An Alien for Her Heart (A New Home #2)

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

CATHERINE

W e spend a few days at Varek’s place. During those precious days, we exist in a bubble of peaceful intimacy, learning each other anew. Varek is attentive and tender, his every touch a wordless apology, a silent pledge. He bathes me, feeds me, holds me as if I am the most precious thing in his universe. And in those moments, cocooned in his fierce, gentle love, I feel cherished down to my very bones.

But reality can only be held at bay for so long.

When there’s a hard knock at his door, coupled with frantic muffled voices, I know our time of peace in our little world is over.

Varek groans as he heads to the door, fastening the pants he’s hastily pulled on before he disengages the lock.

“For frakk’s sake, you live?!” Zynar’s voice booms both into the room and down the corridor.

“Zynar,” I hear Eleanor’s calming voice. “Look. He looks okay.” Then her voice dips. “Does that mean…”

Varek lets out a groan as he shifts to the side, gaze meeting mine as he lets them in. Immediately, Eleanor grabs on to Zynar for support. “Whoo, it’s dark in here.”

I chuckle. “I guess we forgot to open the curtains.” Sitting on Varek’s couch, I adjust his large shirt that I’m wearing.

Eleanor’s eyes widen as they land on me and I can tell her first instinct is to rush over and give me a hug. I grin. She’s always been trying to be my friend and I’d been so resistant to it. Resistant to everything because I was so afraid.

“What have you done to her?” Zynar growls, a frown on his brow as he regards me.

“Careful, brother. That’s my mate you’re talking about.” Varek closes the door and heads back to my side, shamelessly sitting on the floor between my legs and throwing his head back into my lap as he levels his gaze on his brother.

Both Zynar and Eleanor have identical looks of surprise.

“You completed the rut.” There’s a strange note of something in Zynar’s voice that I can’t quite place. But from the look in Eleanor’s eyes, it’s clear they had surmised that fact before they arrived. After all, Varek might not still be here if I hadn’t accepted his call.

With a suddenness that makes me jump, Zynar falls to one knee before me. Varek growls, but his bark has no bite.

“I am honored,” Zynar says, “to accept you as my kahlesta.” He lifts his head, his gaze meeting mine. “Thank you.”

My heart clenches, because I know exactly what he’s thanking me for. Thanking me for choosing his brother. Thanking me for accepting his love. For saving his life. If only he knew, it was no sacrifice on my part. Loving Varek is easy. I would do it all again, only for him.

Eleanor does a curtsy and a happy laugh bubbles in my throat.

“Oh stop it, you two.” I tangle my hands into Varek’s hair and he groans in unadulterated pleasure that makes my cheeks heat.

“We were worried,” Eleanor says quietly, clearly unperturbed by the groaning male between my legs. “When we couldn’t reach you…we feared the worst.”

Of course. A sense of guilt twinges within me. “I forgot all about my comm.”

“We tried Varek’s too.” Her gaze shifts to my mate.

My mate . It still feels so strange saying that. Strange but so right.

“I don’t know where it is,” Varek murmurs, his eyes rolled back as he accepts my gentle scalp massage like a content kitty cat.

At his words, their gazes shift around the room and I’m immediately glad we’re not in the bedroom for them to see the destruction there. I don’t even remember half of it happening. When I finally was able to look around, I couldn’t believe it. It’s no wonder Varek has been treating me like an egg he’s afraid will break. Ever so gentle. But what I see when I look at that room is the fact that even in the throes of the rut, he didn’t once harm me. Even mindless, he tried to be gentle with me. The room evidences it. Evidences what he could have done.

“I apologize kahlesta…Zynar.” Varek pops one eye open. “I should have contacted you.”

“You should have,” Zynar growls.

Eleanor beams. “It’s all forgiven. You had other things on your mind.” Her gaze shifts back to me, full-on glee on her face.

