Chapter 9
Ancelin hesitated, then asked, "What about us? Someday children will be wonderful."
Krevan reached for her hand. "I love children, and I love you. But safety comes first. Nowhere is truly safe—not even Earth. Before we bring a child into this, I need to resolve whatever these people want."
Ancelin traced patterns in her mashed vegetables. "I miss my career. Child psychology was my calling. What about you? Do you ever think about surgery?"
Krevan's fork paused midway to his mouth.
"The Judicial Review would need to overturn everything first. Then I'd have to grovel before the medical board.
" He shrugged, but his knuckles whitened around his utensil.
"I've made peace with it. You're what matters now.
" His expression brightened as he gestured toward the counter.
"Those cakes—one pink, one green—they're masterpieces. You have real talent, Ancelin."
"I made these too," she said, lifting a cloth to reveal loaves tinted blue and pink.
"The food coloring is so much fun to experiment with.
And that green cake? It's for my birthday.
" She leaned closer, her voice dropping.
"Green's always been my favorite. Like your eyes.
" Her gaze lingered on his face. "I've never seen that exact shade before. "
In one fluid motion, Krevan pulled her onto his lap, his face buried against her neck, his body's response evident against her.
"My eyes?" His breath warmed her skin. "Everything about you captivates me—your scent, the softness of your hair. Those warm brown eyes that see right through me. Even the way you move has its own language." His voice caught slightly.
His kiss deepened until a sharp electronic beep from the SatView startled her. Krevan eased her back into her chair.
"Just a call," he said, crossing to the screen. "We'll work on those startle reflexes." The face that appeared mirrored his own. "Father. Any news?"
"I've uncovered something about Ancelin's father," Aiden's voice crackled through the SatView.
"A powerful syndicate believes he possessed knowledge of an experimental energy source.
These aren't ordinary criminals—they operate with military precision.
Your father," he leaned closer to the screen, "was brilliant in his field.
He kept his discoveries hidden, even from his employers. "
Krevan guided Ancelin into the camera's view. "Father, meet Ancelin."
Aiden's stern expression softened. "At last, we meet. You honor our family with your presence. My son will cherish and shield you as his mate—it's in his nature." His eyes crinkled at the corners. "Perhaps we should continue this discussion another time? And happy birthday, by the way."
"Please go on, Mr. Vallex," Ancelin said. "I need to know everything. And thank you for the birthday wishes."
"Aiden, please. Or Father if you prefer. You're mated to Krevan now—that makes you blood in our tradition."
Ancelin straightened her shoulders. "Thank you. Please tell me what else you've discovered about my father and the people hunting me."
"Very well. Our investigation suggests your father discovered something extraordinary—a power source without limits.
The organization hunting you believes he built a prototype.
From what we've pieced together, your father grew terrified of what might happen if this technology spread.
It would devastate the entire energy industry overnight.
When his own company pressured him to surrender his research, he refused.
They suspended him immediately. In his final days, he systematically erased every digital trace of his work—both corporate and personal systems wiped completely clean.
Earth detectives theorize he was protecting humanity from his own creation.
We're investigating whether your father's employer might have hired these criminals directly.
The timing is suspicious—they were desperate for his breakthrough, then suddenly he's gone and you're being hunted.”
Ancelin sank onto the sofa, her father's secrets washing over her like cold water. She blinked rapidly, refusing to let the tears fall.
"We're still piecing this puzzle together," Krevan's father continued.
"The prototype could be anything—a chip, a device, even something disguised as an everyday object.
They believe you have it, or it's hidden among your belongings headed to Verrian.
We've managed to acquire your father's computers from Earth authorities.
Our Triaxe specialists are using recovery technology far beyond Earth capabilities to extract deleted files and communications.
That's how we've learned what we know so far. "
He leaned closer to the screen, his expression grave. "Some data will remain lost forever, but we'll extract everything possible. These people hunting you are sophisticated and dangerous," his voice sharpened, "You must be constantly vigilant."
"Krevan, your mother is eager to meet Ancelin during our next SatView call. She's with your sisters now—one of them is expecting. We'll talk soon. Happy birthday, Ancelin. We’ll have many reasons to celebrate when we finally meet."
