“She will,” Monqilcolnen simply said. “However, I—” I elbowed him. “Weneed to return first and inform Captain Talvax, as well as organize the injured.”
Camden would be on the first shuttle; I would make sure of it. He was the most severely injured. We’d almost lost him several times during this journey to the station.
Commander Coydin led us back to our shuttle without a fight, his brown eyes flicking between us. I had no doubt he was trying to figure out how the two of us had become mates. Already I felt the bubble surrounding us pop. The whispers and questions would start. My shoulders kept attempting to kiss my ears. I refused to allow them to, though. Monqilcolnen was worth dealing with all of the issues. I walked straight, my head held high, although I clung to my mate.
Thankfully, the commander didn’t say anything more than a short goodbye, allowing us to return to theAdmiral Ven. From the instant we arrived, it was chaos. Talvax didn’t want to take the time to have an actual meeting; she wanted her people safe. Qinlin, anticipating the wounded would be first, had gotten everyone ready from the moment an ensign appeared to tell her we’d arrived at the station. Getting the injured from medbay to the docking ring was a feat, and most of the time, Noxlyn was snarling and yelling at people for bumping Camden and possibly injuring him further.
Once Camden and the others were safely loaded, the shuttle took off. Monqilcolnen and I were on the next shuttle with Cincin and a bag of our belongings. Noxlyn as well as some other injured crew were with us. Noxlyn was tapping his foot, his tail writhing. He’d tried to go on the shuttle with Camden, but there hadn’t been room. Qinlin had literally thrown him off, ignoring his cries for Camden.
“Can this shuttle go any faster?” Noxlyn demanded.
It shouldn’t surprise me, as he’d been basically feral since Camden was injured, but somehow, hearing his angry voice still shocked me.
“The pilot is going as fast as they safely can, Noxlyn,” Monqilcolnen replied. “Now, be patient. Camden is as safe as he can be.”
Noxlyn crossed his arms and glared at Monqilcolnen, but he remained silent.
The moment we docked, Noxlyn was out the hatch and bolting down the corridor. Monqilcolnen shook his head, but I wasn’t shocked. Noxlyn must have wanted to ensure the human was safe and settled in the medbay on the station. I planned to visit tomorrow, but if Qinlin pinged me about Noxlyn needing support, I might have to go sooner.
Tails coiled, Monqilcolnen and I headed toward our new quarters. I was carrying Cincin. She’d stayed utterly quiet during the entire process. She was used to moving around as needed, so it didn’t faze her. I would be relieved when she was in our quarters, though.
“When are you meeting with the Vvekian delegation?” I asked.
“Weare meeting with them tomorrow. They want to know how to help break the kill code, as well as how to assist in repairs. You are best to discuss that with them.”
Monqilcolnen had taken advantage of access to NAID when we’d been on the station and sent out a whole host of messages. I opened the door to our quarters and frowned. It was a standard issue upper crewman quarters. I already missed all of Monqilcolnen’s things. Once everyone had been evacuated, we’d be able to get more of our belongings, as long as they didn’t have any technology.
“I’m honored you want me there.”
He scoffed, making me smile. “I always want you there.”
I grinned. “I know, Star.”
Monqilcolnen tugged on my braid, then captured my lips. I deepened the kiss, licking the seam of his mouth with the tip of my tongue. He groaned and opened for me. Before I could maul him, Cincin yowled. I pulled back with a laugh.
“I guess she wants out,” I commented.
“Probably.” Monqilcolnen brushed my cheek. “I love you, Peace.”
I grinned. “I love you too.”
After I released Cincin, I looked around the shared space. Monqilcolnen came behind me and wrapped his arms around my middle. Both of us stared out the window. TheAdmiral Venwas visible, and I caught sight of small specks moving from it toward the station. It would be awhile before the ship was completely evacuated. I imagined Kalvoxrencol, Seth, Bobbinvoxlyn, Serlotminden, and Bartholomew were on the shuttle after us. I would have to check in with them tomorrow.
“Do you think we’ll get to Earth in time to keep the xoi from stealing more people?” I asked.
He rested his chin on my shoulder. “I don’t know, but we’ll do our best.”
We would. “And you’ll stay beside me no matter what anyone says?”
Monqilcolnen turned me around. “Yes, Wyn. You are my fate, and I would choose no different.”
I went up on my toes, hooking my arms around his neck. “You are all I want, Monqilcolnen. All I need. Just you.”
When his lips crashed into mine, I returned the kiss just as fiercely. I didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but I knew one thing: Monqilcolnen and I would be together for the rest of my days. I would never be alone again.
I whimpered. What was happening? It hurt. Everything was so tight. I couldn’t even breathe right. It felt as if my chest was constricted. Something fluttered on the edge of my memory. Something important.
Noxlyn.
