Interrupting Starlight Read online

  I’m not sure about how I feel about you reading my mind, Tessa thought.

  Turning towards her, touching her face, soft eyes boring into hers, L’Den’s voice answered. I can’t help it. It’s the bond drawing us together.

  The bond? Mesmerized by the details of his face, she leaned into him.

  You are my life mate, Tessa. Grasping her left hand, placing it over his warm chest, she could feel his beating heart. I can hear you. I can feel you. I love you. But if it’s making you uncomfortable, I can block most of it.

  Tessa stared at her hand, the rhythm of his heart dancing under her fingertips. His words played over and over in her mind. Hear her? Feel her? Love her? It was too much and not enough all at once. But that last part—

  She didn’t want him to block out anything.

  You have a choice, he said. You can walk away.

  She continued to stare at her hand, the rhythm against her fingertips quickening. Somehow, someway, she caught a glimpse of L’Den’s very soul; hopeful, but afraid, scared to death she would, indeed, ‘walk away.’

  She looked into his silvery eyes. I can hear you too.

  You can. It isn’t one-sided. The bond goes both ways. If you want to explore it with me, it’ll get stronger—

  “I have diverted every hunting party away from here,” T’ren said as sirens sounded in the distance. “But we must hurry.”

  Tessa jumped, glancing at the other Korthan. She’d forgotten he was there.

  “You cannot make this decision lightly,” L’Den said out loud.

  Turning back towards him, Tessa caressed the side of his face. “Trust me, I’m not.” An upturn of his lips sent heat flashing over her cheeks. “There is nothing for me here. My time with the Human Colony Alliance died when my ship crashed on that planet.”

  A’rch pushed her into L’Den from behind, barking a singsong tone. L’Den laughed. “Looks like someone has an opinion on the choice you should make.”

  Left hand still resting against L’Den’s chest, Tessa grabbed his free hand with her right. “I know what lies ahead will be tough. But I want to spend the rest of my life getting to know you. I want to know every detail.”

  She wanted to explore his body, his mind, what made him tick. She was never so sure of anything in her life.

  Okay, then, L’Den’s voice sounded. You are mine. No one in Korthan space will question that.

  Tessa was all at once afraid and exhilarated. She survived on a hostile world for two years. She could easily survive with a handsome alien who looked at her like she was the most important being in the universe.

  A’rch’s antennae twirled and then Squeak’s tail stuck straight into the air and began twirling also.

  Tessa’s jaw dropped. “I’ve never seen him do that before.”

  The molk settled onto his new perch atop the mogha’s head as A’rch trotted up the ramp, light in his step, letting out a happy bark. L’Den laughed again.

  “The start of a beautiful friendship,” Tessa said with a smile.

  L’Den looked down at her, eyes full of hunger, promise, love, depths unfathomable. “And for us, something so much more.”

  Also by Kyndra Hatch

  After The Fall

  After The Fall

  Before The Fall

  Interrupting Starlight (Coming Soon)

  Standalone

  Aliens in the Barn: 4 Short Stories of Mech Alien Romance and Misadventure

  Storm Watch

  Watch for more at Kyndra Hatch’s site.

  About the Author

  Kyndra Hatch grew up with a fascination for science fiction and a deep interest in ancient civilizations, a combination which fuels her active imagination. After twelve exciting years as an archaeologist, Kyndra pursues a passion for writing and has discovered her works have a decidedly science fiction romantic flair. She is a USA Today bestselling author and an active member of the SFR Brigade. Kyndra also writes science fiction, horror, and dark humor short stories as L.K. Hatchett.

  Visit her Facebook page or sign up for her newsletter for more info. Thanks for reading!

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/kyndrahatch

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyndrahatch/

  Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cpLDG9

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyndrahatch/

  Read more at Kyndra Hatch’s site.