He shook the females off and took a step back.
“What are you doing here?” he demanded.
“Well, you told us to go home,” Cassia replied.
“I sent word by Kavvan. You are to find a new place to live.”
“Yes,” Cassia said, her voice like steel. “But I did not believe him and wanted to hear it from you.”
“You cannot stay here any longer.” He reached behind him to grab Sydney’s trembling hand, needing to make sure she was still there.
“You can’t be serious!” Cassia fumed. “You are making us leave because of her?”
“Yes. I love her. She is enough for me.”
Daggers shot from Cassia’s eyes and the other two blanched at his words. Noticing Elle and Kiaa’s reaction, he squeezed Sydney’s hand and hoped she would understand.
“Kavvan was to make arrangements for you to live somewhere of your choosing,” he continued firmly. “If you wish to live near your parents, credits will be released for you to build a home there. You are not being thrown out. Provisions have been made.” His eyes briefly touched Cassia’s before sliding back to the others. “I am assuming that you never got that message.”
Elle and Kiaa shook their heads in unison. “I will have Kavvan meet you at the castle.”
Cassia balled her fists at her sides. “I am not leaving! You were supposed to be my mate. This is my home, and you cannot make me go!”
Sydney stepped around him. “Listen up, bitch, he said to get out. Now leave, before I throw you out!”
Cassia scrunched her nose and looked at Jakke. “What did the strange alien say?”
“Great! She can’t even understand me!” Sydney tossed her hands up in obvious exasperation.
Jakke picked up his comm unit and called for security to escort the females from his home. “Pack your things. Someone will escort you anywhere you wish to go. You can stay at the castle for a couple of days if you wish, but you cannot stay here.”
Cassia shot the two of them one final deadly glare before stomping off to pack her belongings.
Twenty minutes later, after they had left, Jakke turned to Sydney and asked, “Are you okay?”
“I think so.”
“I’m so sorry. They were not supposed to be here.”
She turned her dark eyes on him. “I don’t want them here ever again.”
Jakke wrapped his arms around her, whispering, “Never again. I love you, Sydney.”
“I love you too.”
“Let me show you around and perhaps run you a hot bath. Do you like baths?”
Sydney laughed. “I love them! Do you know how long it’s been since I got to take one?”
“No.”
“A long damn time.”
He laughed, taking her hand. Before they made it very far though, she tugged his hand, making him turn and face her.
“What is wrong?”
“I don’t think I can sleep in a bed you shared with the others.”
A huge smile split his face. “They did not share my bed.”
“What do you mean?”
“My room is my sanctuary; they were not allowed in there. But you are.”
“Oh. Okay then.”
Chapter 26
Sydney
Sydney would not have thought it was possible but seeing Jakke reassuring Elle and Kiaa made her feel better. They weren’t the aggressors and though she didn’t want them around, she wasn’t angry at them. Hearing the conversation, she knew it was over. Cassia, on the other hand, was a vile woman. There was no love or friendship between her and Jakke. Anyone could see that Cassia wanted to be the mate of someone she deemed important; she was in it for the riches and fame, the titles, nothing more. Sydney didn’t feel the least bit bad about Cassia being thrown out. She only wished she could have done it herself.
When Jakke said they hadn’t been in his room, her heart finally mended all the way. She loved Jakke. They would be a family now.
Showing her around, his house was state of the art immaculate with marbled black floors, gleaming white counters, and appliances she had no idea how to operate. The bathroom offered a large round tub the size of a small pool. But Sydney could only think of one thing.
It had been forever, and she needed his touch.
Turning, she let him see the desire in her eyes. One hand on his chest, she skimmed his neck until her hand cupped his cheek. There would be no doubt about how she felt now.
His lips sought hers, and she could feel his love in the kiss. Roaming hands found her breasts, and she moaned against his lips. One hand slipped under her shirt; she reveled in the skin-on-skin contact. It felt like it had been so long.
“Jakke…” Her voice was laced with promised passion. “I need you!”
His lips left hers, and he slowly rained kisses over to her ear and down her neck. Ripping her shirt and letting it pool at her feet, she stood there, naked from the waist up.
“Beautiful,” he said as he took one pink nipple into his mouth. His tongue swirled around the end before lightly biting, then tugging it. His mouth left her breast with a pop before ravishing the other one.
He picked her up and carried her to his bed. After laying her down, he slowly removed her trousers, very obviously wanting to savor every inch of her body.
He disposed of his clothes and came down on top of her, careful of her rounded belly. He started at the side of her mouth, kissing every inch. When he got to the patch of hair between her legs, he murmured, “It’s like a present hiding underneath.”
She chuckled until she felt his hands part her thighs, his tongue spearing her channel. She couldn’t help but moan as her hands reached for his hair, pushing his head farther down while she arched her hips.
“Oh, Jakke! That feels so good! Don’t stop!”
He alternated between lapping at her entrance and spearing her with his tongue. When his tongue left her and moved to the sensitive nub, she cried out as he pressed his finger inside her, fucking her with his finger as her hips bucked wildly. His mouth left her nub as his finger kept up its assault.
