Soleil

The trip isn't too long, but the more days that go by, the more anxious I become to be on Rytaria.

It's not that the ship is not an awful place to be, in fact, it's the complete opposite. I'm thoroughly enjoying myself here.

With the mating mark on my neck, I've found a sanctuary in this new world I call home. I belong to Fray, and he belongs to me. The days turn into a week, and I'm still in utter bliss. It hasn't worn off, and that's a good sign.

My Momma, despite the shock of learning that I had an alien mate, is amused at the relationship we've formed with each other. She always thought I hated men, that I never wanted a relationship. But things are different with Fray, and I hope she can see that. He's no human man, he's better in every way.

Even though each day is much the same, I don't mind it one bit. I get to spend time with Elodie on the ship during the day, seeing all the women and children from the Group socializing with the Rytarian warriors. It's a dream come true. The amount of happiness shing on everybody's faces is amazing.

As far as I know, almost every single woman from our community decided to join the aliens to find a mate of their own. It's amazing to watch. It's so pure and right. Watching true joy is a miracle.

A lot of the women praise me, thank me, smile at me in passing. It's something that I'm not used to. I'm usually treated like a delinquent. But, they seem to be grateful. It's not exactly a mystery why. I don't blame them. I see many of them already flirting it up with the enormous, muscular males.

I feel so lucky to be in the position I'm in. I'm in love, I'm living with my mate, the Commander of the ship.

It's like I'm in heaven.

When I wake up on the morning that we land, I'm not surprised that Fray is already gone. I remember him leaving with a tender kiss to my forehead. It had to be early, because I immediately fell back asleep.

I stretch all my achy limbs, feeling sore but energized. My life is going to change forever today. I will finally be able to meet my new home, my new planet and civilization. I should be terrified, scared out of my mind, but I'm not.

I've been spending my entire life waiting for this opportunity to arise, I'm not going to back down.

As soon as I'm out of bed, I'm getting dressed quickly, excitement shooting through my veins. I rush out the door and down the hall. Before no time, I spot my target walking ahead of me, and I practically skip over to her.

Elodie yelps in shock when I link elbows with her.

"You scared the crap out of me, Soleil!" She shouts, shoving me away. I laugh at her. My mouth snaps shut, however, because I realize that there's real fear lurking in her eyes.

"What's wrong? What happened?" I demand, my protective instincts rising.

No one messes with my best friend.

"Nothing." She's quick to say, trying to tamper back my anger, but it doesn't work.

"Is it Locanas? Is he bothering you again?" I assume, and when she doesn't answer, I know that I'm right.

I glare as if he's right in front of me. I'm going to kill that son of a bitch.

I'm soon stomping away, fists at my side. Elodie is grabbing at my shoulders, a weak attempt to keep me in place. I whirl around on her, letting her see my fury.

"Please, don't say anything! I'm scared of him, but I don't want to get into any trouble. Please." She begs, her green eyes shrouding with tears.

Confusion bubbles up inside me.

"What do you mean? Why would that get you in trouble?" I wonder, trying to gentle my voice so it doesn't tremble with sizzling anger.

Elodie appears embarrassed, her face flaming red as it does from time to time. She looks at her sneakers awkwardly, so I grab her elbow so she'll look at me.

Tears shimmer in her eyes.

"Locanas hasn't done anything. I just, I want a mate, like you have, I want romance and love. Just because I don't want Locanas doesn't mean I don't want a mate at all. I'm just scared if I reject him and make a big scene over it, than no Rytarian will want me."

She sniffles, wiping at her eyes with her shirt sleeve.

"Elodie." I murmur, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder as my heart breaks. She rushes into my arms, throwing herself around me.

"Of course you'll get a mate. Any guy would be lucky to have you. You can't possibly ruin your chances. Don't worry. You don't have to pick the first guy to pursue you."

She nods her head, but I see that I haven't fully convinced her. I decide that it might be best for her to find out through experience. Once she has one of these earpieces, she'll get to hear all the prattling these guys do over females.

We're basically unicorns to them. They talk about it so often, but it's kind of touching.

It just shows me how different life will be here. How these Rytarians, these warriors, they will not take us for granted. And after all we've been through, we won't take these males for granted either.

The landing process is quick, and I'm alone with Elodie and my mom for all of it. My mom is a whole other story.

She's been extremely quiet for most of the time. She watches the aliens with wide, cautious eyes. I know she hated being married to a douche, and that's why she's leaving earth, but she's not ready to jump back into a relationship.

But I keep telling her that she's still young. Only 38. She has plenty of time to find a happy life with someone else, if that's what she wants.

The landing is smooth, and I hold my Mom and my best friend's hands until it's over. I love being near them and the comfort and support they bring me, but I also want to see Fray so bad. He's busy, he has a job that he takes very seriously.

That's something about him that I absolutely love. He's so hard working and dedicated. And I love him more than anything.

I say my goodbyes to Elodie and my Momma, they watch me go knowingly. Seeing me in love makes them happy, and they understand when I want to be around him.

I move down the hallway quickly, grinning from ear to ear as I get closer to my mate. I know exactly where the control room is, as I've visited it many times to say hi to Fray throughout the days.

It's always an interesting journey. Every male that I pass stares openly. I've learned to accept it, to deal with it. It's a result of their culture.

By the time I'm halfway to my destination, after passing many Rytarian males and Human women, I spot my mate coming towards me.

I halt, watching him and his massive height and broad shoulders. A shiver runs through me when those orange eyes land on me.

The warrior gets closer and closer, and finally I attempt to make my legs move. Unfortunately, it would seem that my mate affected me more than I thought. I stumble forward, tripping over myself.

Two strong arms wrap around my waist, hauling me into a warm chest.

I press my hands against him, pushing Fray back so I can stare up at him.

"Sorry." I apologize breathlessly. He shakes his head, chuckling at me.

"There is no need to apologize. You say sorry too much, and over nothing." I nod, completely agreeing with him. It's just a natural reaction I suppose, but I realize that it's not justified.

I cling tightly to his torso, leaning into him and his strength. I've never felt so secure or safe than when I'm with him. And as the days and nights pass, I know that it's permanent.

This is my new life. It will be like this for the rest of my existence. It fills me with so much joy that I might explode.

Nestling my cheek into him, I close my eyes. My life has led me to this happiness. I never knew true joy until I met Fray.

I gasp when he lifts me up into his arms, holding me bridal style like it's nothing.

He presses his lips to my ear, and I giggle, trying to pull away and failing miserably against his strength.

"Are you ready for our new life together?" He murmurs.

I nod, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck and staring lovingly up at him.

"Absolutely."