Dana Bell
I must be out of my mind, Abram decided even as he stepped through the door of Space Brides, LLC. The company only had one office in the asteroids. How many of the other miners used their services he had no way of knowing. There were what, he mused, several hundred rock scroungers seeking their fortune, like he’d read about during the historic gold rushes of long ago.
When he glanced around the office and noticed the lack of clients, it came as a huge shock. Most of the men where single and in need of feminine company and not just those in the saloons or brothels.
“You’re Abram Labronno,” the gray-haired woman sitting behind the metal desk greeted him. She wore a blue jumpsuit with the SBLLC branded in silver on the left side.
He nodded, not surprised she knew him. Back on Earth he’d been a well-known actor clawing his way up the stardom ladder. Would have had a good shot too, if he’d not learned about the back room deals and roles directors cast before agents could approach them. He’d lost too many opportunities due to their antics. He cringed. Plus, a foolish decision that had consigned him to darkness.
So, he’d sold everything and migrated out to the asteroids on a slow freighter. Abram scrapped by like everyone else.
“Quite the profile you have,” the woman continued, her voice firm and warm. “I’m Liz,” she introduced herself.
“Pleasure,” he returned. He pointed at the empty benches attached to the rock floor. “This place ever busy?”
“Only when the supply ship docks.” She smiled, the lines around her blue eyes crinkled.
Abram knew how busy the main complex could be when the supply ships came in and how quickly everything ran out.
“I have a couple of contractors who come in to help out,” she continued.
Contractor was a way of life. Many worked odd jobs filling in as needed. Harsh way to survive, yet he’d done so himself when he’d first arrived. Made enough to stake his own claim.
“Any prospects?” Abram inquired, doubtful the answer would be any different than it had over the past year or so. Brides migrated to the planets and moons, not the asteroids.
Liz pulled up her screen which shimmered in the air. “Hmm.” Her gaze studied the information. “Maybe.”
“Maybe?” He refused to get excited or get his hopes up.
“Looks like we may have a query from a transferee on Io.”
Io. Biggest mining operation in the solar system. Rumor had it they’d had some problems a few years back. Local law enforcement had cleaned it up. Company changed hands afterward and expanded operations.
“Profession?” His nose itched and he scratched it. Could be a night lady wanting out and a new start. Not an ideal match.
“Cook,” Liz answered.
He blinked. Cook? The woman had one of the most in demand skills. She could get a job anywhere and be paid well. Why would she choose to come to the asteroids?
“There’s a hitch.” Liz studied the info.
Just his luck. “Someone already hired her.”
“No.” She sent him a stern look. “The prospective bride has guardianship of her younger siblings and—” She chuckled. “A cat.” Liz became all business. “As you know, children and pets must be disclosed and agreed upon beforehand.”
“She in route?” He felt a moment of panic.
Liz checked. “Leaves next week. Ship will come through dropping off new miners, supplies, and any passengers before continuing to Mars.”
“Picture?” Long shot. Seeing what she looked like wouldn’t matter.
“Surprising, yes.” A 3-D image wavered.
His gray eyes darted to the image. A woman with shoulder length black hair, her features plain, but not unattractive, and eyes the color of sapphires. Looked to be a bit older than most brides who migrated out. Forties maybe. She wore a brown jumpsuit and in her arms an orange cat glared with yellow eyes.
Beside her stood a young boy and girl, who didn’t look anything like her. Step siblings perhaps or adopted. Both wore colorful pants and tops, with brown hair and eyes.
“They seem young to be siblings.” He waited for a response.
“Adopted according to the file.”
“Am I allowed to read it?”
“As long as the prospective bride has permission to do the same.”
“Granted.”
Liz held out a disc. “If possible, I’d like a decision in two days.”
“You’ll have my answer within a day.”
~ * ~
Narissa Lawrence couldn’t believe her good fortune. The disc she’d received didn’t have a lot of information on her perspective spouse, yet enough for her to know she wanted to meet him. The first perspective husband she’d heard from. Several others had come in later from interested potential partners on Mars. She didn’t want to live on the red planet. Too much of a chance of running into her father’s old business associates, who would make demands she wouldn’t agree to.
