38. Kerry

Chapter 38

Kerry

EPILOGUE

T he elder made the announcement and Gilard and Heldwep were banished from the clan. They were escorted to a waiting everlipe and taken to the mainland, then far across the forest. Left there, they were told never to return to the clan again. It was a harsher punishment than the one Nevarn received, but their crime was deemed even more serious.

We stayed a few days to visit with Firion before we left, cruising across the sea on an everlipe and then walking through the forest for days, stopping by the river each night to catch and cook fish and relax by the fire, getting to know each other better.

I'd found a best friend and a male I would love until my dying day, and that made me feel complete. I no longer wanted to return to Earth. My life and my heart belonged to Nevarn and Zuldrux.

In a short time, we'd reach Celedar Clan territory.

Molly skipped along the ground beside us, pausing to stand on her hind legs and sniff the air, her whiskers twitching. She was a joy to travel with, never complaining and always happy to ride on Nevarn's shoulder or in my arms. She was the best guard dog, letting us know if predators were near, and I hoped she'd choose to stay with us once we were home. I had a feeling she might.

As we walked the last stretch, huge trees towered over us. The canopy whispered in the wind, seeming to sing with happiness that the clan traedor was returning home with his head held high and happiness burning across his soul.

"I'm nervous," I said as Nevarn led me up to the tree where Helena, the clan god, resided. "It was hard enough getting used to the idea of gods sending me my food and clothing. But meeting one?"

I still wasn't convinced she was a god, but it no longer mattered. I respected the relationship she had with her clan, and I was excited—though nervous—to meet her.

"She'll welcome you," he said. "Never fear." He squeezed my hand. "She'll love you as much as I do."

We hadn't hurried to get here, but instead, had taken our time. We wanted to get to know each other better, and this was basically our honeymoon, since the Zuldruxians didn't hold weddings like humans. His wrist showed the mark of our mating, and that was all the world around us needed to say we were married.

My own mating mark had appeared on my arm this morning, and I'd cried when I saw it. In my heart, I knew we were meant for each other, but seeing the matching symbol etched delicately into my skin was like him sliding a wedding band on my finger. I couldn't stop staring at it, admiring it, which only made Nevarn laugh. Then he'd swept me up in his arms and kissed me.

We spent a lot of our travel time kissing, among other things.

Along the way, we'd played in the river together, swimming and lounging before stuffing ourselves on fish beside our campfire. We'd only walked a few hours each day, preferring to lay back in meadows full of flowers, make love, and talk about our hopes and dreams for our future.

But now it was time to open a new chapter of our lives and for me to see if I fit into his clan.

He didn't knock on the side of the tree, but simply placed his palm on it. The bark split down the middle, and the sides slid away to reveal a dark opening the size of a small door.

If he hadn't convinced me they lived inside the trees, I would've shaken my head, stunned. Instead, I stepped inside with him.

The outer panels closed, and we continued forward.

Voices echoed ahead of us where light bloomed, along with laughter. Was Helena entertaining guests?

The voices sounded like . . .

My breath caught. "Women. Women!"

The laughter came to a halt.

"Who's there?" someone called out.

"Is that Helena?" I whispered, leaning into Nevarn's side.

He sent me a tusky smile and nudged my side, urging me forward. "Why don't you go find out who it is?"

I hurried out into a big open room with a throne mounted on a platform on the opposite side. The ceiling vaulted up at least twenty feet, and the smooth wooden walls had been carved with flowers, birds, and various other creatures.

But what drew my eye were the two human women sitting at a table with a statuesque, godly-appearing female wearing a deep blue gown almost the same color as the tree around us.

The two women stood so fast, their chairs rocked backward. They stared at me in amazement before sharing big grins.

"Go, mate. Join them," Nevarn said softly. He kissed my cheek and stroked my hair. "I'll be right behind you."

After squeezing his hand, I rushed forward, into the arms of the other women—bonded mates to wonderful Zuldruxian warriors.

I hope you enjoyed Kerry & Nevarn's story!

Next in the series is Firion & Talia in

Cherished by the Alien Outlaw

Do you feel bad for Khol, Nevarn's old friend?

Well, he has his chance to find a HEA

in Khol, part of the Rescued by the Alien shared series.