Page 30 of Lorrd
She took comfort in his gentle embrace.
“That was the Prophet, in case you hadn’t already figured it out.Apparently, my father agreed that I would become his wife soon, and he was angry that I fled the compound.He wanted me back.The Prophet also confessed to using money that was basically stolen from his followers to pay off Poseidon.He told me he claimed all their assets when they joined the Order of Harmony.Well, I’d always known he claimed the assets of new followers, but it had never occurred to me just how much money that would be.”
“I am sorry he was able to take you.”
“How did you manage to find me?I’m assuming this ship was cloaked.”
Lorrd stroked her hair and placed a kiss on her forehead.She melted at the tenderness he was showing her.Tears burned in her eyes—she was that happy to see him.
“Before I injected you with the healing nanobots, I placed a unique marker on the nanobots that would allow me to track you if I ever needed to.”He appeared a bit uncomfortable—sheepish, even—as he made the confession.
Wren paused for a moment and considered all he’d just told her.To her surprise, she wasn’t upset by his actions.In the end, his foresight had helped him rescue her from the clutches of the Prophet.
“I suppose it’s a good thing that I trust you with my life, Lorrd—and that I happen to like you quite a lot—otherwise, I would be upset that you had the ability to track me.”She infused her voice with mild humor, and relief bloomed in her chest as the tension eased from his expression.
“Thank you for being understanding, little star.”He leaned down and rested his forehead against hers.
“So… how will we get out of here?”Wren asked.“Will I be able to beam back to your ship with you?Or will you have to take control of the bridge of this Poseidon ship?”
“I can beam us both back to theKerrla.In fact, I think it’s time we leave this place behind.”Lorrd lifted his wrist comm and issued the command.
Within moments, Wren found herself back on the bridge of Lorrd’s ship.He guided her to the main console, took a seat, and drew her down into his lap.
As he navigated away from the ship that belonged to Poseidon, she nestled her face against his chest and listened to the steady beating of his heart.
A flash in the viewport caught her attention—a beam of red shooting outward from theKerrla—and then Poseidon’s ship suddenly became visible… only to be obliterated moments later in a massive fireball.
She exchanged a look with Lorrd but said nothing.He had sworn to protect her, and she supposed that meant killing anyone who tried to cause her harm.He was a fierce Vaxxlian warrior, yet with her, he was nothing but gentle.
“Thank you, Lorrd.”Wren traced the stubble on his face, and he leaned into her touch.“Thank you for rescuing me.”A tear cascaded down her cheek, but he was quick to wipe it away.She couldn’t help the emotion that was rising in her chest.He’d risked his ship and his life to save her.
His green eyes beamed with affection.“You’re my mate, Wren, my little star, and though we haven’t known one another for long, I already harbor boundless tenderness for you in my heart.I cannot imagine us ever being parted.Never forget—you are mine, and I am yours.”
Just as she glimpsed the swirling glow of the Eshunna Passage in her peripheral vision, he pressed his lips to hers and kissed her soundly.
They made love on the floor of the bridge, over and over again, while theKerrlacontinued its approach to New Vaxx.
Eventually, Lorrd gathered her on his lap, and they peered out the main viewport as a blue-green planet appeared against a radiant backdrop of stars.
“There it is.New Vaxx.”He kissed her cheek, gently smoothed a hand through her tousled hair, and pulled her closer.“Welcome home, my sweet mate.Welcome home.”
