33. Maggie

Before we reached the Indigan Clan, we were joined on the trail by Xax, the Ulistar traedor, and his mate, Amanda. She hugged me as well and grinned at Davon.

“I’m so happy to meet you,” she said.

“We just had some of your tea with Helene. She said you’ve opened a teashop here?”

“It’s not much.” She leaned into Xax’s embrace. “But I love it. We’re growing our own tea on the side of one of the mountains, and as long as I can keep the wild creatures away, it’ll keep thriving.”

Xax and Davon braced forearms, a greeting I’d become used to in Zuldruxian males. The females tapped their fingers on each other’s shoulders, and that was fun too. But it was nice to share a hug with another woman, a tradition we’d brought with us from Earth.

We continued up the trail, Amanda telling me about her shroom home that I couldn’t wait to see, plus all the food they’d been cooking in anticipation of our visit.

Shadows still lurked in Davon’s eyes at the thought of his upcoming conversation with Aizor, but once that was over, and I was sure it would go well, it would be nice to taste the Zuldruxian and Earth treats.

We left the forest and started across a big open field full of waving purple grasses topped with flowers, with insects the size of my fist that resembled dragonflies darting around. At least the bugs ignored us. I wasn’t sure what I’d do if one landed on my head.

Another Zuldruxian, a woman, and a little girl joined us, walking up the hill. The child who looked three or so rode on Khol’s shoulders, kicking her feet and telling him to go faster.

“Welcome,” Nancy told me, her smile included Davon. “We haven’t met. I’m Nancy, my mate is Khol, and my daughter is Flora.”

Flora gave me the cutest smile. “He’s my daddy.”

“He sure is,” Nancy said, her arm going around Khol’s back. She nodded my way. “Khol and I met on an island far out at sea. He saved us in so many ways, and I can’t imagine my life without him.”

I felt the same about Davon. “I’m Maggie.”

“I thought so! Talia’s sister. She’s told me all about you. Khol and I live here, though our small clan comes from the island. We spend our vacations there; it’s like going to the Caribbean whenever we please.” She winked. “If you ever want to borrow our vacation spot, let me know, and I’ll give you a great deal. ”

“That would be amazing.” I squeezed Davon’s hand. “Thank you.”

“Any time. I mean it.”

“There they are,” a woman cried out from ahead. She rushed down the hill and with a grin, gave me a big hug, pulling back to give me an equally big smile. I took in her chestnut hair with gold highlights she wore in a braid down her spine. She went around hugging the members of my Browze Clan, giving each of them a hug, even Coovik, Davon’s teenage brother who blushed and hung his head when she stepped backward. “I’m Vanessa. Welcome, all of you, to the Indigan Clan. Please, follow me.”

She led us up the hill, but I stopped when I spied the enormous teal crystal structures they called home.

“Something else, isn’t it?” Amanda said from beside me. “They’re just as pretty inside. And wait until you try out the hot spring pools inside the caves. You’re never going to want to leave.”

That was the thought. If things went well, we all planned to move in with these clans. After we’d visited, we’d gather our clan together and come to the decision as one. If anyone wanted to continue to live in the desert, they would, but I had a feeling we’d all choose to remain together.

Would this new life welcome me as easily as the desert life had? I’d soon find out.

Vanessa led us to the open area in the center of the tall crystal buildings, stopping beside a fire pit where flames danced merrily. A few Zuldruxians came out of their homes, looking our way with welcome in their eyes. So far, so good.

I squeezed Davon’s hand and put my arm around him. He didn’t shake, but I could tell he was nervous.

Vanessa’s gaze sought Davon, and I was glad when her smile remained true. “Aizor is waiting for you,” she said softly, waving to one of the crystal structures. “He’s inside our home. Can I take you to him?”

Davon grunted, his lips thinning to a harsh line.

“I can go with you,” I said.

“I must do this alone.” He turned to face me and gently cupped my face with his big palms, staring down at me with the wonder I saw each morning when he opened his eyes. He was truly as devoted to me as I was to him, and no matter where this male went, I’d follow. “But thank you.” He kissed me sweetly before he strode around me and followed Vanessa inside her crystal home.

I braced myself for shouts, but they didn’t happen. Time passed, however.

An older Zuldruxian woman brought us drinks and snacks, and we settled on gorgeous, handcrafted wooden chairs Jessia, the elder, told us Aizor had made himself.

Talia and Firion arrived on a flying ryvar, and she sat beside me, holding my hand, her other clasped within Firion’s while Zuldruxian children ran around with Nancy and Khol’s daughter, Flora, squealing until they were worn out. After that, they climbed onto laps and dozed, staring at the flames licking across the wood in the circular firepit.

Finally, Davon emerged from the crystal structure, his gaze seeking mine right away.

I rose and walked over to stand in front of him, waiting for him to speak.

“ He forgives me. ” I’d never seen Davon cry. I wasn’t sure Zuldruxians could. But it looked like tears were about to fall from his eyes.

My heart aching for my love, I wrapped my arms around him, holding him tight.

“He claimed his sword, and he told me . . .” Davon swallowed hard. “He told me I was welcome here, that life is about forgiveness and friends and the love of one person for another.” He shook his head as if he couldn’t believe it. “He’s not angry with me, Maggie. Not angry at all. I don’t . . . I don’t understand.”

“I love you, Davon. He must see the goodness in you as much as I do. It shines in your eyes. It’s present in your touch and everything you do. He saw that in you Davon. Everyone does.” Would he see it as well?

“I . . .” His arms tightened around me. “I finally realize that a decent male can make mistakes. A strong male uses them to learn and step forward.”

“You’re a strong male, Davon.” My strong male. No matter what, I’d stay by his side. I’d be here for him while he worked through this, because love had a way of making things right.

And my world was only right because this male was a part of it.

He kissed the top of my head, and for the first time since we’d arrived at the Indigan Clan, he smiled. “I am, Maggie. I’m decent. I’m strong. And I’m . . . worthy.”