He watched as she rode out her orgasm. As she was coming down, he aligned himself at her entrance and sank in deep, giving her every inch of himself. He picked up his pace until she knew he was giving her everything he had, as hard as she could handle. His fangs lengthening, Sydney felt the pulsing inside her as he grunted out her name and sank his teeth deep into her shoulder.
“You are mine,” he said when he was finally able to speak.
“And you’re mine,” Sydney answered.
The next morning, Sydney woke wrapped in Jakke’s arms, a smile on her face. Glancing up, he smiled down at her.
“Good morning,” she said.
“Good morning, mate.” He kissed her lips.
“I don’t think I can do it again,” she mumbled.
He laughed. “I am more worried about feeding you. How are you feeling today?”
She considered that for a moment. “I feel really good.”
“I am glad. What would you like to eat?”
“How about you show me what you like, and maybe I’ll like it too.”
“Sounds good.” He kissed her lips again. “You rest. I will let you know when it’s ready.”
She watched Jakke crawl out of bed, put on a pair of loose pants, and walk out of the room.
He was so sexy, and Sydney wondered how she had gotten so lucky. Yes, at times he was an asshole, but he had changed.
Climbing out of bed, Sydney threw on a robe and headed downstairs. Jakke was at a (stove?) shirtless and cooking.
He smiled over his shoulder as she slid into an empty chair at the bar.
Setting two plates down along with two glasses of juice, Jakke joined her at the bar.
“What are you doing today?” she asked, eating an amazing breakfast.
“I need to go to the castle. I have a meeting with Father.”
“Oh.” She deflated.
“Kattlyn sai
“Do you know what time?”
“No. Sorry.”
“It’s okay. I’ll shower and just be ready for whenever.”
An hour later, Jakke kissed her goodbye. Sydney took her time and looked around the house. Seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Surprisingly, she found zero trace of the other women even living there. It made her wonder if someone cleaned while they slept. Hmmm…. puzzling.
Arched rounded entrances…yes, it definitely felt like a Spanish house, beautiful and filled with culture.
A chimed sounded and Sydney rushed to the door. Cautiously, she cracked it open and peeked outside. A beautiful Azziarin woman stood waiting.
“Kattlyn?” she asked.
“Yes. Sydney?” Sydney opened the door all the way.
“Yes.”
Kattlyn stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Sydney. “It is nice to finally meet you. Sorry my brother is such an asska.
Sydney didn’t have a clue what that was (though she could guess). “It’s okay. Come inside. I’m not sure I know how to work all these kitchen gadgets, but would you like something to drink?”
Kattlyn laughed. “Yes. Come on, I’ll show you.”
Sydney followed Kattlyn into the kitchen and watched her expertly program—something. Sydney had a lot to learn.
Cupping the warm drink, Sydney sipped the hot liquid. It tasted close to flavored coffee, but not exactly.
“This is good,” Sydney smiled, taking another sip.
“Thanks. It’s my favorite.” Kattlyn smiled over her cup. “I heard you spent time with Risshi.”
It wasn’t really a question, but Sydney answered anyway. “I did. He’s great!”
“Yes, he is.”
Their conversation was strained; they were both worried about stepping on toes. Finally deciding to lay it all on the table, Sydney sat her cup down and sighed.
“Look, as long as you’re not against me being mated to your brother and you don’t think I’m some kind of prude or something, we’ll get along just fine. So please, just say whatever’s on your mind.”
A smile ghosted Kattlyn’s lips. “I am sorry my father treated you so badly. He really wanted Cassia to be Jakke’s mate.”
“Why? She’s a bitch!”
“Strong offspring. And I agree, she is cunning, that one.”
“How can the wom—females—on this planet stand to be consorts? Don’t they want better for themselves?”
Kattlyn drained the last of her cup and set it in the sink.
“To be honest, no. Some females do not want children. They are happy having their physical needs met. They are provided anything they want and that is good enough. However, I agree with you. It is not good enough for me, and I also refuse to share. That is why I will always remain single.”
“How sad.”
Kattlyn shrugged. “It is the way it must be. I refuse to live in constant heartache, as my mother did.”
Sydney scoffed. “I’ll drink to that.”
The door chimed, startling them both.
Kattlyn’s eyes turned serious when she asked, “Are you expecting someone?”
“Nope. Jakke said that you would be stopping by, but he didn’t mention anyone else.
Both of them trekked to the door. Kattlyn stood in front of her sister-in-law protectively and threw the door open.
“Takkeo! What are you doing here?” Kattlyn asked, and Sydney sighed in relief.
Peering over his sister’s shoulder, his eyes landed on Sydney. “I just wanted to make sure she was alright.” And then his eyes dropped to her belly.
Kattlyn stepped back, letting him step inside.
“I’m good Takkeo, thanks to you. I was able to think—to process my emotions—while I was at the beach. Something I needed to do.”
“That’s good,” he said nervously.
“How much trouble did you get in?” Sydney asked.
Takkeo lifted his head and frowned. “Jakke never said a word, only gave me looks. I’ve had to endure extensive training sessions. I’m positive that Jakke made the instructors go twice as long and three times harder on me.”
