Ranvik gave him a nod and Brexton helped Blossom into the limo. He slid in next to her, and Ranvik took the seat across from them. The driver shut the door and Blossom practically crawled into his lap. He held her tight and wished they were alone so he could distract her from what nearly happened to them. He knew she was probably just as worried about the children as he was. When she’d agreed to be his, he’d promised to keep them safe, and he’d nearly failed.
Mike Moretti was a known threat, but he’d been blindsided by the fan who apparently wanted them dead. He’d run across a few crazy fans over the years, but none who had tried to physically harm him. What kind of person would not only try to kill him, but his pregnant mate as well? Especially a fan who already knew they had children. It just proved that monsters could hide anywhere.
The limo pulled up to the gate at Brexton’s home and he gave the male the code. Anyone who worked for the Terran station could be trusted, or so he hoped. Just to be safe, he’d change the code once they were safely inside the house. Only those who worked for him or protected his family would have access. The driver pulled to a stop in front of the house, then got out and opened their door. Ranvik gave them a little wave.
“If your reinforcements aren’t here by morning, I’ll be here to relieve Pryntar,” Ranvik said.
“Thank you. Not just for standing guard today, but for checking the car before we got inside. I could feel that something was off, but I didn’t know what it was,” Brexton said.
“It was an honor to protect your mate and unborn child.”
Brexton helped Blossom from the car, gave a nod to Pryntar, who was standing guard at the front door, then stepped inside. The sound of the living room TV pulled him in that direction. Mrs. Connors was straightening the area while RaeLynn and Drew stared at a cartoon playing on the large screen. A space had been cleared by the front window, and he noticed a large tree box sitting nearby, as well as shopping bags that he assumed held the ornaments he’d requested.
He lounged against the doorframe, Blossom pulled tight against his side, and he smiled as contentment filled him. Even though he hadn’t fathered those children, they were very much his, and he was going to give them a Christmas to remember. It was getting closer, and he would need to shop for his new family. Despite the fact his family was now targeted by two crazy people, he knew they needed a large dose of normal, and he didn’t think that was something the children had ever had before. Possibly not Blossom either.
Instead of disturbing them just yet, he led Blossom to the kitchen and started a kettle of water. She pulled out a chair and sat at the table, then heaved a heavy sigh. Her gaze scanned the room, but she didn’t say a word. Brexton busied himself, fixing some hot tea for both of them, and adding a little honey to sweeten it. He placed a steaming mug in front of her before claiming the chair beside her.
“As much as I would love to have a family night,” he said, “I thought we could use a quiet moment to ourselves. There’s a lot we don’t know about each other, and there really hasn’t been time to talk.”
She sipped at her tea and gave him a hesitant smile. “What did you want to know?”
“The place where you were living… had you been there long?”
“You mean have I lived in the worst neighborhood in town for all of my life?” she asked.
He shrugged. “Something like that.”
“Yes and no. We’d only been in that apartment since I started dating Mike, but that part of town? I grew up there. I got pregnant in high school and dropped out. Didn’t really have a home life, so I was on my own. When an eviction notice was posted on the place I’d been living, I knew I needed to do something or face life on the streets,” she said.
“What did you do?”
“Found a guy to take care of me. Or at least I thought I had. I lost the baby, and he turned out to be an abusive jerk. Didn’t take me long to grab onto someone else. I’ve had the worst taste in men all my life.” She looked up at him. “Until you.”
He wasn’t sure how to feel about that. He’d set out to save her and the children, had wanted to get them out of the place, now he wondered if that’s all they had between them. Would she ever come to have feelings for him? Maybe even love him one day? He’d pushed her into accepting a mating between them, and she’d tried to tell him it was a bad idea. If she were truly only after a way to provide for her children, wouldn’t she have jumped at the chance to be claimed by him? No… she might have done that in the past with other men, but that’s not what was happening between them. The way she looked at him, the soft glow she had when they made love… she couldn’t fake those things. She cared, even if she didn’t love him. Just as he cared a great deal for her and the children.
