Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Life Equation

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 16:

“Are you sure you are okay with this?” Alex asked Kara. The blonde wore a robe with a one piece blue bathing suit underneath and appeared to be excited when she walked out of the locker room at the beach. Now she had a deer in the headlight look.

Kara had insisted on coming to the beach, thinking it was a human experience she could not miss out on. She had bought the blue suit, the shades that covered her eyes and the fluffy beach robe that covered her.

“Yeah. Totally okay. Is Kell looking?” the nervous Kryptonian asked.

Alex peered down the beach and saw the shirtless man wading in the water, enjoying the waves. Kara had not necessarily wanted him to see her wearing a swimsuit but neither did she want to leave him alone in Alex’s apartment. The man agreed to accompany her and stay a distance away to give her the illusion of privacy.

But on a beach with hundreds of humans there was no privacy.

“He is playing in the water, focused on the waves.” Alex told her, puzzled. “What difference does it make? He’s your boyfriend. Do you have body image issues or what? You looked great in the swimsuit before you covered yourself up.”

Kara shook her head. “He isn’t my boyfriend and I don’t have body image issues. I’ve just never shown this much of my body.”

Alex smirked, “Sure he isn’t your boyfriend. You two kiss each other, cuddle in bed until you fall asleep, keep each other’s secrets, travel through space together. I mean, what do you do with guys who are your boyfriend?”

“Nothing! We don’t have boyfriends on Krypton. It’s an all or nothing kind of thing.” Kara told her quickly, ducking her head. “Where is he?”

Alex pointed to Kara’s left and the blonde turned slowly, finding Kell in the waist deep water, shirtless, dripping… and her mouth fell open, her whole body suddenly feeling warm.

“Uh huh, well… considering how you two are acting, it seems like an all thing then, because it certainly isn’t nothing. Hey, you might want to pick up your jaw from the sand.” Alex told her, snapping Kara out of her thoughts.

Alex laughed at the redness on her cheeks that was definitely not caused by the sun. “Have you never seen a man without a shirt on?” she asked.

To her surprise Kara shook her head. “No… not really… I’ve seen pictures in my lab, during research but…”

“You’ve seen naked pictures of men in your lab? Were you alone?” Alex asked, trying to keep a straight face and failing.

“It was research! Of course I have seen… but only… diagrams and such…” Kara’s thoughts stuttered to a halt.

“Wow. You’ve never seen a naked guy. All that advanced technology and… just… wow.” Alex herself seemed to be in a state of disbelief. “You taking off the robe or what?”

Kara hesitantly reached for the tie of the robe then stopped. “Are you sure we shouldn’t be looking for Lex Luthor?”

Alex rolled her eyes, though the look on her face softened, obviously deciding not to tease her friend any longer. “You’re deflecting. Clark said he had it. The whole Justice League, FBI, Interpol, CIA and DEO are looking for him. Just relax, alright? Stop worrying about Kell and the other hundreds of people on the beach. We probably have the most conservative suits in National City. Didn’t you say you wanted to swim?”

“Yes.” Kara admitted. “I tended to stay away from the beaches on Krypton. We all did. Your Great White Sharks? Imagine them four times larger with legs, able to come out of the water and attack anyone near the waterline, even a hundred feet inland. Not even my father dared to go to our so-called beaches, and he did a lot of things my Mother called… stupid.”

Kara pulled the robe off slowly, letting it drop to the sand, standing stiff as a board.

“Way to go, Krypton! Now you are a primitive like the rest of us.” Alex said approving of Kara taking some initiative.

The look on Kara’s face let the agent know her attempt at loosening the nervous woman up a little had worked. “Why did you call me Krypton ?”

Alex shrugged her shoulders. “Lois has been calling Clark Smallville since she first met him. I figure Krypton would be a good name for you. Just be glad you weren’t assigned a code name by the League. Clark’s is Boy Scout . I have no doubt they would be calling you Girl Scout .”

Kara looked at Alex, a bit confused. “He is called Superman.”

