Chapter 16

e have a planet in our system that turns to ice most of the annual cycle around our central star. The inhabitants must retreat to space to survive during the warm seasons. Our galactic empire has helped to build a massive space city that is situated like a moon around the ice planet Frio."

"The Frio people adapt to space and can walk with minimal protection. They engineer and build many of our outer space defenses and detection shields. Like the one around Gia." Flame said as she scrolled through the hologram screen on her wrist.

"You mean the Frio people can withstand the pressure of space?" I asked, blown away by the thought."They are resilient, naturally living in freezing temperatures. Their body can pressurize to deep depths and space. They are solid but fragile in heat. So, they wear a layer of sun-flare-resistant clothes and can hold their breath using the oxygen in their blood to feed their body when they spacewalk. It gives them the agility to construct and build in space efficiently and fast.We delivered supplies and protection while they engineered and constructed for us or our galactic planets. So, I have commissioned the Frio people to come with their portable cities to Laverian and Tarin to make a defense shield similar to Gia. Because these planets are on the border of Kane's universe."Flame was lost with her wrist hologram: "I have handpicked a crew for us on your ship, Darah. Did you name her yet?""Stealth, Davis," I said proudly as we walked with the crowd leaving the council room."That is a nice way to honor your family," Flame said as I rubbed my thumb back and forth while we held hands."Great! I officially logged your ship's new name into our system. We need to ascend to the port and ensure last minute supplies are stalked. I will do pre-launch checks with you to review our upgrades." Flame tore her gaze away from the hologram to make eye contact with Terek and me as he stood beside me.I was glad we are moving forward to fight and save all those people.After a long day and evening of preparing my ship. I fell asleep and was happy to visit with my family in my dream. I was glad I didn't dream of that crash anymore. The burnt engine and asphalt smell haven't tortured my soul for a while.In my dreams, I saw my family standing with the Goddess, looking at a cylinder floating between them like a table with no legs."What are you looking at?" I asked as I walked up to them. A misty cloud seemed to surround us all.My mom looked at me with a big smile. Her eyes were happy to see me."Darah, you're here. I am so glad to see you, dear."My Dad pulled me into a big bear hug. I couldn't help the tears that rimmed my eyes. I missed them all so much. I was grateful to be able to visit like this, even if it was only in my dreams. This was more than I could hope for, and I cherished it."I like your hot new friend." My Brother Jason said as he took his turn hugging me."It's so good to see you, dork," I said as he stepped away from hugging me."I miss you too, big sis." Jason looked amazingly. He was a handsome young man and somehow buffer than he was in real life on Earth."Hello, Darah." The Goddess Harmony greeted me with her ethereal smile. Everyone, including myself, was dressed in white. We all seemed to resemble the cloud of mist that surrounded us."Hello, Goddess Harmony. Thank you for allowing me to visit my family."I was so unbelievably blessed. No words will ever convey my gratitude for everything Harmony has gifted me."No need to fuss over such a simple thing. Besides, I genuinely enjoy your family. We are fast friends." My family looked at me as the Goddess spoke."Part of being in the realm of the Gods means my close friendship with the people of the planets has been hindered, and my suppressed powers limit me from using visions for communication. I need assistance from other gods to appear as a hologram, and gods are usually busy." Harmony said somberly."I miss the ability to hang out and fellowship among friends. Having your family here is not typical, but my father, the great creator, allowed this special exception just for me." The Goddess smiled, and my knees felt like they would buckle from her attention's impact on me."It works for your family, too, because they like to be able to check on you. My father allowed me to take you from Earth. Now I can have you assist me in saving the Hecat universe from the Kanenites."The Goddess Harmony smiled sweetly as she looked at each of us."Yes, we are tickled pink to be able to check on you, Darling." My Dad said as he smiled brightly at me."Here, check this out. We can zoom in on anything. It is wild." Jason insisted I look at the floating disk table thing.I walked up next to my brother, who was staring at the display that showed Flame organizing my ship and assigning crew duties—doing final inventory checks."She is super-hot for an alien chick," Jason said."Some things never change," I said as I elbowed him playfully."Yeah, Yeah, but it turns out you seem to be batting for both teams now, as you think she is hot too," Jason said, wagging his brow at me, teasing me.I felt heat flush my cheeks. "How much do you guys see?" I asked."We respect your intimate private moments and stay clear from seeing things we know you would be uncomfortable with. I like Terrek. He truly loves you, and I am thrilled you can finally be happy." My mom beamed at me with pride.I looked at the Goddess Harmony. "Explain why I feel things for Flame when I know I love Terrek?" I asked, wanting to get to the root of things.Hecat appeared out of nowhere and laughed, "Yes, love, do explain." Where did he come from? I thought, startled.He stood taller, towering over Harmony as he grabbed her hand and pulled her close, lifting her to his lips. Harmony rolled her eyes at Hecat.This god's presence and power hit me like a punch of energy. It was hard for me to look upon them. His pale skin glowed bright enough to mute out the definitions of his muscles and features. I hit my knees and covered my eyes."Hecat, you're too much! Please beware of your power." Harmony chided."Of course, my love, my apologies. I just wanted to pop over and give you a quick kiss before I continue with my duties."His powerful presence somehow diminished enough that I could stand up and clearly saw the couple before me. Hecat was handsome, and every inch of him was muscles, mite, and strength.His long blonde hair was pulled up into a braid. He only wore a leather kilt elaborately woven and stitched to look like armor attire. Somehow, this God was incredibly intimidating, even with his kilt. He turned and stared at me. I almost sank to my knees again when his glowing blue eyes met mine."Thank you Darah for helping my Harmony save my universe, I am working on correcting wrongs as well. I need to get back to my duties now. I am honored to have you a part of our universe. I will favor you and your family for all time."With a charming smile, Hecat