It’s been days and she’s already wormed her way into my heart and soul. Hard to believe that I would fall so fast—no, “fall” isn’t the right word. More like “crash.” There was no in-between in Fran storming into my life and my falling in love with her. She’s just suddenly everything. I think of her when I drift off to sleep, and she’s the first thing on my mind when I wake.

I love you,” I tell her plainly. “I will say it like a human and say I love you. I will say it like a mesakkah male and tell you that you have my heart. Either way, know that nothing has changed and I want you now as much as I ever have.

Please tell me that's not our ride.""It's not our ride," Jerrok calls in a flat voice on the other side of the shuttle, his arms moving as he tightens something.His tone tells me otherwise. "Are you lying?""Yup.""Goddamn it. I hate you.

Those scars say that your people failed you. They say that you got dealt a shitty hand by the very people you nearly lost your life to save. They say you're a survivor and you're tough."No one's ever said anything so nice to me. I don't know what to say back. "I think you're blinded by my charm."She smacks me on the back of the head with the comb and then giggles. "You're an asshole. And I like you anyhow.

Cat just pats my shoulder. "I tried to punch everyone in the face for a long time afterward. You know when Tarekh freed me, I spit in his face."I blanch at the thought. "Was he very mad?""Nah, he fell in love

You need to see my beautiful little daughter, Jerrok. She looks just like her father.""Have I met him?" Jerrok jibes back.Fran just laughs

Aaaaaah."Now I'm even more irritated. "Don't 'aaaah' me. What's 'aaaah' about?""It's the human," he says, as if that explains everything. "I was wondering. You always watch her and she watches you.

I can help with Mari. Help with food. I’m strong.” I lift an arm, flex a muscle, and pat my bicep. “Strong.”R’jaal’s lips twitch as if he’s doing his best not to laugh.K’thar just looks proudly at me.

Llo?” he whispers, caressing my cheek with his thumb.“Hi there,” I whisper back to him, and then because I’ve wanted to say it for so long, “I love you.”My alien breaks into a massive grin.