Page 21 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol 2
“What’s there to prepare, really? As always, the boys won’t want our beds. They’ll crash in the living room on their inflatable mats. But you’re right, we can definitely cook something real for them—a nice break from those awful nutrition bars they eat in space. Just the thought of nibbling on dried-up tablets day after day makes me queasy.”
“What I really couldn’t handle is being cooped up all day in their tiny little ship. No trees, not even a breeze…”
“You’re right. But it’s the life Logan chose. And he seems happier that way than he ever was here. And Ayden—well, Ayden is not only a charming young man but also ridiculously good-looking. Do you think Logan would’ve told me if there was something going on between the two of them?” she asks.
“I don’t know, Mom. Logan keeps that stuff to himself.”
That question really throws me off. Why have I never thought of that before? They’re always together. And Ayden is—let’s be honest—absolutely irresistible. Maybe I never considered it because I’m drawn to him and I don’t want to imagine him with someone else?
Then I remember that one time when my brother called us from the cockpit of their ship. He was alone, laughing, saying Ayden was “busy with a curvy brunette” back at the base. I’d felt a sharp stab of jealousy before brushing it off and telling myself it made perfect sense.
But now that I think about it again, I feel reassured. Logan and Ayden are just partners. Loyal friends. Nothing more.
Even so, the thought of having feelings for Ayden feels like a betrayal to my brother.
“Anybody home?” Logan’s voice suddenly booms through the house.
“Oh, baby boy!” Mom gasps, dropping the spoon she was holding.
“Baby boy… not so much anymore!” he laughs, wrapping her in a one-armed hug. “Hi, Mom.”
“Oh my goodness, what happened to you?” she asks with concern.
I quickly scan my brother and notice one of his arms is in a composite brace, held up by a sling.
“Nothing serious, don’t worry,” he replies, grinning mischievously. “Just figured out a clever way to score a few weeks off!”
Still worried, my gaze darts toward Ayden, who’s just stepped through the doorway. I give him a quick once-over and silently exhale in relief. He’s perfectly fine.
“Hey, short stuff,” Logan greets me, planting a kiss on my forehead. “You’ve grown again.”
“Give me a break,” Ayden scoffs. “Hey there, kiddo.”
“I’m not a kid anymore!” I shoot back, glaring at him while puffing out my chest.
Was that a flicker in his eyes when he glanced at my chest? Maybe I imagined it. He immediately comes back with:
“Pffft. You’re knee-high to a grasshopper.”
“I’m not short, you two are just giants. I’m seventeen Polar years old now!” I announce proudly.
“Hello, Olivia,” Ayden greets my mom, turning to her with a smile. “As Logan said, we’ll be around for a few weeks until his arm heals. If you prefer, I can find a place to stay in the colony so you can have some family time.”
“Ayden, are you seriously insulting me?” my mom exclaims. “You’re part of the family. Of course you’ll stay here! Unless the comfort level is beneath you, of course,” she adds with a teasing tone.
“Mom, we sleep in drawer pods,” Logan laughs. “Anything’s more comfortable than that! So… what’s cooking? It smells amazing.”
While Mom starts listing everything she’s made for the feast, my eyes wander to the man who’s taken up way too much space in my thoughts lately. Is it just me, or is he even more muscular than the last time I saw him? No, it’s not just in my head. Both he and my brother have bulked up.
Ayden’s got dark hair, unlike Logan’s golden-blond. They’re both tall—easily a full head taller than me.
I find myself comparing how they’ve changed over the years. Logan used to carry so much frustration and bitterness, but now… he’s calm, solid—like Ayden.
That shift fascinates me. They both seem unshakeable, like sentinels standing between the galaxy and chaos.
And yet, I can never read what they’re thinking. That quiet strength they carry only adds to their mystery.
Suddenly, a deep, dark gaze catches mine, catching me red-handed checking him out. Crap.
