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than Connell s, though not as pale as Pearl s. Stone s? Was he in his lover s body? He glanced up,
noticing the prism of colors in the spray. Not rain. Up and up his gaze traveled to the very top of a
waterfall so tall the edges flirted with puffy blue clouds against a greenish sky. Where was he? He
gazed down, catching glimpses of rainbow shapes flitting in the water beneath his feet, too beautiful
to be the indigenous fish of New Wailea.
One moment he stood in a rainbow s spray, the next he sat on his bed, huddled in his mate s arms.
 Where was I? he asked.
 You saw? Stone beamed, eyes sparkling.
 A waterfall. Bright fish. Green sky.
If possible, Stone grinned wider.  It worked. XI-47 is my favorite planet. I took leave there once and
spent two days exploring. Leaning down put his lips so close to Connell s ear that puffs of breath
caused shivers.  Did you enjoy your visit?
 Yes! You loved that place and wanted to share it with me?
 I want to share all with you. Stone kissed him. No matter how many years passed, or how long
they stayed together, Stone never seemed to grow tired of kissing.
****
 Fathers? Pearl stood in the doorway to the room they d added for her, nibbling at her lip. A
cascade of golden hair flowed down her back, and any who saw her blue eyes believed she was
Stone s in truth, so marked was the resemblance. Age-wise, though, she appeared more sister than
daughter to her father, who hadn t changed much since the day of his arrival.
Her dad, on the other hand& Just that day Connell had found more white in his hair, more laugh
lines around his eyes. Not that he didn t deserve them. It seemed for the past fifteen years, since his
mate and daughter s arrival, he done little else but smile.  Yes? he prompted.
Pearl studied the floor, her white blonde lashes sweeping her cheeks.  You know Georges from the
village.
 Yes. And? A twitch appeared in Stone s cheek. They d talked about this, the day their little girl
would begin seeking a mate of her own, especially since she d apprenticed to the weaver and spent
much of her time in the village instead of under the watchful vigilance of her parents.
 And, I wanted to know if maybe he could come to dinner& 
Stone s jaw twitched harder.  Georges, you say. Living near so small a village greatly limited the
possibilities, and although Stone and Connell both liked Georges, letting him tag along on fishing
expeditions and allowing him to court Pearl were two different things entirely.
 That s a fine idea, Pearl, Connell offered, placing a hand he hoped would be calming on Stone s
arm.
 A fine idea, Stone repeated, the twitch becoming a sinister grin.  In fact, I think we should dress up
for the occasion.
 Oh, Dad! Father! Thank you so much! Pearl dashed into her room, undoubtedly to change into the
new frock she d completed the week earlier and not noticing her father s scary mien.
 Stone. Connell added a warning growl to the name.
 What? his mate replied with a look of faux innocence.  When he was little, Georges loved to look
at my suit. Asked me a million questions. Surely he s still curious.
****
The silent sentinel stood guard, only, instead of sitting on the cliffs, Stone glared at the village path.
Connell watched out the window while he prepared a meal. What exactly did Stone plan? And
should Connell try to stop him?
Finally, a familiar, lanky youth came trotting up the hill. ZAP! One of the few remaining boulders
within viewing distance vaporized. Stone wrapped his still-smoking arm around a visibly shaking
Georges smoke Connell knew was for show, and a recent addition to the suit. He held his breath
and heard his mate ask,  So, Georges, you will respect my daughter, right?
After dinner, Georges goodnight kiss on Pearl s cheek cost them another boulder.
****
Pearl and Georges stood in the clearing in front of the stone cottage she d grown up in. It d taken
some doing, but Connell had managed to convince his mate not to wear  the suit to the joining.
Two years. It d been two years since Georges first made known his intentions; two years, and all
remaining boulders within easy reach.
Never had Pearl looked so lovely. Was that a sniff? Connell shot a worried glance at his mate.
 Something s in my eye, Stone said, rubbing a finger over his eyelid.
The young couple stood, surrounded by their families.  My heart, my life, all that I am, I give to you,
my mate, their daughter said.
Even Connell choked up when the magistrate declared Pearl and Georges joined.
That night, instead of keeping watch on the cliffs, Stone sat lonely vigil in Pearl s now-empty room.
In the early hours of morning, Connell coaxed him into bed.  Remember the first time you took me,
right here? he asked.
 How could I forget?
Gentle kisses grew more heated, and though well-acquainted with his mate s body, Connell explored [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]