“And the father of your children?” he asked.
“They have different daddies. I told you what happened to them. They weren’t winners by any means, but it’s hard to find one of those where I lived. I grew up in that environment, and I’d always sworn I’d never raise my kids there. Until I got pregnant and had nowhere else to go. It’s hard to dig your way out of that place, especially without at least a high school diploma or knowing some sort of trade.”
Brexton reached over and laced his fingers with hers. She didn’t give herself enough credit. Yes, she’d felt trapped in that place, but even though her apartment had been shabby, he’d noticed that she’d kept it neat and tidy. Even if she hadn’t had much, she’d had enough pride to make sure her children were clean and fed, by doing whatever was necessary.
He’d thought the government was supposed to help women in her situation, but they seemed to have failed her. Or maybe she hadn’t asked for help. Either way, it made him wonder how many others faced the same fate as Blossom. Were there other teens in the high school for that area who were pregnant, or in danger of getting pregnant before graduating? Teens who would drop out of school and have no chance to leave that neighborhood, unless someone saved them from it?
He’d have to make a few calls and see if maybe he could get a program started. Something to help young mothers in need. If Earth’s government didn’t care enough to help them, then he would. Someone needed to make their lives better, easier, and safer. Perhaps he should send a few warriors to that part of town and see if anyone wanted to apply to the bride program. If any of them were as sweet as his Blossom, then he knew the males from his world would gladly welcome them.
“What about you?” she asked. “Why did you come to Earth?”
“I was nineteen when I came here and had been a warrior for three years. Or at least I’d trained as one. I’d been on a few missions and knew that life wasn’t for me. There aren’t many options on my world, with most of the males being trained for fighting. When I realized that I could come here, to a new planet with new opportunities, I grabbed the chance. Not only were there plenty of unmated females, but I hoped I would get the chance to be someone else.”
“You mean be the man you were supposed to be?” she asked. “You’re a wonderful actor. I’ve seen your movies. Or at least the few I’ve been able to watch on TV. We didn’t have the movie channels or anything, but sometimes they play your movies on basic cable.”
“You couldn’t feed your children, but you had cable?” he asked, thinking it didn’t sound like the Blossom he was getting to know.
Her cheeks flushed. “Not exactly. I may have had access illegally. Someone in my building worked for the cable company for a short time, and when they were fired, they made sure everyone had access to at least the basic package. I mostly got it for the kids so they could watch those educational shows.”
“You’ve done well with them, but I noticed Drew doesn’t speak much. Has he always been like that?” Brexton asked.
“Yes. I tried to talk to someone at the free clinic about it, but they just quickly move you through. They never really listen to your concerns, or do much to help.”
“Why weren’t you getting help from your government?” he asked. “Don’t
they have things in place for single mothers?”
“They do, and I would have qualified. Well, I probably would have qualified. I didn’t have a ride to reach the building where the offices are located, and I didn’t have Internet to apply online. The local library is supposed to have computer access, but the machines are so old that most of them barely work,” she said.
It gave Brexton something to think about. It seemed there were people stuck in that place who wanted out, but didn’t have a way to better their lives. If they didn’t have a way to get assistance, they were left to suffer. It hardly seemed fair. While it wasn’t his problem, now that he knew there was a problem, he couldn’t very well look the other way. While Blossom told him more about living in what she called the ghetto, he pulled up the local libraries on his phone and found the one in her neighborhood. He made a note to call in the morning and arrange for a donation. He would send over a few new computers, pay for their Internet services for a year, and make sure they received a box of new books every month.
If those things had been available to his Blossom, then maybe she wouldn’t have taken help from men who only wanted to hurt her. Then again, she might not have needed him if that were the case, and he was very glad that she was part of his life. Having her and the children in his home just proved what he’d been missing all his life, what he’d known he needed.
