Conner looked up from where he sat reading by her cot. "He's still asleep, Skipper," he reported.
"Thanks, Conner." She looked down at the sleeping Earthman with a fond smile. "I'll take over now."
The steward bowed and left the stateroom. Adena took his chair, killed the light and opened the shutters. She sat gazing out at the perpetual night, her reflection ghostly in the glass, and thought about what awaited them in Penumbra City. Erasmus the Merchant would not be happy to learn of his nephew's strange fate. But then, I have plenty to say to him on the nature of the cargo he sent aboard...
"You're here." Greg's voice came soft from her side.
She startled, then relaxed. "And you're awake at last."
"Mostly. Did we all make it out?"
"Oh yes."
"I'm glad." She felt his hand seeking hers and clasped it, feeling the hard, calloused skin of a man who'd worked with his hands for far too long. "Where do we go from here?"
Her lips twitched. "Do you mean my ship, or you and I?"
She saw him smile, and his eyes sparkled in the dark.
"Both."
"We're heading for Penumbra City, our home port. You'll love it there, Greg. There's lots to see and do, once you get better."
"I look forward to it. And... you and I?"
"We'll see." She bent and kissed him on the lips. "We'll see."
The End
About the Author
Cindy A. and Adrian J. Matthews are a married writing team who met through a mutual publisher. They have been published multiple times in SF/fantasy/paranormal and contemporary fiction. Cindy writes SF/Fantasy under the pen-name Cynthianna, notably her Doctor Who-inspired rom-com series Loving Who, and adult vampire fiction as Celine Chatillon. Adrian writes SF/paranormal/contemporary fiction as A. J. Matthews. His "Mr. Grey, Ghosthunter" series is intended for mature audiences. Together they have created the exciting world of BloodDark, a tidally-locked world inhabited by the Pure Bloods, a vampire-like race, along with abducted humans and their offspring.
Cindy and Adrian regularly attend several science fiction conventions as panelists. They enjoy chatting on many writing/publishing and sci-fi fandom topics. Adrian also creates SF/fantasy/steampunk three-dimensional artwork for sale at cons and through his Smiling Assassin Productions.
The BloodDark Series
Book One: Olivia's Escape
Book Two: Olivia's Return
Book Three: Olivia's Decision
Book Four: Fire On the Sand
