Read Online Wrapped in Starlight by Viola Grace - Free Book Online

Reset and Mist, Kiiki was confident that she could botch her own love life with a few basic moves. She hoped she wouldn’t ruin her chances to keep Harken as a partner, but she had steeled herself to make the first move.
    When the shuttle landed across the valley at the base, she held her breath. Her suit did not give her any messages, so she sat in the courtyard, ostensibly absorbing more light.
    She shifted in her chair when the tumble of mist crossed the valley toward the Citadel. He was on his way, and she was nervous.
    “A kiss. A simple kiss, and we will know.” She said it once out loud and chanted it in her mind over and over.
    The cloud roiled closer, and when it reached the edge of the courtyard, it tightened into a shifting column that moved to her and waited.
    She could feel him inside that cloud, and she smiled, getting to her feet. “Hello, Harken. How was your trip?”
    He formed his body first, and she grabbed at his shoulders, pressing tight and kissing him the moment he shaped his lips. She kept her eyes closed as she kissed him and welcomed the surge of warmth deep inside her. As his arms came around her and he returned her kiss, she sighed happily before backing away.
    His face shocked her so much, she pushed at his shoulders, but he wasn’t letting her leave. Where basically formed features had been, finely chiselled lips smiled at her, bright blue eyes sparkled, black hair waved from his forehead and high cheekbones highlighted the almond-shaped tilt that his eyes now wore.
    “What did you do?” She blinked and examined his ears. Even they had not escaped the change. Instead of barely formed cups, they were now elegantly pointed and held back the silk of his hair.
    “I wanted to make myself more attractive for you, but I was unsure as to the features that would appeal. I sought the expert guidance at the Morganti base, and Hyder told me what I looked like when I was with you. From there, I only needed to craft my features and remember the template. It didn’t hurt, and I can resume my other face for assignments when I need to blend in.”
    She stroked his face, the strong line of his jaw. “Why?”
    “So that you would touch me like that. The fact that you kissed me before you knew of the changes confirms what I knew. You and I are meant to be more than partners on assignment.” The new Harken kissed her, and she felt her eyes cross as she tried to watch him coming toward her. Eventually, she closed her eyes and relaxed while his hands moved slowly over her spine.
    A feminine throat cleared nearby.
    Blushing, Kiiki pulled back and turned around, Harken’s arms still holding her. “Roha, this is Harken.”
    Harken inclined his head. “I am Decaro Rono, Psyche. It is nice to meet you in person.”
    Kiiki blinked and looked up at him over her shoulder. “Your name is Decaro?”
    “It is. Harken is my call sign, as Psyche is Roha’s.”
    “Well, I have just come out to confirm your match, but it seems that you took matters into your own hands. Well done, Kiiki.” Roha winked and sashayed over to her shuttle, removing a skimmer that she used to transport herself toward the Guard base.
    As the matchmaker disappeared, Kiiki turned slowly back to face Decaro. “So, were you going to tell me your name before I kissed you?”
    He pulled her tightly against him and whispered against her hair. “When the time was right.”
    She smiled and enjoyed the feel of him—warmth, strength, and infinite capability to change shape. “Would you like to go in for tea?”
    He chuckled. “I would rather see your quarters. From what I recall, the physician decided that you needed full sun exposure here on Balen for ten days. Your hair has regained some colour, but your eyes are far too pale. I think you need some rest, and I have been assigned to you on a permanent basis. The state of your body is now my primary concern.”
    Her eyes widened. “Did someone give you a bit of a pep talk while you were on