Naomi
Sunlight filters through the window of the guest quarters.
I blink awake slowly, disoriented for a moment. The bed is soft beneath me. Sheets tangle around my legs. My naked body aches in places I didn’t know it was possible for me to ache. There’s a pleasant soreness between my thighs that reminds me of everything that happened last night.
Last night.
Oh wow. I was at a Costume Ball on the planet Timbur. A strange mist filled the entire venue and then…
I turn my head and see a naked, enormous Xylan miner. A smile tugs at the corners of my lips. I went to a gigantic party last night, threw back a few too many drinks, performed an alien marriage ceremony and find a new husband in bed next to me. I had no idea I could be so impulsive.
He’s still asleep, his massive body taking up most of the bed. One arm, the good one that’s still working properly, is draped possessively over my waist. The other is encased in a healing kit,propped up on a pillow. His chest rises and falls in a slow, steady rhythm. In sleep, the hard lines of his face have softened slightly, making him look almost peaceful.
Almost.
Even unconscious, there’s something dangerous about Bayzon, the leader of the Fever Brothers mining crew. The sharp angles of his jaw, the ridges on his forehead, the fangs that peek out from his slightly parted lips. He’s alien in every way, massive and powerful and nothing like any man I’ve ever known.
And he’s mine.
The thought sends a flutter through my belly. How is this my life? Twenty-four hours ago, I was nervously arriving on Timbur to see my friend and her new family. Now I’m mated to an alien mining crew leader, possibly pregnant, probably accepting a new job through Minecorp and apparently staying on this planet for the rest of my life to work and live.
I should be terrified at these drastic life changes. Having a complete breakdown. Instead, I feel... settled. Like I’ve finally found the place I was always meant to be.
My tablet buzzes on the nightstand, pulling me from my thoughts.
I groan and reach over carefully, trying not to jostle Bayzon’s injured arm. The screen shows a series of messages from Leah, sent over the past several hours.
The first one, from late last night:Oh my gods Naomi. I can’t believe what just happened. Are you okay? Text me when you can.
Then, an hour later:Saxon says the claiming went well and you’re at the med lab getting Bayzon’s arm fixed. HIS ARM. You broke his arm!!! I need details.
And another:Okay we’re heading home. Everyone in the ballroom is awake now. We’re exhausted. But PLEASE text mein the morning. I need to know you’re okay. I feel responsible for all of this.
The most recent one, from just a few minutes ago:Naomi??? Are you alive? Saxon’s brothers keep sending pictures of Bayzon’s broken arm to the family group chat and laughing about it. Apparently this is a GOOD thing??? Xylan are so weird.
I can’t help but laugh. I tap out a reply:I’m alive. More than alive. I’m... really happy, actually.
The response comes immediately:THANK THE GODS. How are you feeling? That all happened so fast. I’d managed to return to the ball right at the end because I really wanted to be there when you won the grand prize. One minute we were watching you two dance and then the mist came and everything went crazy and suddenly you were clasping hands and I was so worried you felt pressured into it.
I smile at her concern.I didn’t feel pressured. I know it sounds insane, but it felt right. Like it was supposed to happen.
You’re sure? Because Saxon’s family would have knocked Bayzon out and gotten you off planet if you’d said no. They made that very clear.
I know. I heard. And I love them for it.I pause, then addI love HIM. Is that crazy? We just met.
Nope, not crazy in the slightest. Girl, let’s not forget that I married Saxon on my first day of work at the mine, after we were falling to our deaths on a broken lift. Xylan pheromones are no joke.A string of laughing emojis follows.But also, I’ve known Bayzon for years now. He’s grumpy and intense and terrible at expressing emotions, but he’s a good male. He’ll take care of you.
I grin.He already has.
Okay I’m going to need the full story later. ALL the details. But for now, rest. Recover. Enjoy your new husband.She addsa winking emoji.We were supposed to have a family lunch today but I’m guessing you two need some alone time?
Yes please. Maybe in a few days?
Take all the time you need. Welcome to the family, officially. Love you.
Love you too.
I set the tablet down and roll onto my side, studying Bayzon’s sleeping form.
