Risshi glanced at Jakke. “I only have one bed.”
“I will sleep on the floor,” Jakke offered.
Risshi nodded, then headed down the hall. He came back carrying a blanket and a pillow, handing them to Jakke.
“Thank you.”
Risshi nodded again and left.
Sydney laid down and tugged the blanket to her neck. From the corner of her eye, she watched Jakke stretch out on the floor at the foot of the couch, tucking the pillow under his head.
Fifteen minutes later, she heard, “I am sorry, Sydney. If I could take it all back and do things differently, I would.”
She almost didn’t answer.
“You never wanted a Human mate,” she replied after a moment. “You were so happy when you saw the other three women. I think the look of happiness on your face hurt as much as them touching you. You liked it.”
She heard him swallow hard.
“It was more the familiarity I enjoyed, not really them,” he said.
“How long have they lived with you?” she asked.
“Cassia has lived with me for six years, Elle for five. Kiaa moved in two years ago,” Jakke replied with obvious reluctance.
“How does that work?”
“What do you mean?”
“What do consorts do besides have sex with you?”
Silence.
“It is not like that Sydney,” Jakke replied finally. “We care for our consorts, but it is not love. Not the way I love you. They take care of the house, keep it running. It is not that they simply provide sex whenever the male wants it, it is mutual. They can say no, and so can I.”
Did he just say that he loves me? Sydney asked herself, heart beating faster.
“We do not sit and talk with our consorts,” Jakke continued. “We are not friends with them. I do not even share my bed with them.”
Could that be true?
“Did you have sex with them…” she couldn’t finish.
“No. I extracted myself from them to make sure you were okay. You had left. At that moment, I realized that without you, everything else means nothing to me. I love you, Sydney.”
Twice now, he’d said he loved her. Loved her! The pressure in Sydney’s chest lightened a little. She wanted to throw her arms around his neck, but she couldn’t just forgive him that easily. He had to work for it.
“Goodnight Jakke,” she said dismissively, unwilling to talk any further until the morning.
She heard a small, disappointed sigh. “Goodnight Sydney.”
Chapter 24
Jakke
Jakke didn’t know if he should be happy or worried about Sydney’s questions, but at least the lines of communication had opened somewhat.
Thinking back to what Risshi had said, Jakke opted for patience. If she did not want to talk about it anymore tonight, he would accept it and try again tomorrow.
That night, Jakke tossed and turned, unable to get comfortable. It was hard to sleep knowing his mate laid just a few feet away and he couldn’t touch her.
He wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Not that long ago, he had tried to keep his distance. Now, he couldn’t get close enough.
Hours passed, and when the sun streamed through the window, Jakke sighed in relief. Sitting up, he stared at the beautiful sleeping face on the couch.
Dark eyelashes against creamy skin. Plump, pink lips slightly parted.
Jakke heard soft steps. Looking over his shoulder, Risshi was walking down the hall. Without a word, he gestured to the porch.
Jakke stood and quietly followed his brother. When he softly closed the door, Risshi took a seat and propped his feet on a nearby chair. So relaxed.
“That is the best Sydney has slept since she arrived.”
“Honestly?” Jakke asked, daring to hope. Risshi nodded. Jakke sighed. “I am in unfamiliar territory.”
Risshi laughed. “I imagine you are.”
“Did Mother hate Father’s consorts that much?”
“Yes. Oh, she never really said anything, but I would watch her expression every time one of them was around. Father—and his actions—hurt her deeply.”
“Is that why you stay here,” Jakke waved his hand, “and away from us?”
“It was hard enough to watch Mother experience the daily pain, but when she died, I could not be around the reminder.”
Jakke had always assumed his brother was weak. Now he understood that he’d just chosen a different, more peaceful way of life.
The door opened, and a sleepy Sydney rubbed her eyes. “I thought I heard talking.” She walked out and sat on the top step.
Jakke rushed to stand. “You can sit here.”
She yawned. “No, I’m fine.”
“How did you sleep?” Risshi asked.
Sydney yawned again. “Really good. I don’t know why I’m so tired.”
“You have always needed more sleep than an Azziarin,” Jakke interjected.
Her mouth crooked up on one side. “So you say.”
Jakke’s heart stuttered when she half-smiled at him.
That’s a start, he told himself.
Risshi rose. “How about some food?”
“Hopefully I can keep it down today.”
“Rykker left more medicine for your stomach sickness,” Jakke said. “You can take it before you eat.”
“Great!”
After first meal, Jakke helped Risshi clean the dishes, (a first for him) but he was anxious to get Sydney alone and finish their conversation from the previous night.
“Sydney, would you like to go for a walk on the beach?”
She studied him and for a second, Jakke thought she would say no.
“Okay.”
Jakke rushed to stand, holding out his hand out to her, but she ignored it.
Small steps, he reminded himself.
Walking side by side on the beach, Jakke broached the subject again.
