I nodded, already making mental lists. Resources we’dneed. People who could help. Arguments we could make for a diplomatic mission. Ways to verify that Cleo and the others were truly safe without starting an interterritorial war.
It would take time. It would take careful planning. But I could be patient when I absolutely needed to be. And for Cleo and our crew, I’d be as patient as necessary.
“I love you,” I said suddenly, looking up at Torven. “I don’t think I’ve said it enough. But I do. I love you so much it sometimes terrifies me.”
“I love you too.” He kissed me again, deeper this time. “And I’m not going anywhere.”
Above us, the stars shone steady and bright. Around us, a world was healing. And ahead of us, uncertain but not impossible, lay the path to bringing our people home.
We’d saved a planet. Now we just had to save our friends. And I refused to believe that was impossible.
Not when I had Torven beside me, and determination in my heart, and eleven—no,twelve—different plans for getting them back already forming.
I closed my eyes and tilted my head up to meet his kiss, and let the world slip away as I sank into the love of my true, wonderful, and sometimes grumpy mate. With him by my side, there was nothing we couldn’t make happen.