Her father’s second wife had assigned guardianship to Narissa in the event something happened. Unfortunately, an incident had occurred and they’d both been killed. If she’d been there, she could have warned him, although she doubted he would have listened. He made a stupid tactical mistake.
With a sigh she put the past behind her and studied what little had been provided. Abram Labronno. Forty-two. Strong, determined face. Long pale brown hair, sad gray eyes. Stubble on his chin. Ex actor. She didn’t care about his old profession. Quit the business and migrated out. Owned his own mining operation.
Included were a few photos of his home. Lights along the ceiling of a chiseled-out cave. The rock walls red and black with some white splotches. Had its own water supply, which impressed Narissa. How had he managed that feat?
“He lives in a cave?” Bruce asked, gazing over her shoulder. He’d just turned ten.
“Seems to.”
“Dazzling!” The boy grinned. “Better than the box we’re living in.”
He referred to their current soon to be former home. When the kids had arrived, her employers had emptied a storage room, put up bunk beds, plus a single for her. Crowded for her, two children and a cat.
Susan frowned. “Won’t it be cold?”
“We’ll have to ask.” She thought she’d read somewhere caves kept a constant temperature back on Earth. Couldn’t be sure the same applied to the asteroids. “At least you’ll have some room to run and play.”
The nine-year-old girl thought about it. “Guess that’ll be okay.”
Tibs, her orange tabby, yawned and closed his eyes. The affairs of humans never seemed to concern him. Or so Narissa assumed.
“He okay with us?” Susan gave her a worried expression.
The note her potential mate had thoughtfully included read, “I’d never considered children, but am willing to try to be a father or at the very least a friend they can rely upon.”
“Yes,” she told the girl.
“Guess that’s good.” Bruce seemed uncertain.
Her father and his second wife had adopted the siblings when they’d been very young. The couple had lost their lives about three years later. The children had become her responsibility and the joy of her life.
“We have a trial period to see if it’ll work out. Whatever happens, we’ll be together as a family,” she promised.
Her answer seemed to satisfy Bruce and Susan. They both grinned.
“It’s an adventure!” Bruce bounced over to his bunk to finish packing.
“You packed, Susan?” The girl nodded.
“Good.” She stifled a yawn. “We leave early in the morning.” Her eyes traveled the cramped space. Narissa wasn’t sorry to leave. Granted most barely scrapped by in the asteroids. She hoped their living conditions would be much better.
She could also find work as a cook. Had to be plenty of hungry men.
“Where’s my doll?” Susan asked, her expression frantic. The doll had been the last gift she’d gotten from her mother.
“Look under your bed,” her brother suggested.
“There you are.” She pulled the cloth doll out and tucked it in her suitcase.
Heart aching, Narissa wished the two had more. Her salary though generous, didn’t go far with the price of shipping supplies out from Earth. Wouldn’t change with moving, yet it was the only way out she could think of to change their circumstances.
Living off Mars kept her away from her father’s profession she’d refused to be a part of. Although his compatriots still tried to recruit her. Finding her on Io had been easy. Searching for her among the hundreds of asteroids would make locating her much more difficult.
She could live with not being found.
~ * ~
Waiting for his perspective bride to arrive, Abram paced the Space Brides office stone floor. Being the only one there, since Liz had gone to meet the woman’s ship, he had no one to talk to. When they returned, his first meeting with his prospective bride would be supervised.
Before coming, he’d taken care of his needs, including using the bath house to clean up, putting on clean clothes, shaving and brushing his long hair, secured at the base of his neck. After waiting for so long, he wanted to be as presentable as possible.
He hoped they clicked instantly. Realistically he knew it would take time. She’d opted for waiting the two weeks allowed to decide. Given the circumstances he could understand why. His lifestyle could be challenging. In more ways than one.
“Here we are,” he heard Liz say.
He straightened and smiled.
Her eyes widened when she saw him. She shook herself as if distracted and smiled. Two children followed behind, each carrying small bags. His bride put down the cat carrier. The creature yowled loudly in protest.
“You’re fine, Tibs,” she gently told the cat.
Liz made quick introductions. “I’ll be in the back if you need anything.” She disappeared to give them time to get acquainted.
