Blue solace complete ser.., p.107
Blue Solace: Complete Series Boxset, page 107
“I think Princess just became a dad,” Leander said, eyes sparkling. “Watch him with Aagy.”
Princess turned slowly, rumbling. Aagy let go of his tail and whined, eyes big and contrite. The younger dragon snuggled up against Princess’s side.
“Aww.” Draif wondered why his eyes were watering. Fucking dragons and their cuteness.
“Speaking of babies, I think Gravy and Periwinkle are going to be parents again soon. I caught them going at it at the spaceport.” Leti winced. “I haven’t told Will yet.”
“You should definitely give Draif one of those puppies,” Reed said, sipping his ale. “I think he’d really like that.”
Draif glared at Reed. “Why did I decide I like you?”
Leander gasped. “Draif, who is that man standing with Tempest?”
Draif looked to where his father pointed. Juniper stood in front of Tempest with an odd look of wonder in his eyes. His golden skin was darkened in a flush, and he looked almost shy. Tempest, on the other hand, looked utterly bemused.
“That’s Juniper. Lucas, would you happen to know how Fallon find their mates?”
Lucas grinned. “Ava told me that when a Fallon meets their mate, they see an aura around the person.”
Leti’s face lit up with excitement. “Do you think Juniper and Tempest are life mates?”
Leander frowned. “Juniper better be a good person. I don’t like the way he’s looking at my little girl.”
“He’s one of the best people I know, Dad.” Draif waved at Tempest, gesturing for her to come over. She blinked in confusion but moved away from Juniper. Draif’s friend followed her, moving as if there were a string attaching him to Tempest.
“Draif? This guy says he’s a friend of yours.” Tempest blushed. “He also says he’s my life mate.”
Leander sighed. “Wello discover their life mates at sight. Are you drawn to him, Tempest?”
Juniper gave her a hopeful look, and she blushed again. “Yeah.”
“I can vouch for him,” Draif said, again blinking away tears. Fucking sisters and their cuteness.
Tempest frowned. “Wait. Aren’t you my boss? The one that’s been away on a mission?”
“Yes,” Juniper said, nodding. “I’m sorry. If you don’t want to be with me, I won’t hold it against you. You’ll always have a job at my diner.”
She bit her lip. “I never said I didn’t want to be with you.”
Fasi’s voice carried across the yard, interrupting them. “Can I have everyone’s attention?”
Juniper sent the man a scowl, but the large crowd quieted down, turning its attention to Fasi. Leti had invited the Council and several of the other Anchors Rest military leaders that were still on the station.
“While so many of you are gathered here, I thought it might be a good time to take the last step in our journey with the Rising Queen.”
Sebastian stepped up and held out the Queen’s artifact. When Meggie had defeated the Queen, her soul had been freed from the host. Death had held her soul while another Shaman cleansed it. However, he couldn’t hold it forever, and it was bound to the artifact.
Dr. Orsla Manning came forward and held up a tray. On it, were the remains of three artifacts. “The Rising Queen’s three Elements Air, Water, and Life were killed by Charybdis Station. When their essences retreated to their artifacts, we were faced with a dilemma.”
Delino cleared his throat. “The Council thought about trying to use the Elements to our advantage, but ultimately agreed with our Lord Admiral that they were too dangerous. Dr. Manning, Dr. Verion Morrick, and Dr. Wyatt Morrick worked with our own Charybdis Station historian Leti and shaman Sebastian to devise a way to destroy the artifacts and end this cycle of pain and death.”
“It took a good while to create a device capable of destroying the artifacts,” Dr. Manning said. “However, we did it, and we have managed to destroy Air, Water, and Life’s artifacts after disintegrating their essences. Here are all that remains of them. These Elements can no longer be raised to wreak destruction on our galaxy.”
Everyone cheered, and Draif patted Leti’s knee. “You’re our Charybdis Station historian, huh?”
Leti beamed. “Fasi said we could have one of the older barracks to turn into a small liberal arts university. Advaith and some of the other professors from Vextonar are going to stay here and help me get it established.”
