Chapter 8:
The dinner went well, a much-needed break for Say and me, that's for sure.
Garrus fit in well, despite how quiet he'd been at first.
It was nice.
"Man, that was nice." I sighed, stretching my arms above my head as I stood in the entryway to my apartment.
"I've got something for you tonight. And for tomorrow night, too."
I tilted my head, curious. "Oh? Gimme!" I made grabby hands at him.
A chuckle, and he grabbed my wrist, jerking me toward him. Picking me up bridal style and carrying me into my bedroom.
Oh.
...
"I'm done!" I shouted. "It's over!"
Garrus chuckled. "I'm glad, but word choice."
I blinked. "Word... Oh!" I shook my head. "I'm sorry, love."
I went over and climbed onto his lap.
"Definitely not done with you." I purred, leaning in for a kiss.
...
We'd spent the last two days in bed, mostly. Only getting up for necessities.
"Your flexibility is unmatched." He murmured out of nowhere, playing with my hair.
"Yeah?" I chuckled. "Where'd that come from?"
He then proceeded to tell me about his one-time sparring partner and how the match had gone. And what had happened after.
I love him, but- Gen started.
I know.
I rolled my eyes, slipping from his grasp and getting up. "Great bedroom talk, Garrus."
"Okay, I'm an idiot." He groaned. "I'm sorry."
"Do you own your living space?" A thought had occurred to me.
"What?" He was thrown by the subject change.
"Do you rent or own?"
"Rent. Why?"
"Move in with me." I said, pulling a sweater over my head, my leggings already snugly on.
"Move-"
We both tensed when we heard something moving beyond the bedroom door.
"Stay here." Garrus warned, jumping up and dressing quickly.
I pursed my lips, not promising anything, and trailed behind him, stopping at the door.
"Who are you?" He demanded of whoever it was.
And then, the scent hit me.
"Richard!" I shouted, zooming into the living room.
Stopping short at the sight of him.
"What are you doing here? Why didn't you send a message? You gave us a fright!"
"Your parents were worried, and they sent me first thing this morning to come see how you are doing. They weren't sure if they had your schedule wrong and didn't want to bother you with messages, if you were busy." He looked at my turian. "It appears you were busy of a different sort."
"Who-" Garrus cut himself off, looking to me.
"This is Richard, he's our Head Butler. Richard, this is my mate, Garrus."
The man's eyes widened, and I pulled my sweater down my shoulder to reveal the mark.
A full moon surrounded by vines of honeysuckle. Garrus had the same, just as vibrant, on his carapace, surprisingly. I honestly hadn't known what to expect, and I was pleasantly surprised.
"This is..."
"I know." I nodded, smiling at the turian. "But I'm happy."
A soft expression settled on Richard's face. "That's what matters."
I gestured for him to sit, going into the kitchen to make tea. Leaving the two alone. I could hear the were asking generic questions. Like what did Garrus do for a living? How did we meet?
I cringed as the whole "guard" thing was explained.
"Andromeda Reagan Quinn." That ominous tone promised I would be reprimanded for neglecting to share that.
Sighing, I carried the drinks out- a premade dextro tea for Garrus- and set them on the table.
"You've been harassed and stalked, and you didn't alert us?"
"And drugged."
I shot my mate a look of betrayal.
"Twice."
"Garrus!" I threw my hands in the air, before crossing my arms and throwing myself back against the couch. Full-on pout mode.
The man's eyes switched from brown to blue, his voice rougher. "You've been in serious danger- for months- and never thought to reach out?"
The hurt came through loud and clear.
"I didn't want to worry anyone. Stalkers happen, when you're famous. Harassment becomes an annoying buzz in the background. Besides, I wanted to see what C-Sec could do first, before resorting to werewolf warriors posted around my apartment."
"You're going to have to tell your family when you come home." It was a promise that if I didn't, he would.
"You're right. I know you're right." I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. "And I meant to message and say I'd be heading home later than agreed. I wanted to spend time, just me and Garrus, without distractions."
"That's understandable."
"When do they want me back by?"
"Tomorrow, if you're willing."
