Cyborg Celebration (Interstellar Brides: The Colony #11)

Chapter 13

13

R owan

It was hard to believe, standing here in the relative safety of the base, that everything could change so quickly.

I told Marz I loved him. I’d been mated less than a week, and I was in love.

He’d opened up, bared his soul. Even now I felt the change in him, the openness of our connection through the mating collars. He wasn’t hiding anymore, wasn’t holding anything back.

He was really mine. He knew the truth about me, too. The media back home had turned me into some kind of hero, the whistleblower who fought back and championed the people. The reality was harder to live with. I was a coward. The paycheck was spectacular, and I had been afraid to rock the boat, afraid I wouldn’t be able to pay rent, buy groceries, pay my car payment and overpriced, scam of the world, insurance premiums. I was a slave to the system, too scared to fight back and risk the little bit of comfort I’d managed to find for myself after almost thirty years. I’d known what was going on for months before I spoke up, before I sent the toxin reports to the reporter, before they’d told the world I was some kind of savior. Maybe my parents had been right about me all along and I wasn’t a good person. Maybe I didn’t deserve either one of my mates.

I glanced at Vance, studied the lines of strain around his dark eyes.

Maybe I didn’t deserve a second chance, a new life. Didn’t matter if I deserved them or not. I loved him, too. Add fucking selfish and desperate to my list of sins, because I couldn’t give them up. But I also felt the strain between them, Marz’s concern and Vance’s defiance. My second was still concealing something, keeping secrets.

One Prillon warrior down, one to go.

I was still trying to get out of my armor when Kristin appeared, jogging down the corridor toward us, her hair damp with sweat and face flushed from exertion. "You made it," she said, relief etched in every line of her face. “You were right, Rowan! You picked the perfect spot to take the readings. You were there during an actual earthquake. Holy shit. You three are all insane.”

“Did we get enough data? There are large formations under the surface. They’re not natural. At least one of them was moving.” I needed to analyze the data and seismic patterns. Finish what I started. This planet was my home now. This war was personal. “What now? Tell me where to go so I can help figure this out.”

“They’re still downloading all the sensor data. It’s not ready yet.” She pulled me into a tight hug. “You scared the shit out of me.” Hunt and Tyran, her two mates, flanked her. Their large forms radiated a protective energy that seemed even more intense in the flickering emergency lighting.

“It was… intense.” I didn’t know what else to say. Terrifying and wonderful wouldn’t make sense to anyone but me. I ditched the last piece of armor and slipped my hand into Marz’s. My entire body relaxed when his hand gently curled around mine.

"What happened here? Why are we on emergency power?" Marz’s deep voice remained steady, despite the overwhelming urge he had to get me away from any danger. These mating collars were no joke. I focused on feeling safe and calm. Loved. Protected. Happy. He glanced down at me then, his gaze lingering as if to reassure himself that I wasn’t a mirage, or a dream. That I was at his side. Safe.

"Storm hit us pretty hard. Power’s out," Kristin straightened her spine and answered in a much more formal tone. I realized she’d been asked a question by her commanding officer. "The repair crews are already working on it, but we’re on backup systems only. It’s holding, but it’s not ideal. That’s part of the reason it’s taking so long to download and analyze all the information you brought back. We shut down power in the living areas and gathered everyone in the garden." She hesitated, her eyes meeting mine, her expression softening. "The kids are scared. They’ve never been without power, and it’s got them spooked. We’re trying to take their minds off the storm. Make it festive, like we talked about. So…Merry Christmas, I guess." She managed a small, tired smile. I could hear a faint echo of music drifting down the corridor, a nostalgic melody that seemed out of place in my current reality.

I loved Christmas, but I wasn’t sure anything would be able to distract the kids from the storm. With everything we’d seen out there, the way the planet seemed to be unraveling beneath us, maybe we should be evacuating, not singing. And yet, as we followed Kristin and her mates down the darkened corridors and into the heart of the base, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe a little celebration, no matter how small, was exactly what we all needed—not just a distraction—a chance to remind ourselves that we were still alive, still capable of finding joy even as the world around us seemed to crumble. A reminder that we all deserved a second chance.

I stumbled to a halt when the garden came into view. “Wow. When did you do all this?”

My shock made Kristin smile. “It’s amazing, right?”

“Yes.” The central garden had been transformed into a glittering wonderland. Strings of handmade garlands hung everywhere, crafted from strips of fabric, dried flowers, pine boughs and bits of shiny foil that reflected the dim lighting, creating a shimmering cascade that danced with the slightest movement of air. Someone had set up a gigantic tree in the center, adorned with garlands made of metallic scraps, pieces of colored glass, and tiny, glowing orbs that pulsed like starlight. The sight of it stirred a mix of emotions in me—nostalgia, a bittersweet longing for the holidays back on Earth, and an ache for the little girl I used to be. The girl who’d stopped believing in love.

For the woman who’d found it.

