Ashton sat in his quarters aboard the ship, his thoughts consumed by the recent events. Anna was busy checking the readings and the ship's systems, helping Kass. While Tarek was lying in his own room, recovering from the injuries he had sustained during and before their escape.
He couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in his gut every time he thought about the Orion Empire and the Xyrans. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He couldn't worry about things out of his control, and he needed to focus on what he could change.
"Even so... if those two are in cahoots, it could spell disaster for us."
As he sat there, lost in thought, the door to his quarters slid open, and Anna stepped inside. He couldn't help the smile that spread across his face as she made her way over to him.
"Hey," she said softly, taking a seat next to him on the couch.
"Hey," he replied, turning to face her. "How are you holding up?"
Anna shrugged. "I'm fine, just a little shaken up. That creature was something else."
Ashton nodded in agreement. "Yeah, who would have thought we'd see something like that in our lifetime."
They sat in silence for a few moments, the only sound in the room the hum of the ship's engines. Ashton lost himself in Anna's gaze, her eyes sparkling in the dim light.
"Are you okay?" she asked, breaking the silence.
Ashton smiled, but it soon faded away. "I'm fine, just a little worried about what's going to happen next. The Empire is always looking to expand its power and influence. And with the Xyrans being one of the most advanced species in the galaxy, they could be a valuable ally."
He continued, "And once the Xyrans get to know about me... you know, all hell would break loose. I don't want you all to get caught in the crossfire."
"We can't control everything, Ashton. We did what we had to do to save Tarek, and we'll deal with the consequences as they come." Anna's lips thinned into a line. "That said, we can't jump to conclusions, Ashton, and we don't have any proof that the Xyrans are working with the Empire."
"But all theories point in that direction..." Ashton said, sighing. "Even if I ignore the obvious link between the two, we can't afford to take any chances. We need to somehow keep an eye on them."
Anna reached out and took his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We'll figure it out, Ashton. We always do."
Ashton nodded, taking comfort in her words. He knew she was right, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility for what had happened. As the Xyran's self-proclaimed enemy and the next Tower Master, he knew he would have to deal with the fallout of the situation.
Just then, the ship's comms system beeped, indicating an incoming message. Ashton tapped the screen to accept the call, and Mazton's image appeared there, and he did not look pleased.
"Ashton," Mazton said, his voice cold. "I've been monitoring your actions on the prison planet. While I commend you for your successful extraction of Dr Tarek, I cannot overlook the loss of some of my best soldiers."
Ashton sighed, bracing himself for what was to come. "I know things went a bit- no, let me rephrase myself. Tarek's life was in danger, and we couldn't just stand by and watch him die."
"I know Ashton... it's just that the Empire has already begun asking questions." Mazton's expression softened slightly.
He continued, "So far, we have been able to remain innocent, but unless we produce some result, I don't know how long the situation will remain so. Just keep me in the loop with whatever happens, alright?"
Ashton nodded, acknowledging Mazton's words before he disconnected the call. He had expected the Empire to doubt the Tower or at least some mercenaries' involvement in what happened on the prison planet. But he hadn't expected them to be so quick.
Now that he knew that the Empire was keeping a close eye on him and his team, he would have to be careful in the future.
After the transmission ended, Anna approached Ashton and put her arms around him. "We'll get through this together," she whispered.
Ashton leaned in and captured her lips in a kiss, deepening it as he wrapped his arms around her. Anna melted into his embrace, her hands running through his hair as she kissed him back. They had been through so much together, and their relationship had only grown stronger.
As they pulled away, Ashton rested his forehead against hers, their breaths coming out in short pants.
"I love you, Anna," he whispered.
Anna smiled, her eyes shining with love. "I love you too, Ashton. Always have, and always will."
Ashton took her hand and led her to the bed, sitting down and pulling her into his lap. Anna snuggled into him, feeling safe and loved. They talked for a while about their plans for the future, but eventually, the conversation turned back to their love for each other.
eαglesnovel`c,om Ashton leaned in for another kiss, but this time it was more gentle, a sweet exchange of affection. His hand caressed her cheek, and Anna leaned into his touch.
"Anna," Ashton whispered, his voice low and husky. "Do you wanna-"
Anna pressed her finger onto his lips, and she looked up at him, seeing the love and desire in his eyes. She nodded, unable to speak, as she leaned in for another kiss.
Ashton's hands roamed over her body, his touch sending shivers down her spine. Anna moaned softly as she felt his lips on her neck, her fingers running through his hair.
He leaned back, pulling her with him until they were both lying on the bed. He pressed another kiss to her lips before trailing a line of kisses down her neck.
They moved together, their bodies becoming one in a passionate embrace. Anna had never felt more alive, more loved. Ashton was her soulmate, her partner, and her lover.
Anna arched her back, a soft moan escaping her lips as she tangled her fingers in his hair. Ashton's hand moved to her waist, pulling her closer as he continued to kiss and nibble at her skin.
Their hands roamed over each other's bodies, exploring and memorizing every inch of skin. Ashton kissed his way back up to her lips, capturing them in a deep and passionate kiss.
They made love that night, their bodies moving together in perfect harmony. They were lost in each other, their love the only thing that mattered at that moment.
Ashton held Anna close after they were finished, their breathing still heavy as they basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking.
"I don't know what I'd do without you," he said, his voice low and husky.
"You don't have to worry about that," Anna replied, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his chest. "I'm not going anywhere."
Ashton smiled, pulling her closer. They lay there for a few more minutes, basking in the warmth and love surrounding them. Eventually, they both drifted off to sleep, their bodies entwined as they dreamt of a future full of love and adventure.
