“Haylie.”
She ignored Kamran’s disapproving tone. He wasn’t surprised.
“Very well, Ms. Bond. But be prepared that they may not see you.”
“Please let them know the ambassador and I will arrive shortly. And Michaels, get yourself and your friend to a doctor.”
The councilwoman and the two guards left silently. She turned and faced him, her face not betraying any emotion.
He didn’t want her doing this. He didn’t need to prove his innocence any longer.
He’d been able to find the proof of Ray’s collaboration with the Ecada in his apartments. “You don’t have to do this. They know Ray was the cause of everything.”
“I know. But I need to see them. I can’t explain why, but it’s important. Call it woman’s intuition.”
“I know better than to argue. I don’t want you to cause yourself any further injury.”
“I’ll be careful,” she said.
Kamran watched as she scooped up her battered uniform and began to fight with the cumbersome IV. He moved from the bed and took her hand in his. She flinched when he removed the needle. He took extra care as he covered the wound with a bandage. His body thrilled at the contact, as innocent as it was. His cock hardened, sending ripples of desire throughout him. He watched as her nipples tightened under the sheer hospital shirt. He leaned in and kissed her again. There was something different in the kiss. Something changed between them in the melding of lips and 163
tongues. The passion was white hot, yet calmer. When she pulled back, there was no mistaking what he felt. He loved her.
“I have to get dressed. We don’t want them sending more guards after you.”
“I’ll wait outside.” They both knew why.
Haylie’s hands shook as she dressed, making the process slower than normal. She was sure if any evidence remained against Kamran, they could easily disprove it. Then he’d be free to go about his life, as was she.
Fate was no longer meddling in her life.
A quick look in the mirror proved frightening. She was white as death, her hair a nightmare of tangles and knots. Nothing she could do about it now. She walked into the hall, madly combing her fingers through her hair and forcing it into a clip she’d found on the counter.
Kamran checked her over, brushing his fingers over the bandage on her neck. “It’s not too late to back out. You need to rest.”
“Let’s get this cleared up first. Then you can take me home.”
He raised his eyebrow, but said nothing further.
Her legs screamed at her as she walked the length of the station to where the Briel Elder Council had their chambers. Kamran slowed his normal pace so she wouldn’t have to fight to keep up. They had to stop once when she was overtaken by a coughing fit. A multitude of guards, both Briel and human, held their posts at regular intervals in the hall. Each acknowledged her as they passed. The walls were marked with blast marks and blood.
She slowed even more to survey the damage. “I had no idea.”
“Taber said the Ecada breeched the outer defenses and headed straight for here. If you hadn’t killed Ray when you did, the council would have been wiped out.”
No one tried to stop them as they approached and entered the chamber. Haylie was shocked at what she saw. The room was very large, filled with what looked like tropical plants. A small stream flowed behind seven large chairs, each one holding a Briel councilwoman. The air held the hint of floral freshness, but it was tinged with blood and burned metal. They’d been lucky.
The one who sat in the center, who, by Haylie’s eyes, looked to be the oldest, spoke.
“Ambassador, you know our feeling regarding outsiders.”
“My apologies,” he said as he bowed deeply. “Haylie has come to offer support and evidence if need be as a representative of the humans. She is their chief of security.”
The elder stepped down from her chair and approached them. Haylie watched fascinated as long pale blue robes flowed behind her. The woman stopped directly in front of Haylie.
“We know who she is,” one of the elders said, but all eyes were on her.
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“You use her first name. Is such familiarity necessary, Ambassador?”
“We are close, Elder.”
The older Briel narrowed her eyes, leaned in and gave Haylie a hard stare. Haylie tried to keep the eye contact, but was amazed when she looked away after a minute. No wonder women like this led the Briel people.
Kamran cleared his throat. “Elder, if this is regarding the charges brought against me, may we proceed immediately? I fear Haylie’s injuries are greater than she led me to believe.”
The elder straightened and took a step back. Haylie felt every muscle in her body start to relax.
“No.”
Kamran looked at Haylie. Even his ambassador’s mask couldn’t hide his surprise.
She had to do something.
“Elder, we know Kamran isn’t guilty of committing treason. We have eyewitnesses, other than myself who will confirm Ray was the instigator in these aggressions, the bombing of your people and other strange occurrences here on the station.”
The Briel laced her fingers together and lowered her gaze once more at Haylie.
“Your proof, while appreciated, is not necessary.” The elder paused, her lips tightening slightly. “The council has dropped all charges of treason against you, Ambassador Kamran.”
“Thank god,” Haylie whispered.
She felt tears fill her eyes but fought against them. She never cried and wasn’t about to start now.
The elder smiled before continuing. “Now we just have the matter of your relationship to discuss.”
Haylie snapped her gaping mouth shut.
“If you thought we were not aware of what was going on, you are losing your keen perception, Ambassador. Perhaps we should reassign you.”
“With respect, Elder, we were not purposely trying to deceive the council. Haylie and I,” he took her hand and gave it a squeeze, “we were not entirely sure what was going on.”
Haylie swallowed, her love for him washing through her. She couldn’t let him lie for her.
“Elder, that’s not the entire truth. We suspected that we had become bonded.
Kamran told me about Briel relationships and that we would be required to return to Briel. I wasn’t willing to throw everything away and follow what I considered a whim.”
