Page 64 of Royal Mate
“And Insuri is stronger for it,” Addan added. His voice was steady, but I could hear the pride behind it. He was proud of me. He loved me. He told me every day. Multiple times. How I got so freaking lucky, I had no idea. But I was never giving him up. Never.
Zeus nodded. “Indeed. The Coalition owes you both a debt of gratitude.”
I glanced out the window—screen—whatever. My eyes drifted to the stars. They stretched on forever, cold and indifferent. The enormity of it all pressed down on me again. Wewere a speck in a galaxy filled with danger, with threats I could barely comprehend.
As if he could read my mind, Addan squeezed my hands to his side. I soaked him in. His strength. Heat. Love.
“Well,” I said, clearing my throat. “I suppose I should thank the staff at the processing center for getting the floors so dirty. Without them, none of this would’ve happened.”
The room erupted into laughter, and this time, even I joined in.
When the sound faded, Zeus stepped forward and extended his hand. “On behalf of the Coalition, I welcome Insuri as a full member. May this partnership bring peace, prosperity, and strength to your people—and to the galaxy.”
I shook his hand firmly. “Thank you, Commander. Insuri will do everything in our power to honor this alliance and assist in the fight against the Hive.” That meant sending fighters and brides, like every other planet. Just like Earth.
Zeus turned to Addan, his gaze steady. “General, you’ve proven yourself an invaluable ally to both Insuri and the Coalition. We look forward to working with you.”
Addan clasped Zeus’s hand, his voice low and sure. “It’s a new beginning for all of us.”
I couldn’t stop staring at the stars. They didn’t scare me as much now. Yes, space was vast and dangerous, but I wasn’t facing it alone.
Addan stepped closer, his arm coming to rest around my waist. I leaned into his heat. God, I loved this man. Alien. Addan. My Addan.
It had all started with an accident. One clumsy, ridiculous fall that had sent my life spinning into chaos. But as I stood here now, my Resonant by my side, I couldn’t help but think it had been the best accident of my life.
