“Hey, Mr. Stark,” she mumbled, her words slurring. “I don’t feel so good.”
“Who is Mr. Stark?”
Her head lolled against his chest. Her eyes fluttered closed.
“Del?” His voice cracked. “Del, stay with me—”
“She is unconscious,” Katan said, already prepping the med bay. “It is better this way. The treatment will be painful.”
Maelic laid her on the medical bed, his hands shaking as Katan attached monitors and began working with practiced efficiency.
“Will she—”
“She will live,” Katan said firmly. “I will make certain of it.”
The ramp sealed. The ship lifted off.
Maelic stayed by her side, one hand wrapped around hers, watching her chest rise and fall.
She had to be okay.
She had to be.
Chapter Sixteen
Delaney
Delaneyslowlyopenedhereyes to a bright light.
“Shit, there is no way I died right before landing my dream mothman,” she muttered.
Someone snorted. The sound was different from her man’s.
She blinked awake and sat up with a groan. Her eyes widened as she took in the space.
Oh. I am definitely on a spaceship.
Weird lighting. Metal walls. And an orange dude. Like, literally orange. Kind of like a goldfish? Okay, not a goldfish. He didn’t look like one at all. Well, maybe if goldfish were attractive men and not puffy little fish. He had long locks of creamsicle hair and sharp cyan eyes. His features were almost delicate for how big he was, and the whole fins-and-scales thing was jarring.
She shook her head and noted that Maelic wasn’t there. Had he gotten injured? Her memory right before taking that shot felt off.
The orange male seemed to sense her unease. He put his hands up in an appeasing manner.
“Easy now.” He eyed her like she might bite him.
“Hey, not to be a dick, because I think you helped save me? But where is Maelic?”
The male blinked at her, frowning.
“Ah, my cipherbots have not synced properly. Drat.” He pointed at his chest. “I am Katan.” He made a motion on his wristband—the same kind Maelic had.
She stiffened, the name clicking.
“Oh my gosh. You’re Katan.” She smiled. So this was her mate’s mentor.
Katan stared at her, his head nodding slowly. He seemed to understand pieces of what she was saying. That was good.
“Where is Maelic?”
