Chapter Fourteen
One week later.
Ricka stood on the rock porch of her new home and smiled up at Synge. He was now officially her husband or, rather, true mate. Even in the traditional shirt and pants worn by the men on his planet, he still reminded her of a handsome badass outlaw. Her outlaw.
Three days earlier, they’d gone to the sacred pool and made their final vows. Before they’d left, he’d dressed her in a pale green gown made of a soft satiny material. Her heart had melted, and she’d had to brush away tears when he’d told her it had belonged to his mother.
The final ritual hadn’t been like anything she’d imagined. For a man who’d spent the majority of his life facing off with galactic criminals, he’d appeared nervous when they’d first arrived. He’d gripped her hand tightly as if he were afraid she might change her mind. The ceremony had been private, only the two of them—a simple matter of entering the water naked and reciting words of acceptance and belonging.
The experience had been magical. The instant they’d completed their vows, the waters darkened, and ripples ran across its transparent surface. It was as if the pool had a life of its own and had approved their joining.
Afterward, Synge had spread out a blanket on a patch of soft yellow grass, and they’d made love for hours. He’d taken his time, showing her his caring, tender side. It was the first of many pleasant memories she’d gathered over the last few days .
The rumble of an approaching engine drew Ricka from her musings. Synge told her he’d received a communication announcing the arrival of the hunter transport pulling to a stop in front of their dwelling.
The sound of the engine must have alerted Mogran. The cat jumped out of the bushes near the side of the structure and bounded toward them, stopping to possessively rub against her leg.
“Are you ready?” Synge asked, leaving the house to join her. He took her hand, steadying the nervousness she’d been experiencing ever since he’d announced the commander’s visit.
“Yes.” Ricka kept her fears to herself. She had no idea why Synge’s boss had made a special trip out to see them and hoped that he wasn’t going to deliver bad news about Libby.
Synge must have sensed her trepidation and squeezed her hand. “I’m sure it will be fine.”
The metal doors opened, and Teah, Arno, Dathan, and a man she assumed must be the commander got out. He wore a similar hunter uniform. The only difference was the red shirt. The man was a couple of inches taller than Synge, with an even broader chest and golden hair draped over his shoulders.
Teah was the first to reach them and didn’t hesitate to pull her into a hug. “We are honored to have you in our family.”
Ricka was so overjoyed by the welcome she didn’t know what to say.
His aunt pulled away, then moved over to embrace Synge. “You have mated well, nephew.”
He smiled at Ricka. “I am well aware.”
Arno waited for Teah to step aside, then approached Ricka. “Thank you for what you did for us. I too, am very proud to call you family.”
If they kept this up, she would break her rule about not letting others see her cry.
Dathan clamped a hand on Synge’s shoulder. “Congratulations to you and your fem...” Ricka quirked a brow, and his cheeks turned crimson. “Mate.”
Synge pressed a hand to her back. “Ricka, I would like you to meet Commander Ryos Davenger.”
Other than the four-inch scar running from his right cheekbone to his jaw, he had a rugged and handsome appearance. Beneath his charming smile, Ricka recognized an intimidating presence and dangerous demeanor. “It is wonderful to finally meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine, and I want to personally express my appreciation,” Ryos said, his deep voice matching his intense gaze.
“For what?” Ricka couldn’t fathom what she’d done to gain his favor.
“I understand you refused to be intimidated by Molock’s advances. If not for his fascination with you, we never would have been able to capture the Klorthons or prevent more females from being sold to the slavers.”
Ricka gaped at him, the information not something she’d expected to hear.
“The warriors were using our moons to disguise the location of their ship,” Ryos said. “Before we captured their loader, they sent a distress signal. It took us several days to intercept the vessel.”
Trying not to be overly hopeful, she took a deep breath. “Does that mean you found Libby?”
“The warrior’s ship has been captured, and we prevented the slavers from taking any of the prisoners.”
“What about Erak?” Synge asked.
“He is onboard, and we have spoken. When he was taken, they programmed the autopilot on his ship to lead us away from their location.”
“A clever maneuver,” Dathan said.
“I agree,” Ryos said. “If all goes well, the warrior’s ship will arrive within a few days. You will be contacted once your friend has been delivered safely to the city.”
Relieved, Ricka slumped her shoulders. “That’s wonderful.”
Ryos addressed Synge. “Your request to remain stationed at headquarters as a trainer has been approved. You will no longer be assigned space missions.”
“Thank you, sir.” Synge grinned.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” Ricka was shocked and thrilled at the same time.
“I was unsure if the transfer would go through, and I did not want to give you false hope,” Synge said, pulling her into his arms.
Ryos cleared his throat. “Dathan and I need to get back to headquarters. You have two more days before you are expected to report for your new position. Enjoy the time with your new mate. ”
Ryos’s parting comment sounded like an order, and judging by Synge’s wide grin, Ricka assumed it was one he planned to follow.
“I guess I will see you in a few days,” Dathan said, taking a few steps backward. “Then we will see who is the better instructor.”
“Go before I decide to give you an early lesson,” Synge said.
Dathan chuckled as he hurried to catch up with the commander. Within minutes, the transport was on its way and disappearing into the jungle.
“Why don’t we go inside and make some lunch,” Teah said, shifting her attention to Arno.
He grinned wickedly and ran his hand along her arm. “Or we could retire to our room and ensure we have an appetite first. The bed at medical was lonely without you.” He took her hand and led her into the house.
Ricka thought about the last few days, and how much of it had been spent in bed with Synge. She laughed and pressed her palms against his chest. “Do all Tarron males have an insatiable sex drive?”
“Of course.” He scooped her in his arms and laughed when she squealed. “It is what makes us such good mates.”
“On that part we definitely agree,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Ricka’s wish for a new life and a fresh start had finally come true, even if it wasn’t the one she’d envisioned. This one was better. She’d found the person she belonged with and would cherish him forever.