"We'll be in touch, Father." Krevan ended the transmission.
Ancelin remained motionless on the sofa, lost in thought.
After giving her space, Krevan drifted toward the kitchen to examine her creations.
"Everything looks delicious," he said, surveying the colorful display.
"You have a real talent. I'm fortunate you enjoy baking—I certainly enjoy eating what you make.
" His eyes lit up as he gestured toward the cakes.
"These decorations are exquisite." While complimenting her work, he slyly extended a finger toward the frosting.
Ancelin sprang from the sofa and darted into the kitchen.
Seeing her approach, Krevan retreated against the sink, raising his hands in mock surrender.
"What?" he asked, feigning innocence.
"Don't you dare touch my cakes with those fingers," Ancelin warned, wagging her finger. "They're not for tasting with your fingers.”
"Consider me properly chastised," Krevan replied with a mischievous grin.
"Yes, you're being scolded," Ancelin agreed, lightly tapping his knuckles with her wooden spoon. "You'll mess the cakes up with your fingers."
Krevan's eyes crinkled at the corners. "I thought you liked my fingers in your sweet cake."
"Not, these cakes and when I'm decorating," she said, fighting a smile. "You can have some icing tomorrow with everyone else." She shooed him with a gentle flick of her wrist.
He caught her wrist and pressed his lips to her palm. "You remind me of my sisters—strong-willed and particular. You'll be right at home with the Vallex women." His eyes softened. "My family is yours now."
Something flickered across Ancelin's face—a momentary grief quickly hidden.
Krevan's mouth curved against her ear. "Those delicious treats?
For my enjoyment only. I never share what's mine.
" He drew back with a mischievous glint.
"I promise to behave around your actual baking for now, but later.
.." He gathered her close, his kiss leaving her breathless.
"I prefer this spirited version of you to the sadness. Fire suits you better than sorrow."
"We're not discussing my actual baking skills, are we?" Ancelin asked, realization dawning.
"Not even slightly." Krevan's smile was wolfish.
As evening settled, Ancelin arranged decorations while Krevan offered genuine praise for her efforts.
She crafted a centerpiece using flowers he'd somehow procured after her casual mention of wanting them.
In the pantry's depths, she unearthed elegant dinnerware—plates, wine goblets, water glasses—all carefully packed away.
Krevan mentioned more treasures in the barn and returned with half a dozen boxes containing serving platters, crystal vases, and ornate trays.
Ancelin ran her finger along a silver serving dish. "Where did all this come from?"
"Most of this came from my home on Triaxe," Krevan explained, running his finger along the rim of a crystal vase.
"Mother insisted on shipping it all. My place there still has plenty—anything you might want; she'd find it for you in a heartbeat.
" He shook his head with a small smile. "I called her crazy at the time, but now.
.." His eyes softened watching Ancelin. "There's more in the barn—wedding gifts, actually.
Gillian and I never used them. She wasn't one for cooking or hosting, and honestly, no one would have come if we had. My family never warmed to her."
"I can use these. It doesn't bother me," Ancelin said, carefully unwrapping a delicate serving platter, her eyes bright.
"We'll give them purpose now." She paused, hands stilling.
"I stored my parents' things away too. When we visit Earth, we should arrange to have them sent here or to Triaxe.
I don't see myself living on Earth again. "
Krevan's brow furrowed. "Why not?"
"Earth stopped being home the moment I lost everything there." Ancelin's voice softened to nearly a whisper. "I need somewhere new. Somewhere that doesn't echo with ghosts."
"Then we'll build that place together," Krevan said, squeezing her hand.
As Ancelin unwrapped another box, a leather-bound album slipped free. "What's this?"
"Family memories. My mother compiled it—birthdays, graduations, weddings, all of it." Krevan opened it, pages crackling.
Ancelin's finger traced a young man's face in one photo. "This can't be you," she teased, though her eyes lingered appreciatively.
"Unrecognizable?"
"No, still you. Just..." she studied his face now, comparing. "Your eyes carry more weight now. Hellgate will do that, I suppose."
She turned another page, and hesitated. "Would you mind showing me Gillian sometime? I'm curious."
"You want to see her?"