“Would you tell us why you did this?”
“I was following my mate.”
The next voice is so deep and powerful, I swear my bones feel it. “I was told the little female did not want you. Is this the same small creature standing behind you, clearly marked by a mate bond?”
Edie steps around me.
“I can speak for myself! No, I didn’t want him, and I made that clear. But as a woman, we change our minds regularly and quickly, and I claim him as mine. If you punish him, then you will have to reprimand me as well.”
Even though her words echo inside my heart, I pull her back against me, terrified at how they will take her words. My spines flare aggressively, and I can feel my body getting larger as I prepare to fight my way out of here.
Destiny floats before us, blocking the others. “Commander, I know I am speaking out of turn, but I feel like I need to say a few things. Yes, Falon did break the law and entered me without permission, but when I confronted him, he never fought the terms I set for him to stay on the ship. I am just as guilty for not notifying the captain the moment I sensed Falon leaving the shuttle. Also, without his assistance, we would not be speaking right now. I, along with the entire crew and passengers, would be space dust.”
The little, strangely dressed male floats up to Destiny, taking her small hand in his own before turning to face me. “I personally want to thank you, Falon, for saving my Destiny. I would have lost all will to stay space worthy and afloat without my curvy female to dock with.”
EvO shakes his head, a small smile on his face, before addressing the Commander. “Father, I would like to give you my recommendation. Destiny is correct. Falon did not fight back against us, and you know as well as I do that none of us would have done anything different if it had been one of our own mates. We have all been in the throes of a mate bond, and each of us males lost our minds at one time or another. We owe him a life debt. He not only saved Destiny and the crew but also your sons and their mates, including your granddaughter, little Ami Lynn. He is an honorable male, and his mam spoke highly of him, but then most mothers do.”
The Commander steps closer, and I pull Edie back flush against me, looking around for the exits in case we need to flee.
“EvO, I am well aware of who lives on this ship. Falon, what are your plans for the future, if I grant you one?”
“That is not a question I can answer, as I am not the one in charge of my future, she is.” I nod down at Edie.
“Smart male; that lesson takes too long for many to learn. Keep the little woman happy, and all is well in your world. In that case, I will direct this question to her. Mistress Edie, what are your plans now that you are mated? And it is clear to see that you are from the marks on your neck and chest.”
“Me and him … that … we … ahhh shit this all happened really quickly and tomorrow has not really entered my mind as it’s been elsewhere. But like anyone else, we want a home and a community, and a place where we can thrive.”
“Edie, do you still want to head to the settlement with your kind, or back to Deapra with Falon’s people?”
“I want to be reunited with the humans, but we haven’t had time to really talk about that stuff, haven’t talked much at all, actually.”
ViN is the first one to laugh, and the Commander uncrosses his arms and puts his hand up, hiding the smile he is trying to suppress. He looks at me, the question clear on his face.
“I go where she does, no questions asked.”
“Good to know. I have reviewed the files and watched the vid feeds. I saw what you did, Falon, and I commend you for it. I do not know how you did it, but I am truly grateful for the pain and the sacrifice you took upon yourself to save those around you. I understand you did it for Edie, but your actions saved more than your mate.
I am also sorry you felt like you were on trial here, but I needed to see where your loyalties lie before addressing your future. We need information about the Void and those inside it. I have no authority there yet, but it has come to my attention that others, including you and your people, would prefer to be relocated or receive assistance with rebuilding. We also need someone to oversee communications and be able to travel back and forth as needed. Are you interested in this?”
“If my mate can travel with me, then yes. I would like to remain in touch with my siblings and mam if possible.”
“SCOUT is already working on communications, and that will move ahead quickly since the anomaly blocking the signals in this part of the solar system is now moving away. Because this position could put you into many dangerous situations, I have been pondering how to protect you and your mate, and there is only one way to do that.
If you swear your loyalty to me and mine, I will bestow upon you my mark, as there is nothing more powerful or more feared. Because of your sacrifice and your willingness to die to save the hundreds that call Destiny home, I offer you the option to become a son of DaR and accept my House mark. I will treat you as I do my own, and you will be recognized as mine, with the benefits that come with that honor. I have been told by the other survivors that your Sire sacrificed himself, just as you were going to do for all on board, to save his younglings, you and your siblings. I would be honored … not to take his place, but to be able to offer you the world he was trying to give to you with his sacrifice.”
It takes me a full minute for my mind to realize what he is saying to me. I gently set Edie to my side and drop to my knees, bowingmy head to the man who just offered me an opportunity and the respect I never dreamed possible.
“You do me an honor Commander, that I do not feel worthy of, but will spend the remainder of my days proving your decision to be a wise one. You have my sword, my abilities, and my loyalty. I will do you and my Sire proud.”
I do not look up until a hot hand takes my wrist in his hand, and I see ViN standing above me with a black box in his hand. He turns my arm over and lays the box against it. I feel a slight pinch before he lifts it up. He reaches down, practically picking me up off the ground. Then shockingly, he hugs me, his skin hot against my own. He lets go of me, only for EvO, then LeX, who I didn’t know had entered the room, to come hug me also.
“Thank you Falon, and welcome to the family,” LeX says as he pats me on the back.
I see ViN walk over to Edie, taking her wrist in hand, but much gentler, marking her in the same way. She walks up to me, tears of happiness in her eyes.
“I will greet you both personally when you land on Ethra. A home is already being prepared for the two of you, and I look forward to the future we are all building together. Strength and Honor, sons.”
“Walk in the light, Father.”