As Zynar stands, he moves over to the table and pulls out a stool for Eleanor to sit on. She does so gracefully, a grin on her face as she looks at me. Zynar makes a sound in his throat then, one that’s almost like he clears it but not. Varek’s head pops up and he releases a heavy breath.

“Fine, brother.”

“Hmm?” Some kind of unsaid communication passed between them that I can’t parse.

“He wants to talk.” Varek rises then leans in to brush his lips against mine. “I’ll just be a moment, sura.”

I nod, immediately missing his warmth as he heads out the door, leaving me and Eleanor alone.

“So,” she begins.

“I know. This is…”

“Amazing!” She hops off the stool and plops on the couch beside me. “We’re like…sisters or something now.”

I laugh. “I guess we are. I never thought…”

Eleanor sobers a little and for a moment, I see behind her good mood. I see scars of a lifetime before. The same fears I faced. The same loss.

“Oh Eleanor…”

She takes my hand. “Listen. I never thought either. But they are good men, Catherine. The best.”

A slow smile washes over my features as I stare into her eyes. Because I know it’s the truth. Even before she told me.

“How was the rut?” Eleanor whispers. “I brought an ointment…” She dips a hand in the pocket of her tunic and pulls out an ointment that looks exactly like the one the Raki gave me how long ago. “Got it from an elephant alien. Says it heals all wounds. I used it after…” Her cheeks grow warm. “Well, all I have to say is it’s good after the rut.”

She grins at me then and I laugh as I accept her gift. “Thank you. That’s really…that’s really thoughtful.”

I stare at the little canister for a few moments, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

“Eleanor, I’d like to apologize.”

Her eyes widen. “Whatever for?!”

I release a soft breath. “When I first came here, I didn’t even try to make friends with you. As a matter of fact, I was terrified of becoming your friend. I didn’t want to get close to anyone. Too scared of it all being taken away from me again, I suppose.” I pause. “Back on Earth, I had it all, as some would say. Money. Family. A thriving career. I was at the top of my game. I was strong. Until suddenly, I wasn’t anymore.”

“Oh dearie, you were abducted from the only planet you knew. We all were, and thrust into this world where we had no place. It’s only natural.”

I shake my head, my brow crinkling. “I know.”

“Listen.” Eleanor smiles. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. If coming here, finding Zynar, finding this—” She waves around herself. “It’s taught me that I don’t have to be strong all the time. I just have to keep on going.”

I nod, a genuine smile coming to my lips as I lean in and she accepts my hug. “Thank you.”

“No need to thank me. Thank them. These men that have come into our lives are… everything .”

I sniffle, still holding on to her. “They are. He is.”

“And now that there’s evidence that mating with a Kari will slow our aging I’m—”

I release her, easing back. “What?”

Eleanor giggles. “Sorry, you don’t know yet, do you? Xarion has been doing research, carrying out tests. I’ve been his loyal guinea pig, so to say.”

I blink, my eyelids fluttering. “What do you mean?”

Eleanor takes a deep breath before taking my hands in hers. “We’re not aging.”

My eyelids flutter again. “That’s…not possible. Is it?”

She shrugs. “At least I’m not, and it’s purely because of Zynar. Well…his…his uh…” her cheeks warm. “Let’s just say a regular exchange of a certain fluid is extending our lifespan to meet theirs.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “Are you saying…”

“They are very virile.” Eleanor grins. “Don’t resist it. Doctor’s orders.”

My expression must be so shocked that she bursts out with a laugh. “Oh goodness me. If your expression is like this, I can’t imagine what Donna’s will be like when she hears.”

My mouth falls open. “Oh dear. I left her at my farm when I ran after Varek. Is she okay?”

Eleanor waves a hand in dismissal. “Trust me, Donna’s great. She’s actually started a shop here in town.”

My eyebrows fly higher. “Wow, already?”

Eleanor shrugs. “What can I say, the lady is resourceful.”

I breathe out a surprised breath, nodding my head as I let everything Eleanor told me settle in my brain.

