Beyond Midnight

|24|

Soleil

     The trip isn't too long, but the more days that go by, the more anxious I become to be on Rytaria.

     It's not that the ship is not an awful place to be, in fact, it's the complete opposite. I'm thoroughly enjoying myself here.

     With the mating mark on my neck, I've found a sanctuary in this new world I call home. I belong to Fray, and he belongs to me. The days turn into a week, and I'm still in utter bliss. It hasn't worn off, and that's a good sign.

     My Momma, despite the shock of learning that I had an alien mate, is amused at the relationship we've formed with each other. She always thought I hated men, that I never wanted a relationship. But things are different with Fray, and I hope she can see that. He's no human man, he's better in every way.

     Even though each day is much the same, I don't mind it one bit. I get to spend time with Elodie on the ship during the day, seeing all the women and children from the Group socializing with the Rytarian warriors. It's a dream come true. The amount of happiness shing on everybody's faces is amazing.

     As far as I know, almost every single woman from our community decided to join the aliens to find a mate of their own. It's amazing to watch. It's so pure and right. Watching true joy is a miracle.

     A lot of the women praise me, thank me, smile at me in passing. It's something that I'm not used to. I'm usually treated like a delinquent. But, they seem to be grateful. It's not exactly a mystery why. I don't blame them. I see many of them already flirting it up with the enormous, muscular males.

     I feel so lucky to be in the position I'm in. I'm in love, I'm living with my mate, the Commander of the ship.

     It's like I'm in heaven.

     When I wake up on the morning that we land, I'm not surprised that Fray is already gone. I remember him leaving with a tender kiss to my forehead. It had to be early, because I immediately fell back asleep.

     I stretch all my achy limbs, feeling sore but energized. My life is going to change forever today. I will finally be able to meet my new home, my new planet and civilization. I should be terrified, scared out of my mind, but I'm not.

     I've been spending my entire life waiting for this opportunity to arise, I'm not going to back down.

     As soon as I'm out of bed, I'm getting dressed quickly, excitement shooting through my veins. I rush out the door and down the hall. Before no time, I spot my target walking ahead of me, and I practically skip over to her.

     Elodie yelps in shock when I link elbows with her.

     "You scared the crap out of me, Soleil!" She shouts, shoving me away. I laugh at her. My mouth snaps shut, however, because I realize that there's real fear lurking in her eyes.

     "What's wrong? What happened?" I demand, my protective instincts rising.

      No one messes with my best friend.

     "Nothing." She's quick to say, trying to tamper back my anger, but it doesn't work.

     "Is it Locanas? Is he bothering you again?" I assume, and when she doesn't answer, I know that I'm right.

     I glare as if he's right in front of me. I'm going to kill that son of a bitch.

      I'm soon stomping away, fists at my side. Elodie is grabbing at my shoulders, a weak attempt to keep me in place. I whirl around on her, letting her see my fury.