Page 39 of Bikar

Swallowing audibly, Heather clears her throat. I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen her look unsure of what to say.

“Bambi, it’s true that Bikar was letting me know details about your dates, but that was a precaution on his part. You didn’t know him or even like him at first. Bikar and I…”

She gestures over at him. “It’s not like we were having secret meetings behind your back or anything. There’s not a ton to do on this shuttle, and you’re my best friend. Spending our days together… was just a given to me. I swear to you that I wasn’t trying to manage you in any way.”

Rolling my lips between my teeth, I think about what she’s said before looking over at Bikar expectantly.

“What your Heather says is true. There is no conscious agreement between us. She is your sister of the heart, and you are the one who holds my hearts. Of course, we wish to spend our time with you. Bambi, you are light that brings humor and joy to those around you. You have my sincere apologies for how we inadvertently made you feel.”

“Ditto… what the Winged Wanker said.”

“Must you continue using that absurd moniker?”

“Why? Does it bother you… wanker?”

“Of course not, I am merely trying to quantify human colloquialisms and how they impact social relationships.”

“Uh huh. I call bullshit.”

I can’t help but snicker at their sniping. Looking between them, I can see Heather’s noticeably nervous, wringing her hands, and Bikar’s massive body is braced as if he’s expecting a blow.

I’m not really mad at them per se.

I just don’t like thinking I was doingso goodand acclimating on my own, only to realize I haven’t made as much progress at adulting as I thought. It might also be a bit of trauma from beingunder my dad’s thumb my entire life, then the kidnapping and torture before escaping.

Fuck. I think I overreacted a little.

Scuffing the toe of my shoe on the floor, I admit as much. “Eh... So… pretty sure I may have overreacted a bit.”

CHAPTER 35

BIKAR

Staring at the top of Bambi’s head, I cut my eyes over to her Heather, and I know myflabbers are gastedjust as hers are. Gesturing to the door with my horns, she takes the hint and quietly leaves.

Popping the tech leads out of their ports, I gain my feet and carefully approach my mate, ensuring she hears me since she is still staring at the floor. Slipping a wing from its slit, it rustles as it cautiously settles and slowly pulls her towards me. “Little Starshine, talk to me.”

Unfurling her arms from around her middle, she launches herself forward, hugging me as her shoulders shake with silent tears. Bending at the knee, I scoop her into my arms, carry her back to my chair, and sit.

“Shh. Shh. Shh. There is no need for your tears.”

“I’m… I’m… so sorry!”

Linking with the Scythe, I send a message to all of my brothers explaining that I will be late to the meeting with Vornek, ignoring Ruarc’s instant foul reply—though I am sorry to miss the look on his ugly face when he meets everyone in person.

My mate takes precedence.

Always.

“You need not apologize either. I am not upset or offended, and neither is your Heather. Your feelings are valid. Looking at it from your perspective, and considering how you were raised, it is easy to see how you could misconstrue our actions.”

Jostling her, I snuggle closer and block the rest of the world out with my wings, creating an isolated space just for us. Keeping my voice low and soothing, I coach her through her upset.

“Deep breaths. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Slow your breathing down, little doe. This is nothing more than a misunderstanding that has led to a panic attack. We will work through it.”

Sucking in a deep breath, she tries to follow my instructions. “Aren’t we… we supposed to be meeting… the… the others?”

Shrugging off her concern takes little effort. “Bah. They can wait. You are, and will always be, my top priority. When you are ready and are composed, only then will we join the others.”