disappeared before my eyes. The lingering power that held me captivated dispersed. I took a deep breath and focused on Harmony."He can really be too much, but he is working on it. He doesn't usually interact with the beings of his creation. However, he is trying because he knows it is important to me." Harmony reassured me."I am speechless but looking forward to knowing you both. I am honored by the blessing." I said, humbled."Shall we continue now?" Harmony asked.Hecat suddenly returned and stood near Harmony, this time his presence was not overpowering me."Yes, Please, Goddess." I was eager to understand."Darah, my mother is the Goddess of love and is responsible for true mates, soulmates, divine fated mates. I dare not say her name. My mother is as strong as my father. Some say she may be even more powerful. "In a hushed tone, she continued."I will not speak my father's name, saying their names are too risky. All Gods covet the power of their name. Being their daughter is also a secret that few know.My mom has a sense of humor, but the one law that binds us all is her mating decree. She pairs souls together, and there is no breaking that design." Harmony was speaking as she playfully said."Believe me, I had tried to alter my mother's decree when it came to me. But alas, mother does know best." Harmony leaned into Hecat and gave him a gentle kiss."The Gods can create chaos when they mess with things they shouldn't," Harmony said sternly, looking at Hecat."For example, on the planet of my creation, many people died when a queen was killed because of the antic of that God." Harmony wiggled her pointer finger at Hecat accusingly.I have forgiven him, but my heart hasn't healed wholly over all my losses. My mother had designed those souls who died on my planet to be paired with their true mates. This caused devastation on my planet. The living lost hope, and the population was doomed to become extinct after the death of so many." I noticed an expression of shame cross over Hecat's features."If an un-mated pair were separated by death before they meet and cannot claim each other. My mother will create another mate for the surviving half of the soul. The Goddess of Love could not create mates for the survivors on my planet, so my father and mother worked together to create true mates that my planet could use."Now, my planet has true mates that will eventually become reincarnated, and when they bond in future lifetimes, they will bond in groups when they choose to return together. Eventually, in future reincarnation, they will all unite and become mates.""I think I am more confused now," I said, staring at Flame through the disk, trying to understand the butterflies in my chest."My dear Darah, you have more than one soul as your divine mate. Flame and Terrek were destined to be together in Hecat's universe. Time is a concept that is different between worlds and the universe and especially between God's realms and the planets.When you were born, my mother saw that I would choose you. She saw the mess Hecat made of my world. She made Flame and Terrek, your destined mate. You each carry a sliver of each other's soul, and after meeting one another, you recognize your bond and become mated." Harmony's lips grew in a tight line."I am still angry at my mother for not warning me of Hecat and his ultimate damage to my world."Hecat pulled Harmony in for a hug. "I am forever sorry I hurt you. I will spend eternity making it right." He pleaded with Harmony."Wait, what did you just say?" I snapped at Harmony in shock."Don't worry, dear. It's a good match. My mother does not fail with her mating selections." Harmony said, not looking at me as she stared lovingly into Hecat's eyes."Flame is an impressive gal. I am happy you have two strong partners to help keep my baby girl safe, happy, and loved." My Dad said."Agreed, they both have gumption enough to be your partners. I am eager to see what color eyes my future grandbabies will have: red, black, or blue?" My mom chimed in, staring at my dad conspiratorially."Grandbabies?" this is all too crazy, and somehow, my future love life overwhelmed me.I felt anxiety rise. My chest tightened, and my palms sweated. The pounding of my heart thrummed in my ears. I saw Terrek in my mind, and I was certain I love him. I looked at the display disk and watched Flame as she worked.I was attracted to her, and she sent heated vibrations of lust throughout my body. I really liked her and our budding friendship. I just never envisioned falling in love with two people simultaneously. When I think about Flame, Terrek, and I all together, desire enveloped me, and I wanted that. I craved it. I would not let cravings hurt Terrek, though."I love Terrek, and I don't want to complicate that. I already chose Terrek. I consider us married already, for Christ's sake!" I insisted.I'm trying to ignore my building need for Flame."Yes, Terrek is your mate. You love him. He will continue to love you as he will love Flame. Loving Flame doesn't jeopardize what you have with Terrek." Harmony said."Can't I wait for another life if we need to, if it's too much for me right now," I said, trying to figure out a way not to complicate life more than it already was?"Sweety, no, only if one of you should die before you bond. You will always find each other. There is no way around my mother's decree. You will be happy when you accept it. Besides, I know you truly want Flame. It is just a matter of acceptance." Hecat and Harmony shared a look.I was so upset with Hecat. It took me time to get to know and forgive him so that I could become agreeable. I truly love him now." Hecat kissed Harmony's head and hugged her."The three of us together, is this accepted? Will we be judged?" I asked all of them."Oh, I see, you did grow up in East Texas, the bible belt of judging people," Jason said with a giggle."Darah, you know better than to worry about what others think." My mother scolded me."I raised you better than that." She continued."Darah, all we care about is your love and happiness. However, that looks and works for you. If my baby girl is happy, then I am happy." My Dad insisted."Things are different than the way they are on Earth. It is not uncommon to have polyamorous relationships with multiple partners, whether my mom has designed that or not. Don't worry. Trust how you feel in your heart." Harmony said reassuringly."Baby girl, I am so proud of you. Look at how you rallied the galactic empire and your saving slaves. You deserve love and happiness, and I am honored to watch over you and see how you live an extraordinary life." My Dad said, a bit choked up."You're going to make me cry, Daddy. I don't feel extraordinary. I do what is right.""Darah, honey, you just keep on doing that, and know we love you, and we are always near." My mom said, hugging me."Big sis, you know I got your back. Kick ass and take names." Jason's words faded as I woke up and lost my vision of them.

