Page 228 of Interion

“Nothing. But that’s irrelevant—I’ve already forgiven him.”

“Even for Akira?” I knew I was pushing it, but now that I’d started, I couldn’t stop. Zion looked at me with an intimate, direct gaze, his eyes holding mine with intensity.

“As much as I hate him for stopping me from doing what needed to be done, part of me understands him. A part that matured during my years as general.” He scratched the back of his neck, a clear sign he was uncomfortable. “I spent years thinking about that day, and the only conclusion I can reach is that Kaori and I would have died if we’d made it to Akira. We weren’t ready—we should have listened to the former general.” He sighed with resignation. “Even though I was willing to give my life for a lost cause, it wasn’t a smart thing to do. If I were a psychic and could save a soldier in the same position I was in, I would have done the same thing.”

That was a deeply intimate confession—I doubted Zion would admit this to anyone but me. In fact, I was surprised he’d admitted it to himself.

“And then?” I asked, when Zion stopped and looked at the portrait again.

“And then, I forgive him,” he admitted, turning back to me. “And I hate him for it, for being damnably right even when he’s wrong.”

I fought to keep my eyes from widening in surprise. After seeing all their interactions, I never imagined I’d hear something like that.

“You’re a good man, Zion,” I said, caressing his cheek. Part of me had always known he was, even when I still believed he was the greatest killer of my people. I stroked his damp hair, tucking it behind his ear, and he sighed, sinking into his painful memories.

“Time hasn’t healed some wounds yet. Maybe it’ll take a few more years for me to get used to having him in our life. For now, my silence is the best I can offer.” He hesitated thoughtfully. “Does that bother you?”

I felt like crying, kissing him, and then slapping him. We were talking about his pain, about the enormous hurt he felt toward his father, and yet he was worried about whether it bothered me?

“It doesn’t bother me, as long as you two treat each other with respect. I’m starting to understand what happened, and I don’t feel bad at all about your feelings toward him. Like you said, Serguei is a different person now. If he was really that bad before, I believe he’s fighting to be better. He’s still a bit exhausting, dramatic, invasive...” I remembered the first time I saw him and the “test” he’d put me through. “Abusive, crazy, extreme, reckless...”

I noticed Zion’s smile widening as I ticked off on my fingers everything I thought of Serguei.

“I get it, Kay. Gods, only I know how Serguei is all that and then some.” He smiled and kissed my cheek, making me snuggle even closer to his chest. “But enough about Serguei. Do you have any more questions?”

“Yes. Where are we going after the test?”

He gave a restrained smile and intertwined our fingers, relaxing against the chair.

“Thinking about the honeymoon?” His left eyebrow rose playfully.

“I’m always thinking about the honeymoon.”

He laughed, and the sound danced over my skin, warming my body in a way only he could.

“We’re going to a special place I really like.”

“We’re not staying home?”

“No, you deserve something better, and I want to do this. I’m preparing everything so we won’t have any setbacks.” I swung my feet, which didn’t reach the floor. Every time he kept me in suspense, I got even more anxious. I noticed Kiara looking at my colorful sock with interest. Then she looked at Zion, and the two seemed to be conversing mentally.

“What is it?” I asked, intrigued, and he grew a bit serious as he looked back at me.

“Kiara says you smell different, and it’s keeping her awake at night. I think she’s referring to the stress from the test. I feel it through the bond too.”

Kiara huffed, getting our attention, and he laughed.

“Tell me,” I said, looking from one to the other. His eyes sparkled when he answered:

“She says you should do that exercise with the paws, the one you usually do when you send her to sleep in the next room.” I frowned, trying to understand what the paws meant. “She says you relax after the exercise.”

Kiara huffed in agreement, her eyes shining with concern. I thought for a moment longer, trying to remember what she was talking about, while Zion held back a smile, watching my every expression. My jaw dropped when I finally understood, and I felt the blush rising to my face. He laughed openly this time.

“You’re the biggest gossip on Jupiter,” I grumbled at her, swinging my feet and poking her ear. She bit my sock, clearly amused by the whole situation.

“If it helps, do it. I can give you privacy, if you want,” he purred in my ear, and I shivered at the husky tone of his voice. I shifted in his lap, trying to maintain my composure.

“I’d rather save it for after the test.” I stared at him, and his eyes burned with desire. He pulled me against his chest, nuzzling my ear with his nose.