“By the world,” Alex told her. “but the Justice League have their own little nicknames they call each other over coms on missions. They call Diana, Lasso Girl, Wally is Blur Boy, Arthur and Mera King Fish and Queen Fish, Victor is called Terminator, Oliver and Dinah are Robin Hood and Screechy and Hal is called Flyboy . He used to be a test pilot.”

Kara figured that wasn’t uncommon. She had a myriad of nicknames for Kelex. “What do they call Batman?”

“Batman.” Alex told her.

Kara took a deep breath and glanced over at Kell who was still swimming in the water, far from her. “Okay, let’s do this.”

She and Alex walked into the water and soon Kara’s worry was gone, replaced by wonder as she floated in the waves.

“This feels amazing! It’s almost like…”

“Sky diving.” Alex yelled before the blonde shouted flying.

“The water is so clear.” Kara commented, easily able to see all manner of sea life even without the use of her enhanced vision. She noticed a couple to her left floating on boards farther out than the rest of the swimmers. “What are they doing?”

Alex looked over to where she was pointing. “Surfing.”

“That’s what surfing is?” Kara asked, confused. “I thought surfers stand up on their boards.”

Alex smiled and swam over near the blonde so she could explain without having to yell. “They are waiting for the right wave. Give it a minute.”

Kara watched as the couple rode a larger wave deeper out and popped up on their boards, skimming the water.

“I have to learn to do that.” the blonde said, eyes wide.

“It takes a bit of practice. I’m sure with your enhanced abilities it wouldn’t be difficult.” Alex told her.

Kara’s gaze was glued to the graceful surfers as they cut across the waves almost effortlessly. “Where do I get a board? I have to have one. Kryptonians will have to get used to swimming on beaches. I have our oceans and aquatic ecosystems planned out. There won’t be monsters who eat people near the water and definitely eat them in the water. Surfing will be a must. Can I make a board?”

Alex thought of that for a moment. “Unless you know what you are doing, it is probably best to leave that to the professionals. Making a board isn’t just a science, it’s an art from what I have been told. I’ve never been much of a surfer myself, but I know the basics.”

Kara could understand that. Seeing the surfers, she understood the physics of what they were doing, but surfing seemed to go beyond that. It looked as if the surfer and the wave became one in perfect harmony. It was more than science and the look on the two surfers’ faces could almost be described as one of reverence if not ecstasy.

“It’s a deeply spiritual activity in a way, isn’t it? A way for a human to truly connect with the Earth. Humans are so cool. This is what many Kryptonians don’t understand about your people. We fought against our world for survival for so long, but humans can actually become one with theirs in a way. Truly beautiful.” Kara finished; awe obvious in her voice.

Once again, Alex was struck by how such simple things could enrapture the most intelligent woman in the universe.

Kara took her eyes off the surfers and scanned the water, looking for Kell. Neither were great swimmers, never having a reason to be.

She couldn’t find him.

Alex easily deduced what she was doing. “Relax. He isn’t watching. Have you never worn this minimal amount of clothing before? Even when working out?”

“I have worn this minimal amount of clothing before. I’ve been naked quite a bit.” Kara told her defiantly.

“In the shower?” Alex guessed to which Kara nodded self-consciously.

“I can’t find Kell. Do you see him?” Kara asked, wanting to change the subject.

Alex looked around and finally spotted him on the beach. “He is over there, out of the water. Looks like he is talking to someone.”

Kara’s head snapped towards the direction Alex was pointing.

“Who is she?” the blonde asked, looking at the very fit, dark-haired, tan woman speaking to him.

Alex shrugged her shoulders. “No idea. Probably just some girl wanting to say hello.”

Before Alex could stop her, Kara was moving quickly towards the man, leaving a wake in her path that nearly gave away her superhuman nature.

Kara, for her part, didn’t care, focused on this woman in a bikini speaking to Kell.

When she stepped out of the water she moved between the two and then stopped, realizing what she was wearing in front of the man.

His eyes were wide, his whole body stiffening in shock as he tried not to look down but focus solely on her face.

Kara herself was looking at him closely, starting to tremble a bit, glad she deactivated Kelex before this foray. She felt a definite warmth inside.

