“So, you’re fine with other males helping me deliver our children?” I questioned, testing his limits.
He roared, the sound echoing, startling the birds from the trees.
The island fell silent.
“I am bound to you as you are to me. You’re my Nova, and the only one for me. I will know no other. I can’t force that on you since you’re not Aldawi. I’m not yours in the same way.” His eyes hardened. “But if you take another male, I ask you not to take another Aldawi. That’s the one thing I can’t accept. You couldn’t be his as you are mine.”
I was speechless.
Why did everyone seem to be okay with their female—me—being with others? I couldn’t possibly accept that so easily were our positions reversed.
I couldn’t deny my connection with him. Countless years spent with him here in my dreamscape, endless hours talking, even our one night on the Yaarkin ship—despite how that had turned out—we’d built something special. Though I was angry with him, I didn’t want to lose that.
I didn’t really understand what a Nova was, but he clearly believed I wasitfor him. That there would never be anyone else. But that was also precisely what I’d be for Xylo if I ended up accepting him and our bond. How could it possibly work with both of them?
As thoughts of Xylo filled my mind, I realized, while I was still upset, I understood why he hadn’t told me I waspregnant. How could he have known someone else would let themselves into my room and blurt it out? Xylo had come when I called for him and protected me after he arrived, even against his own kind. I needed to clear the air with him as soon as possible, have a frank discussion about our future.
How would this all work out? I’ll be going from having no one to an instant family.
Rubbing his head against my hair, he rumbled, “What has you so silent?”
Tilting my head to the sky, I tried to collect my thoughts and feelings before answering.
“I’m lost. I’m overwhelmed by everything. I’m angry. Even though part of me wants to forgive you, I’m still hurt. You stole my choice from me—the first one I would’ve ever had—by impregnating me. I need time to process all of this. You. Me. Our offspring. And the future.”
“I understand you need time. I’m willing to give you all the time you need. Just know I’ll make it up to you. Everything will be all right when you arrive at the space station.” His arms slid tightly around me, holding me close.
“I think I need some time away from you. At least until I get there. I need some time to come to terms with things and think about all of this.”
Silence fell between us as the sound of the island filled the void.
Was he angry with me? Hurt? I didn’t want to cause any more drama between us, but I needed time. Not growing up in a family dynamic had me at a disadvantage, but I couldn’t let myself fail—this decision was too important. The future of my children’s lives depended on it.
He took my face in his hands and locked his amethyst eyes with mine.
“I’ll take care of everything. I’ll make this right, Selena. If this is what you need, then I’ll give it to you. I won’t comehere. If you need me, have the escort I’m sending contact me.” He paused and brushed my hair back. “But when you arrive, you and our offspring are mine.”
“This is what I need.”
He closed his eyes as he let me go and backed away.
“Your wish is mine to fulfill. I’ll see you in thirteen days, my Nova,” he purred as he faded into nothing, leaving me alone in my dreamscape.
CHAPTER NINE
Selena
A beep startled me awake. It couldn’t be morning already—I felt like I hadn’t slept at all. Who would be at the door at this hour?
The annoying sound trilled again, and I rolled my eyes. A groan escaped me as I stretched, feeling a lingering wooziness and the stiffness of underworked muscles. It was clear I hadn’t fully recovered yet.
A third beep had me pulling down the blanket and climbing out of bed to scramble to the door.
“Okay, okay, okay... I’m coming.”
I placed my hand on the scanner, and the door slid open.
Xylo stood, fidgeting, on the other side. A thick black wristband wrapped around his right wrist; it hadn’t been there last night. The lack of breakfast in his hands made me wonder why he was here.