The scent of pine filled the room, mingled with the sweet, spicy aroma of warm cider simmering on a portable heat source nearby. I hadn’t smelled anything like that in months, and it took me back to simpler times—before I went to prison. Before I’d ever heard of The Colony. Before I’d stepped into this strange life with its red rock landscapes and violent storms. Yet the thought of leaving now, of being anywhere but here with my mates, felt wrong. Unthinkable.

In the center of the space, a cluster of women huddled around a table where a box of candles was being passed around. The flickering lights danced on their faces, casting golden glows that softened their features and made them seem almost ethereal. The warm waxy smell of the candles brought memories of home, of holidays spent in the glow of a fireplace, the air filled with laughter and the comforting scent of cinnamon and my grandmother’s gingerbread cookies.

Those were happy days. I’d been so young, so na?ve and carefree. That life had crashed and burned in a matter of months. My grandmother passing. My parents’ divorce. My first Christmas with no visit from Santa. From that day to this, I’d felt alone.

I sank down onto a bench, the weight of the day catching up with me all at once, pressing down on my shoulders, making my limbs heavy. The hard, cold surface beneath me contrasted with Marz’s solid heat as he settled on one side.

“You are never alone, mate.” His hand brushed against mine, the touch like a spark of electricity, sending a shiver down my spine. I didn’t wonder how he knew what I was feeling. Our conversation in the cave had been more than just words. It had been a bridge, a moment that connected us in a way I hadn't expected, given me a glimpse into the heart of a warrior who always seemed so unyielding. I felt it now, that same connection, an invisible thread pulling me toward him.

“We are here. We are yours.” Vance sat on my other side, his arm brushing against mine as he settled in, the strength of his body a comforting reminder that he was alive. His familiar scent grounded me in the present. I shoved aside the terror I’d felt when he flew the shuttle into the center of the storm. I had watched, my heart lodged in my throat, as his ship disappeared into that swirling chaos, the roar of the wind and the crackle of energy drowning out the sound of my own desperate breaths. I’d feared I might never see him again, that he would be swallowed up by the fury of the storm, that I’d be left with nothing but regrets and unspoken feelings.

Marz’s hand found mine, our fingers interlocked, his skin rough and warm. I squeezed back, but my gaze wandered to Vance, whose alien eyes flickered with a thousand unspoken secrets. His hand covered mine where I rested my palm over my knee, unyielding strength in his grip. I opened myself to my mates, sent them comfort and gratitude and love. I fucking let it fly, my feelings for them so strong my heart physically hurt. My eyes burned. I’d been scared today, more than I would ever admit. Scared I would lose them both. Scared going with them had been a stupid mistake. Scared Marz would get himself killed carrying me because I wasn’t fast enough. Terrified Vance would get himself killed trying to fly though the lightning and screaming winds to get back to us.

To me. I knew neither of them feared their own deaths, they were only worried about me. Risked their lives, for me.

As more candles were lit, the shadows around us softened, the dim emergency lighting mixing with the golden flicker of the small flames. The atmosphere shifted from one of unease to one of quiet resilience. The warmth from Vance on one side, Marz on the other, seeped into me.

I glanced at the candles and took a breath. "I’d like to sing something," I said quietly, my voice carrying through the room despite its softness. "It’s… a Christmas carol. It was always my favorite back on Earth."

There was a murmur of agreement from the ladies. I could feel the curious stares from the males, but no one objected. I closed my eyes and began to sing, the melody flowing from my lips like a memory come to life.

Silent night, holy night…

My voice wavered at first, but the sound filled the space, wrapping around us, reaching out to each person gathered here. Kristin’s voice joined mine, soft and clear. The sweet notes filled the air, mingling with the crackle of the candles and the distant howl of the storm outside. The taste of nostalgia hung heavy on my tongue, each word carrying a little bit of the warmth of home.

Mikki began to sing. Then Angela. Caroline. Larkspur and Lavender, the two sisters’ voices harmonizing perfectly. Soon we were all singing together, the words lifting into the air like a prayer. The candles seemed to burn brighter as the melody filled the garden, their flames dancing in time to the music, casting a flickering warmth that seeped into my bones. The soft brush of the garlands overhead rustled gently. I knew it was probably my imagination, but the tree’s glowing orbs seemed to pulse a little brighter, as if responding to the life we breathed into the room.

The song came to an end, the last note lingering in the air as if reluctant to fade away. I opened my eyes to find Marz watching me, a look of awe softening the harsh lines of his face. His thumb gently brushed over my knuckles, a tender, unspoken promise in his gaze. Vance’s hand tightened on mine, warm and steady, his eyes reflecting the light of the candles. I glanced from one to the other, a strange, beautiful sensation swelling inside me. I could feel the faint tremor of Marz’s breath against my cheek, the warmth of Vance’s body pressed close beside me.

I loved my mates—both of them. And in this place, this new life that I had never imagined for myself, maybe, just maybe, I could find my very own happily-ever-after. Whether I deserved it or not.