“I have missed you Sydney,” he said, pausing. “I want to make things right, but I am at a loss. I am not Human; I do not know what to say, except to beg your forgiveness. And that says a great deal because as Risshi can tell you, I do not beg. Ever. I am the first son of the king, in line to rule Azziar when my father steps down. And yet, you have brought me to my knees.”
After a beat of silence, Sydney glanced his way. A sigh fell from her lips. “Do you remember when I asked for time to get to know you?”
Jakke nodded.
“We never really took the time.”
“What are you suggesting?” he asked.
“I need—we need—to get to know each other. Had we have done that first, you would have known the consequences of what you did before it happened.”
“I do not understand.”
Sydney turned to face him. “I don’t share. Ever. If you ever do anything like that again—culture or not—if you touch another female or let her touch you—I’m out of here. There will be no second chances.”
“I understand,” he replied, daring to hope she had forgiven him. “And rest assured, you are the only one I want and need.”
“What about your consorts?”
“What about them?”
“Jakke, these women have lived with you for years. Where will they go?”
“It will be up to them. Cassia is the only one that will protest.”
“Cassia,” she scoffed. “I don’t care about her, she’s a true bitch. I’ve known enough of them to spot one right away. But the other two…” She sighed. “I know it’s not their fault, but I don’t want any of them around.”
“I can contact Kavvan and have him to find out where they would like to go, and if they would prefer to live alone, I can have Kavvan transfer enough credits so they can build near their family.”
“Okay.”
“So I am forgiven?”
“It will take time, but we can start by getting to know each other better.”
The two of them spent hours walking on the beach. Sydney told him stor
ies about her childhood, playing in the woods, going fishing, riding a bike to her friend’s house to play.
He told her stories about himself and his brothers, and the mischief they would get into.
“I can’t wait to meet the rest of them,” she said.
“Kattlyn was disappointed you were not there when she arrived home.”
“Your sister, right?”
“Yes. She is much like Risshi.”
“Then I’m sure we will get along perfectly.”
“You know, Risshi has always stayed out here by himself. I am ashamed to say, but I never took the time to understand why. I assumed he was weak because he chose not to command a ship or lead missions. Now I understand that he is not weak. Going against the rest of the family to find your own way takes a lot of strength.”
She smiled and nodded. “I’m glad to have Risshi for my brother-in-law.”
Sydney
Walking on the beach with Jakke felt almost normal. He still made her heart flutter, and she knew her resolve was weakening.
As much as she wanted to wrap her arms around him however, she held back. It would take time to get completely over what happened, but if she wasn’t careful, she would land right back in his bed.
It was too soon.
The day passed with eating and talking until nighttime came again. Sydney saw the longing in his eyes, but wordlessly, he stretched out on the floor.
The next day was the same. Walks on the beach and more childhood stories. He told her about growing up with brothers and a sister, and she explained the loneliness of being an only child.
Another night, and Sydney longed to crawl onto the floor and snuggle up with Jakke.
She didn’t.
The next day, she was sitting on the couch rubbing her ever-growing stomach. The baby must be growing by leaps and bounds. It worried her a little, but she never said anything.
“Oh!” She grabbed her stomach.
Jakke rushed over from the kitchen, Risshi on his heels.
“Is everything okay?” The concern in his voice made her insides melt.
“The baby kicked!” She smiled brightly at him.
He sat down next to her, eyes darting between hers and the belly. “Can I feel?” Sydney took his hand and placed it on her belly. A minute later, the baby kicked again. “I felt that!”
His eyes wide, happiness radiated on his face. Sydney smiled, thrilled that he was just as excited as she was. That wall around her heart that had been slowing crumbling, now lay in shambles. She loved Jakke and this moment just solidified that point.
“May I feel?” Risshi asked.
“Of course.” She placed his hand beside Jakke’s and when the baby kicked again, they all laughed.
A huge grin spread across Risshi’s face. “Laughter suits you.”
“Thanks.”
“Sydney, mate of my brother, I have enjoyed your company and you are welcome here anytime. But I think you should have Rykker take another look now that the baby is growing so much.”
“Maybe.” She smiled. “You’re just afraid I’ll have the baby here.”
“Do not mention such things!” Risshi’s look of horror made her giggle.
Jakke took her hand, stealing her breath away at this first touch after so long. “Do you want to have Rykker do another scan?”
“Maybe… But how would we get there?” she asked.
“You can take my hover-car,” Risshi said to Jakke. “Have it delivered back to me later.”
“I will.”
Sydney smiled a genuine smile. “I guess we’re having a baby!”
“We are. I love you. Sydney.”
She stared into his eyes. “I love you too, Jakke.”
Chapter 25
Sydney
After gathering what few clothes she had replicated, Sydney hugged Risshi goodbye. This time, when Jakke held out his hand, she laid hers in his. The look on his face mimicked her own feelings. She needed his touch.
As he escorted her to the hover-car, she confessed, “I’m scared to leave here. I like this place.”