“What do you say to dinner and then some tree decorating?” he asked. “I had a tree and ornaments delivered while we were gone. I told them to get kid-friendly ornaments so that Drew and RaeLynn wouldn’t break them and get hurt.”
She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I think that sounds like a perfect night. Maybe we can even play some Christmas music, or find a holiday movie for background noise.”
“I don’t know what Mrs. Connors plans to feed us, and I don’t smell anything cooking. Maybe we should go see what she has planned. We might have time to start working on the tree before we eat. At the very least, I can put it together and make sure the lights work.”
He started to rise, but she placed a hand on his thigh and stopped him. The way she looked at him, her eyes so expressive, so trusting… he felt it bone deep. Brexton didn’t know what he’d done to deserve someone like her, but he hoped that he showed her every day what it meant to him that she’d chosen a life with him.
“I just wanted you to know that no matter what happens, no matter what gifts are under the tree or aren’t, that you are the best present we could have ever received,” she said. “I’ve never known someone so honest or as caring as you.”
“Blossom, I’m the one who’s grateful.” He cupped her cheek and leaned in closer, kissing her softly. When her fingers tangled in his hair, he deepened the kiss and pulled her onto his lap. No matter how many times he tasted her, he would never get enough.
“Ahem!”
They broke apart and looked at an amused Mrs. Connors.
“There are better places than my kitchen for that sort of thing,” she said. “I thought you’d want to know that little Drew saw a pizza commercial earlier and asked if we could have that for dinner.”
“He said all that?” Blossom asked.
“Well, not exactly.” Mrs. Connors shrugged. “I speak little-boy, it seems. He made it clear enough that’s what he would like to have.”
“We’ve only ever had the frozen ones you can get at the dollar store,” Blossom said. “He’s never tasted one that’s been delivered from somewhere before. Neither have I, for that matter.”
“Well, I suggest we fix that,” Mrs. Connors said. “I’ll place an order for the four of you, and if you don’t need me the rest of the night, I have a few errands I’d like to run before the stores close.”
“Tell them I’ll pay cash when it arrives,” Brexton said. “Blossom can you tell you what she and the kids like, and you know what I eat.”
Mrs. Connors nodded and reached for the cordless phone on the counter. Blossom asked her to order a cheese pizza for Drew, and anything was fine for her. RaeLynn would possibly gnaw on some crust, but could just have her organic food. Brexton eased Blossom off his lap then stood. While his housekeeper ordered their dinner, he led his mate back to their children. The movie was still playing, some animated show with a dog that seemed to fascinate both of them. Blossom went to sit with them while Brexton started putting the tree together.
It didn’t take long before his new family was watching him and not the TV.
Chapter Ten
Blossom fought back tears as Drew and RaeLynn stared in awe at the tree that Brexton had put together. It was one of those pre-lit ones so once the pieces were in place, he plugged it in and multi-colored lights blinked in the semi-dark room. She’d never seen a more beautiful tree, and it didn’t even have ornaments yet. The tree he had set up for his party was gorgeous, she could admit that, but this tree was special. It was the first Christmas tree she or the children had ever had. She wondered if Brexton realized just how magical he was making the holiday season for them. It wasn’t about presents from Santa. For the first time ever, they were having a true family holiday, one filled with smiles and happy memories.
Drew knelt beside his new daddy and as Brexton handed him ornaments, he hung them on the tree. RaeLynn was content to sit in Blossom’s lap and watch. Each ornament was made of plastic or cloth, things that wouldn’t break, and they were in shapes and colors that snared the attention of both children. It was the perfect family tree, and Blossom hoped that Brexton would take pictures so they could always remember their first Christmas together. She didn’t have a camera or cell phone, so she couldn’t take them herself.
