Opal turns to the other human. “And you, thank god your big old brain’s been paying attention to this alien tech.” She gives the other woman the same crushing hug.
“Sure anytime, um, Your Highness?” she asks, looking toward me.
“Girl, let’s just stick with Opal for now.” She giggles, the sound of which eases the adrenaline still pumping through my veins. Opal is safe.
“Sounds good, as long as we don’t have to reenact the movieSpeedever again, I’ll do whatever you say.”
“Jessy, this is Ke’ain.” Opal pulls me to her, and I look at the woman's extended hand.
“Opal, do you wish for me to touch another woman?” I ask, concerned. Maybe the crash course in fi’len mate customs is something I should prioritize for my new bride.
Opal rolls her eyes. “Jesus fuck, you can’t even shake her hand? There are some customs that humans do, you’re just going to have to get over,” she says in a patronizing tone as she places the other woman's palm into mine.
“Thank you Jessy,” I say, even though my mate bond makes me want to rip my hand from hers.
“No problem, Keanu. You’ve got yourself a real Sandra Bullock there! You know, like the movieSpeed? Get it?”
Jessy is absolutely cracking up as she turns to Gra’eth as if he’s ever even seen a human movie.
“Opal, what is—”
“Don’t worry about it, big guy. Let’s get all these gals to the palace.” She gestures to all the humans with their fi’len saviors. “Then I want to blow the Deenz out of the fucking universe.”
She turns to Gra’eth, gingerly touching the bracelet on her wrist. “Tell the war council to close the borders. No one gets in or out until I find the assholes who killed Al’frind.”
“You got it boss,” he says nervously, looking my way.
Opal reaches her hand to Jessy. “Come on, I’ve got a bed with your name on it back at the castle.”
Jessy stops and lets Opal pull her arm taut.
“I thought maybe I’d stay with Gray Seth here…I mean, if that’s okay with him. I don’t want to be a bother when you’ve got all this other stuff going on,” she mumbles as she looks back toward Gra’eth.
His blue eyes light up, and I smirk as I realize what’s going through his head.
“Gra’eth?” Opal frowns. “Surely he’s got too much on his plate—”
I pull my bride away from them before she can protest much more.
“Let a fi’len stay with his mate, won’t you?” I whisper through clenched teeth as soon as we’re out of earshot.
“Wait? Jessy is Gra’eth’s mate?” She knits her brows as she turns her head to glance at the pair. “You really think so?”
I look back over my shoulder too and see my calloused friend break out in a blue blush. “Oh yeah. Jessy might not know it yet, but I think Gra’eth might have an inkling.”
Opal laughs with her whole chest. “That poor man.” She bites her lips between her teeth and feigns a wince. It’s quickly replaced by a menacing smile. “So, ready to get those hive-minded bastards and make them pay?”
“Whatever it takes to make sure you and our newest subjects are safe, I’ll do.”
As I help Opal into the tactical cruiser, a gray hand taps my shoulder. I spin to find one of the medics.
“My king,” he says as he pulls down his face mask and bows.
“Can I help you Medic…” I check his name badge. “Hi’rey?”
“I thought I should let you know, the queen is with child.” He grabs my hand in a congratulatory shake. “The goddess has truly blessed your union.”
I turn my head to see my bride, but Opal is too far into the cruiser to hear the news.