“I promise it will be better this time. I cannot stop the others from staring, but it will be better.”
“Okay.”
“After Rykker examines you, we can head to my home—our home—away from prying eyes. You will have plenty of privacy there.”
“That sounds good.”
Jakke
Words choked in Jakke’s throat when he felt his baby kick for the first time. To think he might have lost it all…
Nodding his goodbye to Risshi, he conveyed his gratitude and a new understanding and respect to his younger brother.
The ride to the castle was spent holding hands in easy conversation and laughter. He finally felt the pressure ease from his chest with Sydney beside him.
Three hours later, they arrived. Taking her hand, he helped her out of the hover-car.
Heading toward Rykker’s office, Sydney said, “I can’t get over how beautiful the castle is. How old is it?”
“I do not know,” Jakke admitted. “It has always been here.”
“You know, I translate the word to castle, but it looks nothing like the castles on Earth.”
“What does it remind you of?”
“Hmmm…I think more of an oversized multi-floor Spanish style mansion.”
Entering Rykker’s office, he rushed over. “Sydney, I’m glad you came.”
“It’s nice to see you again Rykker.”
Jakke felt the tension, heard it in Sydney’s voice. Rykker must have noticed as well. “Shall we take a look at the baby?”
“You remembered,” she gushed.
He took her hands in his. “You made it very plain that you are carrying a baby. That’s not something I will soon forget.”
Taking her hand, Jakke helped her on the table. After reclining back, Rykker placed a large monitor over her belly. The screen flicked on and Jakke watched images of his baby. His chest filled with pride. That was his child! He squeezed Sydney’s hand as protectiveness surged once again. He would never let anything happen to either one of them.
“Is everything okay?” Sydney asked, watching the screen.
“Like I said before, this is a learning experience. I would guess that your pregnancy will last longer than the standard three and a half months, but not as long as your nine months.”
“That’s not very long. After I have the baby, I will need something to keep from getting pregnant again; Human women need time to recover. What kind of birth control do your females use?”
Both males looked horrified.
“Why would we try to prevent pregnancy?” Rykker asked.
“To keep from staying pregnant all the time!”
Rykker glanced at Jakke before his eyes settled on Sydney. “Our females do not ‘stay pregnant all the time.’ They are fertile for one month every two years.”
Sydney’s face flushed hot. “Oh.”
“How often are Earth females fertile?”
“Every month. If they’re not pregnant, they can try every month.”
“What?” they exclaimed in unison.
“Yeah, that’s why I asked about birth control.”
Rykker grinned at Jakke. “You may have more younglings than anyone in the history of our planet.”
The thought of having a houseful of babies made Jakke swell with pride.
A noise at the door had three sets of eyes turning that direction. King Malick stood there, staring at Sydney’s belly.
Jakke watched as all emotion drained from Sydney’s face. She tugged the blanket over her swollen stomach. Had he missed the tension between the two when he and Sydney had first arrived? He knew his father had treated her badly, but he had not realized how much it had affected his mate.
She did not like his father being there.
“May I come in?” the king asked.
Jakke wanted to tell him no. Instead, he replied, “This is your castle.”
King Malick walked into the room, still staring at Sydney.
“I heard you found your mate, so I came to see,” he said, speaking to Jakke.
Jakke didn’t reply; Sydney just lay there, staring everywhere but at his father, who once again was speaking as though she wasn’t present.
Cautiously, still watching the subtle ques from his mate, he answered, “I did. Risshi was taking care of her.”
He did not mention that Takkeo was the one who had whisked her away. He still needed to have words with him.
“She is with young,” Malick commented.
“She is.” Jakke noticed his father’s eyes shift to their joined hands.
“Now we know that she can give you offspring.”
Sydney tensed, squeezing his hand to the point of pain. Jakke could no longer allow his father to upset his mate.
“Father, what are you doing here?”
“I wanted to offer you and your mate congratulations.”
And with that, he turned and walked away.
Sydney relaxed. Jakke heard her release the breath she had been holding.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to his body. “Can I take her home, Rykker?”
“Yes, but I need to see her at least once a week.”
“Understood.” Looking down at Sydney, he smiled. “Ready to go home?”
“Your home? Not the castle?”
“Our home. And no, not the castle.”
“Yes.” She sagged against him.
When they arrived, Jakke couldn’t wait to get her inside. It was now her home as well and he wanted her to love it so much, she would never think about leaving again.
They could fill their house with younglings!
Babies, he corrected himself with a grin.
Stepping out of the hover-car, he helped her out and took her hand.
“I hope you like it,” he said.
“It’s beautiful from the outside.”
He opened the door, and as soon as he stepped inside, he was shocked as Cassia, Elle, and Kiaa rushed to meet him. Their hands started roaming his body as Cassia whispered, “Welcome home. We have been waiting for you.”
Sydney dropped his hand, and he worried she would run away again.
Jakke (The Azziarin Series Book 1) Page 16