“How was your flight?” He couldn’t think of anything else to say.
“Fine. Tiring.”
The children sat down on the bench. The little girl hugged a doll. The boy looked bored.
“I’m surprised you agreed to meet,” she continued, her eyes uncertain.
“Been waiting a long time,” he honestly answered. “Not many women come here.”
“I’d heard it wasn’t a desirable place to live. Still.” She frankly looked him over. “I don’t understand why any woman wouldn’t want to meet you.” Her cheeks turned pink.
“Can get lonely here,” he agreed. She only carried a backpack. They’d come with so little.
“I have no desire to live on Mars or Earth.”
He frowned, not sure why she’d shared the information. “Are you from either?”
“Mars.” She glanced down. “Let’s just say my father and I had a falling out.”
He sensed that was all she’d share for now. “My home is about an hour away. Is there anything you need before we head out?”
“I’m hungry,” Bruce griped.
He smiled. “I think we can find you a good meal.” Rubbing his chin he regarded the small family. “Suspect I need to buy a few groceries and a number of other items for your comfort.” Quite a bit. He had the funds to cover. He’d learned to live with little and saved his profits.
“We wouldn’t want to—” the woman began.
He held up his hand. “If we are to become a family, it’s the least I can do. Liz!” he called.
The older woman popped out, her eyes darting between the couple.
“You had mentioned you wanted the two-week trial, is that still your wish?” Never hurt to double check. He waited for her answer.
She nibbled on her lower lip. “If you don’t mind.”
“I agree.” He glanced at Liz. “We’re leaving now.”
Liz smiled broadly. “Good luck!”
~ * ~
How much had their shopping spree cost him? Narissa wondered, gazing at the huge pile on the counter.
Abram haggled with the keeper like an expert and took a small wagon to load the supplies.
“It’s too much,” she protested.
“Better to have too much than not enough,” he countered. His tone told her it wouldn’t do any good to argue.
Walking though the main hub, she got stares from many of the miners. Some looked envious.
When they reached the docking area, he started loading his transport. Bruce gave his bag to his sister and picked up smaller items, handing them to Abram. The man gave the boy a smile. When they finished, he complimented her brother, “You did a fine job of helping. Thank you.”
Bruce grinned proudly.
She felt a smile tug at her lips. If his words and actions were an indication of the man, he’d make a great father figure.
He tossed a coin to a young boy who hovered in the background. “Take it back for me?”
The kid nodded, pocketing the money, grabbed the cart and vanished in the direction they’d come.
“Saves me a trip,” he explained. He motioned. “We’d best be going.”
“Of course.” She and the children entered the transport. The size of the craft surprised her. They weren’t cramped.
“These are called hoppers.” He started it up and it darted out through a rock tunnel into the blackness of space. Stars twinkled around them dominated by Jupiter.
“It’s dark,” Susan whispered, cuddling closer to Narissa.
“Always is in space.” Abram glanced back. “Beautiful too.”
“How long before we arrive?” Narissa thought he’d told them earlier, but her tired mind couldn’t remember.
“We’ll be there in under an hour.”
“Ever see pirates?” Bruce asked, his eyes shining.
“Heard stories. They mostly go after supply ships or luxury liners. Usually the latter because there’s a higher profit to be made.”
“How do you know?” Bruce eased up to look over Abram’s shoulder.
“Another day. If you don’t mind, I need to make sure we don’t hit anything.”
“Bruce, sit back and let—” she hesitated, not sure if she should use his name. “Abram get us home safely.”
“Okay.” He sat back and crossed his arms over his chest.
They completed the rest of the trip in silence. Narissa kept sneaking glances at Abram, marveling how handsome he looked. How had he not had any women take an interest? Granted his face seemed a bit pale. Living in space with little sunshine easily explained his complexion. His body, under the jumpsuit he wore, looked trim and muscled, normal for a miner.
She had noticed he hadn’t eaten any food. Crisp fries with a spicey vinegar dip and a veggie platter with a creamy sauce had been their meal. The simplicity made her mouth water just thinking about it.
“Aren’t you hungry?” she’d asked him.
