Page 32 of The Alien Who Saved Christmas
“No. It doesn’t go to the strongest or the highest rank, but to the person the previous owner decides is the most important.”
“The one they most love.” Sadie translated.
He scoffed. “This word means nothing to Rtaharions. The 1 Medallion designates the individual who must always be protected. Our father gave it to Hathgarr as a boy, and Hathgarr later gave it to me. As I told you before, he believed I was weak.”
“I doubt that’s why he gave you the special MVP pendant.”
“My brother is very difficult to deal with. He thinks me odd and wanted to ensure the other Rtaharions would shield me from disaster. Half the reason I became a soldier-for-hire was to escape his constant smothering.”
“And how did that decision turn out for you?”
Turquoise eyes caressed her face. “At this moment? I would say it has turned out extraordinary.”
Sadie slowly smiled at him.
It was Xane’s turn to clear his throat and look back at their makeshift tree. “In general, however, my reaction to Hathgarr’s overbearing ways was not wise. I was younger andmore willful. I did not think my actions through. Were I to see my brother again, I would embrace him and apologize.” He paused. “Well, I would embrace him, at least. I would wait to apologize untilheapologized, because most of our arguments were his doing.”
“That’s a lot of personal growth.” Sadie deadpanned.
Xane nodded wisely.
The control room’s overhead lights flickered and suddenly went dark.
Sadie’s eyes widened. “Uh oh. What happened, now?”
“You stole the ion-fuses for your decorating project.” Xane nodded towards the laser-dots which still blazed brightly on the tree. “I will fix them all later.”
Sadie relaxed, because he didn’t seem worried. With the swirling sand outside blocking the sun and the stark interior lighting turned off, the spaceship felt much cozier. The laser-dots on the tree provided the only light, making everything private and special.
Moving closer to Xane she sat on the arm of his chair. “This feels more Christmas-y anyway.”
“Does it?” He asked softly.
Sadie tilted her head sideways to rest on his wide shoulder. “Yep. This feels perfect.”
His two right hands moved, sweeping her off the arm of the chair and into his lap.
“Xane!”
He dipped his head to breathe in the scent of her neck. “Now, it feels perfect, wife.” He rumbled.
Shit. It kind of did.
“I’m not really your wife.” Sadie muttered anyway. She didn’t leave the cradle of his arms, though. It was very comfortable.
Xane was silent for a beat. “This holiday bush is your custom.” He nodded towards the Christmas tree, his eyes on her face. “I do not fully understand it, but its meaning is very real to you.”
Sadie nodded. “Yes, of course it is.”
“The marriage customs of my people are very real tome.” He went on. “You do not fully understand them, but that does not make them fake.”
Sadie’s brow wrinkled, thinking that over.
Xane’s fingers traced along her back, like he couldn’t help touching her. His breathing took on a slightly rougher cadence when she didn’t pull away. “I ask that you acknowledge that according to all interplanetary laws… I am your husband.”
She curved her body closer to his, considering his words.
He swallowed thickly, as she cuddled into his hold. Another hand found her hair, his claws brushing it like he still expected her to shove him away. When she didn’t, his tentative touch grew surer. The purple scrunchie holding her ponytail got stolen right off her head, so he could run his fingers through her ordinary brown curls like they were golden strands of magic.