“There’s something else too,” she suddenly says, the tentativeness in her voice making my gaze slide back to her.

When she doesn’t immediately continue, I get the feeling it’s something serious.

“What is it?” I prod.

She releases a breath before tugging down the neck of her tunic to reveal…

I startle, eyes going wide before I lean in, probably invading her personal space as I stare at the marks on her chest.

Delicate swirls in an intricate pattern disappear deep below her neckline.

“What are those?”

Eleanor adjusts her clothing, her gaze boring into mine. “I guess that means you don’t have them yet.”

“Why would I…it’s not a tattoo?”

She shakes her head. “They’re kahl sigils.”

I blink at her, eyelids fluttering again.

“They appeared soon after Zynar’s rut. Kind of like evidence that I’m his mate.”

I unconsciously grip my own chest, my fingers searching for any raised markings, any unfamiliar patterns. But I feel nothing but smooth skin beneath Varek’s shirt. A strange mix of disappointment and uncertainty washes through me.

Eleanor must read something in my expression because she reaches out, squeezing my hand reassuringly. “Hey, don’t worry about it. Zynar says they’re rare. Even rarer than finding a kahl . And even if they never do appear, it doesn’t change what you and Varek have.”

I nod slowly, trying to absorb this new information. The idea of physical marks tying me to Varek is thrilling. Tangible proof of our bond, but also an indelible claim on my body.

“What do they mean?” I whisper. “The sigils, what do they represent?”

Eleanor shrugs, a slight frown creasing her brow. “From what I’ve gathered, each pattern is unique to the mated pair. Some kind of symbolism that reflects the nature of their bond.”

She traces a finger over her chest, following the invisible lines of her markings. “I like to think mine represent the way Zynar and I balance each other. His strength and this resilience I’ve had to find, woven together into something unbreakable.”

There’s a soft, almost reverent look on her face.

“Xarion’s looking into it. The Initiative is greatly interested in the fact we’ve, um, settled in so well.” She gives me a devious little wink that has me chuckling. “Turns out that proximity and emotional connection are what kick the mating bond into gear.”

“Hmm,” I muse. “So it’s not just about physical attraction?”

Eleanor shakes her head. "”No. Xarion’s tests point to the fact that, for example, I’ve always been Zynar’s fated. But because I’m human and not Kari, it took time for Zynar’s body to recognize who I am.”

I clear my throat. “Varek and I, we spent time together, got to know each other before his core-rhythm awakened.”

“It’s a process.” Eleanor smiles. “For me, it happened during an…intense moment. Nothing like adrenaline to speed things up.”

I nod, taking it all in. “To think I had to nearly get myself killed for this all to come to be.”

Eleanor barks out a surprised laugh. “Me too! Well, not exactly, but let’s just say it wasn’t your typical engagement party.”

“These men and their dramatic timing.”

“Tell me about it. But hey, at least they keep things interesting.”

I grin. I never thought I’d find a female friend here, but I can already feel a connection with Eleanor. “And they’re not bad to look at either.”

“Luckily, they know how to use those good looks.” Eleanor winks.

We’re both laughing when the door opens slightly and Varek pops his head in. His gaze finds me immediately and warmth fills my soul. I’m about to ask if he’s finished when I hear another voice, not his brother’s, out in the corridor.

My brow furrows as I stand and head to the door, peeking out to see the Kari I’d seen that day. The one who apparently lives a few doors down. The moment I appear, his gaze shifts to me.

“A successful rut,” he says.

I’m momentarily surprised by his greeting. It’s not exactly the thing I expected him to say. Varek steps before me, partially blocking the stranger—what was his name again? Tovan?—from view.

“Yes, successful,” Varek growls. “The females here are mated. They are not looking for a suitor.”

Zynar growls in agreement. With him and Varek standing together, I’m suddenly given the image of them both fighting side by side.

They look impressive even now. Even here.