“That’s not true, either.” Kamran turned to her and planted a kiss on her hand. “I wasn’t willing to take the chance that I’d meet my Briel mate after we’d solidified our relationship.”
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“Are you leading this council to believe that you are no longer concerned with this, Ambassador? What if you meet your Briel mate tomorrow?”
Kamran turned to face Haylie. He cupped her cheek with his hand. She closed her eyes, simply enjoying the contact.
“I’ve already met her.” His voice was confident.
Her hands began to tremble. Reaching up, she threaded her fingers through his hair, stroking lightly before reaching up on her tiptoes and lightly kissing his lips.
Before she could pull away, his hands trapped her body, his mouth opening wide to deepen the contact. She could feel his body tremble against her, his touch full of need and desire across her neck and down along her back. When they finally broke the kiss, Haylie was left panting, her body shaking with need. Their bond may be gone, but they still shared a connection.
And she loved him very much for it.
Haylie heard the elder clear her throat. She felt the heat flood her neck and face.
How could she have forgotten the elder stood before them?
The elder looked past them. “I thought you said their bond was broken?”
Haylie turned at a noise behind her.
“It was when they killed Ray.” Taber said as he approached from the door.
“You should be resting, my friend.” Kamran reached out to offer Taber support.
“My wounds are healing quickly. The council asked me to attend.”
“Ambassador,” The elder’s tone was crisp, “please continue with your explanation of the nature of your relationship with this woman.”
Kamran didn’t answer at first. Haylie watched him closely, her breath held fast in her lungs. He smiled at her and her heart sang. She didn’t need their bond to recognize that look.
“Haylie and I love each other. While we may not be bonded anymore, I would ask her to become my partner.” He brushed his thumb against her bottom lip. “That is, if she would agree.”
She’d fought against this her whole adult life. Resisting any chance to become close to someone. Careful to protect her heart from the pain her father had experienced. But when she looked at Kamran, she knew she didn’t have to worry about it. He would never hurt her. At that moment, Haylie knew everything would be okay.
A tear streaked down her face. “Yes.”
“Then it seems we have a most peculiar problem before us. A Briel and a human, who are not bonded wish to remain together as husband and wife. The council needs to discuss this. Please wait outside the chamber for our decision.”
The woman spun around with amazing grace and returned to her seat.
“What does that mean?” Haylie whispered to Kamran as they left.
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They were escorted out of the chamber and the doors were shut behind them before he answered. “I’m not sure. I don’t think this has ever happened to my people before.”
She stopped herself short. Her fingers wrapped around his arm. “What if they try to separate us? You said they don’t approve of outsiders.”
“It’s okay, love. It doesn’t matter what they say. I love you and I won’t leave you again. If I have to resign my post, I will. I’m sure I can find something else to do on the station.”
Haylie leaned her head against his chest, taking solace in the steady beating of his heart. “I love you too.”
They stayed that way, wrapped in each other’s arms, until Taber emerged from the chamber.
“They’ve reached a decision.”
For once, Haylie wished Taber was more of an emotional open book. They didn’t have to wait long to know the verdict. They were no more than two steps in the door when the Council leader spoke.
“I have seen many bonded Briel in my lifetime. Many of whom never cared for their mate even half as deeply as what the two of you seem to share.”
This is good
. Haylie tightened her grip on Kamran’s arm.
“It is the decision of this council that you may be married. Further, if you so desire, you may also be re-bonded.”
Haylie couldn’t move.
“How is that possible?” Kamran’s disbelief echoed her own.
“The council has knowledge of rituals that are not widely known. There are things our doctors have learned about our biology that are best kept from the public. We keep it secret to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. Several years ago, records from one of our high security council databases was stolen. I wouldn’t be surprised to discover if Ray had somehow come into contact with it.”
“And a part of the information from this database has a way to recreate our bond?”
She couldn’t believe her ears.
“It won’t be exactly the same. But that is not what is important. The question is, do you wish it? There would be no walking away from the relationship once the ritual is performed.”
Haylie wanted it. Without doubt or reservation, she wanted it. She turned to Kamran and smiled.
“I’m game. How about you?”
* * * * *
Kamran whistled as he made his way down the long corridor toward the bazaar. It was a new skill he’d acquired. One that he took great pleasure in.
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Candles.
He had to wait in line at his favorite Briel eatery before he was able to pick up his order. The wine was nicely chilled, causing the skin of his arm to pucker under the cold.
It had cost him a small fortune to have it shipped all the way from Earth. But he knew it would be worth every penny.
Silk.
The common area that once held Briel and humans separated now embraced a new formed respect for each other. The rebuilding project was well under way for both the structures as well as the people. The colony had sustained extensive damage during the attack, with very little remaining unharmed. Many had lost friends and family in the attack. But both the Briel and humans alike were stronger as a result. Their futures would be brighter.
The gray of the walls was gone. Many people were gathered around painting the walls. One of the far walls held a collection of pictures, flowers, trinkets, reminders of those they had lost.
Kamran smiled at the sight knowing they would all be okay. Nodding a greeting to several soldiers he recognized, he smiled before departing home. He had plans this evening that couldn’t wait.
Ropes.
He smiled at the lone guard that stood just outside his door.
“Ambassador Kamran.”
“Haylie and I wish to spend a quiet evening at home tonight.”
Not that quiet, Ambassador.
“Of course, sir. We’ll ensure that no one bothers you.”