Kristin started the next song, and the ladies joined in, smiles on all our faces.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…

The storm outside seemed to grow louder, as if protesting our small celebration. A gust rattled the dome ceiling, reminded us of the danger just beyond. But in this moment, surrounded by the warmth of new friends, the light of the candles, and the touch of my mates, hope burned inside me with the brightness of a thousand suns.

As the last note of our song faded into the air, the sound of footsteps approached from the darkened corridor. I glanced over and saw Governor Rone striding into the garden area, his tall, commanding figure somehow still looking composed despite the strain of keeping the base running during the storm. His features, chiseled and angular, reflected the faint candlelight. His gaze swept over the gathered group until they landed on me.

“Good news.” His voice echoed through the space and cut through the quiet murmurs. “The data collected today has given us our first real clue about the nature of these storms.” His gaze held mine, and I felt a rush of pride and relief wash over me. “Rowan, your readings detected some unusual metallic objects buried deep beneath the surface. We believe these objects could be remnants of ancient technology, possibly abandoned centuries ago by the Hive.”

“Centuries?” I wasn’t sure which warrior or Warlord had spoken as a murmur rippled through the room, the gravity of his words sinking in.

Rachel appeared at the governor’s side. Her brown hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders, and she reached up, taking his hand in hers. With a gentle touch, she pulled him fully into the garden and tugged on him until he sat beside her on one of the open benches. “Saving the planet will have to wait until tomorrow.” Her voice held a tone of calm but unwavering authority. “The storm is still raging. No one is going back out there until it passes.”

The Governor hesitated until little Max carried Ryan to them and plopped his baby brother in his father’s lap. Rachel grinned as Max plopped down next to them both. There would be no escape for him now. Based on the hint of resignation I saw in the governor’s eyes, he realized his fate was sealed. “You’re right. There’s no sense rushing out into that madness again.”

Rachel’s face softened as she glanced at everyone, her gaze warm and reassuring. “We all need a little more time to recover.” She looked back at me, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes. “And besides, the night’s not over. We haven’t heard my favorite Christmas carol yet.”

With that, she began to sing, her voice rich and soulful as it filled the room. The melody soothed my spirits and the knot of tension in my chest slowly unraveled.

As Rachel’s voice faded, an unexpected sound followed—a deep, rumbling voice began to sing in a language I didn’t recognize. I turned to see an Atlan warlord in the back of the room, his massive frame dwarfing those around him. His voice was powerful and resonant, the strange alien melody vibrating through the air, wrapping around us with its haunting beauty. There was a rawness to his song, a yearning that spoke of battles fought and homes left behind.

One by one, other males in the room joined in, their voices blending in harmony with the Atlan’s song, weaving together in a way that resonated through the very walls of the base. Their songs were not Earth songs, not Christmas carols, but they held the same spirit of brotherhood and family, of hope in the face of darkness. I watched as Hunt and Tyran added their voices to the mix, their baritones complementing the deeper rumble of the Atlan’s song.

Beside me, Marz’s deep voice filled the air, his low timbre sending a shiver of warmth through me. I turned to look at him, and there was a quiet intensity in his gaze, the corners of his mouth tilted upward in a rare, tender smile. He sang softly at first, then louder, his voice resonating with a confidence that drew me in, made my heart thrum in time with the music. On my other side, Vance’s voice rose to meet Marz’s, his tone smoother, with a hint of that mischief I had come to love. The two of them together, their voices harmonizing with the others, created a warmth that cradled my heart in my chest, melted the last vestiges of fear I’d carried since Vance had disappeared into the heart of the storm.

My chest tightened with emotion as dozens of aliens serenaded all the women, their powerful voices wrapped around me like a blanket. I closed my eyes, allowed the music to wash over me.

When I opened my eyes, I found Vance watching me, his emotions guarded, his expression unreadable.

Marz’s thumb stroked absently over the back of my hand. When I turned to meet his gaze, the love there nearly took my breath away. He didn’t hold back, his devotion as endless and deep as an ocean. Fuck me, I was more than happy to drown in it.

As the song ended, my eyes ached, burned with unshed tears. My emotional overload wasn’t just because of the beauty of the music, or the warmth of the males’ voices as they sang for us; it was the feeling of belonging, of knowing that no matter what happened, for once in my life, I wouldn’t have to face it alone.

I finally had a home. A family. Two mates I was madly in love with who were possessive, obsessed, and totally devoted to me. Totally. Devoted. Literally kill anyone or anything that threatened me. On Earth, their attitude would be ridiculed and considered criminal. Stalkerish. Toxic and controlling.

Thank god I wasn’t on Earth anymore.

My heart lurched in my chest as the truth hit me. I didn’t fucking care what Vance’s secret was. I didn’t care what he’d done in the past or what laws he’d broken. Did. Not. Matter. He was mine.

I knew we were all in danger. The planet was breaking apart. Dying. We had to figure out a way to stop it.

The most terrifying truth? For the first time in years, I actually had something to lose.