by Laurel Night
Suddenly, Emily stood, dropping Todd’s hand. Without hesitating, she strode to the stage and climbed the steps, walking up to Shaline and speaking into her ear. Shaline observed her briefly with a proud smile, then turned to the crowd. Emily remained by her side, and Shaline again raised her hands and said, “Peace, please. Peace. PEACE!!” in her amplified voice. When the noise quieted, Shaline glanced at Emily. “We have someone who wishes to speak.” When the Vimpiri realized it was Emily, an angry buzz rose around the room and Shaline spoke again. “As Todd’s mate, she has a right to speak and be heard. Or have you forgotten our ways?” Her tone was sharp, a reminder of her station to those in on the benches. The crowd quieted, although those standing still refused to sit.
Shaline nodded to Emily, encouraging her to speak. Em’s voice was shaky; she was clearly uncomfortable staring down the sea of angry vimpiri. “I just wanted to say that there is something you all don’t know, that may change your minds on a few things. Todd and I are paired. We have confirmed it with your physicians, and we have confirmed that we now share our DNA in the same way you do with your mates, as vimpiri. True, I am no longer human, and he is no longer a hundred percent vimpiri. Instead, we are a mix of the two.”
Emily raised her chin proudly and continued. “However, we discovered something even more interesting, and if this is the confirmation you need to prove we have a true brashule, you have it. We are paired, and I am carrying Todd’s offspring.”
***
MICK
The reaction to Emily’s announcement was surprising. For a moment that seemed to last an eternity, there was deafening silence. Emily stared out at the assembled vimpiri--some in their natural form but most appearing as human--and they stared openly back at her. In an instant, she had shocked them all into silence. To her credit, she faced down a roomful of angry aliens bravely, her chin lifted and challenging them to question her. Mother stood serenely by her side, her expression neutral, but I recognized the gleam of pride in her eyes: she admired Emily’s bravery.
Then, from somewhere near the back, a shout arose. “It’s a trick! She’s lying!” An angry voice spat. The rumbling of an unruly crowd began again. Shouts and curses in Vimpiri and English echoed through the chamber.
Once again, Mother raised her arms and called for peace, calming the angry buzz to a low rumble. Searching the room, her eyes settled on a vimpiri male in human form with gleaming golden hair. “Artur, would you please tell our people the results of your study?”
Artur stood, a cocky expression on his face. He must have modeled his appearance after old Hollywood actors, perhaps to match his natural swagger. As a vimpiri male, he was unremarkable; but in human form, he was intentionally noticeable. “The girl speaks the truth. I ran tests on her blood and that of her mate. They are a blend of the two species but appear to be more vimpiri than human. They are unable to shift form, but other than that appear to retain many vimpiri qualities. The girl’s physical abilities have been enhanced, and she is indeed with offspring.”
Jakob stood swiftly, his face red with anger. “That’s not possible.”
Artur regarded him calmly with one eyebrow raised. “Are you questioning my integrity, Jakob?” The dangerously low tone with which he asked the question implied something more, a hidden threat behind his words. “Or are you somehow challenging my competency? I’m happy to compare qualifications if need be.”
Jakob paled and swallowed rapidly, shaking his head. “No, that’s not necessary. It’s just difficult to believe.” He backpedaled, eyes darting to Emily on the stage and back to Artur. “You’re sure, then? Absolutely sure? The girl is with Todd’s offspring?”
Artur smiled back. “I’m certain. Given their mingled DNA, I’m not sure about the gestation period. We will need to continue to study the progress of development to determine a gestation schedule. However, right now we’re estimating that it will land roughly between that of humans and vimpiri, which would put it around nine human years.”
A low buzz circled the room as people discussed this new information, but the energy was positive this time. Nine years would be an incredibly short time for gestation of a vimpiri.
Another shout rose from the crowd, but this one sounded curious and not at all angry. “Does she have the same limitations on birth as vimpiri do? Would she be able to bear two offspring or more?”