Ige leaned closer. “Are you going to teach Shamanism?”
Leti blinked. “Uh, I don’t know if Sebastian will go for that. Chocolate squirrels, I don’t even know if that’s a good idea. Damn it, Chad. Now it’s in my head.”
Ige grinned. “Not sorry.”
“Our last step,” Fasi said, drawing their attention back, “is to destroy the Queen’s artifact, so her soul can finally be free to rest in peace, cleansed of the evil that tainted her for so long.”
Dr. Manning set aside the broken artifacts and pulled out a solid black box. “This box is the nifty piece of tech we created. It’s truly a mix of Crellic Shamanism and technology. It uses the extremes of all Elements at once to break the artifact.”
She set it on the table, and Sebastian stepped up. “The Queen wasn’t always evil. During her natural lifetime, she brought peace to her people, had a mate, and tried her best to have a happy life. She was brave and kind. It’s time she had the rest she deserves.”
He set the artifact inside the box, closed it, then stepped back.
Dr. Manning pressed something on her tablet, and the box rose, hovering over the table. It lit up, the black glass almost transparent. Each of the flat sides of the box had an etched symbol on it. Draif assumed it was one for each Element.
The first side lit up, and the box shook for a few moments, then stilled. The next side lit up, and the box shook again. Each side took its turn until the box finally stilled and slowly lowered back to the table.
Sebastian opened the top and stepped back, gasping. A beautiful green, brown, and gold wisp floated out of the box. The colors swirled together rich and healthy.
“The Queen’s soul,” Draif whispered.
Death and Fire stepped forward, tears filling their eyes. “My Queen?”
The wisp danced around them, and Draif could almost hear a tinkling laughter. “I wonder what she’s saying.”
Sebastian grinned. “For those of you who can’t hear her, the Queen is telling her two friends to thank us for freeing her and stopping the destruction her people inadvertently started. She says she will be more than happy to rest but only when her beloved does. She plans to go to Earth and stay with him for the rest of his life cycle.”
Leti leaned into Draif’s side, almost sitting on top of Lucas too. He set his head on Draif’s shoulder and wiped his eyes. “They can’t touch each other. Won’t that be a living hell?”
Draif met Lucas’s eyes. “No. They’re together. Touch is great – in fact, it’s fucking amazing – but it’s not the most important thing. I would want to be with Lucas no matter what the situation was. I can understand why the Queen would want to go to Earth.”
The wisp slowly disappeared, and the quiet backyard erupted in chatter. Fasi held his hands up again, eyes wet. “Okay, okay. Settle down. I have a few announcements to make before we get back to eating, drinking, and making merry. First, the seven planets – or in our case, station – in the Anchors Rest System have finally decided on a leader for the Anchors Rest Defense Force.”
Ava stood and moved to stand beside him, practically bouncing in excitement.
“Our own Ava Dallinghart has agreed to accept the position as Commander of the ARDF.” Fasi laughed when everyone started cheering again. “We love Ava, and she is a fair-minded, intelligent woman who is on good terms with every planet in the system. She was essential in gaining the allies we needed to neutralize Vextonar and Rueal. Even though I hate to lose her, I can think of no one better suited to this position.”
Ava waved and walked back to her seat next to Cordelia and Quinn.
“The second announcement I have is Charybdis Station’s plan to offer aid to each of the planets that were devastated by HF. My son and our Green General, Caspian Juren, will be leading a fleet of volunteers from the Anchors Rest System to each of the planets. His lieutenant will fill in while he is gone.”
Leti clapped loudly with everyone else. “That is perfect. We haven’t been able to do much since we’ve been focusing on the Queen and HF.”
Fasi cleared his throat. “An anonymous donor handed over a large fortune to help in the aid. This money was taken straight from HF’s now deceased leadership.”
Draif shot Gus a look, but his friend just smiled innocently.
