Page 43 of Golden Darkness

He laughed softly. “I didn’t.”

“No, but you were going to. I can tell.”

He hugged her gently with the baby in her arms. “You will make an excellent mother. Your instincts are spot on.”

“If it happens, it happens. If not, we can have fun trying.”

He grinned and nibbled at her neck while she tried to keep a relaxed grip on the heir to a planet.

Three hours later, the baby’s parents arrived and took her over. The suspended jewel was handed over, and Mrkana put it on her forehead as she held her daughter. The gem glowed softly, and Janessa leaned against Kethen.

Mrkana looked at her mate, and he cuddled in close, and they stood in a huddle that was recorded into the new crystal.

Janessa and Kethen stayed for dinner and then returned to the shuttle. They were up and away before the suns had set.

Chapter Nine

Janessa curled up against Kethen. He had been all sweet and golden-eyed when they got back, and his instincts had led to hours of coupling and an exhausted drop of Janessa against him. She was gaining stamina, and he was still getting enough to upgrade his skills to the edge of psychic activities.

Janessa started to feel whispers along her mind, and she knew it was him. It had the slow, lazy warmth she felt when he was near her.

She opened her eyes and looked up at him. He was watching her, smiling down at her.

“Kethen, how long am I going to sleep now?”

“Is any of my contribution seeping out of you?”

“Um. No.”

He nodded. “Then three or five days while you continue to be rebuilt.”

She snorted. “I feel like an old truck that ends up being a classic.”

He cocked his head, and she explained the concept of classic cars.

“Ah, yes. When the restoration is complete, you will be in perfect condition. All traces of contamination or defect will be expunged. You will be the best your genetics can ever be. That is the state you will pass on to our offspring.”

She laughed weakly. “That sounds interesting. Where will we be when I wake up?”

“Near our home. Then, you will be able to walk your own world and make a new home for yourself. The Kethic will be only too happy to help you.”

She yawned and pressed her head to his chest. “You will be busy?”

“Never too busy for you, Pet.”

She nodded off and wondered how many days she would lose this time?

Janessa sat on his lap for her final meal onboard. She liked the way they prepared the meals, and she inclined her head to the cooking staff, and they grinned back.

Kethen asked, “Did you sleep well?”

“I think so. Am I taller?”

He kissed her shoulder. “Perhaps.”

She smiled. “Is this kind of food traditional on your worlds?”

“You like it?”