“I’m sorry.” Sydney grimaced, but she wouldn’t have changed anything. She’d needed to get away and Takkeo had owed her. Now they were even.
“It’s alright.” Again, his eyes dropped to her stomach. “Is it true that you carry Jakke’s young?”
“Yes.” He grimaced and looked away. “Takkeo, spit it out!”
“I should have never taken you to Risshi’s. Not with you carrying young.” And then his shoulder’s slump.
“Takkeo?” He lifted his eyes. “You helped me when I needed you. And don’t worry, the baby and I are fine. And thanks to you, so are Jakke and I.” She smiled, trying to reassure him that he did the right thing.
He nodded, then stood. “I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”
Sydney stood as well. “I am Takkeo, thank you.” And then she threw her arms around his neck, making him even more uncomfortable.
Showing him to the door, Sydney closed it behind him.
“Wow, I’ve never seen Takkeo care so much about anything! And the way you made him fidget with that hug.” Kattlyn grinned.
“We spent a lot of time together.”
“Do tell.”
They talked for hours, Sydney filling in the details of how she had found Takkeo, mating Jakke… She knew that Kattlyn would be more than a sister-in-law; she would be a friend.
It was nice to know that women were apparently the same no matter what planet you were on. Mostly.
Epilogue
Several months later
Sydney had been outside working in the garden. She loved weeding the flowers most days. As pain shot though her back, her stomach cramped. It disappeared a minute later. Five minutes after that, it happened again.
Slowly, she stood and dusted her hands together. It didn’t take a genius to know that labor had started. But being a nurse, she knew she had plenty of time.
In between contractions, she gathered her gardening tools and stored them away. Heading into the house, Sydney headed to the bathroom to get cleaned up. Experience told her that today would be a long day.
After breathing through a contraction, she took a quick, two-minute shower just to wash the dirt off. Her hand flew to her lower back as she panted through the pain. When it finally past, she toweled off. Water gushed from between her legs…
Oh shit!
She had never heard of water breaking so quickly, which worried her a lot.
“Jakke!” She yelled. When he came almost crashing through the bathroom, Sydney said. “It’s time.”
“Are you sure?” Jakke asked, grabbing his comm unit.
“Yes, my water just broke.”
“I don’t know what that means, but I’m calling Rykker.” Sydney used the time to get dressed.
Jakke contacted the healer and then grabbed the overnight bag Sydney had packed. A moment later, he rushed back in the room.
“He’s waiting for us.” Jakke took Sydney’s hand and helped her to the hover-car.
She was now twenty-four weeks pregnant and felt as large as a cow. Rykker was uncertain that she would be able to have the baby naturally.
Rykker was waiting at the castle entrance when they arrived. Everyone was in motion; the prince’s mate was in labor. They were ushered to the infirmary that Rykker had set up just for her.
Jakke helped her to the birthing bed and as he turned, she grabbed his hand. “Don’t leave me!”
“I’m not going anywhere.” He cupped her small hand in both of his large ones. It was still so odd to look at. Her four small fingers, so different from his five.
Sydney squeezed his hand to near-breaking point as another contraction hit.
“Help her!” he hissed at Rykker.
“There is nothing I can do. I’m afraid to give her our pain medicine; it might do more damage than good.”
“IT HURTS!” she screamed, squeezing even tighter.
She tried to breathe through it, but it barely helped. Jakke hissed in pain and tried to give her his other hand.
It lasted forever—hours, until finally Rykker sat on a stool between her legs. “I want you to push as hard as you can with this next contraction.”
She did. Her forehead was slick with sweat, hair hanging in clumps against her face. Contraction after contraction, Sydney pushed with all her might.
If Jakke thought they would have a houseful of kids, he was sadly mistaken. No way she would go through his every year.
Another contraction hit. Sydney screamed as she pushed with the last of her strength. The pressure eased at last, and she heard the sound of a baby crying.
Jakke
Sydney had screamed with every contraction. He thought she would break his hand.
Where does her strength come from? he wondered.
Time ticked by and he didn’t know how much more he could take. His mate was in agony, drench in sweat. And then her heard his baby crying.
Jakke stared at his son as Rykker pronounced him healthy and handed the baby to him. He was small compared to other Azziarin younglings, but as he looked into his son’s beautiful eyes, he fell in love. He had the dark hair of his mother, the dark skin of his father, dark brown cat eyes, tiny fangs, and four fingers. Jakke laughed as he noticed the four fingers.
“What is it?” Sydney asked.
“Nothing, he’s perfect!” Jakke kissed her lips as he handed her their son. “Thank you. I love you, Sydney.”
She grinned down at him. “He is, isn’t he?” She glanced up. “What should we name him?”
“What would you like to name him?” Jakke asked.
Looking into Jakke’s eyes, Sydney smiled. “Alexx, for my father. We can spell it the Azziarin way with the double X though.”
Exhausted, she handed Alexx back to Jakke. He kissed her lips. “Rest. I will take care of our son.”
Sydney’s eyes fluttered closed. Jakke smiled, then headed outside to the waiting room.
His father smiled as he got this first look at his grandson.
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