Page 53 of Rainse
"I am." He kissed me, slow and thorough. "Now shower. We have results to collect."
Fifty-three minutes later, we stood outside Pam's office. I'd changed into clean clothes—Maelis had given them to me, as she was closest to me in size—and attempted to do something with my hair. Rainse looked infuriatingly composed, though his greenskin was shimmering more than usual.
"Ready?" he asked.
"No. Yes. I don't know." I took a breath. "This is ridiculous. We know what the results will say."
"Then there's nothing to worry about."
"Then why are you glowing?"
"Anticipation," he said. "Not panic."
I laughed despite myself. "Okay. Let's do this."
The door opened before we could knock. Fionn stood there, looking far too entertained.
"Come in," he said. "Pam's standing by on holo."
Inside, Elise occupied one of the visitor chairs. Cerban and Maelis had somehow appeared as well, crowded onto the small sofa.
"This isn't a spectator sport," I said.
"It absolutely is," Cerban replied. "We've been waiting for this."
"Waiting for what? Me to be proven scientifically compatible with your brother?"
"Waiting for Rainse to finally stop being miserable," Maelis said gently. "Trust me, he's been insufferable."
Rainse shot her a look but didn't argue.
Fionn activated the holo projector, and Pam's image flickered to life above the desk. She looked immaculate as always, though there was something almost warm in her expression.
"Good morning," she said. "I assume you're all assembled to hear the results?"
"We are," Fionn confirmed.
Pam pulled up a holographic display that materialised in the centre of the room. Data streamed across the screen—complex genetic sequences, compatibility percentages, biological markers I only half understood.
"The results are conclusive," she said without preamble. "Verity Walsh and Rainse of Eynhallow are a genetic match. The compatibility rating is exceptionally high even for Hot Tatties algorithm standards."
The room erupted. Elise actually squealed. Cerban clapped Rainse on the shoulder hard enough to make him stagger. Maelis was grinning so widely I thought her face might split.
I just stood there, staring at the data.
"That's..." I couldn't find words.
"Remarkable," Pam finished. "Yours is among the highest compatibility ratings we've ever recorded."
"What does that mean?" Rainse asked, his hand finding mine.
"It means the bond will be exceptionally strong. More resilient, more intuitive. You'll be able to sense each other across greater distances, respond to each other's emotions more acutely." Pam's expression softened further. "It means you're very, very well matched."
"Told you," Rainse murmured, and the smug satisfaction in his voice made me want to kiss him and strangle him in equal measure.
"Congratulations," Fionn said warmly. "Both of you. This calls for celebration."
"It calls for paperwork," Pam corrected, but she was smiling. "Verity, you'll need to update your status with the Intergalactic Authority. You're now officially recognised as a finman's mate, which grants you certain protections and privileges. You'll also need to decide on residency?—"
