Page 20 of Temple

Janessa snorted. “I would have killed Kethen if he did that. It would take a while; his head is dense as hell. Good thing she left. That would have been extremely depressing in a universe where doting Hmrain are becoming the norm with my people.”

Zell perked up. “Perhaps I could find another.”

“They are one in fifty thousand, and only eight million of us survived. Have fun looking.” She shuddered. “There are a few who were made, but it was not a good process.”

Kethen tucked her against his chest and kissed the crown of her head. “You survived it, treasure. That is what matters, beauty.”

“The increase in flattery is indicating that my body is nearing receptivity.”

“You caught that, huh?”

“Yes, I did.” Kethen looked over at where Zell was still on the floor. “You are lucky you missed receptivity. It is maddening.”

Zell didn’t mention that it had happened twice, and he had merely rutted on her until dawn with no nanites, no semen, not even a kind word.

He was an idiot.

Janessa said, “It’s unlikely that you will find a different mate to match your frequency. The ancients are a hard fit. Both myself and Harwin were near death when we matched. Ah well. Kethen, we should be going, and Zell can plan for his next consort. I am sure she will be worthy of him.”

He flinched.

Kethen said, “Good day, brother. May your next romantic attempts be slightly more successful.”

Janessa nestled in her mate’s arms as if it was the most natural thing. Kethen stepped to the edge of the balcony, and he launched himself with his trusting mate in his arms.

Zell watched them go and returned to the room, trying to catch Sage’s scent on the pillow. The bots had been too efficient. There was no trace of her left. Had he really been her first assignment as companion? If so, things were worse than he thought. How did he find a woman in the stars who did not want him to find her? If he were her, where would he go? She didn’t have a family or a world to return to. He remembered that much. He just wished he had asked her anything else. Where would a woman with no family go when all she was trained for was the position of companion? He lifted his head. The Temple.

Chapter Five

Sage sat facing thecom. “So, Bailey says I will be back home in forty-eight hours.”

Matron grinned. “Have her bring you to the station for a drop.”

“She says her ship can make it through the shielding. It’s a tech shuttle from Bellen.”

Matron blinked. “And it’s hers?”

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