His lip twitched. “I ate earlier.”
Explained his lack of an appetite. Narissa shrugged off her suspicions. Her father had taught her to watch for unusual behavior and why. Not eating food had been one of them.
The hopper slid into a tunnel and a metal door opened. They waited several minutes before the second door slid back.
“We’re equalized,” Abram explained.
“So we can get out.” Bruce glanced around, his face reflecting his disappointment. “Don’t look like much.”
“Better than most,” Abram returned, not seeming upset by the boy’s comment.
“Bruce,” Narissa warned.
“It’s fine,” Abram assured her. “Bruce, want to help me carry everything to where you’ll be sleeping.”
“Sure!”
They all pitched in carrying the supplies through the metal doors opening to a large cavern. She noticed the ceiling lights did a good job of lighting the area. A few spots held shadows and Narissa took a deep breath. Nothing lurked there.
“This area should be safe for all of you. I have a door which seals off the main mine.” The huge box of groceries he set down on a smooth rock counter. “The cooker is new. Haven’t had a chance to use it.”
The small silver appliance sat against one wall. She ran her fingers over it, planning dishes to cook for them. “What do you eat?”
“Mostly rations.” He shrugged. “I had it shipped in when I started looking for a bride.”
Having lived on Mars most of her life, she knew how costly the appliance must have been. “I’m impressed.”
“Least I could do.”
“Where we gonna sleep?” Susan glanced between the two adults.
“I’ll show you,” Abram offered.
They left the alcove, went down a short hall, until he reached three carved out areas. “You can pick which one you want. I created niches for beds and put mats in. They should be comfortable.”
“There’s no door.” Susan hugged her doll.
“We can fix that.” Narissa could jury rig some blankets as doors, or at least she hoped she could.
“Bathroom is down the hall on the left.”
“Where’s your room?” Bruce asked.
Abram chuckled. “I have a niche upstairs, there on the right.” His eyes sought out hers. “I know it isn’t much.” She sensed he offered an apology.
“It’s more than we had,” she assured him.
~ * ~
Abram left them to settle in and went back to the kitchen. Putting away the groceries on the shelves he’d built, he marveled his bride had finally arrived. For so long he’d waited for her. Part of his mind still couldn’t believe his good fortune.
Granted, he needed to show them around and go through several emergency procedures and how to handle them. He suspected coming from Io they probably would be familiar with similar drills. Most mining operations had them every week, from what he’d heard.
A bump rubbed against his leg. Startled he gazed into the yellow eyes of the cat. “Hello.”
“He’s probably hungry.” Narissa stood in the doorway.
“I have plates, glasses are there.” He pointed to the wooden box he used as a cupboard. “Utensils are there.” Another box held them.
“You’re well prepared.”
“Had time.” More than she realized, he added to himself.
“I’m guessing you had your reasons for migrating.” She picked a bowl and opened a canister, pouring dry smelly food. The cat followed as she placed it on the ground, nibbling at the meal.
“We all do.” A good general answer and hopefully one, which would prevent further questions. He had no desire to share his secrets. Not yet.
“We do, yes,” she agreed. “I’m going to put the kids to bed and retire myself.”
“Pleasant dreams.”
“Thank you.” She left, her sweet scent lingering.
The cat finished its meal and sat cleaning itself.
“I’ll bet you sleep with her.” Ignoring him, the cat continued washing itself. “I envy you.”
Not feeling like working, Abram double checked the airlock, before climbing the stairs to his sleeping chamber. Laying down on the mat, he closed his eyes. He’d become used to being alone. No doubt it would take time to become comfortable with others close by.
Vaguely he heard the four heart beats, even though the rock, before he dropped into a sleep where he never dreamed.
~ * ~
Rising before the children, Narissa took a quick shower and put on water for tea. Tibs sat beside his bowl not understanding why it had become empty. She chuckled and fed him, before putting oatmeal on the stove. Slicing up some apples, fresh ones, from what she could tell and put them on a plate. Where had Abram found those?
She left them on the counter and wandered down the hall. Noting the opening to his room she resisted the urge to take a look. If he slept, she didn’t want to wake him. At the end she found a metal door. Probably the mine. Another short tunnel led to an open area and she stopped, amazed at what she’d found.