“Cold, Lady Kara?” a voice from behind her asked. Kara glanced down at her chest and turned away from Kell quickly, taking in the human who felt the need to talk to Kell.

“No. Do I know you?” she asked.

“We haven’t officially met. I’m one of the Lanterns assigned to you. My name is Jennifer, but everyone calls me Jade.”

The woman didn’t offer her hand, not that Kara would have taken it. “My metal friend told me you were a metahuman. He also mentioned that your complexion…”

“Green? Yeah, thank God for power rings, huh?” Jade answered waving her right hand.

Kara was irritated and not impressed by the very small bikini the woman had on her obviously well-developed body.

“Is there something I can do for you, Jade? A problem I need to know about perhaps?” Kara asked as politely as she could manage.

The woman shook her head. “Only females allowed on this little outing according to Jordan. Jess is up in your ship with your deactivated friend. I guess you don’t want Mommy finding out you are playing in the surf. No problem, not a word. Since Jess is up there, I thought I would blend in, have a talk with Kell, see if he needs… anything.”

Kell cleared his throat. “And I was telling her that the Lanterns were not supposed to be seen and we are perfectly secure on the ground. There is no need for any additional protection.”

Kara glanced back at Kell who quickly averted his eyes upward. “Kell is correct. We would hate to take time from your schedule. I am sure Lantern Cruz can provide any updates on the search for Lex Luthor we need to know about.”

Jade shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe I just wanted to catch some rays. It’s been a while since I broke out my swimsuit.”

“Is that why it is too small?” Kara asked sharply.

Jade took her in, enjoying the Kryptonians reaction to her presence.

“Kara, think we could talk, alone? Just a bit of girl talk?”

Kara turned to Kell who snapped his eyes to hers once again, a deep blush covering his cheeks.

“Lead the way, Lantern.”

The two women stepped away as Alex caught up with Kell.

“What would you like to speak about?” Kara asked.

Jade smirked, enjoying her discomfort. “I was just wondering what the deal is with you and Kell. Are you two together?”

“Together?”

Jade nodded her head. “Yeah, he never said he was your Mate, he even said you belonged to no one. So, is he free? Fair game?”

Kara clinched her fists to prevent her striking the woman. “Kell is not free game as you call it.”

Jade smiled. “I’ve caught up on the history of Krypton since this assignment started. I didn’t know they had dating on Krypton. Besides the first date of course where the potential Mate is grilled by the family then a decision is made. So since there aren’t boyfriends on Krypton, is he your mate, or not?”

Kara nearly growled. “What Kell and I are, is none of your business.”

The Lantern seemed to be more interested in provoking the Kryptonian than what might result if Kara lost her temper. “Maybe, but if you two aren’t together I would like to get to know him better. Or are Kryptonian men only allowed to sleep…”

Kara stepped closer, blue eyes beginning to give off a soft glow, her proximity to the woman giving Alex only a bit of space when she ran between the two.

“Kara, stop! We don’t need a scene.” Alex voice caught Kara’s attention.

The blonde glanced around and saw a few people were watching them. She stepped back, still glaring at the errant Lantern, intense power now building noticeably in her blue eyes. Fortunately, the sun was so bright that the only ones who could tell were the two standing with her.

Kara’s jaw was clenched as she now flat-out threatened the woman. “Stay away from him or I will take that power ring and shove it up your…”

“Okay! She gets it. Let’s just go back to swimming. ” Alex said, interrupting her friend. She turned to the Green Lantern who was slowly backing up with wide eyes, apparently only now recalling exactly who she was riling up. “You will leave… don’t bother returning to the ship. In fact, I suggest leaving Earth altogether.”

Jade said nothing but did leave, quickly.

“I’m sorry, Alex. I didn’t mean to… is that a thong she is wearing? Oh… if someone like her talked to Uncle Non wearing that… Aunt Astra would have broken her neck!” Kara hissed.

Alex touched Kara’s cheek and looked her in the eyes. “Are all the women in your family violent?”

“Of course not… we may lose our temper… on rare occasions… she was flirting!” Kara exclaimed.

