The Space Spoon novel Chapter 100

Time passes differently on Yacleemb. I can’t say it’s the 56 hours days, the peacefulness of the Spreahs, or Lyam’s company. What I do know is that I’ve lost track of time. Every day, he builds things for the village; he’s happy, full of smiles, and I’m drunk with his genuine blissfulness.

Unfortunately, I still have memories and can’t help but feel guilty for not contacting our friends. Wanting to know how things are working out for our crew, I stroll through the forest to the shuttle. After it powers up, a small blinking red light appears on the console. A message from E00.

“Shayla, I hope you’ve found Tejeda by now. More than two months have passed, and no news from you. In the time you've been gone, things got worse around here.

“Since the day you left, Jackeye has been trapped inside his virtual reality. I can’t say if it’s a voluntary decision or not. He cut me off completely.

“Cato took a shuttle and left the Space Spoon about a month ago. The Interplanetary Police files show that a Ferali was caught trying to break into the private rooms of the admirals inside the HQ on Sphitt. She’ll be put down in less than a week.

“I won't mention the others, as these are the most pressing matters. We need him. Bring Tejeda back."

The words slice their way into my heart with the precision of a carving knife. To keep him all to myself, it feels like I'd have to trudge through a swamp of self-loathing.

I repeat to myself that I have to tell him everything. Still, he has no memories of us. He’ll not come with me willingly. Besides, he’s worthless to us as he is now. We need the messed-up version of Tejeda back. Yes, microcultures can grow around one's idiosyncrasies. Tejeda has proved that time and time again.

My resolve wanes when I enter the cave and witness him crafting wood. Words have no significance. Lyam must die in order for Tejeda to return.

Just one more night, and tomorrow I’ll put things right. It may well be my last night of true happiness. I may be damned for doing this, but so be it.

When the sun fades beyond the horizon line, he rests on his back on the blanket. Saddling him, I lean forward and place a kiss on his lips. No matter what body he has, his lips are always sweet and hot. My desire for him is matched only by my need to see him happy. But, alas, I won't have either beyond this night.

A rush of tingling pleasure seeps throughout my body, and there's no stopping now. My hair curls inside his fist, and a delightful tug drives my head back so he can bite my neck. Tejeda snarls against my flesh. I shudder. Will I be able to do it?

Yes, of course, I can. I'm not stopping until I have him naked between my thighs. His body beneath me, so close I can smell the tree sap on his skin. He's mine for the duration of a night I painfully wish could last forever.

I hover at the rim, yet I don't want to conquer blissfulness alone. I need him by my side. Always. I want his rapture. His delight is what I crave.