She reached up and caressed his cheek.
He met her gaze, a confused look on his handsome face.
“Yes.”
He still appeared bewildered.
“Yes. I’ll become your life-lock.”
A slow, sleepy grin spread across his lips. “We’ll have the procedure done first thing in the morning and Cathian can perform the ceremony.”
“Procedure? You still haven’t explained that.”
“It’s painless and quick. There’s nothing to worry about. I would never allow anything to hurt you. Trust me.”
She gave a nod. “I do.” And she meant it.
He leaned in and kissed her. He had the best lips. Gentle but aggressive at the same time. Jill opened to him—then she just as quickly broke the kiss. “I so want you right now, but I need sleep. You’ve worn me out.”
He chuckled. “I plan to do that often.”
“I don’t doubt it.”
“Thank you, Jill. You won’t regret accepting me.”
“I believe you about that, too.” She turned and allowed him to spoon her tightly in front of his body again.
She closed her eyes and smiled. Cavas could make her happy. She had faith they were both committed to making a relationship work. Another yawn hit her, and she finally drifted off.
Behind her, Cavas grinned. Jill was his.
He mentally focused on the Pods, informing them of what he’d need in the morning. He’d probably woken them, but he felt no regret. There was no way he was going to get out of bed and release his female to send those messages to his brothers or the crew. He’d make it up to the Pods later.
He needed to take Jill to medical first thing once they woke. His second heart would be implanted into her body. It wasn’t an actual one, but it would always make her carry his scent, telling others they belonged together. Cathian and Nara had done it. His brother’s human had been fine and healthy since they’d life-locked. Jill would be, too.
He’d also need a nice dress made for Jill. Humans had marriage ceremonies. He’d watched the one Raff had with Lilly, since they’d recorded it to send to her family on Earth. Cavas had been curious enough to want to see it.
A soft noise came from Jill as she slept, and he chuckled. Her little snores were cute. He kissed the top of her head and snuggled closer.
For a male who never wanted to life-lock, he couldn’t wait to do it. That was all Jill’s doing. She’d changed him inside and made him feel love. He was grateful to be able to give her all of himself.
Chapter Twelve
Jill kept touching her chest where she’d been cut open. There wasn’t even a scar to show the small incision. It was the miracle that was alien technology. The robot medic had painlessly transferred a small gland-like organ from Cavas’s chest and put it inside hers. It had been the size of a grape, with small veins that attached to her own. She hadn’t asked too many questions except to make certain it wasn’t going to make her sick or suddenly grow a beard.
It had kind of freaked her out. Not knowing all the details was better. For her.
Cavas had found it funny when she’d asked about growing hair on her chin. Then he’d patiently explained about scents, how his “second heart” would add something to her bloodstream, and at that point she’d tuned him out. She’d never liked anything to do with blood or what was going on inside the body. It all made her squeamish.
The bottom line: It wouldn’t hurt her and it made him happy.
“Are you nervous?”
She jolted from her thoughts and glanced at Nara. “A little.”
The other woman gave her a sympathetic smile. “I knew Cathian for a matter of days before I fell madly in love with him. I couldn’t imagine life without him. I was ready to sign on for life.” She paused. “I’ve never regretted it once. Did you know that I was married before?”
Jill shook her head.
“I came from a wealthy family. I was so flattered when a man swore he loved me. I believed him, and the idea of someone wanting to spend their life with me and have a family seemed like the ultimate dream. No stupid contracts to have kids. I didn’t want to pay some guy to act like he cared about me. I wanted the real thing.
“Instead, he drained my accounts after the marriage and made an absolute fool out of me. He wanted what I had. Not me.”
“I’m sorry that happened to you.”
“Me too, but it’s not shocking, is it? That’s how a lot of Earth guys are these days. So many women, so little time, and lots of money to be taken if you’re a good liar or a woman is desperately lonely. Like I was.” Nara shrugged. “Cathian is completely different from any man I ever knew on Earth. I can’t even compare them. Whatever your expectations of marriage are, up that by about a million, and expect to be loved like you’ve never dreamed. I know it’s happening fast, that might be worrisome, but it’s a whole other lifestyle out here in space. Jump in with both feet and enjoy it. Cavas is a damn good guy.”
Jill studied her, seeing nothing but honesty in her eyes. She relaxed slightly. “I know. He is a great guy. I think I already love him more than I ever thought I could love anyone. The only downside is that he’s a bit bossy.”
Nara chuckled. “Alpha male alien types are hot though, aren’t they?”
“Totally.”
Nara stepped back and glanced down. “You look beautiful. Take a peek.” She spun around and touched part of the wall. It changed from a solid color to a mirror.
Jill moved closer. The dress was off-white, something she’d have never worn, but it was pretty. Not an exact wedding dress, since she hadn’t wanted something bulky and layered with heavy material. It reminded her of something women might wear at some upscale summer party. It flattered her curves where it hugged her waist and showed just enough cleavage to be sexy.
“I love it.”
“I imprinted your medical scans, ran it through a database of dresses in the replicator, and it showed me what you’d look like in them. I loved this one best. Thank you for trusting me to outfit you for your ceremony.”
Jill studied her image. “Should I put on makeup? Do you have any?”
“No. Here’s another thing to learn about aliens.” Nara winked. “They don’t expect us to wear any of that stuff. Just being you is perfect. You don’t hide freckles and stuff in space. It just makes you more attractive to have spots.”
Jill laughed. “Got it.”
The door chimed, and Nara rushed to it. Mari stood there, wearing a dark dress. “They’re waiting. We don’t want to be late.” Her gaze locked on Jill, and she smirked. “Cavas sent Dovis with me in case you changed your mind. He’s under orders to toss you over his shoulder and carry you to the bridge. Cavas is that nervous.”
Dovis stepped behind her, coming into view. “Don’t make me do it. He’d probably hit me for touching you, even though he ordered me to. Then again, he punches like a child.” A grin softened his words.
Jill laughed. “Is that so?”
“We were only staging a fight at the time.” Dovis flashed some scary teeth. “I’m certain jealousy would motivate your male to punch harder. Do you want me to find out?”
“No.” Jill ran her hands down the dress and took a deep breath. “I’m ready to go on my own steam.”
“Let’s do this.” Nara picked up some replicated flowers that she’d brought with her and handed them to Jill. “You’re a beautiful bride.”
“There’s no, like, bloodletting or anything, right?” Jill still worried about what a wedding to an alien involved.
“You already accepted his second heart. That’s it. Worst part is over.”
“I’m not going to grow a beard, right? Cavas said no, but I think he’d lie about that. I sure would.”
Nara laughed at Jill’s question and lowered her voice as they walked toward the couple waiting at the open door of her cabin. “No, but I’ve noticed an increase in my sex drive. That might be due to the amazing sex, though. It kind of goes hand in hand.”