Chapter 13
Draevan darted through the passersby as he hurried home after a long day spent in the training arena. He hadn’t meant to stay for so long, but a few new warriors had joined his unit, and he’d wanted to ensure they could at least function well within his contingent if danger suddenly arose.
Darkness settled over the city as the solar streetlights flickered on, casting a warm glow across the white stone walkways.
Tiny insects emerged from the thick vegetation that grew between the buildings, their bioluminescent bodies flashing intermittently among the trees and rooftop gardens.
The gentle hum and buzz of nighttime insects also swelled around him, accompanied by the soft trilling of the small reptiles that inhabited the streams that wove through the city.
But Draevan barely noticed the sights and sounds around him.
His thoughts were already on Cora.
He wondered what she and Meela had been doing all day. Had Cora enjoyed exploring the house, the rooftop garden, and the backyard garden and bird-feeding area? Had she perhaps taken Meela on a walk through the city streets?
Had Cora found everything she needed easily? And had Meela been well-behaved and easy to take care of, or had she kept her new mother busy until the evening hours?
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
He was so eager to see Cora again. His sweet mate.
It had only been a few hours since he’d left, yet he found himself looking forward to returning home with an anticipation he’d never felt before.
He wanted to hear about her first full day on New Vaxx, to know whether she was settling into her new home, and most of all, to see her beautiful face again and take her in his arms.
He quickened his pace.
He hoped they could spend the night together, whether in her room or his, it did not matter. He already regretted that he’d left her alone the night prior, assuming she was tired after a long day of exploring New Vaxx, meeting the neighbors, and getting a feel for the layout of the house.
Fluxx. Why hadn’t he gone to her?
Yes, he’d told himself it was because she was tired. And perhaps she had been. She’d had an exhausting day filled with new experiences, and he hadn’t wanted to burden her with yet another demand on her time and energy.
But deep down, as he examined his feelings, he knew there was more to it, thoughts he’d suppressed until now.
He’d been afraid. Afraid she might not want him. Afraid she might reject him if he went to her room. And perhaps, if he were being honest, afraid of just how much he wanted her, how much he burned for her.
He’d never experienced anything like this before. This tenderness. This fervent desire. He wanted to be near Cora constantly. He wanted to hear her laugh, touch her soft hair, hold her in his arms, and awaken beside her in the morning.
Most of all, he wanted to make her happy.
He wanted her to love him.
This abrupt realization caused his steps to falter, and he nearly collided with another warrior who was rushing down the street.
Love? Was it actually possible? Was that what this strange, overwhelming feeling was? He frowned.
Surely it was too soon to know. They had only just become mates, and they scarcely knew one another. And yet, it was becoming impossible to ignore the warmth that filled him whenever he thought of Cora.
Perhaps this was another reason he’d stayed away from her last night. He’d been overwhelmed and confused by the strength of his own emotions and uncertain how to proceed.
But as his house came into sight and he walked faster, he became certain of one thing. He did not want to spend another night apart from his mate.
Tonight, he would go to her.
He would make sure she wanted him there, of course. He would never pressure her or take her against her will. But if the sweet human welcomed him into her arms, he intended to spend the night with her.
He rushed into the house and immediately started searching the first floor for Cora. As he hurried into the kitchen, he came to a halt at the sight that greeted him.
The table was set, and several covered dishes were arranged in the center of it. A bottle of wine was chilling in a bucket of ice. Meela was seated in her highchair, happily dipping her fingers into a pink gooey substance that he assumed was some type of dessert.
Cora turned around, holding two wine glasses she’d just pulled from the cabinet, and gave him a bright smile.
“There you are,” she said warmly. “We were just talking about you, Draevan. Weren’t we, Meela?
We were hoping that you would arrive home soon and join us for dinner.
I hope you like seared unzilla with roasted vegetables.
Heather from next door suggested it. The seared unzilla was replicated, of course, but I picked the vegetables from the rooftop garden, with Meela’s help, I might add. Please have a seat.”
Draevan didn’t know how to respond. For a moment, he just stood there, staring at his new mate. He hadn’t told her that he expected a hot meal on the table when he returned from work, but she’d taken matters into her own hands, preparing what looked like a scrumptious dinner.
He finally broke out of his trance and approached his mate.
He took the wine glasses from her hands, set them on the counter, and wrapped her in his arms. He placed his lips at her ear.
“I missed you,” he said, deciding to be honest. “You were all I could think about all day. And to come home and find you’ve been preparing for my return…
well, it is a pleasant surprise. Thank you, my sweet mate.
Everything looks and smells delicious.” He pulled back, ran his hands through her hair, and stared into her pretty blue eyes.
A slight blush colored her cheeks. She placed her hands on his chest, tracing her fingers just below the neckline of his shirt, almost as though she were purposefully teasing him. And perhaps she was. After the way he’d failed to come to her bedroom last night, he absolutely deserved it.
He leaned down and captured her lips in a soft, lingering kiss. Then he straightened, gave Cora what he hoped was an affectionate look, and retrieved the wine glasses from the counter and walked to the table.
After setting the glasses down, he peered at Meela with a smile.
She was so enthralled by whatever pink gooey substance she was eating that she was almost oblivious to his presence.
He bent down to place a quick kiss atop her head.
She glanced up at him and grinned, revealing teeth covered in the pink goo.
“That’s yogurt, in case you were wondering.
Another neighbor—Vonna—brought it over as a welcome present.
Apparently, it’s homemade, and she assured me that it’s perfectly safe for Vaxxlian children to eat.
Do you know Vonna? She told me she arrived here a month ago and that she’s helping to raise her mate’s twin boys. ”
“Yes, I am acquainted with Vonna. Her mate, Brextt, is a fine warrior.” Draevan helped Cora into her seat, uncorked the wine, poured them each a generous serving, and finally took his own seat beside her.
“I am pleased that the neighbors are being so welcoming. Everyone in Starzzia seems to look out for one another. It’s a large city, growing bigger every day, yet it has the feel of a small community. ”
Cora uncovered the dishes, revealing the seared unzilla, roasted vegetables, and something white and paste-like that he didn’t recognize.
“Mashed potatoes,” she said, following his gaze.
“I found a selection of Earth foods in the food replicator’s index, and I thought mashed potatoes would go nicely with this meal. ”
“I cannot wait to try it,” he said, reaching for her hand. “Thank you again for preparing this meal, my sweet mate.”
She nodded, her eyes glimmering with happiness. “You’re very welcome. Now, let’s eat.”