Artur shook his head. “From what we can tell, we don’t see any evidence of gestational sacs along her spine. We believe the offspring will take root in her the same way that human children do, in the uterus. As long as it is not damaged in the process, there is no reason she shouldn’t be able to bear multiple children, as many as she wishes to have.”
My eyes cast to Emily, who hadn’t yet heard this news. She appeared visibly relieved, likely about the idea that her child would grow the way human children do and not in a lump on her back. She’d been rather upset about that. I didn’t understand it, but then I was used to females carrying their offspring on their backs; it didn’t seem odd to me.
Emily’s eyes landed on Todd, and that is when I noticed it: A gleam behind her irises, causing them to shine as if lit from within. It was subtle; not as bright as a full-blooded vimpiri, but it was noticeable. She was one of us.
I didn’t notice the hush that fell over the crowd at first, but I realized suddenly the room was silent. When I glanced around I discovered all eyes in the room were on Emily, whose glowing gaze was locked on her mate. Here, finally, was the proof she was one of us. The arguments against her died off when my people realized the truth: She and Todd were truly paired, shared a brashule, and she was carrying offspring.
After an extended moment of silence, Mother spoke. “Is there anyone else who would like to question my decision?” Her expression was proud, her tone strong and calm despite the small smile that played on her lips. The crystal crown that topped her golden hair sparkled. Her peaceful demeanor and firm stance on the dais, combined with the traditional Vimpiri royal garb and crown, all worked together to remind our people why she was queen. She had known that the future of the Vimpiri was at stake, and she had known this was the solution, not the problem.
Suddenly the entire saga played out differently in my head. Instead of Jakob caring about the future of our people and fighting for their survival, he was a petulant, angry child who fought against the wisdom he didn’t yet understand. He wasn’t privy to the information, and instead of trusting the judgment of one who was, he jumped in with rebellion. He was wrong, and my mother’s grace was such that she didn’t even say it.
Judging from the expression on Jakob’s face, he understood. Shocked and contrite, I caught just a flash of anger before he quickly schooled his expression to one of pleasure. “Well, this is wonderful news!” He said smoothly. “I’m so pleased this accident turned out to be a happy one. I wish all the Lost Bachelors every happiness, as I’m sure we all do.” A carefully shaped smile plastered on his face, Jakob sat down with a slight nod to Mother in acknowledgment of his acquiescence.
“Anyone else?” My mother’s voice was smooth, and the smile on her lips curved slightly larger while she waited in silence. “In that case, we will consider this matter over. The Lost Bachelors may pursue pairing with human females if they wish, and we will continue to monitor the development of this offspring. As we learn more about the rock drifting toward us, I will update you all. Thank you and go in peace.” She turned to speak quietly with Emily as people rose, talking, to exit the room.
My eyes drifted to Father, Shanii, and Drake seated on the bench behind Mother. Father’s eyes glowed brightly with pride as he gazed on his wife. Shanii smiled, her expression softened in relief.
Drake, however, glared with flat, dark eyes at Emily. His jaw worked as if he had something to say but was chewing on the words to avoid spitting them out. I cast my gaze to Todd beside me, and he was watching Drake glare at Emily as well. Todd’s expression was troubled as he contemplated the meaning behind Drake’s ange
r.
I reconsidered Lucy’s suspicions, in light of everything that was just said and the expressions worn by both Drake and Jakob. Whatever battle we had just won, I had the distinct impression that it wasn’t the end of the war.
THE GLOW
LUCY
The meeting room emptied quickly, and we hung back to talk with Shaline and Shanii. Todd and Mick crossed the room to speak with Benjamin and Drake.
Shaline had played Jakob’s own words against him. Planning to box him in, she had withheld the information about Emily’s pregnancy deliberately. Her glances had been enough for Emily to realize Shaline’s intentions, and it was exactly what the crowd required to soothe their fears. Shaline appeared unflappable as always, despite the crowd that had been an angry mob just a few moments ago.
“I suspect there are still a few who are unhappy,” she said serenely, “but for now they have no excuse to argue. Even though we are educated people, we have never been a democracy. My rule stands.”