A huge garden filled the space. Fruit trees scattered about with rock piled rock containers and others full of plants. A well-tended herb garden. She took a whiff noting basil, peppermint and catnip? Tibs would love the treat.
“I see you found my garden.”
Narissa jumped. “I thought you were sleeping.” She turned to face Abram.
“I only require a few hours of rest.” He smiled. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”
“I see where the apples came from.” She pointed to the tree.
“There’s granny smiths, galas, goldens, pears, peaches, lemon, several nuts, potatoes, carrots, spinach, lettuce, radishes and much more.”
With a garden they wouldn’t be dependent on off world shipments. Plus, it would all be fresh. A rarity in most of the colonies.
“Gardening’s a hobby,” he explained.
She heard a buzz and instinctively ducked.
“Just a bee.” He pointed toward the back. “I have a hive. They pollinate and I harvest the honey.”
“I’m impressed.”
He glanced down. “There’s a door which seals the room in case of a breech. Safest place if anything happens.”
A chill traveled down her spine. “Has anything ever happened?”
“No.” His facial expression reassured her. “I need to go to work. When I finish there are several safety protocols I need to walk you and the children through.”
“We’re familiar. Io did the same.”
“Figured you would be. I’ll see you in a few hours.” He left her.
Returning to the kitchen, she finished making breakfast and woke the children. They ate around a small table in the back corner and washed the dishes afterward.
“What are we going to do all day?” Susan hugged her doll.
“There’s a garden. I think we should see what’s there and decide what to pick for lunch.”
“A garden?” Bruce stared at her. “Here?”
“Yes.” Afterward she’d get Bruce and Susan set up with their school homework. She’d allowed them to take a break while traveling. While they studied, she wanted to explore the cavern they’d come through when they’d arrived.
Tibs ambled behind them, sniffing at the walls. When they entered the garden, he found a spot to his liking and laid down, stretching his full length. His eyes closed.
“What do you think we should have for lunch?” She waited for the children to decide. At least she’d grabbed a bowl to fill.
“Any oranges?” Susan loved the fruit.
“Let’s find out.”
They explored and found some. Bruce picked lettuce and tomatoes for a salad. Susan added carrots. Narissa plucked radishes plus basil and spinach. They’d have salad and she’d figure out how to make a dressing.
Taking their food to the kitchen, she set up the children’s lap coms so they could do lessons and left them in their rooms studying.
Entering the main area, she surveyed the large cavern. Lots of open space. Nothing done to make it cozy or homey. Panels had been installed on the far wall next to the main entrance. No doubt Abram would teach them what they were and how to use them.
In a cubby she discovered suits, enough for all of them and even a special box for the cat. Abram had thought of everything and been ready for them.
Returning to the kitchen she began making lunch. For dinner she was thinking about a nice hot soup and maybe some bread. When Abram finished working, she’d talk with him about what he liked to eat. Surely he didn’t eat rations all the time. Not with the garden available.
Tibs bumped against her. She rubbed along his muzzle. “Have a nice nap?”
He purred and wandered out. No doubt he’d end up on her bed.
Making herself another cup of tea, she sat at the table and sipped the brew. She’d wanted to wait two weeks so she could get to know Abram. He’d left his acting career and she wondered why. His reasons might be private so she might never know.
Just as she couldn’t explain about her family. Their profession had been passed down through the generations, starting on Earth and carried on as they settled further out.
She’d gotten tired of chasing legends.
~ * ~
Abram took a quick shower after he’d finished working. The new vein he’d found held promise and he’d kept at it for as long as he could. It would cover many expenses and allow him to provide for his new family. Provided Narissa decided to stay.
As he dressed in fresh clothes, he knew eventually he’d have to share his secret with her. Only fair for her to know before their marriage. He wanted her to have a choice. He’d just have to make sure he covered his tracks in the event she couldn’t accept him.
Sighing, he left the bathroom and caught the scent of potatoes cooking along with other delicious smells. Meat, a luxury item, rarely available. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d eaten any. Not that he’d be able to digest it.
He entered the kitchen. Soup bubbled on the stove. Narissa sat at the table lost in thought.
