We have this, he says, this mental link. And we have each other.
He’s so right. A few months ago we were bound for a slave auction without a friend in the world and nothing in our future but misery. I’ve found a way to contribute doing something I love. I have two males who love me and whose only desire is to protect me. We have friends and love and more blessings than we can count.
I lean to kiss Bayne’s nose. Before I knew there was a Bayne, this is how I kissed WarDog. I got over the fact that it wasn’t hygienic the first day I met him. It’s our special thing. “I love you too, WarDog.”
Love.
Is that you, Wardog? Really? We can communicate?
Yes. You’re mine, Willa. My forever mate. I’ve loved you since the first moment we met.
And I you, big guy. And I you.
Epilogue
Two months later . . .
Willa
“Now that we’ve killed over a hundred tarantu-scorps, this is a pretty peaceful planet,” I tell Bayne as we tramp through the woods.
“Yes, Love.”
Have I told you lately how happy I am? I ask, a close-lipped smile stretched across my face.
I believe you mentioned it before, during, and after we made love this morning.
Am I mistaken or is there a slightly smug look on his face?
We hear a noise to our right. I’m not sure I heard correctly, but one glance at Bayne’s ears which are pricked in that direction tells me something’s out there. I grab my laser pistol more tightly as he nocks an arrow, but we both stand down when we see a little squirrel-like animal scurry across the forest floor.
We go hunting first thing almost every morning. Well, first thing after we make love. I remember being envious of Dr. Drayke and his mate Nova for how well they worked together due to their psychic connection. I never thought how handy it would be in the sex department, but being able to silently tell your partner when you want it softer or harder or a little to the right ensures maximum bedroom pleasure.
I wink at Bayne and he squinches both eyes at me in response. I don’t know how a guy can be huge and masculine yet be adorable at the same time. Somehow, he pulls it off.
Our hunting trips have become fun for me. As long as I’m armed with a laser and not a bow and arrow, I feel confident when we hunt the tarantu-scorps. Actually, I feel more than confident, I feel competent—and proud that I’m pulling my weight.
It feels great to know we’re ridding our forest of the creatures. It was a lucky break that Fairea was getting bad intergalactic press about the deadly animals—it was affecting their tourism.
It turns out Zar was correct in surmising that the tarantu-scorps, well he used their correct name, but I couldn’t possibly pronounce the word he used, were not native to this planet and have been causing havoc since Khour brought them here a year ago. They had no natural predators and their population was expanding at an alarming rate.
The selfish asshole had them brought in for his hunting pleasure, not giving a damn that it upset the ecosystem for miles around.
The bounty we collect for every kill has been a bonus for our little band of friends at Sanctuary. We even collected credits for the ones we killed at the campsite after Callista forwarded satellite pictures to the Fairean authorities.
Every single one of us has worked our asses off over the last eight weeks—those that can. So’Lan is still recuperating in the infirmary, but thankfully he’s progressing every day. One day when Bayne was visiting him, he asked if So’Lan would like to meet WarDog.
When he explained that it was actually thanks to WarDog that Bayne had discovered him barely alive in that black cell and that it was his canine that had ended Khour, So’Lan readily agreed. Now he asks for Bayne to shift every time he’s there. Turns out that my big scary four-legged warrior has the heart of an emotional assistance animal. Well, I knew that, and I’m thrilled he’s now helping someone else find comfort and strength.
Before we moved down here, I spent countless hours talking to Star, who’s in charge of the hydroponic gardens on both ships. We poured over the Intergalactic Database and found some hearty fruits, vegetables, and legumes that will grow well here on Fairea. The timing couldn’t have been better because we arrived at the perfect season to plant our crops.
Not only am I having a blast cultivating crops that I hope will get us through next winter, but I’m also working on animal husbandry, too. My ultimate goal is to raise enough arlacks to sell at the local market. For now, we’ve bought enough to begin a herd as well as feed everyone in the compound. They’re as big as cows, but not quite as docile, and their favorite grasses just happen to cover our sizable south pasture.
Their meat is delicious, and their hides are strong and supple. Dawn said she met a male in the market when she takes in the extra eggs to sell, who works with leather. Sounds promising.
With Bayne’s support, I’ve decided to achieve my dream and work toward my veterinary degree. It’s a big step, and the program doesn’t start for several months, but I’ve already been accepted.
My dyslexia was always a handicap, but this program is taught mostly by vid on the Intergalactic Database. The tests aren’t timed, and with the use of the translator function, I’ll be able to keep up with all the other students. There’s a college nearby where twice a year an instructor will provide hands-on training. Although it won’t be easy, I know I can do it. The prospect
