They were lost in a string of kisses when they heard thenoise of a throat clearing at the door. Raz stood in the opening, waiting forthem to acknowledge his presence. Once they turned to him, he stepped fartherinto the room.
“Council Member Wheaton, he was able to successfully launchfrom Squadron Two.”
Feeling Wheaton’s whole body tense, Poppy knew immediatelywho “he” was.
“So Demascus got away?” This question wasn’t really directedat anyone. Poppy was voicing what she already seemed to know.
“Unfortunately, yes. From our intel reports we learned theshuttle he stole has docked on a Verge Battalion ship.” Nodding to Wheaton, hecontinued, “Council has been informed of his location. We have been advisedthat no action will be taken until we complete an investigation and determinethe condition of the damaged brides.”
That sentence raised the hairs on Poppy’s arms. “Damagedbrides?” Turning angrily to Wheaton, she couldn’t control what was spewing out.“Those women are not damaged! They’ve been brutalized by Demascus, and he needsto pay for what he’s done!”
“I know, Poppy, and I agree,” Wheaton said in a calmingvoice. He informed Raz, “You can let the Council know that I agree with theneed for caution but he must be held accountable for his crimes and I expect aformal Council meeting to discuss his charges as soon as all members canattend.”
Raz bowed stiffly to the couple as he left the room. Poppylet out a tired sigh. She knew that she’d just woken up but felt as if shecould sleep for a couple days at least. Give her a warm bed with Wheaton in itand she would have to be bribed out of it with either chocolate or pizza.
“I’m so tired, Wheaton.”
“I can take you back to our apartments now but first someonewants to see you.” He walked to the door and stuck his head out. “She is awakenow and you may talk to her for a short amount of time. Then we will head toour apartment, where I expect no interruptions.”
Unsure who he was talking to, Poppy was happy and surprisedto see Val peek around his shoulder.
Standing up carefully, Poppy crossed the room and threw herarms around the other woman.
“Val!”
Hugging her back just as hard, Valerie laughed for a minute,overcome with emotion. It seemed like the better option than crying.
“Poppy, did you hear about the other brides?” Letting go ofPoppy long enough to reach behind her and tug Thorne into the room, she gaveher a sad questioning glance.
“Yes I did. Right now I’m just glad they survived.” Poppylet out a relieved sigh and noted that Val had changed clothes.
Turning to Wheaton, she raised her eyebrow. “How long was Iout?”
He took a moment to brush some hair out of Poppy’s face. “Afew hours. Rodin was monitoring you and everything seemed fine so we didn’twant to rush you to wake.”
Poppy turned as more entered the room, hoping to see some ofher new bride friends. She was surprised to see Behyr tug Hannah into the room.
“Poppy, it is so good to see you awake and on your feet,”Behyr said. Giving her a hug, he didn’t flinch when Wheaton rumbled.
Scanning her group of friends, she remembered something.“Hey, where were you and Hannah this morning if you weren’t at the Councilmeetings?”
Everyone grew silent and looked at the pair in question.
“Well—” Wheaton started, only to have Hannah interrupt him.
“Wheaton and I made it official this morning.”
When Val gasped and Behyr smiled, Poppy was even moreconfused.
“Huh?” Somebody better start talking now, shethought.
“Hannah and I officially dissolved our trial period thismorning,” Wheaton said while he tugged on one of the curls that had escapedPoppy’s messy bun.
“Thank god!” she shouted and flung herself into his arms.
Making a scene by peppering kisses all over Wheaton’sblushing face, she eventually let go of him and scooted around to a very happyBehyr, who was holding Hannah’s hand.
“And I can see I’m not the only one happy.”
“Hannah, I don’t really know what to say other than thankyou…and I’m sorry for calling you a twatwaffle.”
Val let out a burst of laughter behind her and Poppy turnedto her.
“No really. I’m sorry,” Poppy repeated as Val covered hermouth to try to hold in her laughter while the men were trying to figure out whata “twatwaffle” was.
“Um, Poppy? You never called me that,” Hannah said withembarrassment clear on her face.
Smiling widely and winking at the red-faced woman, Poppysaid, “Well, not out loud I didn’t. I’m apologizing for all the things I calledyou in my head…except for when I found out you kissed Wheaton.” When she tackedthat on, Behyr tugged Hannah closer to his side and flashed his teeth atWheaton.
Val walked toward everyone with shooing motions. “Okay,okay, everyone is best friends forever and blah blah blah. Why don’t we get outof the med center and give Rodin and Tamin some time to focus on the otherswithout us taking up space?” Valerie had resorted to using her “liaison” voiceto usher them out of the room.
"Just a moment.” Wheaton stopped everyone as they werewalking toward the door. “With all of our friends here, I believe now may bethe best time to do this.” Standing in front of Poppy, he dropped to one knee.
“What are you doing, Wheaton?” Poppy was sure she was eitherstill slightly loopy from their ordeal or not totally awake yet.
“I have watched many movies with you that have had thisparticular scene in them.” Clearing his throat, he grinned up at her.
“Poppy, you are my perfect match. I almost lost you todayand I did not realize until that happened how you have become more important tome. More than anything else in the universe. You are constantly in my thoughtswhen we are apart. You are the first thing I think of in the morning and are mylast thought before I fall asleep. I cannot imagine my life without you. Youare my little flower and I would be the luckiest warrior in the galaxy if youwould
