Fray

When we finally enter the Palace, a deep sense of rightness stoles through me. Rytaria is where I come from. It is what I know. I had always thought that it was home, and in a way it is, but I've found another home. A more permanent home.

Soleil.

I watch her constantly as we exit the ship and enter the palace. As soon as my feet touched the soil, my mission was over, and I can focus on more important things.

Lacing my fingers with her much smaller ones, I lead her through my world.

Glancing at her soft stomach, I picture a kit growing inside her belly. Though Soleil's stomach is already round, something I love and worship about her perfect body, once I put a child in her, her stomach will stretch and grow even rounder. I cannot wait for that. Her body is so beautiful.

And I get to enjoy her every night. I never knew such passion and love existed.

But more than anything, I treasure her spirit and her heart. I have never met anyone like Soleil, male or female. She is the only one for me.

She always has a smile, and she's kind to everyone around her. As soon as I'm off duty she attacks me with snuggles, and before long it escalates into something more. I thoroughly enjoy every moment of it.

It is time to finish my mission officially so I can have her all to myself once again. I'm becoming a greedy, dependent male. I could not be more happy about it.

Putting my hand on the small of Soleil's back, I trail behind the hoard of human females and Rytarian warriors.

Soleil chats with her friend and mother, hardly glancing at me. Soon, we're waking through the great halls, guards accompanying us. All the females mumble to each other, staring at the magnificent walls and portraits. The palace is filled with luxury that they are not used to.

They will all know this luxury every day if they wish it. After all, the choosing ceremony for mates will consist of the most elite warriors in our scociety. It is a privilege to have a mate, and the worthy will have the first chance.

I stare ahead at the males and females, seemingly already pairing off. Many females have already gotten comfortable with a male. It is amazing to see.

"Are we going to meet the Emporor?" Soleil murmurs to me, worry in her tone.

I raise my eyebrows down at her.

"Yes."

"Like, right now?" She presses, and I smile in amusement.

"Yes. He is anxious to see the females." I say, and my smile disappears when I get a glimpse of her precious face.

She looks scared, her face pale. Concern takes hold of me, and I tuck hair behind her ear, palming her small face in my hand.

"What is wrong my sweet mate? What troubles you?" I wonder, and she bites her very tempting bottom lip.

"I don't know. I've never met royalty before. I'm kind of nervous." She confides, squeezing my hand a little bit tighter.

"It will be alright. He is a good friend of mine, and very friendly, there is no reason to worry." She does not respond, so I lift her chin to look up at me as we continue walking.

"Alright?" I ask gently, and she smiles a small smile that makes my heart melt. She nods, and looks forward, no more hesitation in her gaze.

My mate, she trusts me. It is beyond satisfying.

It boosts my confidence like nothing else, knowing that I can provide her with comfort, and that she trusts me enough to be calmed by my words.

When we get to the throne room, the females have quieted down, their eyes wide and wandering as the full glory of the royal room is revealed. Drapes and carpets line the walls and floors, the throne glints in the sunlight streaming through the stain glass windows.

Time seems to stop as the influx of females fills the throne room. All is quiet. The Emperor appears, arms wide and welcoming as he steps forward. On his right is a beautiful female, his mate, his Empress.

They both wear fine clothing and crowns on their heads. Both have amazed expressions at the influx of people, and I do not blame them. It is a considerable amount of females, and we were only the first ship.

Over 20 others have landed on Earth, all in the attempt to get more of these sacred blessings.

"General Fray." My voice being called turns heads, and since we are at the back of the crowd, I can see all eyes on me.

I straighten, walking forward as everyone parts to let me through. Soleil holds tightly to me all the while. My muscles swell with confidence, sure that I can do anything with her by my side.

When I stop in front of the leaders of our planet, I bow slightly at the waist in respect. The human woman, the Empress, chuckles.

"Please, none of that. We're all friends here." She says, and when I look up, she is smiling at us.

The Emperor watches her with a look of adoration that I am all too familiar with, because I wear it everyday. Every time I see Soleil that expression is painted on my face.

It will be like that for the rest of our lives if I have my way.

"I am very impressed with you General. You have served your planet well by retrieving these Goddesses that will bring prosperity to our kingdom. I thank you." The Emperor suddenly takes my hand, clapping the top of it with his many rings decorating each finger.

"It is my pleasure, your highness, no thanks required. I would gladly do it again."

He narrows his eyes at me, cocking his head. His hair falls around his temples.

"Do you not wish for a reward? I must give you something in return for your sacrifice and success. Anything. Name it, and it is yours."

I wrack my brain, entertaining the idea for a moment and coming up short. Speaking of short, I glance at my mate.

She's looking up at me, clinging to my elbow. There is so much love and affection between us. I have never felt this way. Not for a single soul.

"There is nothing else I want. I have her. She is the greatest reward, the greatest treasure I could ever ask for." I say from the heart, staring down at the most perfect creature I've had the pleasure of knowing.

The room is filled with an echo of feminine coos. I flinch, wondering why the humans decided to make these noises.

When sniffling reaches my ears next, I panic. Soleil is crying. Why is she crying?!

I grab her shoulders, pulling her to me and petting her head. I don't know what to do.

"Please, do not cry, it hurts." I command her, but she continues to wipe at her leaking, brown eyes. I pry her hands away from her eyes, needing to see my Soleil.

"I... I..." She tembles, and I can't breathe from the anticipation and terror.

"I love you so much." She sobs, and throws herself into my chest, her arms wrapping around my waist.

For a moment, I am paralyzed, my arms raised at my sides.

Relief floods me, and I'm suddenly hugging her back. My female is very emotional, and she is very sweet. I am sure that I am the luckiest male to ever live.

I can see our future in plain view. Our love, our kits, our life. It is waiting for us, and I cannot wait.

"I love you. You are my home. Forever"

The end

The epilogue and the preview for book 4 will be up sometime tonight or tomorrow, so get excited!

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and my writing. I wouldn't be here without you❤️

Don't forget to comment what you think of the story, and any last minute guesses about the next book!

Love y'all