36. Alyssa

CHAPTER 36

ALYSSA

I can't help but smile as Maar's eyes widen, taking in the sight of us. Our son, nestled in my arms, babbles happily, reaching out towards his father.

"Well, are you just gonna stand there catching flies?" I tease, my heart racing. "Come on, we've got a galaxy to explore."

Maar stumbles forward, his usual grace momentarily forgotten. "Alyssa, I... how did you...?"

I laugh, the sound bubbling up from a place of pure joy. "Let's just say I learned a thing or two about negotiation from my dear old dad. Turns out, even Admirals can be persuaded when their grandkids are involved."

As Maar settles in beside us, I catch a whiff of his familiar scent – earthy and warm, with a hint of something alien that always set my pulse racing. Our son squeals, tiny hands grasping at Maar's shirt.

"Hey there, little warrior," Maar murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm your Dad."

I watch them, drinking in the sight I'd only dreamed of for so long. "He takes after his father," I say softly. "Strong, stubborn, and with a heart bigger than he lets on."

Maar's eyes meet mine, a storm of emotions swirling in their depths. "Alyssa, I'm so sorry for everything. I never meant to-"

I cut him off with a kiss, pouring all my love and forgiveness into it. When we break apart, I rest my forehead against his. "We've got a lifetime to talk about it. Right now, let's focus on our future."

The shuttle hums to life around us, and I feel a thrill of excitement. "So, Mr. Big Bad Vakutan Warrior," I grin, "ready for our next adventure?"

Maar's answering smile is brighter than any star I've ever seen. "With you two by my side? Always. Where are we going?"

"We're headed to the Frontier," I say.

I can't help but grin as I watch Maar's face, a mixture of confusion and awe playing across his features. "You didn't think I'd just sit around twiddling my thumbs, did you?" I tease, shifting our son to my hip.

"The bank accounts," Maar breathes, realization dawning. "You found them."

"Bingo," I nod, feeling a swell of pride. "Turns out, you're not the only one who can play detective. Once I knew where to look, well... let's just say your little nest egg came in handy."

Maar's brow furrows. "But the IHC, your father-"

I wave a hand dismissively. "Oh, they're still around. Just... at a more comfortable distance. Turns out, when you're the Admiral's daughter and you've got a cute little half-alien baby, you can negotiate some breathing room."

Our son chooses that moment to let out a happy squeal, reaching for Maar again. I pass him over, watching as Maar's strong arms cradle our child with surprising gentleness.

"New Verdan," I continue, leaning back in my seat. "That's where we're headed. Got ourselves a nice little farmstead there. Plenty of space, fresh air... perfect place to raise a family."

Maar's eyes snap to mine, a question burning in them. I soften, reaching out to cup his cheek. "I always knew you'd come back, you big lug. Felt it right here." I tap my chest, right over my heart. "Fated mates, remember? Can't shake me that easily."

He leans into my touch, eyes closing briefly. "How long have you known I was close?"

I smirk. "Oh, a few days now. The Marines spotted you first, actually. Gave me a heads up. But I'd felt you before that. It's like... a warmth, right here." I gesture vaguely to my core. "Gets stronger the closer you are."

Maar's free arm wraps around me, pulling me close. "I'm sorry I stayed away so long. I thought-"

"You thought you were protecting us," I finish for him. "I know. But Maar, we're stronger together. Always have been."

He nods, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "So, a farm, huh? Never pegged you for the agricultural type."

I laugh, the sound light and free. "Oh, just you wait. I've got plans for that place. And you, mister, are going to help me bring them to life."

I can't help but smile as I watch Maar and our son, Laar, interact. It's like watching two sides of the same coin – one weathered and battle-hardened, the other shiny and new, but both unmistakably cut from the same cloth.

"Dada, look!" Laar squeals, holding up a toy spaceship. "It goes zoom!"

Maar's face softens, a rare sight that still makes my heart skip a beat. "That's right, little warrior. But real ships don't just go zoom. They have to navigate through asteroid fields and dodge enemy fire."

I snort. "Are you seriously giving our two-year-old a lecture on space combat?"

Maar shoots me a sheepish grin. "Never too early to learn, right?"

Laar, oblivious to our exchange, starts making exaggerated whooshing noises as he flies the toy around Maar's head. Suddenly, he stops and fixes his father with a serious look. "Dada, you fight bad guys?"

I tense, wondering how Maar will handle this, but he doesn't miss a beat. "I used to, kiddo. But now my job is to keep you and your mom safe. That's the most important mission of all."

Laar nods solemnly, then breaks into a toothy grin. "Me help! Me fight bad guys too!"

"Oh no, you don't," I interject, scooping him up. "The only thing you'll be fighting is bedtime, mister."

Laar pouts, looking so much like his father it's almost comical. "But Mama, I not sleepy!"

Maar chuckles, ruffling Laar's hair. "Tell you what, little warrior. If you go to bed now without a fuss, tomorrow I'll teach you some Vakutan moves. Deal?"

Laar's eyes light up. "Deal!" He squirms out of my arms and races towards his bunk, leaving us both laughing in his wake.

"You're going to regret that promise," I warn Maar, but there's no heat in it. "He'll have you demonstrating roundhouse kicks before breakfast."

Maar pulls me close, his warmth enveloping me. "Sounds perfect to me."