Alex nodded her head, both hands lightly rubbing Kara’s arms to bring her back to the moment and to help settle her anger. “Yeah, flirting with a guy you say isn’t your boyfriend. Remember? People do that, women flirt with single men. It’s an Earth thing.”

Kara took a deep breath and smiled. “I’m calm now.”

“You don’t seem calm. You have a creepy smile, like you are saying you’re calm but in reality you are planning that woman’s death as soon as you get her alone.” Alex said knowingly.

Kara shook her head. “I’m good. Kell can go swimming with us.”

Alex’s brow furrowed in confusion and she dropped her hands. “What about not wanting him to see you…”

“I’m not going to leave him alone!” Kara argued and moved towards the man, stopping in front of him.

The two looked at each other… speechless for a few seconds.

“I was just telling her to leave, that we didn’t need her here.” Kell told her nervously, wondering if Kara was mad at him.

“I know.” Kara told him. “I want to try to surf. I bet Alex knows a place we can rent some surfboards. Let me get my bag from the locker.”

Kell raised an eyebrow, confused. “I thought you wanted us to keep separate but in range…”

Kara waved him off. “I want you with me. Is that okay?”

The rest of the afternoon went smoothly, Kell and Kara managing not to stare at each other awkwardly while slipping and sliding on surf boards. Alex enjoyed herself, watching Kryptonians with superhuman abilities, unsuccessfully try to stand on surfboards while trying to ride waves. Kara did learn the hand signal for hang ten.

Once they returned to Alex’s apartment, the three showered and prepared for dinner. Kell moved to the couch, found a sports channel with prerecorded football games and watched closely, trying to understand the rules.

Kara put on a dress and called her Mother.

“Kara! I didn’t expect to hear from you until tonight. How are you, Beloved?”

Kara said nothing for a moment.

“Kara?” Her mother’s expression reflected her growing concern.

“Something strange happened today. Kell and I were at a beach.”

“A beach? Are those safe?”

Kara nodded her head, too distracted to realize her ingrained ability to lie about any of her questionable activities took over without conscious thought on her part. “Yes, we were just there to observe. We didn’t wear swimsuits if that is what you were thinking.”

Alura stared at her for a moment, knew she was lying but for once let it go. Something had happened to her daughter and she wanted to know what before she determined who would be punished and for what.

“Go on. What happened?”

“I was speaking to Alex, away from Kell. When I looked for him, one of the Green Lanterns, one who calls herself Jade, was speaking to him. She is beautiful and has what would be a pleasing body to humans. She was also wearing a very revealing garment that left nothing to the imagination. Kell was telling her to stay out of sight when I approached. She asked me for a word and asked if Kell was available. You know I am not a violent person, but I wanted to… I had this unreasonable desire to hit her and if Alex hadn’t stopped me, I might have turned her into what humans refer to as ‘barbeque’.”

Alura actually laughed.

Kara was hurt by her mother’s reaction. “This is funny? I’ve never wanted to hurt someone before, for something that seems…”

“Kara, you were jealous.” Alura told her bluntly. “It’s a new emotion for you, one you have never felt before.

Kara shook her head, absolutely confused. “Why would I be jealous?”

Alura shook her head. “There is a reason that marriages are so strong on Krypton, Kara. We have had billions of years of evolution. When a Kryptonian woman meets her Mate, they both know. In circumstances where they do not have a chance to meet their mate, due to possibilities such as living in different cities or being in positions where they may never cross paths, the Mating Council steps in. They are very good at what they do.

“Kara, you knew Kell was the one the moment you looked him in the eye. You have fought it because you are stubborn. You lose yourself in your work so much that I think you are afraid to step outside of it. Exploring new planets, facing danger head on, trying to help others in an earthquake… in these things you do not hesitate. But with your heart, you keep such a tight grip… and I understand. To love someone is to risk losing them. We both know that well. We both lost your father and I think that still affects you no matter how much time has passed. One day, you are going to have to let go, and open yourself up to love. It sounds like you may already have.”

Kara contemplated her Mother’s words in silence. “How did you and father meet? Did you really know he was the one the moment you looked at him?”

“Did I know?” Alura looked thoughtful. “No, not at first, but your father made sure I knew. He was quite certain of himself. I never told you how we met, did I?”

