Chapter 2 #4
She nodded in concession. “You’re correct.
But that’s because they trust women to enter a relationship with honorable intentions, but not men.
Remember that Khel, Lhor, and Ghan grew up on Xelix Prime during a time when females were rare and a male’s greatest treasure.
Having a female meant life for a male affected by the Taint.
We cured that deadly illness barely ten years ago.
You cannot expect them to just shed a lifetime of belief.
Your Papa nearly died from this disease, as did your Uncle Ghan. ”
I pinched my lips and gave her a stiff nod.
Although I had been a young child at the time, I vividly remembered the despair I felt seeing my beloved Uncle Ghan’s soul steadily decaying as the disease spread through every inch of his body.
He had been only a couple months away from taking his final breath.
“Your dad Khel may not be your sire, but he loves you above all your siblings. From day one, you have been his princess. Even Lhor conceded victory when your dad and Ghan were fighting for your affection. You should have seen how devastated he was when he realized he wasn’t your sire.”
I scrunched my face, shame burning in my gut again for the cruel words I spoke to him.
“You know I didn’t mean it,” I mumbled. “I guess I should go apologize.”
“Yes. But not now. Let him simmer for a while.”
My jaw dropped, and I stared at my mother in complete shock. She shrugged and gave me an unrepented look.
“I told him not to do this. Yes, he’s hurt. But he also knows that you love him. If you’re going to suffer for a week, it’s only fair that he should suffer a bit as well. He won’t be able to rest until things are patched up between you.”
“Wow! You’re ruthless!” I exclaimed, disbelieving. “But in the best kind of way…”
She chuckled and caressed my cheek. The love in her yellowish-brown eyes speckled with green had a wondrous warmth spreading through my chest.
“I love you, Mom.”
“I love you, too, sweetie.”
I drew her into my embrace and melted against her when she caressed my hair in that wonderful fashion that only a mother could.
“When you return, I will make sure nothing gets in the way of you finally meeting your Gavin.”
I slightly stiffened. Sensing the subtle change in me, my mother released me to study my face with an inquisitive expression.
I licked my lips nervously then locked eyes with her. “When I return, I intend to move out.”
A wave of guilt washed over me when my mother’s shoulders slouched, and a resigned expression settled on her beautiful face.
“I figured that might happen soon. My only request is that you don’t rush anything, and that you don’t act out of anger.
Take the next week to cool down, come back, and then plan a smooth and calculated departure.
Gavin may be your soulmate, but that doesn’t mean you two should move in together right away. ”
I recoiled upon hearing those words. “Whoa! Slow down. Moving out does not mean me playing house with him right away. Anyway, the Sentinels new recruits must live in the barracks for at least the first six months of them joining, unless they’re married.
There will be no marriage within that time frame. So, there’s nothing to worry about.”
The proud look in her eyes laced with approval made me feel warm and fuzzy.
“Good! Then you should consider the option of settling in our suite downstairs. Your fathers and I also talked about building homes for each of you on our land so that you would have your privacy and autonomy while still being close to the rest of the family.”
“It would be worth considering,” I said carefully.
“And there will be plenty of time to do just that later. For now—”
The door of the shuttle opening startled us, interrupting my mother. Tharek poked his head in and peered at us with an exaggerated air of wariness.
“Good, I wanted to make sure you weren’t making Mom cry as well,” Tharek said in that insufferably obnoxious tone he loved to take when needling us.
“Tharek! Behave,” my mother said sternly.
“I am!” he replied with the least sincere air of innocence.
“How’s Dad?” I asked in a grumpy tone.
“A total mess. And I thought I was the ruthless one. I stand corrected, big sister,” he said, pretending to be intimidated.
My fingers itched with the urge to throw something hard and heavy at his head. My expression must have made it obvious because he immediately raised his palms in a surrendering gesture before taking a step back.
“Oh shush, you brat,” my mother said to Tharek. “I’ll go kiss his booboo. As for you, my love, try to enjoy the mission. I promise to keep my meddling husbands off your mate’s back in your absence.”
“Thank you, Mom. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
She kissed the ridges of the crihnin on my forehead, caressed my cheek one last time, and then rose to her feet to leave the shuttle.
I watched her exit with a wistful smile.
Still aggravated, but no longer fuming, I settled in the pilot’s chair and took flight on my way to the training base where we would rendezvous before departure.