I glanced at the turian, raising an eyebrow. "How do you feel about meeting my family tomorrow?"
"A bit backwards," He joked. "but I can do that. I'd like to meet them, sooner rather than later."
"I'll make sure the ship is ready to go."
"After noon, please. I'm taking advantage of being able to sleep."
"Of course." He nodded, getting to his feet. "I will see you at two tomorrow."
"That's perfect, thanks."
I walked him to the door.
Returning to the living room, I leaned over the back of the couch. "So... moving in?"
Garrus laughed. "Yeah? What a way to ask."
I moved around to get on one knee in front of him. "Will you do me the honor of moving in with me, my mate?"
He blinked, but quickly fell into character, a hand going to his chest. "Yes, of course. How could I say no to you?"
"After throwing me under the bus, twice, I'd think saying no to me would be easy." I replied dryly.
He could tell from my emotions that I wasn't upset, but he grasped one of my hands and held it to his heart.
"I'm sorry. I thought you'd have told them. I was a little upset you hadn't."
"It's okay. I'd do the same thing in your position, to be honest. Now," I stood, clapping my hands together. "You need to talk to Bailey, run our travel plans by him. You can either pack before or after."
"I'll send him a message, see when he can come here."
I nodded, watching him do that.
"I'll start packing my apartment when we get back, but I'll get started for our trip right now."
I bit my lip, my head tilting, enjoying the view as he walked to the guest room. Once the door shut behind him, I gave myself a shake and retreated to my room to do the same.
I'll have to grab a few things from my place. His words filled my head a half hour later. And Bailey hasn't gotten back to me.
Do you want to go see him, then?
I'll have to, I think.
Kill two birds. See him and go to your place, all in one go.
Are you coming with?
Nah. I think I'll stay here. Make sure I have everything I need. Maybe order some food. Maybe put on something sexy and wait for you.
A loud growl came from just outside the bedroom door, and a moment later, he rushed into the room. Grabbed my hips and kissed me roughly.
I chuckled. "Yeah? You like that idea?"
"I do." A nod, gaze intense. "I really like that idea."
"Better get going, then, big guy." I shooed him toward the door.
Hesitation flashed across his face. "Just... Be careful and stay safe, okay?"
"I will." I gave him a light peck. "I'll be here."
He wasn't gone long, when there was a knock on the door. Warily, I stopped looking over delivery options and answered the door.
A pizza delivery guy stood there.
I blinked, accepting the food.
How sweet! Garrus had ordered food for us. Just wish he'd said something, so I wouldn't have spent the last few minutes debating what to get.
Still. It was sweet.
I set the box on the kitchen island, going about grabbing a plate and a drink. Upon opening the pizza box, I wrinkled my nose.
Gen, you smell that, right?
There was a pause. Yeah... I do.
A moment later, fear spiked me. The realization of what it was hit.
Garrus
I was talking to Bailey, when the fear hit me. It wrapped around my chest, squeezing tightly. He looked at me, his eyes sweeping over my form. Eyes narrowing in thought.
"What's wrong?" He asked gruffly.
"Andromeda..." I gasped out, before rushing out of the precinct, heading back home.
I got to the apartment in record time, darting inside, finding her standing in the kitchen. She looked up from her omni-tool.
"I was just about to call you." Her voice was soft, her lips trembling.
The Captain walked in a moment later, going straight to her, grasping her shoulders. "What happened?"
A glance toward the pizza box on the island. "I'm guessing you didn't order that." A statement, rather than a question, but I still shook my head. "I didn't think so, not after I opened it. It's laced with wolfsbane. A lot of wolfsbane." A shudder ran through her. "Enough to kill an elephant."
He and I exchanged looks, before he focused on her again. "When are you going back home?"
"Tomorrow afternoon."
"Leave tonight, if you can." He visibly dug his fingers into her shoulders. "It's not safe for you here right now."
A slow nod. "I'll arrange it."
He let out a relieved sigh, releasing her. "I'm going to take this and have it tested for anything else, just in case. And submit it for evidence, along with everything else we have locked away regarding this."
