Haven 4 AVOW - Sandra R Neeley Page 0,25

I mean, he may want more time, but Synclare has had her eye on Lo'San for a while now. She’s a lot stronger than you’d imagine. She was used to spending time on Earth alone, and relying only on herself. She’s always had to deal with people around her because they wanted something from her. She’s a survivor,” Vivian said.

“Good. With Kol on Earth, and Ba Re’ struggling with his own Ehlealah, it makes covering the Command Deck difficult at best. I am pleased to know that Lo'San will have an easy transition and be able to return to duty in the standard amount of time,” Quin said. Then he heard himself. “I must consider the ship, you understand?” he asked Vivian. “It is not that I am not concerned for our people, or intolerant of their matings and needs.”

“I understand, Quin. And you care more about your people than anyone I know. I completely understand.”

Vivian set her cup of litah on the coffee table and stood up. “Do you have time to have breakfast with me in the commissary?”

Quin smiled broadly, causing her to chuckle because it still looked like a grimace to her. “I will be most happy to share breakfast with you.”

~~~

Synclare had just taken her seat at the table she always shared with her friends when Lo'San entered the commissary on the hunt for his mate.

“Sink Lar!” he called out as he quickly covered the distance to where she was sitting alone.

Synclare rose from her seat and met him a few feet from the table, throwing herself into his arms as he kissed her. “That was fast!” she said.

“Ba Re’ had already relieved Zha Quin when I arrived. They were aware of our mating, and insisted I return to you for our standard mating period.”

“Really?! I get to have you all to myself for a few days?” she asked excitedly.

“Ten days,” he confirmed.

“Yay!” she said, looking up at him as she beamed with happiness. “Are you hungry? Do you want breakfast?” she asked.

“Yes. Very hungry,” he said, his eyes flaring as he thought about why he’d awakened so hungry. “You stole all my energy,” he teased.

Synclare smiled up at him not even blushing as she too remembered their night together.

“You sit,” he said, indicating the table she’d left her food on. “I’ll get my meal and be right back.”

“Okay,” Synclare answered, going up on tiptoe so he’d lean toward her and allow her to kiss him.

“After we eat, we will go choose our new quarters. It will be in the same corridor as Zha Quin and his Ehlealah.”

“Yes! I’m so excited! Is there one we are assigned to?” she asked.

“No, we can choose any available in that corridor,” Lo'San answered, happy to see her excitement at the idea of choosing their home together.

“Hurry! Get your food! I want to go find our new place!” Synclare said.

Lo'San chuckled at her exuberance and went to the serving line to get his meal. Moments later he was seated beside Synclare as they whispered and flirted over their meals. They were so focused on one another they didn’t notice Quin and Vivian as they walked by.

“Congratulations, Synclare and General Lo'San,” Vivian said.

Both looked up at her. “Thank you!” Synclare said.

“Thank you, Sirena,” Lo'San said, getting to his feet respectfully.

“I’m just Vivian,” Vivian said. “Especially if you’re going to be mated to Synclare, calling me Sirena all the time will just make it all feel more formal.”

“Then I am simply Lo'San. General is just as formal,” Lo'San said, giving her a quick, little bow.

“Deal,” Vivian agreed.

“I wish all happiness upon you, Lo'San, and you as well, Synclare. You are truly blessed.”

“Thank you, Zha Quin,” Lo'San answered.

“Thank you,” Synclare echoed.

“In the event you’ve not been advised, you are officially off duty for your mating period,” Quin informed him.

“Lieutenant Commander Ba Re’ advised me this morning. I reported for duty and he promptly sent me back to my mate.”

“Only you would claim your female and try to report to duty the next morning,” Quin said with a smile.

“Not true, you did the same,” Lo'San pointed out.

“I have no choice,” Quin pointed out. “You do. Take the time, my friend.”

“I will. Thank you, Zha Quin.”

As Quin and Vivi walked away to sit at their own table, Quin stopped and looked back. “Your quarters, Lo'San,” he started.

“Already addressed. We are going to tour several near yours as soon as we finish our meals,” Lo'San said.

“You should have upgraded sooner,” Quin said, shaking his head.

“Wasn’t necessary.