Page 103

“That’s not important to me.” Blaze pressed her hand against his heart. “This is what matters.”

A tentative smile crossed her face. “Okay. Let’s meet them.”

Blaze accessed the private family comm link. It connected immediately. A few seconds later, his mom appeared.

“How’s everything going?” she said. “You’re back safely at the sanctuary?”

“Everything is great. Is Dad around? I need to talk to both of you.”

“Of course.” She beckoned at someone off screen. A few seconds later, his dad appeared and settled in the seat next to his mom.

“I’m glad you got in touch again. I’ve new files of potential matches,” he said.

“Before you talk about matches, I’d like you to meet Eden,” Blaze said.

“Of course, your partner on-board the Apocalypse,” his dad said.

“Not just my partner at work.” He caught hold of her hand and clasped it. “She’s my partner in life. I’ve found my match.”

His parents stared at him in silence. His dad’s face grew red.

His mom placed a hand on his dad’s arm and spoke to him so quietly Blaze couldn’t hear what she was saying.

Eden leaned over until her mouth was by his ear. “Are they figuring out a way to kill me and get away with it?”

Blaze gave a slight shake of his head, forcing himself to remain calm.

“This is surprising news,” his dad finally said. “How long has this been going on?”

“I’ve loved Eden ever since I met her,” Blaze said. He didn’t miss the little gasp she made.

“She’s a soldier like you?” his dad said.

Blaze glanced at Eden. “She’s a fighter.”

“I’m a biologist,” Eden said, her tone cautious. “I specialize in the preservation of endangered reptile species. Blaze was assigned as my bodyguard when I joined the Apocalypse. But I can fight my way out of a difficult situation if I have to.”

“What about your connections on Earth?” his dad said.

“I don’t have any.” Eden lifted her chin.

Blaze tightened his grip on her hand. “Eden is strong, resourceful, and smart. She never gives up when she’s on a mission. She has a huge passion for the welfare of the animals she cares about.”

His dad grunted. “I suppose she is beautiful.”

His mom nudged him in the ribs. “That’s not important.”

Eden squeezed Blaze’s hand. “You’ve raised an incredible person. Blaze has always stood by me. He’s never let me down, and he supports me in every situation we go into. I can’t imagine not having him in my life.”

“That’s good to know. Please, give us a moment, Eden.” His mom leaned close to his dad and talked in his ear again.

His dad finally looked at Blaze, his expression stern. “Do you want no part in this family?”

“I still want to be a part of the family. I just don’t want to match with someone I don’t love,” he said.

“You want to match with Eden?” his mom said. “Do you love her?”

Blaze looked down at Eden. The hopeful warmth in her eyes pinged him straight in the heart. “Yes. I absolutely want to match with her.”