The Unveiling (D'Shar Men)

Chapter Twenty-Three



“Wow.” Phelan sat across from Bastien at the table in the kitchen where they’d come together to get caught up. His words broke the silence that’d fallen in the room as he told an edited version of what had occurred between him and Rivka.

“I second that, Ralston and Selia, huh?” Mars asked.

“Where do you plan on going from here?” Kade asked.

“I’m not sure, training of some sort.” Bastien shook his head. “I think the key is in the past. Knowing these two actually existed takes lore and makes it a possibility. Rivka is going to pour over the library. I want to get another Shar on it.”

“I know Zasha is only half Shar, but she has all my memories through our bond. She knows our history, and she’ll be going on maternity leave soon. She could use another task to help her continue to work toward bringing Tavel in.”

Phelan’s hopeful look made Bastien smile. “Works for me. When does she leave the P.I.U.?”

“End of this week after she brings in Dr. Guerin and gets her familiar with the way things run.” Phelan shook his head. “It’ll probably make me sound like a terrible husband, but I’m glad she’s taking a break for awhile. We’re getting close to what we think the due date might be, and my nerves are fraying.”

“I can’t even imagine, man.” Bastien shook his head. Thank the stars, Rivka isn’t in a rush to have a child. I’m still wrapping my head around us.

“You gonna give the new kid a cousin soon, Bast?” Mars asked, a sly look on his face.

“No.” The others laughed, and he rolled his eyes. “You guys are such jerks.”

“We have to laugh about something. It’s been grim lately,” Mars said.

“In some ways but not all. Am I the only one who’s noticed we’ve been dropping out of the dating game like flies?” Kade asked.

“Concerned?” Mars asked.

“No, curious.”

“Of course.” Bastien snorted.

“I can’t help but think there’s a deeper reason.” Kade shrugged. A sheepish expression covered his face.

“Like what?” Phelan asked.

“That’s a question that’s been rattling around in my head. Maybe the girls can look for that too during their research.”

“Not a bad idea, Kade,” Phelan said.

“Mars, you said you heard from your contact today, right?” Bastien glanced at his baby brother.

“Yeah, I did. He said there’s a ship that comes in from Lizen once a month.”

Kade cleared his throat. “Would now be a good time to mention I’d like to do an exploration there for research?”

Phelan laughed. “Does this have to do with bringing Dr. Guerin on the team?”

“Yes. I’d like her to be on the team with me. She’s brilliant and respected by humans and Shar alike.”

Phelan looked thoughtful. “Do what you have to do. I’ll approve it. It’s time we get one step ahead of Tavel.”

Are you done with your meeting? I bought an outfit I’d like you to see. The sign for the local lingerie store, Naughty Needs, flashed in his mind.

Oh, you are getting very good at this. I’ll wrap it up.

See you soon, my love.

“Bastien, did you hear anything we said?” Kade asked.

“I think he was having a different conversation,” Phelan said.


“Sorry, I was. Do you guys need me for anything else? Rivka needs my help with something.”

Mars smirked but remained quiet as they all shot him knowing looks.

“Go be with your woman,” Phelan said. “We have what we need here. I know how strong The Wanting can be, and you don’t have the luxury to go into seclusion with her.”

“Thanks for understanding, guys. If you need anything call me.”

He stood from the table and walked to the door as fast as he could without being made fun of from now until eternity. After the grand reveal from Selia they’d promised each other they’d make the best of the time they had. Trouble would always be there waiting just outside the door. They chose to look to love to keep them going through it.



The End