“No. I only know you met and the next day he asked you to be his Mate. How did you know?” Kara asked, her expression intent as she waited on her mother’s response.

Alura smiled at the memory as she began to share it with her only child. “It happened five years before you were born…”

Krypton 47 years ago

“You are Lady Alura, right?” the blonde-haired man asked as he approached her in the dining room of the lunch area and took a seat across from her.

Alura recognized him immediately, though she had never seen him in person. It was obvious by his shaggy blonde hair, thin tall frame and bright blue eyes, but she gave no indication she knew his name.

“Yes, can I help you?”

“I just thought I would say hello. Mind if I have a seat?”

Alura nodded, playing along, a little charmed at how forward he was. “I suppose not since you are already seated. Do I know you?”

“Not yet. I understand you are to be assigned a mate next week. Are you excited?” His blue eyes twinkled as if he already knew her answer.

Alura met the man’s eyes and smiled slightly. “Of course. Our Mating Council is excellent at selecting suitable, compatible mates and has been for thousands of years. Why would I not be excited?”

“Just wondering.” the man told her. “I understand you are an up and coming prosecutor, perhaps in line for a chief justice position in the future. You must expect to be mated to a noble house.”

Alura took a sip of her drink and shrugged her shoulders. “It really doesn’t matter to me. I have faith in the process. How did you know I am slated to be assigned a mate next week?”

Zor El looked around and then leaned forward, whispering, “I’ve been watching you closely.”

Alura rolled her eyes and bit back a laugh. “That doesn’t sound creepy at all.”

Zor El shrugged his shoulders. “Would it make it less creepy if I said you were the only woman I have ever watched?”

Alura shook her head. “I’m afraid it only makes it more disturbing.”

The man laughed and sat back in his chair. “I admit, it does sound stalkerish. So tell me, have you ever thought of finding a Mate in a noble house… say the House of El?”

Alura schooled her face and shook her head. “My friend, Lara, has already Mated with Jor El. The only one left is the annoying little brother. It is said he is not half as intelligent as his older brother and much less responsible and focused. I also heard from Lara that he is not very handsome. She told me he is quite lanky and awkward, does not know how to groom his wild hair and can be a bit irresponsible, reckless and arrogant. So the House of El holds little appeal to me.”

Zor El crossed his arms, a wicked grin covering his face. “So you do know me. I have to say, that cuts deep. Well done. You are everything I expected you to be.”

Alura raised an eyebrow. “And what did you expect me to be?”

“Passionate, witty, smart, and… bored.” Zor El said, not backing down from her aloof manner.

“I am not bored!” She exclaimed, offended at his assumption. “My life is exciting. I have a good career, am highly respected, and… and…”

“Bored. I can see it in your eyes. You know there is a high chance you may be mated to another lawyer. It would be double the boredom. Maybe I am a bit arrogant, and yes I can see how my adventures could be misconstrued as irresponsible and reckless, but one thing I never am, is boring.” Zor El knew he had her attention. “Give me a chance. One date. Tonight, just give me two… four hours. I’ll have you home at a respectable time.”

Alura was surprised at his boldness. “If you want me to consider you as a potential mate a week before I am to be assigned one, I expect you to meet my parents for an interview first.”

Zor El waved it off. “No need. I can tell you now they won’t like me. Give me one chance. If you agree, I will meet your parents and they can tell you they don’t like me, and we can be together regardless. C’mon, what do you have to lose?”

“My life possibly.” Alura admitted. “Do you want to take me on one of your jungle expeditions? Perhaps provide cover fire while you are being chased by… what was that beast I heard nearly killed you two weeks ago?”

“Complete misunderstanding. I forgot it was breeding season and stumbled onto his little home while he was in the process of spending time with his mate in the act of breeding. I would have done the same thing if he entered my bedroom. No hard feelings.” Zor El explained. “Meet me here after court.”

“And what should I tell my parents?” Alura asked, intrigued in spite of herself.

“You are brilliant. Think of a good lie. Meet me here, please.” Zor implored her. “You have to spend a bit of time with me before the Mating Council makes its first and biggest mistake in the history of Krypton.”