The other Kari male lifts his arms in a placating gesture, a wry smile on his face. “Peace, friends. I mean no disrespect. After hearing the extent of that rut, I simply wished to offer my congratulations.”

Heat fills my cheeks. He heard us?!

Varek remains tense, his stance still protective, but he gives a curt nod. “Gratitude. Your well-wishes are appreciated.”

The male’s gaze flicks to me, curious but not invasive. “You are a lucky female,” he says. His yellow eyes pierce me but his voice is sincere. “To be the kahl of a warrior as fierce and loyal as Varek…may your bond be blessed with strength and joy.”

I’m a bit taken aback, but I incline my head in acknowledgment. “Thank you. I am indeed fortunate.”

Varek’s posture relaxes slightly at my words, and he reaches back to take my hand, twining our fingers together. The gesture is both possessive and comforting.

The other Kari’s grin widens, becoming more genuine. “I will not keep you any longer. I simply wanted to pay my respects, and to let you know that if you ever require assistance, my door is open to you.”

Varek’s brow furrows, a hint of suspicion in his eyes. “Why would we need your assistance?”

The male shrugs, his expression turning serious. “These are uncertain times, my friend. With you two finding your kahls …it is wise to have allies. Even unexpected ones.”

His gaze meets mine again, and there’s a depth of understanding there that surprises me. As if he knows, better than most, the challenges that come with being an outsider in this world.

“Thank you,” I say again, meaning it this time. “We will keep that in mind.”

He nods, satisfied, and with a final respectful bow, he takes his leave. Varek watches him go, his jaw tight, before turning to me with a sigh.

“I don’t like him,” he mutters.

“Me neither,” Zynar agrees.

I squeeze his claw, leaning into his side. “I don’t think he meant any harm. He was just being neighborly.”

Varek and Zynar snort.

“He wants his own kahl, but you are mine.” He pulls me against him.

“We could always introduce him to Donna,” Eleanor says as we step back into the room.

“Donna?” I turn to her. “Do you think she’d be open to it?”

Eleanor shrugs. “Can’t know till we find out, can we.”

The thought fills my mind as the door closes and Varek heads to the kitchen for food for our guests. As we settle back into the comfort of Varek’s quarters, the idea of introducing Donna to the neighboring Kari takes root in my mind. It’s a tantalizing possibility—a chance for her to find the same kind of life-altering connection that Eleanor and I have discovered.

But even as the thought excites me, a flicker of uncertainty follows close behind. Donna is my friend, and I want nothing more than her happiness. But is pushing her towards an alien mate really the answer?

I think back to my own journey—the fear, the confusion, the exhilarating rush of finding a love I never dreamed possible. It wasn’t an easy path, but I wouldn’t trade a single step of it. Because it led me here, to this moment, surrounded by the warmth of Varek’s presence and the steadfast support of newfound friends. Family.

Donna seems secure and happy already. But I know better than most that it’s easy to hide the pain we bear. Displaced from our home, perhaps this is what she needs most right now. Not necessarily a mate, but a family. A place to belong, to heal, to discover her own strength.

A new home.

As I watch Varek and Zynar move about the kitchen, their easy camaraderie a balm to my soul, I realize that’s exactly what we’ve found here. Not just within these walls, but within the unbreakable bonds we’ve forged with each other.

Eleanor catches my eye from across the room, a knowing smile playing on her lips. She understands, I think. The enormity of what we’ve been given, and the responsibility that comes with it.

We are the pioneers of a new world, the first to bridge the gap between our species. And while that role is daunting, it’s also incredibly precious.

As Varek returns to my side, his arm slipping around my waist with effortless affection, I lean into his strength and allow myself a moment of perfect contentment.

Whatever the future holds, whatever challenges we may face, I know one thing for certain.

We will face them together.

Humans and Kari, mates and friends, an unshakable unit bound by love, loyalty, and the endless possibilities of a universe that brought us together.

And that, I realize with a brilliant surge of hope and joy, is the greatest gift of all.