Epilogue

Varek

I tugged at the bottom of my dress uniform. I hadn't expected that I would be acting as the best man for Maxxon's wedding to my former tribute bride match, but according to the human traditions, he needed a friend to stand up with him. And despite everything that had happened, Maxxon was still my closest friend.

Blowing out a deep breath, I peered down the glossy white corridor outside the wedding pavilion. Where was he?

I'd offered to stop by his fantasy suite on the way, but Maxxon had assured me that he would meet me at the wedding. But here I was, and he was nowhere to be seen.

I groaned at the thought of the Gatazoid wedding planner and what he'd do when he found out the groom was late. Serge was not the most laid-back fellow, and from what I'd seen, he didn't tolerate anything going wrong at his weddings. And he did consider all the weddings he planned his.

"Don't you look handsome!"

I spun to the sound of the high, breathy, Vexling voice. Reina was the calmer of the two aliens who did weddings on the Boat, so seeing her walking from the wedding pavilion didn't strike fear into my heart. She wore a form-fitting, turquoise blue dress that made her look even more willowy and almost matched her hair.

She swiveled her head. "Is it only you?"

I managed a smile that I hoped hid the nerves fluttering in my stomach. "Maxxon will be here soon."

Reina smiled tightly and nodded. "Let's just hope Serge stays inside fretting over the waterfall simulation for a little while longer." Then her eyes brightened. "Do you want a peek?"

I shrugged. Why not? It was better than standing outside the room waiting impatiently.

Reina opened the tall, white door a crack, and I poked my head inside. She hadn't been kidding about a waterfall simulation. The entire room looked like the inside of a magical open cavern, with pinpoint lights twinkling from within the walls and the ceiling a blanket of fake stars in a night sky. Greenery and flowers hung in long tendrils on both sides, but the focal point was the massive waterfall at the back.

Crystal blue water spilled down into a large pool and an aisle led from the back of the space across the water to a raised ceremony platform. Serge stood there with his arms waving as spray kicked up and coated his face.

"Less of a flow, please," he spluttered, "or you'll soak my bride and groom."

I retreated and let Reina close the door, sharing a knowing smile with her. "He looks like he'll be busy for a while."

"You'd be surprised. He might be small, but he moves fast." Reina swept the wide corridor again. "I'm going to retrieve the bride."

"Should I go look for Maxxon?"

She patted my arm with long, skinny fingers. "I have a feeling when I find Allie, I'll find him." She shook her head as she turned and bustled away. "I only hope they're decent this time."

Since I'd walked in on Allie less than fully dressed before, I understood her concern. Luckily, I'd gotten over the embarrassing scene, and I had come around to being happy for the couple. It was obvious that they were besotted with each other. I would never have wanted to come between that.

As I stood outside the door, it struck me that Maxxon might not be with his bride. If the Drexian was nervous, he might have stopped by the officers' lounge for a boost of courage that only Noovian whiskey could provide. I spun around, striding down the hallway toward the nearest inclinator and barreling onto it—and right into a woman trying to step out.

"Oof." She fell back onto her ass.

I quickly picked her up by her elbows and righted her, my face flaming that I'd practically flattened her. "I am very sorry."

The female with wavy, pale hair peered at me. "You're in a hurry."

My throat tightened as she gave me a shy smile, her green eyes crinkling. Grek , she was beautiful. "I was…I mean…My friend is getting married."

"And you're running late?"

I shook my head, confused why I was having such a hard time forming words. "No, it's…He's late."

Her brows lifted. "And he's the groom? Well, that's not great."

"No," I agreed. "But the bride is also late, so…"

"Sounds like an interesting wedding."

"Would you like to come?" I asked before I knew what I was doing.

She tilted her head at me. "To the wedding where there's no bride or groom?"

I opened my mouth and closed it again, not knowing what to say to that.

She laughed, the sound light and musical. "I wish I could, but I'm in a bit of a rush. Nothing as important as a wedding, though."

"Oh?" Suddenly, I was curious and wanted to know everything about this beautiful woman.

She took a step back, leaving me standing alone in the inclinator. "I'm preparing to leave the Boat, so I have lots of packing to do."

"Leave the Boat?"

Her smile widened. "I've been here for two years in the reject section, but now I'm going back to Earth." Then she smiled and waved, turning and walking briskly away.

I stood in stunned silence as the inclinator doors closed on me. The most beautiful, enchanting woman had been living on the same station as me for two years, and I'd never known it. And now she was leaving.

Grek me.