Lara
“I’m so nervous,” I confided as Cami fixed my hair into an elaborate braid.
“How do you think I felt? The only alien on the planet marrying the soon-to-be leader! None of the women really liked me. Just Zorvak’s sister.”
Cami held the dress for me to step into and then she zipped the back. With a plunging neckline, the white satin-like cloth glimmered with clear stones. I couldn’t believe how gorgeous it looked. “Thanks Cami, it’s beautiful.”
“You’re welcome. But I can’t believe you’re wearing white after getting knocked up.”
“Shut it,” I laughed.
“At least you’re not showing yet. On a serious note, are you happy?” she asked.
“More than I ever dreamed possible,” I answered honestly.
“Who would’ve thought when we started out on the space mission that we’d be married to freaking red aliens on another planet?”
“It’s incredible, that’s for sure. Think others will ever make it here?”
“Well, we did.”
“Yeah.”
The girls came running up.
“You look beautifullllll!” Girgia said in awe.
“Thank you.” I twirled her around, making her squeal.
“Me! Me!” Idlon cried, holding her little arms up. After twirling her around, I spotted Tera, Roarks’ mother, and Ersa standing at the edge of the room, talking and laughing. Earlier, Tera had invited Ersa and the two kids to visit. Roark’s parents didn’t have a lot, but their house was bigger than the small apartment Ersa lived in, and the girls had room to run around outside.
Roark and I agreed to let the girls stay with us a few days a week, if Ersa agreed and the girls wanted to. Between the three families, the girls would be well cared for.
“You ready?” Cami asked.
Blowing out a long breath, I grinned, “I think so.”
I am also ready, ji’si.
As I strolled out of the mansion, Zorvak met me at the entrance. He held out his left arm, and I hooked mine in his. The action made my heart soften toward the fierce leader. Cami stood on Zorvak’s right as we headed toward the center of the arena.
Roark stood in his white crisp uniform. He looked so handsome, and I considered myself the luckiest girl in the universe. As my gaze met his, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Now standing in front of him, I stared in awe. Your face, it’s healed! I cupped his beautiful cheek with the palm of my hand. How?
The Jaurians sent the equipment needed to heal the skin completely. Cami kept you busy today so I could go through the healing process.
That sly dog!
I have no idea what some of your strange sayings mean.
My heart soared, and I laughed aloud. I ignored the odd stares at my strange behavior. Now standing in front of Roark, I cupped his newly healed cheek, caressing it with my thumb. You didn’t need to do that for me. I thought you were perfect just the way you were.
I know you did.
Zorvak took his place, as I still faced Roark.
Lord La’qa faced the soldiers surrounding us.
“On this day, I will bind Roark Nu’an and Lara Stevens together with my blessing. Lara Stevens will become Ulayian from this day forth.” He turned toward us. “Hold out your clasped hands.”
With our fingers entwined together, we held our hands out to Zorvak, or as I should call him, Lord La’qa. He wrapped a silver string around our wrists as a symbol of our mating.
“From this day forward, you are bond-mated with my blessing.” Looking at Lara, he added, “Be a rock for your mate—the one who is always there when the rest of the planet is against him.”
With that, we faced the crowd and held up our clasped hands, letting them see the bonding string that tied us together.
Is that it? I asked, a little disappointed.
What else is there?
I projected the image of a long deep kiss.
My pleasure. Roark grabbed my waist, dipped me back and kissed me deeply in front of everyone. Cami started clapping and hollered, “Woo-hoo!”
I love you, Roark!
And I love you!
The End