Zorvak

I could tell a difference in Cami.  I could feel the difference in her.  At some point, she had decided to protect herself.  A small barrier had formed, and I knew it was my fault.    She was beautiful, strange, different…fascinating.  She was also a different species.  Not knowing how she would be treated on Ulaya, I needed to tread carefully.  How would the others feel knowing I bonded with someone not from our planet?  Especially if I ruled.  Roark and the others would respect my decision, that I had no doubt of.

When she placed her hand in mine, I savored the feeling, the connection that happened every time I touched her.  A strange, wonderful feeling that set my body on fire.  If only there weren’t so many obstacles in the way.  Getting her safely to the space station, getting home and finding the traitor or traitors.  How could I do my duty if my attention was split?  I wrapped my fingers around her small, delicate hand and pushed everything else to the side.  In time, everything would work itself out.

Taking a seat in the small area, Cami sat down beside me.  She never offered to let go of my hand so I clutched hers a little tighter.

“Do you have a plan?”  A very serious Munic asked.  The Jaurians were anxious, maybe excited. 

“Not exactly.”  With my declaration, Munic and Oddle now looked… worried.

“I can’t believe I haven’t asked this before now, but do you have family back home?”

The interaction between Cami and Oddle fascinated me.  Oddle looked at Cami with softened eyes and smiled.  “We do.  We have a daughter.  She is all grown up and has a bond mate.”

“A bond mate.  Is that what everyone calls a husband or a wife?”

“It is what you call the person you bond with.  Munic is my bond mate.”

“So, it is the same thing.”

She looks at you like you are family.

They feel like my family.

Focusing my attention on Munic, I said, “Tonight, we will find a shuttlecraft and head to the space station.  Once there we will procure a better ship and take you home, before heading to Ulaya.”

Munic turned to Cami.  “Where will you go?”

She bit her lower lip.  “I’m not…”

“She will stay with me.”  Cami’s head whipped around with my announcement.  With all my doubts, I could not imagine letting her go with the Jaurians.

I thought you didn’t want me to go with you.

It will be difficult for you.

What do you mean?

I do not know how well my people will accept you.

Like here?  She gave me a scathing look and I could see her point.  Will they try and kill me?  Use me as a sex slave?

Of course not!

She searched my face, looking for something.  What, I didn’t know until she said, I am slowly coming to terms with the fact I can’t go home.  I’ve never felt so connected to anyone like I do you.  But if you are unsure, I will go with Munic and Oddle.  Decide.

“Of course, she will stay with you.  You are Compatibles.  Destined bond mates, and there is nothing you can do to change that,” Munic said in a no-nonsense voice.  Almost as if it was a stupid question to begin with.  “You two just had a private conversation and no other male or female will tolerate that type of intimacy if you try to choose another.”

He was right.  I made my decision when I bonded with her--- sight unseen--- at the fight club. 

He is right.  You are beautiful, strange, fascinating.  I am lucky to have found someone such as you.  You come with me.

If you’re sure…

I am.

“If we are leaving at dark, there is a lot of work to be done,” Oddle said.  “Cami, we need to get you another cloak.”

Turning toward me, Munic said, “I will get you the schematics of the space station.”  Looking at Cami, he said, “I need to speak with you in private.”

~~~~

Cami lay with her head on my shoulder, her soft breath teasing my neck.  I couldn’t sleep.  It wouldn’t be long until nightfall, and then everything would happen fast.  This time tomorrow, I’d be on my way to Ulaya with… I glanced down at Cami.  Bond mate.  I knew Munic was right.  The fates had decided she was compatible with me, and they were right.  I let her silky hair slide through my fingers.  She was an enigma.  I still did not understand how she fired the incinerator, which would come in handy tonight.  Tightening my arm around her, my eyes finally closed.