Alura should have been offended. Lie to her parents? Sneak off with the wild child of the House of El?

“Fine. I’ll see you here in three hours.” She found herself saying. Slightly panicked when she realized she’d agreed, she added, “This had better be worth my time.”

“I promise you will not regret it.” Zor El said, smiling as he left her sitting bemused.

Alura did meet him that afternoon where she told him to be. She had lied to her Mother, told her she planned to spend some hours in the law library, and was taking a big risk.

But something about him drew her in. There was a spark between them, one she had never felt before.

Perhaps she was bored in regard to her personal life, but it was more than that.

The man took her hand without asking and practically dragged her to a waiting skimmer.

Once she was seated, Alura began having her doubts. “You are going to take me to the Jungle, aren’t you?”

“I would never place you in danger, Lady Alura. Not unless you ask me too. After all, a little danger is good for the soul. I know a place that is predator free, the best spot on Krypton to watch Rao setting.”

Zor El did not lie. He landed in a field at the top of a tall ledge, showing a view of Argo City far below them. The field was absent of trees, but was surrounded by large, beautiful flowers of all colors with large petals. Zor El laid a blanket on the ground and Alura had a seat.

“This is a beautiful spot. I don’t recognize the flora.” the woman told him, looking around their blanket.

“You shouldn’t. I made them for you. Planted them a week ago, took me a week to engineer them. I am glad you like them.” Zor El was obviously pleased that she appreciated his work. “Isn’t Rao especially beautiful? As if he is shining brighter just for the two of us.”

Alura rolled her eyes. “Does this work on all the girls?”

“I have no idea. I’ve never done this for anyone but you.” he admitted. “How is it working so far?”

“Not bad.” Alura conceded. “So, why have you been watching me? For how long?”

“Three weeks but I fell for you immediately.” Zor El replied, smiling impishly.

Alura was bewildered. “How could you fall for someone you have never met immediately? And if you felt so strongly, why didn’t you ask my parents for an interview?”

“I listened to you.” Zor El told her. “In court, three weeks ago. You were prosecuting a case, a soldier who had harmed an innocent person because he felt the citizen hindered him and allowed a thief to escape. Most of those cases are written off, the military trying to keep order, things got out of hand, an official apology, etc., etc.”

“Which is exactly what happened.” Alura told him a bit of bitterness in her voice. “He was too reckless, harmed an innocent while in pursuit of a thief. Our mandate must be to protect innocents first, military or not. She could have been seriously injured by him when he ran into her. Instead she was berated for being at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Zor El nodded. ” Exactly! You spoke so passionately, despite knowing what the outcome would be. You must have talked for twenty minutes straight and even the soldier looked ashamed when you were done. He nearly had tears in his eyes and apologized to her in court.

“It was at that moment, I decided I had to know who you were. I asked around, found out your name and then to my great dismay, found you were to be assigned a mate in four weeks. I couldn’t sit by and watch someone with your fire, be mated with someone who would not appreciate you.” Zor El stated matter-of-factly.

Alura smiled and gazed at the setting sun. “I suppose you would appreciate me?”

Zor El took her hand and looked into her eyes. “Appreciate you? I swear on the blood of the House of El, I will love you forever and you will never, ever be bored. I can already see it in your eyes. You know we are meant to be.”

Alura said nothing, instead watching the setting sun, holding the man’s hand.

Once the sun had set the two sat in the darkness, staring at the stars.

“I still have two hours left. Let me take you over the jungle. I promise, we won’t land, and you will be safe. There is an area covered in large flowers, the petals shine in the night so brightly they can be seen for a hundred miles. Different colors, every one, prettier than the stars in the sky.”

Alura laughed at his childish exuberance. “I suppose you made those as well?”

“Of course. I planted them right after I planted these. I needed an excuse to keep you with me longer. So, shall we?” Zor El stood, holding out his hand to help her stand as he guided her to the skimmer.

A while back, a potential suitor had brought flowers to her and ask her father for an interview.

But she had never had a man create new flowers for her and her alone, planted in areas of Krypton that no others would ever see. The flowers were more beautiful than the skies above.

