Epilogue

KENZIE

Iolana and the other nurses at the hospital take turns hugging me goodbye. The streamers around the break room and presents on the table reflect how much love and camaraderie I've experienced in the ten years I've worked at San Gabriel Memorial Hospital.

When I leave my goodbye party, I find Kobrik waiting for me at the entrance to the E/R. I can't keep the smile off my face, despite the sadness of leaving here.

I throw my arms around him and soak in all his love. He kisses the top of my head.

"I have good and bad news for you, sholani," he says as we walk to the bus that takes us to our temporary home at the Zyanthan Embassy. Kobrik thinks I gave up my apartment because it lacked sufficient security. The real reason is I've been using every spare moment of my free time learning Zyanthan and the best place to do that is at the embassy. Between the computer program Kobrik loaded for me and the opportunity to interact with embassy personnel, I can already speak and understand several words of Zyanthan.

"Has the ZDC delayed your departure date again?" I ask.

"I've been reassigned to Earth for the short term. To aid in finding the enemy agents in the military here."

"Is that the good or bad news?" I ask as we board the bus. The passengers already sitting on the bus move to the back when they see us. Or rather, when they spot Kobrik. He can be intimidating, but he's never even looked at them cross.

I stand up and stare at the humans avoiding eye contact with him. "We've been riding this bus together for four weeks. Every night at the same time. And you're still afraid of my mate?"

"He's alien," a man says.

"Wake up and smell the coffee, people. We're not alone in the universe. We've been invaded and occupied, but we survived, and now we're rebuilding and preventing further invasions thanks to the help of other aliens. The good guys. Remember that concept? This warrior has never done anything to any of you. And he's responsible for finding enemy agents who compromise Earth's security. Show a little decency, if not gratitude. Stop going out of your way to get as far away from him as you can. Or maybe offer a simple nod or hello now and then."

One person moves up two rows, leaving three empty rows between us, then nods before looking down at his lap. It's a start.

I sit back down, frustrated and disappointed.

"I do not need anyone's gratitude for doing my job as a warrior, sholani."

"I know, but you deserve it. Their prejudice is keeping them from realizing how lucky we are to have you on Earth.

"Fear is hard to overcome."

I wonder if he's talking about them or me. Either way, he's right. Change, and overcoming fear, takes time.

"When we reach our room, I plan to show you how much I appreciate you. Over and over again, my sholan," I whisper.

Kobrik's horns bend back. "Sholan? This is the first time you've called me sholan."

"I've been so focused on learning the Zyanthan words I don't know that I keep forgetting to use the one I do know. The one that's more important than any other. My sholan."

That earns me a squeeze to my thigh.

"Now, the bad news, please," I ask.

"Since our departure has been delayed, you will miss entry into this year's medical training on Zyan."

I lean my head against him. That is disappointing, but it's not the end of the universe. At least I'll have more time to work on my Zyanthan before reaching Zyan.

"Today was my last day at the hospital. I guess I could ask them to take me back for a few more weeks."

"Or you can begin field training under Gansig."

I sit up, excitement rushing through me. "Really? He won't mind?"

"I've already arranged it with the ambassador. But Gansig said you will have to learn to take orders from him and not talk back."

"That is no problem. I've trained under some very difficult doctors. I know when to keep my mouth shut."

"No, you will not keep your mouth shut. You will listen then say what is necessary. Like you spoke to the people on this bus. You will not change who you are, for Gansig, me, or anyone. Is this clear, sholani?"

"Yes, Warrior." I throw my arms around his neck and kiss him.

A high-pitched whistle comes from the back of the bus and then someone claps. A few more join in.

Kobrik's horns rise in alarm until I place my hand on his thigh. "A human custom when two people kiss," I explain. "It's a compliment."

"We're not ungrateful," a woman in the fourth row says. Several people moved up since I last looked. "We're scared."

"I understand that, better than anyone," I say to her. "And thank you for taking that first step. It's more important than you realize.

"I spent much of my life being scared, but a sweet, brave warrior helped me find strength in myself. He helped me find the freedom to be me." I kiss my warrior who holds me tightly in his arms because he knows what I need.

"Never let go," I whisper in his ear.

"Never," he says as he leans his forehead against mine. "You and I, sholani. We are one now, and always will be. Your love fuels me and makes me a better male. Together, there is nothing we can't achieve."

"Together. I love the sound of that, my sholan."

"Together, my sholani. Until the end of time and beyond."

Thank You for reading! - Julie