"Yes.That part of Verrian is hardly an improvement.More people, still no real law.Probably more dangerous, if anything."
Ancelin hesitated, then asked, "What about us?Someday children will be wonderful."
Krevan reached for her hand."I love children, and I love you.But safety comes first.Nowhere is truly safe—not even Earth.Before we bring a child into this, I need to resolve whatever these people want."
Ancelin traced patterns in her mashed vegetables."I miss my career.Child psychology was my calling.What about you?Do you ever think about surgery?"
Krevan's fork paused midway to his mouth."The Judicial Review would need to overturn everything first.Then I'd have to grovel before the medical board."He shrugged, but his knuckles whitened around his utensil."I've made peace with it.You're what matters now."His expression brightened as he gestured toward the counter."Those cakes—one pink, one green—they're masterpieces.You have real talent, Ancelin."
"I made these too," she said, lifting a cloth to reveal loaves tinted blue and pink."The food coloring is so much fun to experiment with.And that green cake?It's for my birthday."She leaned closer, her voice dropping."Green's always been my favorite.Like your eyes."Her gaze lingered on his face."I've never seen that exact shade before."
In one fluid motion, Krevan pulled her onto his lap, his face buried against her neck, his body's response evident against her.
"My eyes?"His breath warmed her skin."Everything about you captivates me—your scent, the softness of your hair.Those warm brown eyes that see right through me.Even the way you move has its own language."His voice caught slightly.
His kiss deepened until a sharp electronic beep from the SatView startled her.Krevan eased her back into her chair.
"Just a call," he said, crossing to the screen."We'll work on those startle reflexes."The face that appeared mirrored his own."Father.Any news?"
"I've uncovered something about Ancelin's father," Aiden's voice crackled through the SatView."A powerful syndicate believes he possessed knowledge of an experimental energy source.These aren't ordinary criminals—they operate with military precision.Your father," he leaned closer to the screen, "was brilliant in his field.He kept his discoveries hidden, even from his employers."
Krevan guided Ancelin into the camera's view."Father, meet Ancelin."
Aiden's stern expression softened."At last, we meet.You honor our family with your presence.My son will cherish and shield you as his mate—it's in his nature."His eyes crinkled at the corners."Perhaps we should continue this discussion another time?And happy birthday, by the way."
"Please go on, Mr.Vallex," Ancelin said."I need to know everything.And thank you for the birthday wishes."
"Aiden, please.Or Father if you prefer.You're mated to Krevan now—that makes you blood in our tradition."
Ancelin straightened her shoulders."Thank you.Please tell me what else you've discovered about my father and the people hunting me."
"Very well.Our investigation suggests your father discovered something extraordinary—a power source without limits.The organization hunting you believes he built a prototype.From what we've pieced together, your father grew terrified of what might happen if this technology spread.It would devastate the entire energy industry overnight.When his own company pressured him to surrender his research, he refused.They suspended him immediately.In his final days, he systematically erased every digital trace of his work—both corporate and personal systems wiped completely clean.Earth detectives theorize he was protecting humanity from his own creation.We're investigating whether your father's employer might have hired these criminals directly.The timing is suspicious—they were desperate for his breakthrough, then suddenly he's gone and you're being hunted.”
Ancelin sank onto the sofa, her father's secrets washing over her like cold water.She blinked rapidly, refusing to let the tears fall.
"We're still piecing this puzzle together," Krevan's father continued."The prototype could be anything—a chip, a device, even something disguised as an everyday object.They believe you have it, or it's hidden among your belongings headed to Verrian.We've managed to acquire your father's computers from Earth authorities.Our Triaxe specialists are using recovery technology far beyond Earth capabilities to extract deleted files and communications.That's how we've learned what we know so far."
He leaned closer to the screen, his expression grave."Some data will remain lost forever, but we'll extract everything possible.These people hunting you are sophisticated and dangerous," his voice sharpened, "You must be constantly vigilant."
"Krevan, your mother is eager to meet Ancelin during our next SatView call.She's with your sisters now—one of them is expecting.We'll talk soon.Happy birthday, Ancelin.We’ll have many reasons to celebrate when we finally meet."
"We'll be in touch, Father."Krevan ended the transmission.
Ancelin remained motionless on the sofa, lost in thought.
After giving her space, Krevan drifted toward the kitchen to examine her creations."Everything looks delicious," he said, surveying the colorful display."You have a real talent.I'm fortunate you enjoy baking—I certainly enjoy eating what you make."His eyes lit up as he gestured toward the cakes."These decorations are exquisite."While complimenting her work, he slyly extended a finger toward the frosting.Ancelin sprang from the sofa and darted into the kitchen.Seeing her approach, Krevan retreated against the sink, raising his hands in mock surrender.
"What?"he asked, feigning innocence.
"Don't you dare touch my cakes with those fingers," Ancelin warned, wagging her finger."They're not for tasting with your fingers.”
"Consider me properly chastised," Krevan replied with a mischievous grin.
"Yes, you're being scolded," Ancelin agreed, lightly tapping his knuckles with her wooden spoon."You'll mess the cakes up with your fingers."
Krevan's eyes crinkled at the corners."I thought you liked my fingers in your sweet cake."
"Not, these cakes and when I'm decorating," she said, fighting a smile."You can have some icing tomorrow with everyone else."She shooed him with a gentle flick of her wrist.
