“Perfect,” Terri murmured. “I love you, anastha.
“And I you,” Veral purred. “Forever.”
“Quit with the lovey shit. Let’s just focus on getting to my ship,” Azan huffed. “I have a crew of miscreants—lost boys, each of them—who will have no doubt gotten into trouble while we have been away.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Wendy sighed. “Azan Petera, shut the fuck up. Let’s just enjoy the rest of our vacation.”
Terri choked on a laugh but grabbed her mate’s nearest mandible and drew his head down. His lips claimed hers eagerly, the kiss deepening as his two tongues stroked along hers. She sighed into his mouth, happiness flooding through her.
Every adventure should end with a kiss. Or so it seemed to her.
Epilogue
Azan had played it safe. It took them two months to get out to her ship. In the time since, they had dropped off Larth and Tarik, who surprisingly decided to travel together, at a nearby space station en route, and Dreth disembarked on a quiet little planet that was a little out of the way but not so far as to make Azan complain.
As much as Terri enjoyed her friend, she couldn’t feel too sympathetic when she had chosen a rendezvous point that was so far off of any travel routes that it was the outer space version of “the middle of nowhere.” Or that was what Veral alleged. Navesha and Gargoluk stayed with them longest, until they eventually also went their own way, boarding a mercenary vessel commanded by Gargoluk’s brother to bounce around the universe before they decided where they wanted to settle down.
Veral seemed to relax more as everyone left, but she had caught a fleeting look of unhappiness when Navesha left. They had gotten closer during their time in space, and she had even smacked his shoulder spine affectionally as she left. He would deny it until every star died in the sky, but she knew that as much as he loved his freedom, he was going to feel her absence and stay in communication with her. They had made their own private channel, and so now there was no chance of them being separated again.
Despite her mate’s curmudgeonly behavior toward their guests, Terri and Harahna had been enjoying all the company. Harahna especially loved the numerous arms—especially if one counted Azan—that she could be passed off to. Even Navesha had begun to warm up to the baby and was a lot less afraid of holding her, actually seeming to enjoy it every now and then. Now everyone was leaving them, and Terri could understand Harahna’s bewilderment as their crew gradually shrunk.
She missed her family.
At least winning Taka’s loyalty and affection had lessened the wound a little. The female clung to Terri in ways that made her believe Malraha mistreated the animal, but she was gaining weight and confidence. Just the other day, Krono mounted her for the first time… which came as a rude interruption while Veral and Terri were making love, their whines blending in with Terri’s cries and Veral’s growls. She had been embarrassed, but her mate had merely chuffed and told her that was the natural way of dorashnal. Krono now had his mate because Taka had bonded to Terri.
She still found it a little odd to suddenly have synchronized matings going on, but she was happy for Krono and tried to ignore it. It was just part of their family growing, even as it was shrinking.
And now they were saying goodbye to the rest of their fellow escapees from Argurumal.
The dark pirate vessel drifted with only minimal lights on. Its size made Terri think of a monster hidden in the depths of a sea. Even Wendy seemed to stare at it quietly, whereas just a short time ago she had appeared excited to return to their ship.
Azan looked down at her as she gathered their supplies, her brows rising in question.
“Ready, Wendy?”
The female sighed and nodded her head.
“Yes, let’s go.”
“If you aren’t ready to leave, I’m sure we can circle about here for a few days,” Terri offered, ignoring her mate’s dark glower.
Azan shook her head.
“I got word form one of my contacts that humans have been spotted at a famous slave port. The male who runs it is an ex-pirate who styles himself as some sort of businessman now. He owns a space station called Neverland. It’s supposed to be a place unlike any other. A dream place of leisure…”
“And where paying customers can have every fantasy fulfilled, including exclusive markets for pleasure slaves,” Wendy added. She shuddered, her expression turning bleak. “I thought it was possible that there might have been other women kidnapped. It would have been odd if Veral and my kidnappers were the only ones to have found what’s left of our species on Earth. Neverland is probably one place out of many with human captives, but we have to start somewhere.”
Azan nodded; eyes narrowed thoughtfully as if trying to puzzle out the best way to take out their enemy.
Veral growled from his station, claws digging into the armrest in a telling way as he vented his anger. Despite all their faults—and there were many—Argurma did not endorse slavery, and as far as she knew, her mate abhorred it more than any other.
He slowly released the armrest and stood as he gave a formal nod to Azan.
“I will repay your favor to us. In this venture against Neverland, if you require anything at all, comm me and I will assist you.” He paused. “It is my fervent hope that you do not require my aid, but your task is noble, and I will do all that I can.”
Azan grinned as she nudged the male on her way past.
“Thanks, growly, but I think we have it from here. If we get into a tight spot, we will comm, rest assured.”