Emily’s voice was low when she asked, “But what about the fact that we still aren’t vimpiri? I thought they were angry about ‘purity’ and all that?”
Shaline’s smile was warm and spread across her cheeks in a motherly expression. “Emily, our kind has always evolved. For a long time, we haven’t needed to change, and we forgot that it was our nature to grow and adapt. We were stagnant in our ways. But you are proof that is still who we are. Far better than I could have told them, you stood on the dais and showed them all. You and Todd, and your offspring are the future of the Vimpiri. Those who didn’t want to accept it just learned a painful lesson today.” Shaline explained the significance of Emily’s glowing eyes, how it signified a connection between a vimpiri and their mate.
Wheels began to turn in my mind as memories clicked into place: Mick’s glowing jade gaze; how his eyes drew me in and held me; The feeling of connection I had every time we locked eyes.
I turned, seeking his face again to verify this new information. Mick was still across the room, speaking in a low voice to Benjamin. As if sensing my gaze, his eyes rose to my face, and I witnessed the lamp-like fire ignite in his emerald eyes when they met mine. My breath caught and my heart sped up, finally understanding the significance: He’d always considered me his mate, from day one. It may have been subconscious, but he knew. Even when I worried he had withdrawn from me, I recall his eyes glowing in that same way.
A smile curled his lips, just for me, then his eyes released me and he returned to his conversation with his father. When I looked back at Shaline, I knew she had been watching Mick as well. Her ageless eyes turned to mine, and the smile grew again on her face. “Yes, it is the same,” she answered my unasked question. “He has wished to pair with you for a while now. However, he has always been conscious of his duty as my offspring. He requested permission, and I had to deny him given the situation. Now, I believe there should be no more roadblocks for you if you are ready.”
I worked to keep my breathing slow and to not betray the rapid beat of my heart. Was I ready? I had been thinking of it for so long, wondering what it would feel like when he finally bit me for the first time. My mouth watered and my knees went slightly weak, remembering Emily’s description of the sensation of ‘mating’ with Todd. I remembered the desire and shattering disappointment I felt when I offered myself to Mick, and he pulled back. I glanced at him again, this time from the side of my eyes so as not to draw his attention. He was in his typical outfit of black jeans, black button-down shirt, and his black pea coat left open. His blonde hair was down, tucked behind his ears, but one rebellious piece had fallen forward into his eyes while he talked with his father. His chiseled jaw had a day or two of golden stubble, setting off the masculine shape of his features. Even knowing he had chosen his appearance, I didn’t care. My desire for him had not ebbed.
When my eyes returned to Shaline and Emily, they were exchanging a loaded glance.
Emily’s voice was smug. “Yeah, I thought so.” She flipped her blonde hair over a shoulder and grinned. Now that she knew she wouldn’t be carrying vimpiri infants between her shoulder blades for nine years, she was back to her usual sunny self. I wish Shaline had seen fit to pass that information along to us earlier, but perhaps there hadn’t been time.
I had never known Emily to be excited about having children, so it hadn’t surprised me she seemed to be more weirded out by the idea of being pregnant than the fact that her boyfriend was an alien. However, things had changed in our lives, and I was fairly certain it was for the better. Emily’s gaze landed on Todd, and the happiness that radiated from her was almost painful to witness. My eyes drifted to Mick’s face again, drawing another smile from him when he caught me staring.
Yes, things were better. For both of us.
TRUTHS REVEALED
LUCY
We eventually made our way back to Mick’s apartment, and he kept my hand firmly clasped in his the entire way. His thumb drew smooth circles on the back of my hand, and the heat from his palm warmed me all the way back through the caves.
Once we got back, Mick and Todd busied themselves in the kitchen to prepare us another tasty dinner that we consumed with a celebratory bottle of wine. After lounging by the fire for a few hours, Todd and Emily excused themselves to their bedroom. It was a while yet before dawn, but I had a feeling they weren’t going to sleep. I smiled to myself as I toyed with my wineglass, swirling the liquid and watching the legs run down the side to rejoin the pool at the bottom. My heart was full, my belly was full, and I basked in the happy glow of a worry-free evening.