“Everything all right?” He leaned on the counter.
“Fine.” She offered a shy smile. “Bruce and Susan are doing their homework.”
He hadn’t thought about the children having schoolwork. As a child he’d hated it. “Willingly?”
“They don’t argue.”
Tibs sauntered in sitting in front of his dish. Narissa rose, gave him food and smiled. “This place needs a few things to make it a home.”
“I’ll leave the choices up to you.”
“We never had much.” She glanced away. “Importing from Earth is expensive. Guess I’ll have to get creative.”
Part of him relaxed. Narissa’s thoughts were to make the caverns a home. Perhaps she’d stay. Question was, would she want to when she learned the truth?
~ * ~
Over the next few days, Abram taught them how to put their suits on. Narissa and the children already had learned on Io so it wasn’t much of a learning curve. The box for Tibs was new and they each took a turn putting the cat into it. He yowled the entire time.
Her prospective husband also taught them about the various doors and how to reach the garden before the auto seal. She learned to care for each plant and even had a quick lesson on bee keeping. A chore she’d leave for Abram. The insects weren’t dangerous as they were a hybrid breed with no stinger.
She’d even had a few lessons on driving the hopper. He’d taken her around the asteroid and back inside. How she’d ever be able to navigate through the field she had no idea and wasn’t certain she wanted to find out.
Only one thing frustrated her. He never ate with them. Either he was in the mine working or performing maintenance on the equipment. He went to bed after she did and rose long before she woke. Not a good combination for building a marriage and partnership.
A couple of days remained before the trial period ended. Narissa hesitated making the commitment to Abram while at the same time not wanting to travel to Mars; back to a past she wanted no part of.
“You look troubled.”
She glanced up from her mug, her eyes meeting Abram’s. “Having a difficult time making up my mind.”
He nodded. “There’s only a couple of days left.” Rubbing his neck, his expression reflected his doubt. “I need to share something with you before you decide.”
Her heart sped up. What could he be keeping a secret? “Oh?” Like she wasn’t keeping one herself.
Abram sat down across from her. He took a deep breath. “I’m not exactly what you think I am.”
“Did you murder someone?” She slapped her hand over her mouth. She hadn’t meant to say those words.
“Not intentionally.”
Took her a moment for his words to register. “How did it happen?”
“I,” he paused as if searching for the words. “Hard to explain.”
“Suppose you try.” She knew she sounded cold.
“Not what you think.”
“I know from reading the scandal rags you left your career suddenly.” She took a sip of tea. “Lot of speculation as to why.”
“Behind the scenes stuff I couldn’t deal with. Not important.”
“Have a disagreement with director or producer?”
“No. That would have been easy to fix.” He leaned forward slightly. “I was a bit wild in my younger years.”
“Womanizer?” She hated men who used women.
“I went out with many hopeful actresses. Not proud of myself.” He drew a pattern on the tabletop with his finger. “New club opened. Heard good things. Went to see for myself.” He shook his head. “Wish I hadn’t.”
She waited for him to continue, glad she’d held onto the tickets to take her and the children to Mars, even if she didn’t want to return.
“I met a woman. A dark beauty with a sultry voice and eyes I couldn’t break free from.”
Narissa blinked, a chill filling her. Surely not!
“I woke the next night not sure what had happened and a dead body beside me. She told me I killed the man.”
Barely able to get the words out she asked, “Killed. How?”
He squirmed. “You won’t believe me.”
“Try me.”
“I had a taste in my mouth. One I didn’t know and craved.” He swallowed. “She turned me into a creature who hunted humans in the night.” With a shudder he told her, “I’m a vampire.”
All of her instincts rushed back. Without thought she grabbed a knife and raised it over her head ready to strike. Abram made no move to defend himself. His nonaction caused her to pause. Instead of taking his head, she stared at him, trembling.
“You’re a hunter.” His statement so matter of fact, she almost found it amusing.
Lowering the knife she tossed it on the counter. “No. My father was.”
“He taught you.”
“He did.” Shaking, she sat back down. Abram had shared the one thing she’d never even thought about. Her father had been good at hiding the bodies so she had no idea if his claims had even been true.
