Epilogue

Three Years Later

Steele

I set my sky cycle down in the front yard of our ranch house, returning home from two days out on patrol. Zaya was on the porch wearing her lovely red robe and nothing else. Almost six months pregnant, she trotted out to greet me with surprising grace.

Her dark hair shimmered in the morning sun, and her beautiful smile warmed my heart. We met halfway between the house and my cycle. I lifted her easily into my arms bridal style, brought her face level with mine, and claimed her lips in a passionate kiss. Her baby bump no longer allowed her to jump into my arms and wrap her legs around me.

Our desire for each other had only grown since the beginning. Zaya's lust had grown even more since her pregnancy, and I was more than happy to satisfy her needs. Our bond went so much deeper.

We had built a life together on this ranch, and now we were starting our family. Zaya brought all of that into my life. She was my soul mate as well as my lover. I craved breeding with her almost as much as my next breath, and the connection between us was virtually metaphysical. I was made to love her and only her forever.

Zaya

I had just finished my morning shower and put on my cherished robe when Steele called that he was on his way home. I'd had plenty to do while he was gone and had accomplished most of it. The small combine bot he bought when he brought me back to the ranch made farming so easy.

The garden was tilled and planted, and planting the field crops was nearing completion. At six months pregnant, I was happy just to watch. I was still able to care for the livestock. We kept the horse that Franklin left since he went to prison. I named him Jax. He was a nice horse, and he got along with Bruno and the goats just fine.

With Steele in my life and our baby soon to be born, I was happier than I ever expected, even before I was sold to Gar'hako. I hardly ever thought of that time anymore. Steele was my life now.

Belting my robe loosely above my expanded belly, I went to the kitchen to make some tea while I waited for him to arrive. My body prickled with desire in anticipation of his arrival. A round of breeding nearly always followed our reunions. Steele often asked if I would wear the red robe. I usually did.

I carried my mug of tea out to the porch to enjoy the morning sun and mild temperature while I awaited Steele. I had just finished my tea when he landed his sky cycle in our yard. Setting the mug on the porch railing, I hurried out to meet him as fast as I could while heavily pregnant. I wouldn't be running and leaping into his arms for a while. But I wasn't so heavy that Steele couldn't lift me in his arms easily, so he had only to turn his head to kiss me.

After a long, deep kiss, he carried me into the house. By then, the tea hit my crowded bladder, and I had to make a detour before I could welcome my mate home properly.

Despite the fact that he was made to be the fiercest of warriors, an efficient killing machine, he was capable of great tenderness and concern. Steele's capacity for love was his greatest strength.

The End