As the skimmer set down at the appointed time, Zor El walked Alura to her home stopping short so her parents would not see them.

“Thank you for a memorable night.” Alura told him.

“It was all my pleasure. For the record, I am as smart as my brother. I pretend not to be because he was good to me growing up and I don’t want to upstage him and his pretty crystals.” Zor El winked cheekily.

“A kind heart to go with that messy hair.” Alura teased.

“Tomorrow, after court, I will be in front of the temple of Rao. If you come, I will ask you to be my Mate. If you don’t… I have six more days to change your mind.”

Alura laughed. “I’m not going to be able to get rid of you, am I?”

Zor El shrugged his shoulders and backed away. “I suppose we will find out tomorrow.”

After a sleepless night and a long day in court, Alura found herself walking towards the temple and Zor was indeed there.

The man let out a breath. “Thank you, Rao. I was afraid I would have to ask my father for money to bribe the Mating Council.”

Alura let out a surprised laugh. “You wouldn’t!”

Zor El smiled and took her hand. “You will find out, there is nothing I will not do for you. Will you be my Mate?”

“Yes.” Alura said softly and was rewarded by her first kiss.

It was over too soon.

“I suppose we should give the good news to your parents!” the man told her.

“And yours?” she asked.

“I told them three weeks ago you were going to be my wife. They are very happy.” Zor told her.

“Why am I not surprised?” Alura asked, though she was smiling.

“Don’t worry, there will be many surprises in our life.”

“I have no doubt, Zor El.” she told him.

Present day

“So that is how I met your father.” Alura told her daughter, the wonderful memory dulling the pain of Zor’s loss. “It wasn’t exactly traditional, which is probably the reason I never told you the story. And though I would never admit it, the truth is, I knew he was the one the moment he sat down across from me and flashed that confident smile of his. I knew my life would never be boring, that he would love me like no other could. I also knew that one day we would have a child, a beautiful boy or girl with his golden hair and eyes, his intellect and my passion for justice.

“Kara, you know Kell is the one. I saw it in your eyes the first time you looked at him. Kell looked at you the same way.

“The question you have to answer is ‘ am I brave enough to take that leap? ‘… Maybe you should just consider whether you can imagine a life where he isn’t by your side.”

Kara shook her head, wiping a tear from her eye. “I don’t want to.” she admitted.

“He won’t pressure you. Kell is much less arrogant than your father. I’m not sure if he has an arrogant bone in his body from the way Non describes him.” Alura said supportively. “I do know he is devoted to you and he always will be no matter what you decide. The rest is up to you. I will let you get on with your exploratory mission. I love you, Beloved.”

“I love you too, Mother.” Kara said quietly.

The Hologram was gone, and Kara was alone with her thoughts.

Kara finally made her way to the living room after Alex had gone to bed to find Kell reading a book. He set the book down and smiled at her when she approached.

“I thought perhaps you may have turned in early. You were so quiet.” the man told her.

“I had a lot to think about.” Kara admitted.

“Luthor?” he guessed.

Kara shook her head. “You and me.”

Kell nodded his head and stood up, facing her. “You’re angry with me, aren’t you? I promise I said nothing to her…”

Kara lifted her hand to his face, placing a finger on his lips. “You are a horrible liar, remember? Even if you wanted to lie, you couldn’t. I know you did nothing, and I am not angry. I just…”

Kell waited in silence, knowing she would speak when ready.

“I want you to be my Mate. I am asking you, if you would consider it.” Kara said, her eyes never leaving Kell’s.

Kell was stunned speechless for a moment. Women were usually asked by men, but nothing surprised him about Kara Zor El. She made her own rules, followed her own path.

“Yes, I would be honored.” he told her quietly.

“I don’t know if I will be good at this.” Kara admitted. “I don’t know if I will be a good Mate, a good wife. I do know that I don’t want to go through my life without my partner by my side. I can only say to you that I swear on the Blood of the House of El to love you forever and promise you will never, ever be bored.”

Kell kiss her softly and pulled back to meet her eyes. “Never be bored? Of that, I have no doubt.”