up with a canister of cocoa mix. It was the synthetic stuff, not the real deal, but it would do.
Five minutes later, she had two mugs filled with rich, fragrant chocolatiness. Leaving her own cup on the counter, she carried the other over to Jarah and set it down on the windowsill. Cynda still didn’t speak, but she smiled when he saw that the girl had snuggled down in the blanket. While she hadn’t picked up the book yet, she was tracing the embossed letters on the front with her fingertips.
As she turned away to go check on her casseroles, she heard the smallest voice whisper, “Thank you.”
Not wanting to ruin the moment, she didn’t offer a verbal response, but simply nodded.
Neither of them acknowledged each other again after that, but by the time the oven beeped, Jarah had the book opened and was quietly reading the story to Daisy. The pup rested her head on Jarah’s lap and stared up at her, seemingly engrossed in the tale.
Cynda wanted to capture the moment and keep it with her forever.
Humming a happy tune under her breath, she moved the baking dishes to the stovetop
to let them cool while she rounded up everyone for breakfast. First, she tapped out a message on her wrist unit and sent it to the commander and Jael.
When Luke had first offered her the device, she’d been hesitant to accept it. Now, she had to admit, it came in pretty handy most days.
Syrie had disappeared early that morning to places unknown, and since she didn’t have a wrist unit, Cynda had no way of contacting her. Thankfully, Jael solved the problem by offering to track her down her sister and force her to the breakfast table.
That just left Xi and the twins.
The task had been easy enough. All she’d had to do was follow the sounds of giggles and cheers to the great room off the front entryway. There, she found the trio seated on fluffy cushions around the polished coffee table. She didn’t know where they’d found glitter or pink and purple sheets of paper, but she suspected Xi and his magic had something to do with it.
“Please, please, please,” the twins chanted together.
Malia clutched her hands together and shook them at Xi. “Please. Just one more time?”
None of them had noticed her standing off to the side, so Cynda pressed her lips together and just watched.
“Okay,” Xi relented with a huge smile. “Only one more time, though.”
“Yay!”
The twins leapt to their feet, their tiny frames literally vibrating with excitement.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes!”
Xi started to wave his hands around in elaborate, complicated gestures, much to the delight of the children. “Do you remember the magic words?”
They nodded, and together, they started chanting. “Unam. Levus. Onis.”
Glittering paper hearts rose into the air, spinning in neat little circles as they swirled around them. Maacon pumped his fist. Malia clapped. They both started to giggle again.
Cynda pressed her fingers to her lips to muffle her own laughter. They were absolutely precious, and she couldn’t get over how patient and caring Xi was with them.
Just then, Malia spotted her and gave a big wave. “Hi, Cynda! Look at what we made.”
Pulling herself together, Cynda pasted on a bright smile and walked over to join them at the table. “I see.” She knelt on the floor beside her mate and leaned against his shoulder. “It’s wonderful. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so pretty.”
Xi bent his head and kissed her temple. “I have.”
Her heart fluttered. “Charmer.” She accepted another kiss, this one on the lips, then looked up at the twins. “Who’s hungry?”
“Me!”
“Me, too!”
“Okay, then, let’s get you two cleaned up so we can eat.”
“No, no, no.” Maacon shook his head and waved her away with a very superior air. “We can do it by ourselves.”
“That’s right,” Malia agreed, pushing up the sleeves of her blue sweater. “We’re big. We can do it.”
Cynda worried her bottom lip between her teeth as she watched them hurry out of the living room. “Maybe I should go with them.”
“They’ll be okay.” Xi rocked sideways, bumping her arm. When she continued to stare after them, he chuckled and tugged a strand of her hair. “Hey, I have something for you.”
That got her attention. “Xi.” He’d been better, but he just couldn’t resist bringing her some new, shiny trinket every couple of days. “We talked about this.”
“I know, but this is different.” He dropped his hands, letting the paper hearts float back down to the table. “I made it.”
“Well, that’s different.” She held her hand out and stared at him expectantly. “Give me.”
Stars, he had a great laugh.
“Close your eyes.”
He sounded nervous, but that only intrigued her more. She did as he asked, and what was clearly a piece of paper landed on her palm.
“Can I look?”
“You can look.”
Opening her eyes, she stared down at the piece of paper in her hand. It wasn’t pink or purple, but a shimmering gold, and instead of being shaped into a heart, it looked like a sun with swirling rays. Written in the center in untidy script, three little words glowed a bright, luminescent yellow.
I Love You
“Oh, Xi.” Her pulse stuttered, then picked up a quick tempo as tears brimmed along her lower lids.
“I don’t know if I spelled everything—”
“It’s perfect.” Pressing the note to her chest, she threw her other arm around his neck and pulled him into a desperate kiss. “I love you, too. I love you so much. Thank you.”
