The only way to stop running is to start walking.
A new life on a new planet didn’t sound so bad to me, especially when I had no real life on Earth. I’d always loved my freedom, and so far, the Volderens seemed peaceful, intelligent, and concerned about the sanctity of life.
It’s enough to start with, to give them a chance, to givemyselfa chance.
Chapter 10
Brax stood at the bottom of the ramp as it reached the earth. His brother Voren—too much muscle and not enough brains on some days—stood to his side with his arms crossed, a scowl twisting his lips downward.
I had not thought my little trip would cause such a stir. It seemed I had been mistaken.
“You idiot,” Voren roared, lunging for me.
“Brother, stop.” Baraxen grabbed his sibling by the shoulder and yanked him backward. “This is not the time nor the place.” Brax gave a pointed glance upward toward flight control, located in an alcove recessed thirtyrugarsabove to watch the hangars and visually direct traffic if comms failed.
A petite woman watched through the glass, giving Voren a small wave.
His shoulders relaxed and he pushed Brax’s hand away.
“I am confused as to why you are angry with me. No one told me Earth had been restricted.”Though they had been talking about it.
“You’re right, Drayven. We hadn’t made it official before you left. Our concern had been for your safety, and the progress of thePerseverance. We cannot afford to lose you or worse—have you captured by the humans.” Brax’s attention shifted to behind me, and his eyes widened. “Oh no. What have you done?”
Gerri stopped next to me and seemed to shrink inward.
I put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her tight. “I went to find inspiration for the generational ship and found my life mate instead.”
“Truly?” Brax stepped closer. “How strange that within the span of a few weeks, two Volderens have discovered their life mates are human.”
“This is Gerri Johnson.” Relief washed over me, knowing Brax understood why I needed this particular human.No, not just need her, but want her, desire her, love her.How could I love someone I had just met? I did not know, but I would not deny the emotion that filled my chest with warmth.
“Welcome, Gerri. It is an honor to meet a life mate. I know things must seem strange right now, but Voren’s life mate is also a human. Perhaps you would like to meet her?”
Gerri nodded. “I have to admit, I’m feeling really overwhelmed right now, standing on another planet talking to aliens.”
Voren rolled his eyes and sighed. “I hope you are not as troublesome as Lilly when she first came aboard.”
“Vor, you have to admit there’s a reason she tried to escape. Wedidabduct her.”
“It was for her own good. Besides, she does not seem to mind so much now.”
Gerri’s eyes rounded and she pushed herself closer to me.
I wanted to punch Voren.
Brax directed his stare to Gerri. “Most of us do not go around kidnapping humans. Lilly was a special case. She not only is saving our race, but it was imperative to get to her before the U.S. military. What they had planned would not have been pleasant, to say the least.”
“Oh,” Gerri said, glancing upward to where Lilly stood and watched. “She’snota prisoner then?”
A dark laugh flew from Brax’s lips. “Not at all. Voren is more her prisoner now.”
Voren’s eyes flashed and his jaw tightened. “I only allow it to a certain degree. If she gets too dominant, I spank her into submission.”
Brax laughed even harder, shaking his head.
“And I believe that is our cue to leave,” I said, reaching for Gerri’s hand and carefully pulling her down the ramp. “Let me get Gerri settled and rested, then I will give you my report. I have several changes that need to be made on thePerseverance, but perhaps you will agree they will add significant enhancements to the journey.”
“Very well, Drayven. Go. Rest up, take care of your mate, and when you’re ready, we shall regroup and get back to work. Our timeline must be tightened. A scout picked up a Quantorian transmission near Tau Ceti.”
