Chapter 157: Book 3. Ulrus - Samantha

When the females started dying, many males lost hope that they would ever find a mate and start a family. Most of us just threw ourselves into the war against the So’oks, determined to win, or if that wasn’t to happen, at least to kill as many of them as we could before we perished.

When I was captured by the enemy, along with Commander Driann and the rest of the team, I thought that would be my end. But as we later came to find out, the enemy didn’t want to kill us, only study us and alter our bodies, removing parts and replacing them with bionic ones—with what purpose, no one knows.

After we were rescued and came to live on Azuron, I was sure I would spend my days with other retired soldiers like me, but then the Intergalactic Bride Program for Veterans happened, and with it came a shift in the hearts of all the males. Hope surged.

After spending so much time believing that I’d never experience the warmth of a female or have young of my own, my perfect match was finally here.

Samantha was truly the most beautiful female I had ever seen. She was so tiny, and all I wanted to do was gather her in my arms and promise her that from then on, I would always provide for and protect her, but she hadn’t welcomed my touch, so I was patiently waiting for the day when she would allow it.

Her hair, golden like the Sun, was gathered into a tail on top of her head, and it swayed left and right with every movement she made. I wanted to run my fingers through it and see if it was as soft as I imagined.

And her eyes reminded me of the lake where my father and I, along with the rest of the males from our village, used to fish early in the morning.

While most Raaxians were hunters, some were fishers or practiced other crafts that weren’t as respectable as hunting in the eyes of my people because Raaxians valued strength and agility above all.

A smile tugged at the corners of my mate’s mouth. “I can’t wait to meet the baby. What about Lexi? How is she?”

Commander Driann’s expression turned serious. “Giving birth to our daughter was harder on her body than expected, and she’s been home resting since she still feels very weak.”

Samantha’s expression shifted as well. “And you left her all alone with the baby while she’s on bed rest?! What kind of man are you?”

She seemed very distraught.

Commander Driann ran a palm along his good horn, his jaw clenching.

I felt the need to explain to my mate that I’d never seen a male more tormented than Commander Driann on the day Lexi gave birth. From what he explained, the pain he felt at the thought of his mate not making it was far greater than everything he went through at the hands of the So’oks.

The only reason why he was there with me was because I had asked him to accompany me because meeting my perfect match made me very nervous. Lexi had encouraged him to come with me.

“She’s not alone. Her brother, Nick, is helping her until I return. Plus, Nova is visiting her and our young today. And from here, I will go directly home,” he explained.

My mate released a low breath as her shoulders slumped forward. “I’m sorry for snapping at you. It’s just that… I’ve seen many men not lift a finger after their partners gave birth, which led to complications for those poor women.”

I moved closer to Samantha, and her body immediately went rigid. My arms itched to wrap around Samantha, but I stayed still. “Raaxian males are very protective when it comes to their mates. Rest assured that Lexi and baby Lake are in good hands.”

“Lake,” Samantha murmured, her eyes sparkling. “I like the name.”

At that, Commander Driann stood taller. “Both Nick and Lexi had long lists of names, but I was the one who picked her name. And talking about my daughter, it was time for me to leave. It had been too long since I last held her in my arms.”

Samantha’s eyebrows inched up at that.

“Two hours is not that long,” I pointed out, not wanting her to get the wrong impression.

He snorted. “Wait until you have a young of your own. Every second you spend away from your mate and young feels like an eternity. What if something happens and I’m not there to protect them? What if the chickens get inside the house? I have to be there and keep an eye on them.”

My mate looked confused at that. “Chickens?”

“We live on a farm,” Commander Driann explained. “Lexi is raising chickens, and this year, more hatched. She also wants gloats because they produce milk. But from what I’ve read about them, they seem like a headache waiting to happen, but whatever my Lexi wants, she gets.”

My mate’s brows drew together. “You mean goats?”

“Yes. Gloats,” Commander Driann said confidently.

Samantha pressed her lips together, the corners of her mouth twitching.

“Do you want gloats as well?” I asked my mate, not only wanting to start giving her gifts, but also wanting to learn more about her.

My mother taught me that the easiest way to get to know someone was by asking questions, but also by being observant.

She shook her head. “I’m not a farm girl myself. I love cities. The bigger, the better.”

Unfortunately, there weren’t any big cities on Azuron, but the town next to the base kept growing, and it wouldn’t be long before it reached a decent size.

“So, you don’t like animals?” I asked, wanting to be sure.

“Oh, I do,” she reassured me. “But I’m a dog person.”

I didn’t know what a dog was, but I’d ask Scuti, the AI that kept the entire base functional.

Commander Driann glanced at his bionic watch—everyone on the base had one. “Lexi is curious about your perfect match,” he told me.

“She will have a pleasant surprise when she finds out,” I commented.

“Can I visit her right now?” Samantha asked.

“I’ll ask,” Commander Driann told her. Moments later, he added, “She’s a bit tired and thinks tomorrow is a better day for visitors.”

Samantha looked a bit disappointed, but nonetheless, she said, “Sounds good. But you’ll have to tell me how to get there.”

“I’ll take you,” I reassured her.

She nodded in agreement.

“How about I show you our house?”

Surprise flashed across her gaze. “Our house?”

“We live together,” I let her know.

She licked her lips. “Oh... I... I didn’t know that.” She sounded nervous.

Commander Driann was just as confused as I was by her reaction.

“Do you want to live alone?” I asked, even if I knew it was against the Bride Program.

She thought for a moment. “No,” she eventually replied. “But I need to have my own room.”

So sorry for the delay.

Next update in 1-2 days