My fingers went over the warm hand of my husband. “Take me home. This isn’t my planet anymore.”

***

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

MATROS

The teleportation light dimmed, and we returned to the medical laboratory. My mate was in my arms fighting his sleep. A simulacrum of James, the first Omega awaited us both.

I yelled, “Remove these collars now!”

I explained what happened and handed over the recording from our collars. A thought on how I should return and kill the human lingered in my mind.

Later, I will ‘suggest’ changes to the security collars and visitation protocols. For now, I stood and kept Peter in my sight.

The simulacrum turned to my mate. “We meet again.” He pressed several keys on the holographic keyboard.

“It itches,” said Peter. “Wow… it’s like falling asleep in reverse, but not like waking up.”

The ‘James’ shook his head. “You are a great deal of trouble. Most do not fight this much.”

“What about you?” Asked Peter.

“Oh, the real James embraced it. He… was a little hesitant at first but now he’s got a full family.” He grinned softly, “There are worse things than a Volardi’s love. If you’re really lucky, you get two.”

“I uh… think I’m lucky,” he said, “but one is enough for now.”

The seriousness within the simulacrum’s blue eyes returned. “How do you feel?”

“Better. The fog in my brain is gone.”

Strange creatures with their language. The implant translated the words and overall meaning. Yet I fear he would always be a puzzle but not an unpleasant one.

The simulacrum turned toward me and held up a white medical orb. “Shall I remove the chemicals from you as well?”

My mate’s forehead scrunched. “He didn’t swallow sleeping pills.”

“No,” said the simulacrum. “However, he is on suppressants.”

My shoulders rose. “I will explain.” I turned to the doctor. “No more, shall I take them. They will run out within a day.”

“What kind of suppressants?” Asked Peter.

‘James’ spoke. “To reduce the connection.”

My voice drew out. “There are… indications you were coerced. I didn’t want more pressure…”

“You were willing to lose me even though you didn’t want to?”

I held my hand out, and he gripped it tight – almost as if he was afraid of letting go. Perhaps there are questions to ask, but for now, I wanted to be with my new mate.

***

My watery world is only hours away, yet for now, it’s at least a full rotation. My Oma is well and misses his son and is impatient to see my new mate. The Ryba have attacked a ship, and yet…