“One more announcement,” Fasi said. “Then you can all get back to the fun. When Vextonar allied themselves with HF, they sold many of their citizens into slavery. I can’t abide by that. Charybdis Station’s Blue Lieutenant will lead a small fleet of ships to find and rescue these people. We’ll offer our aid as needed, but Finn will be leaving for Rueal in two weeks. We’ll bring them home and hopefully reunite them with their families.”
The backyard filled with cheers again, and Fasi laughed as he sat back down beside Renee, taking Pepper from her.
“Well,” Leti said. “That’s a lot of work he just gave everyone.”
“You have a university to establish,” Draif said, nudging his friend. “Ava, Cas, and Finn can handle their tasks. We’ll be here if they need us.”
“Captain,” Olla said, leaning over. “Moyra’s captaining a ship in Finn’s fleet. She needs a pilot.”
Draif arched a brow. “It’s a permanent position, isn’t it?”
Olla gave him a guilty look. “Yeah.”
He gave Ginger a considering look. “Well, Ginger. Will you be the Black Heron’s pilot?”
Ginger smiled and fluttered her lashes. “If you insist.”
“Draif,” Meggie said, interrupting them. She pulled Sybil behind her. “The blood test shows you are pregnant, and you need more vitamins in your diet. When Beck, Gregor, and Mom get me repaired, I’ll scan you and let you know the gender and species of your baby, but Sybil will work with Lucas to change up your meal plans.”
Leti squealed and hugged him, while Lucas sat frozen, arms still wrapped around Draif. “We’re having a baby?” Lucas asked. “Really?”
Meggie groaned. “Do I need to repeat myself? I have a little girl to cuddle with.”
Sybil chuckled. “Go on, Meggie. I’ll talk them through their shock.”
Draif leaned back into his mate’s arms, pulling his best friend with him. He could see the future before him. He’d work hard to make the station even better than it already was, then go home to Lucas and their children.
Leti would be right next door, and they’d visit one another all the time. His dad, stepmom, and siblings would be right down the road, and the rest of his family and friends nearby.
For once in his life, he looked forward to the future. His future.
Epilogue
One month later
Draif held Lucas’s hand as they watched the large but simple wedding ceremony in the center garden of Full Moon’s neighborhood. Beol had given birth to the twins last week and had insisted on marrying Beck as soon as possible. No one was going to tell the new father no. Not when his grumpiness had increased tenfold.
Finn and a few of the others were on a portable vid-screen at the back of the guests, watching. Wyther, Yeardley, and the other volunteers were finally back from Rueal. HF had been completely eradicated from the planet. The strange-looking toad Fyrling sat in Yeardley’s lap. Coni had told him that her Mom loved Mr. Toad and completely spoiled him.
Nessa sat next to Coni, and Dannol and Meggie were nearby. Charybdis Station’s hero was back to her old, stylish self. Her two Bracken friends, Sax and Icarus, were officially a couple and had a newly adopted daughter. The little girl was one of the rescued children from Genarg, and she seemed quite happy with her new parents.
The rest of their friends and family spread out in the garden too. Draif tried hard not to notice Juniper and Tempest snuggled up together nearby. Having a sister was an odd thing. He wanted to both pulverize Juniper and thank him for making Tempest smile. Odd.
Draif settled his head on Lucas’s shoulder, then pulled his mate’s tail around to play with it. Every part of his mate was fascinating to him. He didn’t think he’d ever get tired of hearing his voice or touching his skin.
“Love, the wedding’s over,” Lucas whispered. “Can I have my tail back?”
“No.” Draif pouted. “I want it.”
Fasi dropped onto the ground next to him. “So, did you talk to Finn?”
“Honey, we’re at a wedding,” Renee complained. She carried Milo with her. “Leave him alone.”
Draif grinned. “I did talk to him. He arrived on Rueal yesterday. Crow is going to meet with him later today, and they’ll go to Malone’s estate to start looking for information.”
“Good,” Fasi said, leaning back on his hands.
Sami ran over and jumped on Fasi. “Grandpa, I saw Mr. Death kissing Val behind the big tree.”
Draif grinned and eyed Death. His clothes were askew, and he was blushing as Fire loudly announced to the crowds that Val was Death’s life mate.
