Fallyn found the story moving and blinked back a tear. “What a lovely thought.”
Reede laid the band across his arm and she knotted the dangling ties so the bracelet would stay in place. “We wore those damn neurocontroller bracelets all our lives until we escaped. Strange to wear something else on my wrist instead, of my own free will,” he said as she finished the task.
“Strange as in good?” she asked he bit through the excess material of the leather ties with his razor sharp fangs.
Slowly he nodded. “I feel connected to the pack. The braiding is like the pack bonds we share with each other as brothers. I had no idea Camron did leatherwork or silversmithing.” He glanced at Fallyn. “I like that too. None of us ever had the luxury of time to pursue skills not directly applicable to what the Khagrish designed us to do.”
“Shows what the future could hold, if you can win the war. Your people won’t have to be single-minded warriors.” She touched the bracelet, rubbing her fingers lightly over the silver plaque. “What are you thinking now?”
“It’s going to sound fanciful.” He shook his head.
Fallyn turned him to face her. “Nothing is silly or off limits between the two of us, right?” She gave him a kiss for reassurance. “But you don’t have to share your observation if you’d rather not.”
“Have I told you lately how much I love being a claimed mate?”
“Umm, yes.” She gestured at their rumpled bed. “I think we spent quite a chunk of exceptionally pleasurable time demonstrating how we both feel on the subject.”
Eyes going bright, he looked at her. “I never knew how wonderful it could be, having a partner to whom I can say anything with no fear you’ll think less of me. Or challenge my position in the pack.”
Fallyn waited.
“It almost seems meant, that Camron was the one to find proof the Wanderer existed, saved by symbols he left for us in hopes more of us would find our way to freedom. And then Camron reminds me I’m a modern incarnation of the dream for our people.” Reede studied the bracelet, sliding the broad band around on his wrist. “With the power the Great Mother gave me, I actually have hope I’ll succeed, you know?”
Heart filled with love for this man she’d claimed, she gave him a hug. “I’m so proud of you,” she whispered into his ear. “We’ll get it done.”
“Together,” he said, pulling her into his arms.
***
Thank you for reading REEDE! I hope you enjoyed the adventure (and, of course, I’d love a review if you have time and the inclination to write one. Even a few sentences would be wonderful. Authors relish reader feedback).
If you’d like to stay up to date on all my new releases, please sign up for my newsletter HERE.
USA Today Best Selling Author
Veronica Scott grew up in a house with a library as its heart. Dad loved science fiction, Mom loved ancient history and Veronica thought there needed to be more romance in everything. When she ran out of books to read, she started writing her own stories.
Seven time winner of the SFR Galaxy Award, as well as a National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award, Veronica is also the proud recipient of a NASA Exceptional Service Medal relating to her former day job, not her romances!
She read the part of Star Trek Crew Member in the audiobook production of Harlan Ellison’s “The City On the Edge of Forever.”
Keep in touch with Veronica, via Facebook, Twitter, and her Blog.
Also by Veronica Scott
Science Fiction Romance
Sectors New Allies Series
Aydarr: A Badari Warriors SciFi Romance Novel
Mateer: A Badari Warriors SciFi Romance Novel
Timtur: The Teacher’s Alien Healer (Badari Warriors): In the Stars Romance
Note: Timtur is book 2.5 in the series timeline.
Jadrian: A Badari Warriors SciFi Romance Novel
Darik: A Badari Warriors SciFi Romance Novel
Gabe: A Badari Warriors SciFi Romance Novel
Kierce: A Badari Warriors SciFi Romance Novel
Camron: A Badari Warriors SciFi Romance Novel
Also available: Badari Warriors: Sectors New Allies Book 1-3 Box Set (Aydarr, Matter, Timtur)
Wreck of the Nebula Dream
Escape From Zulaire
Mission to Mahjundar
Hostage to the Stars
Trapped on Talonque
Star Survivor
Danger in the Stars
Two Against the Stars
The Fated Stars
Lady of the Star Wind
Star Cruise Series
Star Cruise: Marooned
Star Cruise: Outbreak
Star Cruise A Novella:
Stowaway Plus Rescue and Golden Token Short Stories
Star Cruise: Songbird
Star Cruise: Mystery Dancer
Historical Paranormal Romance
The Gods of Egypt Series
Priestess of the Nile
Warrior of the Nile
Dancer of the Nile
Magic of the Nile
Ghost of the Nile
Healer of the Nile
Lady of the Nile
Song of the Nile
Fantasy Romance
The Captive Shifter