I didn’t really understand what a Nova was, but he clearly believed I was it for him. That there would never be anyone else. But that was also precisely what I’d be for Xylo if I ended up accepting him and our bond. How could it possibly work with both of them?
As thoughts of Xylo filled my mind, I realized, while I was still upset, I understood why he hadn’t told me I was pregnant. How could he have known someone else would let themselves into my room and blurt it out? Xylo had come when I called for him and protected me after he arrived, even against his own kind. I needed to clear the air with him as soon as possible, have a frank discussion about our future.
How would this all work out? I’ll be going from having no one to an instant family.
Rubbing his head against my hair, he rumbled, “What has you so silent?”
Tilting my head to the sky, I tried to collect my thoughts and feelings before answering.
“I’m lost. I’m overwhelmed by everything. I’m angry. Even though part of me wants to forgive you, I’m still hurt. You stole my choice from me—the first one I would’ve ever had—by impregnating me. I need time to process all of this. You. Me. Our offspring. And the future.”
“I understand you need time. I’m willing to give you all the time you need. Just know I’ll make it up to you. Everything will be all right when you arrive at the space station.” His arms slid tightly around me, holding me close.
“I think I need some time away from you. At least until I get there. I need some time to come to terms with things and think about all of this.”
Silence fell between us as the sound of the island filled the void.
Was he angry with me? Hurt? I didn’t want to cause any more drama between us, but I needed time. Not growing up in a family dynamic had me at a disadvantage, but I couldn’t let myself fail—this decision was too important. The future of my children’s lives depended on it.
He took my face in his hands and locked his amethyst eyes with mine.
“I’ll take care of everything. I’ll make this right, Selena. If this is what you need, then I’ll give it to you. I won’t come here. If you need me, have the escort I’m sending contact me.” He paused and brushed my hair back. “But when you arrive, you and our offspring are mine.”
“This is what I need.”
He closed his eyes as he let me go and backed away.
“Your wish is mine to fulfill. I’ll see you in thirteen days, my Nova,” he purred as he faded into nothing, leaving me alone in my dreamscape.
Chapter Nine Selena
A beep startled me awake. It couldn’t be morning already—I felt like I hadn’t slept at all. Who would be at the door at this hour?
The annoying sound trilled again, and I rolled my eyes. A groan escaped me as I stretched, feeling a lingering wooziness and the stiffness of underworked muscles. It was clear I hadn’t fully recovered yet.
A third beep had me pulling down the blanket and climbing out of bed to scramble to the door.
“Okay, okay, okay... I’m coming.”
I placed my hand on the scanner, and the door slid open.
Xylo stood, fidgeting, on the other side. A thick black wristband wrapped around his right wrist; it hadn’t been there last night. The lack of breakfast in his hands made me wonder why he was here.
“Morning?” I grumbled as I rubbed my sleep-crusted eyes.
“Morning, Selena. I know I said I would bring you breakfast, but there has been a development. I am sorry to disturb your rest, but you are needed at the hangar bay,” Xylo apologized. “I will show you around the ship and let you choose a dining hall for breakfast after we are done.”
I groaned. Couldn’t a girl sleep in?
At least he hadn’t lied; the special escort must be sitting in the hangar bay.
Biting my bottom lip, I eyed Xylo a moment before responding.
“We need to talk, but it seems now is not the time. What do I need before we go to the hangar bay?”
He let out a deep breath that I hadn’t noticed he was holding and gave me a small smile as his pupilless eyes brightened.
“Just yourself. Are you ready?”
I inspected my blue gown and tried to smooth some of the wrinkles.
“As ready as I can be.” I shrugged and exited the room. A whoosh sounded behind me as the door shut. I looked at Xylo. “Ready when you are.”
He smiled. “Follow me. We must hurry. Everyone is waiting.”
Hurrying might be a problem in my current state. I looked at Xylo for a moment in consideration, then hooked my arm through his.
“Lead the way,” I said, returning his earlier smile.
Xylo looked down at our linked arms, then up at me in shock.
“I don’t trust myself walking long distances yet—especially if we’re in a hurry. My muscles are stiff, and I still feel a little unsteady. Just make sure I don’t trip, and we’ll be all right.”
His vines shivered though they remained wrapped around his torso. He nodded. “I will not let anything happen to you.”
An awkward silence fell as we walked.
Last night’s argument must have hurt him more than I’d thought. It wasn’t the time to hash it all out, but maybe there was something I could do to ease him... Searching my mental shields, I found the strand that connected us and unblocked him.
I bit my lip as I studied Xylo out of the corner of my eye. He was staring at me. He must’ve sensed the change. I felt one of his vines—cool and smooth against my skin—snake around the arm hooked in his. Glancing down, I saw the flowered tip wrap itself around the silver bracelet.
He smiled.
We approached a set of large metallic double