Renee sighed. “That poor man gets no privacy.”
“I’m glad Val and he are staying,” Fasi said. “I was afraid he’d leave and go back to Frost Veil to set up house. It would upset Wyatt and Morgan if he left.”
Renee arched an eyebrow. “It wouldn’t upset you?”
Fasi shrugged, giving them a sheepish look. “Okay, okay. I like the man.”
Draif leaned up and kissed his mate, content to enjoy the beautiful day and listen to the chatter around them.
Part VII
The Rebel’s Mate
Book Seven
Chapter 1
The Blue Albatross, Sugarworm System, en route to Planet Rueal
Finn Sterling sat sideways in the captain’s chair, legs hanging over one armrest. His pilot, Alluva, was the only crewmember currently on the bridge.
“All I’m trying to say is this ship seriously kicks ass,” Alluva said. The Siren’s curled horns were bent over the controls as she worked through a simulation. “Our old one was nice and all, but this baby has three times the space. With our upgrades, she’s a damn fine battlecruiser and transport.”
Finn grinned. He liked the new ship too. After the last battle back home, Humans First’s fleet was decimated. Finn and his personal crew had led an ambush to take control of HF’s backup fleet, and Finn had gained a brand-new, sparkly ship.
“I wouldn’t get too comfortable.” Finn swung his feet. “We spend most of our time on the station, and the Blue Albatross will probably be repurposed when we get home.”
Alluva sighed. “Ruin my fun why don’t you?”
Finn snorted and his ears twitched. “Hey, I never get to sit in the captain’s chair, so I’ll miss it too.”
“You only get the captain’s chair when Captain Weber isn’t here.” Alluva’s laugh was cut off by the vid-com signal. “Looks like we have a message coming in from Charybdis Station.”
Finn quickly slid out of the chair and checked the time. “They’re early. I’ll take it in here instead of my office.”
“Do I need to make myself scarce?” Alluva asked.
“No, just lock the bridge doors.” Finn sat back down and did his best to look serious and official, his tail tucked around him.
The Lord Admiral’s purple fuzzy face appeared on one screen while the Blue General and the newly appointed Vice Admiral appeared on other screens.
Lord Admiral Fasi Juren grinned at him. “You look good sitting in that seat, Finn.”
Finn stroked the armrests. “I make anything look good.”
“Don’t get used to it.” Blue General Hackett raised a brow. “You’re my lieutenant, and I’m not letting you get away.”
Finn rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah.”
Vice Admiral Draif Ando hid a grin. “Anyway, we called early for a reason.”
“What’s happening?” Finn relaxed back in his seat and tucked a leg under him. “We reach Rueal tomorrow, and so far, my fleet hasn’t had any problems along the way.”
“That’s good to hear.” Fasi looked thoughtful. “While HF’s fleet is destroyed and their leadership dead, there will be lower-level supporters out there. We don’t expect any trouble from them, but they could be a hindrance.”
Finn knew his grin looked a little feral since his sharp incisors bit into his lip. “They can try to stop me all they want.”
Hack smirked. “That’s my lieutenant. Give them hell.”
Finn would love the chance. A few months ago, President Wineon, the former leader of Vextonar, sold over half of the population of her planet into slavery to help fund Humans First. By the time she was finished, the only people left on Vextonar had either been a slave or at least seventy-five percent human.
“How’s the reclamation team doing?” Draif asked.
As soon as Finn was given the mission to find the Vextonians Wineon sold, he had put together a team of research investigators to locate as many of the Vextonians as possible. There were well over over two billion, so it was quite the job.
Once they had left Charybdis Station, Halli and her group had commandeered the conference rooms on the Blue Albatross and worked in shifts, day and night.
“With the help of Gus and some of the Charybdis Station techs planetside on Vextonar, we’ve finally recovered all of Wineon’s records.” Finn gave them a tight smile. “Property is chipped and tracked, so we have a lot to work with.”
Fasi looked disgusted. “I know it’s handy for us, but damn that makes me sick.”