Resting their brows together, he grinned as he rubbed their noses together. “Why are you thanking me?”
“For loving me. For accepting me the way I am. For…I don’t know. Just for everything.”
He chuckled. “Fayah, no amount of magic in the universe could enchant me the way your smile does. From the moment I met you, I was completely captivated.”
“I feel the same way.” Meeting him, loving him, it was like waking up from a deep sleep. Until he’d come into her life, she hadn’t been living, not really. She’d merely been surviving. “You are my destiny.”
“And you, fayah, are my miracle.”
CHAPTER NINE
Cynda had never been inside the Hall of Regents before, but it was even more amazing than she ever could have imagined.
There was still an austere quality that commanded respect, but in honor of the celebration, black and crimson sashes had been draped over everything that would stand still in the main hall. Large banners bearing the insignia of the Alliance—as well as the allies who had aided in the defeat of the Zyphir—hung from the rafters. Beautiful, fragrant flowers had been strategically placed around the room, adding another touch of elegance to the proceedings.
Big, circular tables surrounded the dance floor, the ebony tablecloths creating the perfect backdrop for the crimson napkins and golden, candelabra centerpieces. Servers dressed in impeccably tailored suits flittered about the room carrying silver trays laden with champagne, wine, and a variety of hors d’oeuvres.
Most of the males had donned solid black for the occasion. The elites wore striking, dress uniforms, while the Krytos and Helios preferred shiny, supple leather. The few Tarin in attendance had opted for tunics the color of midnight with intricate stitching in various hues, though Cynda couldn’t have said what the colors represented. Even the D’Aire males had chosen dark, inky garbs which made their silver-white hair and fair skin practically glow like starlight.
The ocean of darkness made the regents stand out like fiery sirens in their crimson dress uniforms, and the all-white uniforms worn by the high commanders were almost blinding. In fact, several people turned to stare openly when High Commander Matt Malloy entered the hall.
Judging by the scowl on his face, he didn’t care for the attention.
As for the females in attendance, they dazzled in dresses of every length, fit, and color of the rainbow. Some had left their hair loose and flowing. Others had chosen to tie their tresses into sleek, complicated knots. Each and every one of them sparkled from crown to toe in the soft, amber light cast by the overhead chandeliers.
It was all just so…extravagant.
“Are you okay, fayah?”
Though she trembled with nerves, she gripped Xi’s hand and nodded. “I’m okay. Just don’t leave me, okay?”
Spinning her to face him, he tilted her head up with a finger under her chin. “Never.” His lips were soft against hers, the kiss a silent promise. “Did I mention how beautiful you look?”
She felt beautiful. Her grandmother’s wedding dress had turned out even better than she’d envisioned, and the open-toed heels Cami had helped her choose matched it perfectly. She’d kept her makeup subtle and foregone any accessories. Since she knew Xi liked her hair loose, she’d styled it in simple, elegant waves with one side pinned back from her face with a jewel-encrusted clip.
That didn�
��t make her any less anxious, though.
“Don’t worry.” Small, delicate fingers slid down her arm and gripped her wrist briefly before pulling away. “It’s my first Freedom Day Gala, too. I’m just as nervous as you are.”
Cami looked like a vision in her peach-colored gown with its lace straps and asymmetrical hem. Her hair cascaded down her back in beautiful, golden curls, and she’d accessorized with a simple pair of opal earrings.
She might have been a little apprehensive, but her excitement was just as obvious. With Osian and Syrie watching the children, it was the first evening she and her mate would get to spend alone together since they’d taken over the sanctuary. Plus, she had been born for this kind of life, for lavish, sophisticated parties.
“I’m quite nervous as well,” Jael said, her voice just loud enough to be heard over the music. “It’s all a bit overwhelming, isn’t it?”
She’d wrapped her dark hair around her head in a delicate braid adorned with tiny, sparkling gems. Her jade dress trimmed in silver sequins molded to every curve, hugged every swell. The neckline plunged all the way to her navel while thin, silver straps crisscrossed up her back. The swirled markings on her skin pulsed with iridescent light, likely from stress, but she had no reason to feel self-conscious.
She looked just like a fairy princess.
A few feet away, Tariq and Luke had their heads bent in conversation with a couple of Tarin males. While they snuck surreptitious glances at their mates every once in a while, they didn’t hover. Moreover, Cami and Jael weren’t falling apart over it.
Cynda watched the couples for a few seconds, then peeked up at her own mate. He was devastatingly handsome in his silver tunic—the color just a shade darker than her dress. He’d tied his hair back in a simple braid that accentuated the sharp angles of his face, and his eyes lit up with adoration every time he looked at her.
He exuded confidence and power by doing nothing more than breathing, and he deserved a mate just as capable, no some swooning damsel in distress. She wasn’t some delicate flower who needed constant protection, and it was high time she started acting like it.
