Instead of answering, I instinctively spread my wings wide to shield Lilliana as fierce protectiveness fills me.
My mother is instantly curious. “What are you doing? Where have you been? Do you know how worried your father and I were while you were gone?”
She fires off a series of questions so fast I am unable to form an answer to any.
Lilliana’s small hand alights on my back, drawing my attention, and I lower my wings as she moves to stand beside me.
“What is this?” Mother’s eyes widen in alarm. “Who is this?”
I cannot help the smile that quirks my lips. “This is my fated mate, my linaya, Lilliana.”
I don’t miss the puzzled look on Lilliana’s face as she studies my mother. Suddenly, I remember that she cannot understand anyone but me. I can hardly wait for the Healer to fit her with a translator chip.
“I found her wandering in the desert and saved her. Twice.” I look over Mother’s shoulder into the hallway. “Where is Father?”
“Linaya?” my mother demands in disbelief as she gestures animatedly toward Lilly. “But she is not Drakarian.”
“It does not matter,” I reply. “She is my fated one. I feel it here.” I thump my fist to my chest and watch as the glowing fate bond pattern swirls brightly between my two hearts. “The Gods have blessed us. Of this I am certain.”
She blinks several times in shock before shifting her gaze to Lilly. “That creature cannot be your mate, my son.”
“But—”
Lilliana squeezes my arm to get my attention. “That’s your mother?”
I nod.
She turns to Mother and gives her a nervous smile, waving shyly. Mother continues to ogle her, stunned.
“Varus?” Lilly asks.
“Yes?”
“She looks kind of upset. What’s she saying?”
“She is happy to meet you.” The lie escapes my tongue before I can change my mind. I grin nervously.
Lilliana smiles, full of hope. “She is? She doesn’t think I look strange?”
I turn and take both of her hands in mine. “You are beautiful, my mate. Why would you ever think such a thing?”
Mother clears her throat and I spin back to face her. She crosses her arms over her chest, darting a glance at Lilliana. “She doesn’t have any idea what I’m saying, does she?”
I rub the back of my neck and hesitate for a moment before I reply. “Her species does not have translator chips.”
Mother’s jaw drops. “What kind of primitive species do not possess translating tech?”
A low growl escapes me.
“Don’t you growl at me,” Mother snaps. “Are her people even part of the Galactic Federation of Planets?”
“No,” I admit hesitantly. Before she can interject, I ask, “Where is Father? We need to find the rest of my mate’s people before the Wind Clan does.”
My mother approaches Lilliana and then gasps. “Please tell me there are scales beneath her clothing.”
I run a hand roughly through my hair. “Humans do not have scales. Or claws. Or fangs. Or wings,” I add, figuring I might as well give my mother all the stunning news at once.
“She’s defenseless?” My mother’s face is aghast. “How will she protect her fledglings?” Her eyes go wide as they meet mine. “Can she even have fledglings with you?”
I huff a heavy sigh of frustration as my mother wrings her hands, mumbling to herself about being robbed of any chance for grandchildren.
Lilliana tugs on my hand. “She looks even more upset now, Varus. What is she saying? She doesn’t like me, does she?”
My mate is as smart as she is beautiful, and I realize I cannot lie to her—not even to shield her from harsh judgment. “She’s worried that your species doesn’t have any natural defenses like ours does.”
Mother crosses her arms over her chest and sends me a pointed look. “If I were you, I would not be so eager to see your father. After you left, he was forced to explain to the Water Clan that you had disappeared, and we did not know where to find you. They, of course, took offense on behalf of Princess Noralla. Fortunately for you, she agreed to remain here until your return. It seems at least one of you is interested in maintaining the peace between our Clans.”
I clench my fists, resigned. She’s right. If my mother is having a hard time accepting Lilly, I can only imagine how Father will react.
But I cannot change the will of the Gods, nor do I wish to. My mate is perfect. The sooner we retrieve her people, the sooner we can begin our new life together.
I turn to her. “I think we should consult the Healer. He can check your wounds,” I gesture to her forearm, “and fit you with a translator chip.”
To my mother, I say, “I will speak with Father when we return.”
With Lilliana’s hand in mine, I brush past my mother to head for the Healer. We’re almost out the door when my father appears on the threshold.
“No,” he demands, “you will speak to me now.”
I meet his icy glare. When his gaze lands on Lilliana and our joined hands, his jaw drops.
“What is this?” He points accusingly. “Who is this creature and why are you holding her hand?”
Indignation burns through me and I pull Lilly behind me, shielding her from my father’s anger. “You will show her respect,” I growl. “She is my linaya.”
He blinks several times. “How is this possible? She is not Drakarian. She cannot be your fated one. No one has ever found a fated mate outside of our race.”
I tilt my chin up to meet his eyes evenly. “Then we are the first.”
Lilly peeks out from behind me. “Is that your dad?”
I nod.
Father’s expression grows thunderous. “How can you do this? Do you realize what your little rebellion could do to our alliance with the Water Clan? This could mean war between our people.”
He starts toward me and my muscles ripple beneath my scales as I struggle to keep my anger from pushing me into my draka form. Clenching my jaw,