"Thanks, Bailey." She smiled at him, walking him to the door.
When she came back, she stepped right up to me, burying her face in my shoulder. Her whole body shaking with the force of her sobs.
Andromeda
I clutched at him for I don't even know how long. I just knew he was here, and I was safe. My mind shied away from the "what-ifs" that tried to play through my head.
Finally, all cried out, I pulled back, offering a weak smile. "You're here."
"I am." A light touch to my cheek, eyes searching my face. "I felt your fear."
"Ah, yeah. That happens. Strong emotions bleed through the bond." I wiped my face dry. "Thank you for coming."
"Of course." He sounded offended. "I couldn't just leave you like that."
I reached up, clasping his hand between mine. "I know. I just want you to know I appreciate it." I let out a heavy breath. "I need to send a message to Richard."
"Give me his contact information, I'll do it." He offered.
I bit my lip, but decided not to fight him on it, reciting it off for him. He typed up a quick message, sending it off, and I reached up further, guiding him down for a kiss.
"I think it's safe to say that I need to go with you while you pack for the trip." I murmured.
A nod. "I'd say so."
...
When we got back, Richard was already inside, sitting on the couch. I gave him a small wave, as I took in his expression. He looked distraught. Getting up, he rushed over to me, fussing here and there. Demanding to know I was alright. Thanking Garrus profusely. It was the strangest thing, seeing him in this state. I didn't like the reason behind it, but it was cute.
...
The ride was long, with me curling up in my spot, cuddling against the turian. His arm was wrapped firmly around me, holding me in place. Warmth and safety bloomed in my chest at the gesture, love filling every inch of me.
I love you, too. His voice murmured through my mind, amused.
I blushed a little but nuzzled his side. Good. Otherwise, this would be awkward. I joked.
That had him chuckling softly out loud, earning a glance from the other weres on the ship. I tilted my head up, smiling at him. He took the chance to lean down and capture my mouth with a kiss. I relaxed even further, which I hadn't thought possible. Whispers from the others filled the silence.
They're gossiping. He observed.
Like I said- no one's seen an alien mated with a werewolf before. I reminded him. We're a novelty. Of the highest quality. I changed my accent to posh British for the last line.
Another chuckle from him, shaking his head.
I fell asleep at some point, waking when we arrived thanks to him gently shaking me. Richard greeted us, and that earned even more stares- from those that had traveled with us, and the ones waiting for their arrivals. Everyone seemed to recognize me at once- their sharp inhalations indications of it. As was the fact that everyone lowered their heads, baring their necks in submission.
"At ease." I smiled softly at them all. "Relax."
One by one, they did, carrying on their conversations before long.
I... It wasn't that I didn't believe you're a princess, but...
It's a wholly other thing, seeing it in person, eh?
Yeah.
He was looking around, doing his C-Sec thing of making sure there were no threats but also taking in the sights, I'm sure.
Our kingdom spanned a large portion of Montana, though packs were sprinkled all around Earth- some even on different planets altogether. The forests were mostly untouched, the land lush and green. The trees were so tall, you could barely see the top of them from below. And the air itself was just... crisp, clean. Home.
I was home.
A contented sigh left me as we walked out of the station. Brown wolves standing sentinel nearby, dotted around the packlands, looked over in our direction. Feeling the aura leaking from me. I suppressed it most of the time, but at home... I let it out. Just a touch.
One were, a female, came up to us. To him. Touching his chest and murmuring that she could show him a good time.
My teeth clenched, my hands balling into fists, as I tried to fight the urge to kill her for her actions. While I was wrestling with myself, he turned away from her. Facing me, pulling me tight against him and kissing me deeply. Staking his claim. When we pulled away, I caught a glimpse of her sour expression.
I bared my teeth in a threatening smile, taking a step toward her. "You will never touch him again. Do you understand? It will be the last thing you ever do."
She slinked away, tail metaphorically tucked between her legs. I watched, satisfaction filling me.
"Would you actually kill her for that?" He asked, bemused, rubbing his thumb over my cheek.
"I've killed for less." I told him.