Mick’s finger stroked my lip lightly. “What’s on your mind?” He asked in a soft voice. I was curled up against his side, and I felt the rumble in his chest as he spoke.
“Emily is happy. It makes me happy to think about it,” I answered, staring at the fire. “I was worried; with all of her physical changes and the pregnancy, she wasn’t acting like herself. It’s hard to put my finger on what exactly the difference was, more of a feeling really. She’s always just sort of radiated joy and for a while, I didn’t feel that. Does that make sense?”
“Yes,” he replied, his finger stroking my cheek. “You are attuned to her emotions, and people aren’t always honest about how they feel, sometimes even to themselves. You knew, without her having to say it, that she wasn’t sure about how she felt. You also know her well enough to know she wasn’t ready to talk about it.”
I didn’t have a reply to that, so I sipped my wine instead.
Mick’s arm wrapped around my shoulder, his fingers tracing random patterns on my arm. He occasionally lifted his glass to his lips while he stared at the fire, mimicking my movements.
My mind wandered to what Shaline had said, or rather implied. Mick was ready to pair with me; he had been ready to pair with me for a while. I told him I was ready but was I really? Did I just desire him, without truly understanding what it meant? I knew without asking the first time we mated the vimpiri way was significant for him. It was the beginning and the end; the end of both of us as individuals and the beginning of our journey into being a pair, becoming two parts of a whole. It was a promise from him, a commitment, and I hadn’t considered how much it would change us both once we started down that path. My heart sped up as I remembered a few months ago: Emily bleeding, growing sick and turning green, nearly dying before she was reborn as a human-vimpiri hybrid. Was I ready for that?
I turned my head to glance up at Mick, only to find him watching me, his enigmatic jade eyes glowing. My eyes dropped to his perfectly unbalanced mouth to prevent myself from getting trapped in his gaze. His lips parted, probably to ask me what I was thinking about again. I didn’t wait to hear what he had to say.
I lifted my chin to press my lips to his, feeling his sigh as he returned the kiss. My heart sped up again, but this time it was in response to his soft lips moving on mine, drawing my lip between his and scraping it lightly with his teeth. The arm around my shoulder pulled me closer, and his
other hand found my wine glass and placed it on the table, all without Mick having to break the kiss to see what he was doing. I had a mental giggle at this undiscovered vimpiri talent, some kind of sixth sense about the location of items that might stain his white furnishings while making out.
His now free hand rose to stroke my face while we kissed, trailing his fingers down my jaw to my neck. Stretching his hand to grip my neck lightly, he traced fingertips over the skin below my ear. My eyes, already closed, rolled back in my head at the tingling sensation. His lips moved from my mouth, trailing kisses along my jaw to my hairline slowly, his face nuzzling mine as he took an agonizingly long time to make his way over.
When his lips reached my ear and pulled lightly at the lobe, I shuddered. His warm breath stirred the tiny hairs nearby and my heart thudded in my chest in response. He was getting close—was this it? Was I ready for this?
Mick’s teeth scraped gently at my earlobe before his lips pressed behind my ear, igniting shoots of electricity that raced across my skin. His breath was rougher now, coming in ragged pants as he tried to keep his movements slow and deliberate. I felt his lips drag across my skin, drifting lower until they pressed to my jugular. He kissed the spot softly, then opened his mouth and dragged his teeth over the same place. I shuddered again, and my body went weak. If he weren’t holding me in place, I’d probably collapse into a puddle on the couch. I didn’t have the power now to stop him, and I still wasn’t sure I wanted to.
Slowly, Mick traced kisses away from the spot below my ear, along my jaw to my mouth, and kissed me once, firmly, before planting a soft kiss on my temple. He pulled me tightly to him, and I felt his chest heaving. Despite his calm, deliberate movements he had struggled, too. With his arms wrapped around my shoulders and my head tucked into the crook of his neck, I felt his pulse gradually slow. We still didn’t speak, just held each other in the silence as our hearts slowed together.