I emerged from the seas with my bag full of pearls. Rina, the water dweller, gifted them for my aunt Brooke's baby shower. My mom has me flying all over the place to gather all the gifts and supplies. My auntie helped my mother raise my siblings and I. That means Brooke being pregnant is the event of the century, and my mom was over the moon about it; everything has to be perfect.

Auntie Brooke and Uncle Fang adopted Phoenix when he was orphaned during the war against the vampire a thousand years or so ago. We have been grown for over a century now. Now that Brooke and Fang are expecting, the entire Dragoon Kingdom is celebrating. My mom was so happy.

She was insisting on throwing a surprise baby shower, one of her and Auntie Brooke's customs from their birth world, Earth. I guess that makes me half-human, but I have never been to Earth. Our god portal is one way only. We call it Harmony's delivery door, a nickname my mom and Auntie Brooke named it when they first arrived on this planet through that portal door.

I transformed into my dragon form and flew. Soaring to the grand hall so I can treat myself to the human food that the food replicator delivers through the god portal. I saw my sister Blaze perched on a crystal pedestal cloud that was floating up in our colorful skies.

" Mom is waiting on those pearls. She wishes to hand them to the jeweler so he can create those necklaces for Auntie." Blaze's voice booms inside my mind.

I landed on the crystal and stared down at the mountain that Harmony's hall was built into."I know, Blaze; I was just visiting with the water dwellers; here, take my bag of pearls to Mom." I gently unclenched my claw and dropped the precious jewels into my sister's open claw.I am craving an animal-style cheeseburger."Blaze gave me her knowing look as she closed her claw around the bag."You better hurry. Mom expects all of us to be there on time." Blaze narrowed her purple slit dragon eye on my Bow and Quiver that Uncle Fang hand carved and made for me. I had it secured to my neck."Don't Think about target practice. You will forget about being on time if you decide to shoot those bows." Blazed warned, knowing me too well."I promise, just a cheeseburger, and I'll be right there on time." I insisted."Papa Stan is making a feast, and you insist on the cheeseburger, okay sister, I'll see you soon." Blaze flew off, laughing at me.I rolled my eyes and dove off the crystal cloud, heading for the hall. I turned into my skin form and walked into the grand hall. It was sparse because of the surprise celebration. My mother was using all the treasures of the kingdom for the decor of my auntie's baby shower party. She really loves sparklies.The true mates stopped appearing many years ago once Balance was restored here. The greeters that once stayed at the manor just outside this hall would take shifts to help the newly arriving females adjust well and receive a good support system.The portal was used to bring us true mates to balance our planet's population. This world is magic and symbiotic with every magical living thing.When the Vampire decimated our planet's population and caused much harm, the goddess Harmony created this portal and brought my mom and her sister here from Earth. They saved this world and welcomed all the other true mates.It was a happy side effect that we could use the enchanted pages of the magic book to order Earth food. Granted, it's replicated, but still a treat, my favorite snack. The portal door was the only one we have on this planet. I had to sneak away here whenever I have the opportunity to get this treat.I picked up the enchanted book and stared at the blue god portal door. I wrote my order on the blank page and knocked three times. The crystal lights above flashed and chimed, making my nerves flair a warning at me.When the blue door opened and revealed the blackness of the other side, I was captured. Instead of receiving my food. I was sucked into the door.This had never happened before. We only received beings through the door. My mother was going to be so mad at me. I didn't even get my cheeseburger. I wondered where in the stars I would end up.