well as out. This only adds to her allure.
I want the entire planet to know that she is mine.
Today is the exact day that the new immigration policy, allowing humans to be declared as bound, comes into effect. Our love story has been covered by the media. Both of us were asked often for interviews but we’ve declined them all. I’m already well-known as a private recluse; no one was surprised at my lack of communication. But now I will tell our story, with my own words, in my own way.
I meet Chloe at the base of the stairs and stop her before she reaches the final step. She is now slightly above me, as is only right. This is the perfect time. The room grows quiet and everyone is watching. I know that my brother is recording this, ready to send it to the news media when we are done.
I get down on one knee before my human, in the exact manner of my brother for his own bound. I can do no less for my own mate. Chloe gasps with surprise and her sparkling black eyes fill with happy tears. I take a small black box out of my pocket, open it and show her the Touchstone Fire diamond I’ve chose for her ring. This is a rare stone, with a family long history. I know it’s perfect for her.
And then I enfold her tiny hand within my large claw. She’s staring down at me with utter tenderness. I raise my voice, so everyone can hear, and I say, “Chloe Chang, from the first moment I met you I knew you were mine.”
A breath escapes her lips and she places a hand over her heart.
“I took my time, getting to know you, waiting to declare myself and ask you to be my bound. This was a fatal error, because soon after the laws on my planet changed and I was unable to legally declare you as my bound. But now a correction has been made and I can officially make you mine. I love you more than life itself. Will you walk to the courthouse with me tomorrow and legally become my bound? You are already the mother of my child, but will you also join my extended family and become Chloe Touchstone, the mother of future Touchstones?”
I stare up at her, sudden fear stabbing my heart. What if she says no? What if she’s been through too much and needs time to think…
“Oh Berg. Of course I will. I love you so much.” And then I stand and my female throws her arms around me and I kiss her in front of everyone. There is a huge wave of clapping and shouts and whistles.
Finally I let go of my Chloe and allow her to share her joy with everyone who came here to share her happiness. The first being next to my bound is her sister, Lucy. I blink with surprise. The female is crying.
“Lucy!” my bound shouts with obvious joy.
“Oh Chloe, I’m so happy for you. And I want you to know that Xi finally told me what you did, paying for that dowry. And you are so wonderful. I’m so lucky to have you. I love you sis. I love you so much…”
I turn and walk away, trying to give the hugging and crying sisters some room and I see Riley staring up at me. She shakes her head. “I still cannot believe how much you talk when Chloe’s around. It’s like you’re a whole different being.”
I shrug.
“I think he’s used up all his words for the day,” my brother laughs.
He’s right.
An hour later I’m quietly standing next to Hannibal in front of the fireplace, we’re both watching the lick and pop of the flames.
“This is my last mission,” I tell him. “You’re in charge of the team now. I will still run the security firm, but my days of high-risk away missions are over.”
He nods. “I understand.”
Chloe is right. I do have friends. My second-in-command probably doesn’t know this, but he’s my best friend.
“I never knew my father,” Hannibal tells me.
I nod.
“Your father was always my role model,” he admits. “Buri Touchstone was the male I always wanted to be.”
A warmth spreads in my chest. I grunt in reply. Then we continue to stand together in silence.
Hannibal’s eight-year-old son joins us, holding his father’s claw. And now all three of us stand in silence and watch the rest of the party, smiling at their