Pushing his anger aside, he focused on the painting again until he realized why the seemingly random organization of pink had caught his attention.
“Trillium,” he said finally. “Remember I told you that the species we saw most often were small fluffy animals?”
“Yes,” she giggled. “You said they were too cute to hunt.”
“Did I mention that they were pink? They were always dancing around us. I never paid that much attention but this… This is how they arranged themselves.”
“In a pattern? The same one every time?”
“No.” He swore silently, trying to remember, but they had all tended to disregard the furry little annoyances. “I think there were at least a few more.”
“What if they were trying to communicate?” she said slowly.
“If they were, it could mean that they would probably qualify as sentient. No one could claim the planet.”
“Did someone?”
“No. The claim process stalled which means it belongs to the Empire. I heard it was going to be an Imperial pleasure planet.”
“But if it’s associated with the Bliss stones…” She turned back to study the other painting. “I feel that there’s a connection but I can’t be sure.”
“Someone is making a lot of money off the stones. If there is a connection, they wouldn’t be too concerned about the rights of a few animals.”
He looked at her as he considered the implications, fighting back a surge of guilt. If only he had noticed the patterns before... The urge to blame himself grew stronger but instead he took a deep breath, releasing the emotion as Beth had taught him to do.
“Can you do something?” she asked finally.
“Maybe.” He sighed. “I made some connections while I was assisting with the negotiations for the claim of Sardor Two. If nothing else, I can probably get someone to start an investigation.”
An excited smile lit up her face. “I thought I caught a glimpse of some additional patterns as you were speaking. If I paint more of them, it might help whoever investigates to recognize that they’re trying to communicate, especially if you can remember under what circumstances each one occurred.” Her eagerness faded when she saw him watching her intently. “Does it bother you? That I may be able to pick these up from your memories?”
“Little one, I am just awed by your talent.”
Her eyes filled with tears and he drew her close, running a soothing hand over the pale silk of her hair, as she burrowed into his chest.
“I never thought anyone would understand. I always thought I would spend my life alone,” she whispered.
“As did I,” he said, lifting her beautiful face. “Beth, you have healed me in so many ways. You gave me back my Clan, my people. But more importantly, you gave me your love. Now that we have each other, we never have to be alone again.”
“Don’t forget we have the baby, too.” A happy, if somewhat watery smile crossed her face, and then she jumped. “Oh. Can you feel that?”
She brought his hand to her stomach and they both waited in silent anticipation. Just as he was about to shake his head, he felt it. The tiniest flutter of their child against his hand. Contentment filled him as he stood in his quiet house, his mate in his arms, their child nestled beneath their hands, home at last.
Author’s note
Thank you for reading Beth and the Barbarian! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Whether you loved the book or not, it would mean the world to me if you left an honest review on Amazon. Word of mouth is incredibly helpful for authors and I’d love to know your thoughts!
The science fiction romance community is amazing! I’m truly grateful for the love and support I have received both from readers and my fellow authors. I’m especially thankful for Bex McLynn and Tiffany Roberts – and if you haven’t already read their books, I highly recommend them!
Coming up next – Cam and the Conqueror
He made a bargain. She’s the payment.
How much is Kievan willing to sacrifice for love?
Preorder now at Amazon!
And if you missed the first book in the Alien Abduction series, you can find Anna and the Alien at Amazon!
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Beth and the Barbarian Page 19