Chapter 17

sat up slowly, waking from my vision. I could not stop the tears as I noticed that Terrek was already gone. Today, the agenda was to take off. Terrek really should have woken me up, too.

I was glad he didn't because I cherished my family visits. Shaking off my emotions, I jumped in the shower.Terrek fed Candy, had breakfast, and had my tea ready when I entered the chow.I love this man so much. He was so attuned to my needs that he ensured I had what I needed. The little things he did were big things to my heart. I drank my tea as I thought of Terrek and Flame.The potential of us in a relationship together. I was gazing at the leaves in my cup when Flame came in with several new crew members. She looked exhausted.I saw three hearts in my leaves for my future, and for my present, a dragon appeared. Confused at the vagueness of a dragon, I wondered if it had something to do with the upcoming battle.I set my cup down when Candy nudged my elbow, wanting me to pet him. I focused on Terrek and Flame as Candy's purring soothed me.Terrek went to Flame and insisted she sit and eat. Flame sank into the seat next to me. Terrek gave her a plate of food and tea."If I sit too long, I will fall asleep right here." Flame said with a yawn.Flame pulled out a fabric bag from a case she carried. I made sure to get you this tea before we took off." She handed me the dark bag. I smelled the aroma first as excitement hit me. I opened the bag of dried tea leaves that smelled soothing, a sweet and floral scent filled my nose."Oh, my goodness, I think I love you!" I said without thought."Thank you so much." I tried to side-hug her as she sat next to me."What's not to love? I tried to be here before your morning tea but was held up." Flirted Flame."It's my favorite flavor. I hope you like it." Flame said. I saw the dark circles under her eyes."It smells delicious I can't wait to try some. That's it. You have overdone it. You need sleep, Flame. If your brain is fried from being too tired, you won't be good to anyone." I insisted."I know. Things came up last night, and I needed to address it before we left. As soon as we launch, I will get some sleep.""What are we waiting for? Let's launch now." Terrek said sternly. He looked concerned for Flame.Flame's lip curled into an amused smile. "I am too tired to argue." I set my cup down when Candy nudged my elbow, wanting me to pet him. I focused on Terrek and Flame as Candy's purring soothed me.Terrek went to Flame and insisted she sit and eat. Flame

HarmonyInterference sank into the seat next to me. Terrek gave her a plate of food and tea.

"If I sit too long, I will fall asleep right here." Flame said with a yawn.Flame pulled out a fabric bag from a case she carried. I made sure to get you this tea before we took off." She handed me the dark bag. I smelled the aroma first as excitement hit me. I opened the bag of dried tea leaves that smelled soothing. The aroma of sweet and floral hit my nose."Oh, my goodness, I think I love you!" I said without thought."Thank you so much." I tried to side-hug her as she sat next to me."What's not to love? I tried to be here before your morning tea but was held up." Flirted Flame."It's my favorite flavor. I hope you like it." Flame said. I saw the dark circles under her eyes."It smells delicious and I can't wait to try it. That's it. You have overdone it. You need sleep, Flame. If your brain is fried from being too tired, you won't be good to anyone." I insisted."I know. Things came up last night, and I needed to address it before we left. As soon as we launch, I will get some sleep.""What are we waiting for? Let's launch now." Terrek said sternly. He looked concerned for Flame.Flame's lip curled into an amused smile. "I am too tired to argue."We left our food and went to the command center. Flame announced the launching countdown for the fleet, and our ship took the lead.Just like that, our mission started. We were off."Now you need to sleep." I grabbed Flame's hand and walked her to my cabin.My fingers intertwined with her soft, long fingers. I love how the softness of touching her felt. Flame squeezed my hand, and butterflies took off. Even though Flame was clearly exhausted, she walked confidently, and her energy was formidable. I loved how she held my hand and walked past onlookers proudly, displaying our moment of closeness."I can sleep in the crew quarters." Flame said in her sleepy voice."Stop; you need a comfortable place to sleep with no disturbances." I insist.I guided her to my room. I wanted to have Flame lay in our bed. The thought of her sleeping in my bedding made me feel close to her.Flame laid down on our bed. Her formidable presence evaporated the moment the door slid shut. She gave me a grateful look and lifted her hand to cup my face. Flame was vulnerable and looked so worn out.I removed her boots and covered her. "I love the scent of both of you." I heard Flame mutter as she fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.I released her red hair from its tight bun. She looked so beautiful sleeping. Something about her hair fanned out over my pillow and seeing her in my bed made my belly flutter more. "Sweet dreams, beautiful lady," I whispered to her before I left my cabin. I had to resist the urge to crawl into bed and snuggle her.Terrek and Candy met me in the hall. "That is one stubborn Female. Did you get her to sleep?" Terrek asked. "Yes, she looks like she belongs in our bed," I said. Terrek chuckled, "I think you may be correct, my love. Flame is special to us."