“I know there’s a colony of us on Mars,” Abram told her. “Hunters too, from the warnings I got.”
“My father had a strong following. I’d been living on Io when he died so I don’t know any details.” She covered her eyes. “I never wanted to.”
“Wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to leave.” His voice conveyed his sadness.
“It’s a shock.” She dared to look at him. “Have you?” Narissa couldn’t ask.
“No,” he answered. “I only need to feed once a month. Gift from my creator.”
“Is that why you wanted a wife?” She couldn’t imagine needing one for any other reason.
“I want a wife for the same reason any man does. Companionship and other things.”
“Not blood?”
“I have a rat population in the mine I use.”
She blinked. “Rats?”
“They’re not bad.”
Confused. Narissa needed time to think.
“I’d understand if you wanted to leave. I can check the ship schedule if you like.” He looked like a lost little boy.
“I’ll let you know.” Dazed, she wandered into the garden glad the children were doing their lessons. Her father’s training and warnings warred in her mind. How could Abram be a vampire? He’d taken such care to make certain she and her siblings would be safe.
No matter what.
~ * ~
As Abram worked in the mine, he feared what Narissa would decide. As a hunter she’d be perfectly justified in killing him. She knew how. Her training had been obvious when she’d grabbed the knife. Yet, she hadn’t killed him. Instead, she talked with him.
If she decided to leave, he’d wipe her memory, the children’s and Liz’s. Leave no tracks leading back to him. He’d suspend his Space Bride’s contract and try again in a couple of years. Only course of action available to him.
When he finished the vein he’d been working on, he cleaned up and went to find Narissa. He found her in the garden, sitting under the apple tree. She didn’t look at him as he sat beside her.
“You’re leaving.” He knew she had no choice.
“No.”
“I can—” he stopped, not sure he’d heard her correctly. “What?”
“I’m not leaving.” Her hand found his. “I left Mars because my father tried to marry me off to his second in command. They’d arranged it without me knowing and if anything happened, well, I think you get the picture.”
“There’d be no question on who took command,” he filled in.
“Exactly.” A tear trickled down her cheek. “I said horrible things to my father and took the first ship off Mars. In some ways, I regret not ever reconciling with him. In others—” She shrugged. “I’m hoping I did the right thing.”
“Were you ever a hunter?”
“Dad trained me to be. I chose another path. I like to cook.”
“I’m sorry I can’t sample your food.”
“Now at least I understand why.”
“Do you want to marry me?” He waited for her answer, afraid of her response.
She laughed. “I think my father would be appalled.”
“Is that a yes or no?”
“I’ve never been an obedient child. So yes, I’ll marry you.”
~ * ~
The trip back to the main hub and the Space Brides office Narissa enjoyed. She wore a simple dress and both Bruce and Susan bounced with excitement during the whole trip. Liz arranged for the traveling parson to be present and he married them with Liz and the children as witnesses.
Liz registered their marriage and wished them well.
Back in the mine, Narissa began to plan on how to turn the cavern into a home. It would take time and imagination. She felt up to the challenge. After a dinner of stuffed baked potatoes, Bruce and Susan went to bed, with Tibs electing to sleep with her sister.
Nervous, she mounted the stairs to Abram’s room. He smiled at her, extending his hand.
“I never thought to ask,” she began, not sure how to frame her question.
“There are many myths about us. I’m capable of being a true husband to you.”
“Children?”
“Possible, if you wish it.” He settled her beside him. “We have time. There is no rush.”
“Good.”
He kissed her and she forgot about everything except enjoying being with her new husband.
~ * ~* ~
Owned by two cats, Taj and Esther, Dana Bell enjoys writing stories about her feline companions, places she’s lived or visited, and allowing her mind to turn tales sideways. Currently she has four published books along with more short stories than she can count, one of which is in an award-winning anthology, and has won awards for her poetry.
Also an editor, she has lost count of how many anthologies she’s done along with the number of new writers whose careers she has helped launch.
She works a day job to keep a roof over her head and food on her table. Her cats appreciate her efforts as they stay warm and fed.
Hobbies include doll houses, arranging silk flowers, and making candle holders.