Her stomach cramped as she thought back to the car bomb, and she hoped it would be the first of many Christmases together. But between his rabid fans and her deranged ex, it seemed that danger lurked around every corner. If anything or anyone took Brexton from them, she didn’t know how she would survive. Not because of all the things he was buying for them, but because of how rich he made their lives with his presence. Kindness shone from his eyes, and he had the gentlest touch with all of them. They’d never known a man like him before.
As Brexton placed a silver-foiled star at the top of the tree, he stood back and placed his hands on his hips. Drew mimicked him and Blossom smiled. He’d never tried to imitate any of the men in her life before, and it warmed her heart that Brexton had made such an impression on him. She was thankful that he would have a good role model, and that RaeLynn would be able to see how a man was supposed to treat his wife and children. Even though they weren’t married by human standards, she knew that’s what she was to Brexton. Mate was just another term for it. In the eyes of his people, they were married.
“It’s perfect,” she said, as she stood and carried RaeLynn closer. The little girl reached for the tree, then jerked her hand back.
Brexton noticed the move and took RaeLynn into his massive arms, then held an ornament out for her. Her precious daughter cautiously touched the stuffed bear that had been hanging on the tree, then smiled so wide that Blossom worried the child might hurt herself. She couldn’t remember ever seeing that much joy on her children’s faces, and it hurt that she’d allowed bad men into their lives up until now. She should have done more, fought harder, and not let life weigh her down so badly that she’d lost hope.
“This tree is for both of you,” Brexton said. “You can touch the ornaments if you want.”
He set RaeLynn down and she and Drew touched their first Christmas tree, exploring the ornaments and bright lights with wonder. Brexton pulled his phone from his pocket and took some pictures. When he pointed the phone toward her, she crossed her eyes and stuck out her tongue, making him laugh. He reached for her, and she went willingly, snuggling into his side. Brexton held the phone out again and took a selfie of the two of them, then started tapping on his phone.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Posting my first official picture with my beautiful mate,” he said, grinning at
her. “After we eat, I’ll get Pryntar in here and ask him to get one of the entire family in front of the tree.”
Her heart warmed and she knew that she was already falling for the sexy alien who had claimed her. It was hard not to. If he had a flaw, she hadn’t discovered it yet. Blossom knew that no one was perfect, but just maybe Brexton was perfect for her. She watched the children as they played around the tree until their pizza arrived. A strange ringing sounded throughout the house and Blossom glanced at Brexton. He walked over to a box on the wall and for the first time, she realized there was a small video screen and intercom in the living room, with a perfect view of the front gate.
“I’ll buzz you through,” Brexton said, pressing down a button. The gate on the screen swung open and the pizza delivery kid drove through.
“Are those in every room?” she asked.
“Not quite every room. There’s one here, one by the front door, another in the room where the Christmas party will be held, there’s one in the kitchen, and another upstairs in our room. When Mrs. Connors is on duty, she usually lets people in, but this house is too big to only have one or two of these set up.”
Drew moved in closer and stared up at Brexton. “Daddy, big house.”
Brexton smiled down at him. “Yes, Drew. It’s a very big house. Plenty of room for you to play, and to have friends over.”
Drew frowned and shook his head. “No friends.” Though it sounded more like fwends.
“Then I’ll introduce you to a few of my friends who have children your age. I bet you’ll make friends quickly.” He glanced at Blossom then back at Drew. “Would you like to attend preschool a few days a week? Learn your shapes and colors, and get to play with boys and girls the same age as you?”
Drew looked at Blossom, indecision on his sweet face. She knew what he was thinking about. The children where they used to live were horrible, and Drew had never been able to play with anyone before. She’d tried the free kids’ care at the church up the street, but when she’d picked up Drew she’d vowed he’d never go back. He’d still been in training pants full time and they hadn’t changed him even once, or asked if he needed to use the bathroom. Another child had poop stains on their pants and the workers didn’t even seem to care.
Blossom and the Alien Actor Page 12
