James was still on the hospital type bed; only this time, he was sitting on it with his legs hanging over the end. The resounding smile that lit his face when he saw me was breathtaking. Before I knew what I was doing; I was running towards him, flinging myself into his arms. Zanika and Harrik respectively backed away a little as James held me. Relief flowed through my body, and tears began to stream down my face. I was beyond happy to have the love of my life back in my arms.
“I get the impression that you might have missed me just a little bit,” James said as I nuzzled my face into his neck.
He smelled so good and familiar that it was soothing to my heart and soul. I had to force myself to pull back so I could talk to him properly.
“Yeah, I might have missed you just a tad,” I told him as I indicated with my fingers for emphasis.
James raised one of his own hands and began to wipe away my happy tears from my cheeks.
“Are you and the baby ok?” He asked. His eyes searched mine as if they were going to give him the answer.
“We’re fine,” I told him, “In fact, now you’re all healed, we are better than fine. I think the baby is excited because she started doing somersaults just as we were about to walk in,” I said with a laugh.
James seemed to be reassured, giving me another beautiful smile, and he reached down, placing his hand on my swollen tummy. The moment his hand connected with my baby bump; our baby began to move. I could feel her moving towards the gentle pressure of James’ hand as if she wanted to get closer to him. James looked up at me in surprise.
“See, she’s missed you as much as I have,” I said, giggling at his surprise.
James’ smile as he felt her was beautiful, and it made my heart even more full of love for him.
“Where are the kids?” He asked.
“They’re all at the cruiser. I don’t know if Zanika and Harrik have told you, but the elders have arrived, and we are having a celebratory feast to welcome them,” I told him, “They don’t know that you’re awake yet. I wanted them to enjoy themselves while they could,” I explained, hoping that he’d understand my reasoning.
“They did mention that the elders were here,” he replied as he looked and smiled at the angels who were stood waiting patiently. “I think I’d like to meet the elders and surprise the kids,” James said while smirking.
“Are you sure you’re up to going to the feast?” I asked, feeling surprised.
“Baby, I’m as good as new!” He stated while sliding himself off the bed.
I looked at Zanika and Harrik, raising my brows questioningly.
“James is correct, Mel,” Harrik said with a nod of his head, “Zanika and I have completely healed James. He is as good as new.”
James took me into his arms, holding me close to his body. His face brushed against my ear, and I felt his kisses on my neck, sending a shiver down my spine, and goosebumps started to appear on my skin.
“I’m going to show you just how good as new I am when we get back to our room later,” James whispered.
I could feel myself blushing immediately, and I suddenly hoped that the angels hadn’t heard what he’d said. James chuckled as he felt the shiver ran through my body again. Pulling back and taking my hand in his, he looked to Christik, Zanika and Harrik.
“Let’s get this party started, shall we!” He declared with a grin.
His grin was contagious, and I think the angels had heard what he’d whispered as all three of the angels had humorous smiles on their faces. Zanika and Harrik glided forward, both of them offering their arms for us to hold. The moment we touched them; we vanished from the medical room, and in seconds, we all arrived back outside the cruiser.
The massive wooden doors of the building were still open, and this time, I could hear not only the guitar being played but also what sounded like a drum of some sort, and someone female was singing beautifully. My body was instantly shivering like crazy, and although James was shivering too, he took me into his arms to warm me up.
“We’ll meet you inside in a bit,” he told Zanika, Harrik and Christik as he rubbed his hands up and down my back vigorously.
The three angels nodded and glided gracefully into the building without looking back. No sooner were they out of sight than James released me and took my hand. I thought he was going to lead me into the building, but he actually began to lead me away from the cruiser and towards a cluster of trees.
“Where are you taking me, husband of mine?” I asked with a giggle.
“You’ll see,” he said with a sexy smirk that started to make my pulse race.
When we reached the nearest trees and were out of sight of the cruiser, he pulled me into his embrace. Within moments, his lips were on mine, kissing me as if his whole life depended on tasting me. My hands ran down his back with firm pressure, encouraging him to get even closer. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as my excitement grew. My whole body was aching to be close him, and I could feel myself trembling, as he pressed his broad muscular chest against me.
James pulled his face away from mine, and as he looked at my loved and plumped lips and the love haze of my eyes, he bit his bottom lip, as if he was trying to keep control. By my next breath, his hands were sliding down my shoulders, slowly gliding down my back over the soft silky material of my dress.
As the cool night air reached my skin, goosebumps began to appear. His hands felt so good as he softly brushed them against my spine, teasing me as his lips kissed my tingling neck.
My own hands ran through his thick dark hair, and as his mouth started to gently kiss my lips again. I could feel one of his hands softly and slowly moving up my back, gliding towards my long blonde hair. His fingers splayed in my hair as he held me close.
Abruptly, James released me, and he moved away, his eyes glazed with love, which I was sure mirrored my own.
“I want to show you how much I love you, but now isn’t the time,” he said breathlessly, “let’s sit for a while, I want to be alone with you for a while longer. As we sat on the lush grassy ground and the tree branches swayed in the light breeze, he wrapped his arms around me while kissing my neck.
“You are so stunning, woman,” he said softly against my ear, making goosebumps appear again on my skin.
“You’re not so bad yourself, dude,” I told him as I wriggled my body against his side.
There were no more words needed, as we sat there under the tree branches, watching the numerous stars shining brightly through the spaces between clusters of dark green leaves. Just having that quiet moment together with our bodies touching, was enough to soothe our souls and make us feel complete once more.
“We’d better get inside before you catch a chill,” he said as he gave the side of my butt a cheeky pat before standing up.
James offered his hands which I gladly accepted, pulling me up off the cool ground. After having one last slow lingering kiss, we walked hand in hand to the cruiser. I felt so completely sated and happy to have James back, and all felt right with the world. The music was still playing with fervor, and when we entered the foyer, it was clear that everyone was having a fantastic time.
We hadn’t even got twenty steps into the building when there was a shriek from the right side of the room.
“Dad!” The voice said loudly.
Instantly, I knew it was Abigail. Abigail pushed through the throng of Angels and humans as if she were a professional wrestler. She was so driven to get to James that I doubt anything would have stood in her way. James’ arms were waiting for her as she broke through the last group of Angels and humans. He scooped her up in his arms and twirled her around, making her squeal and giggle.
“I can’t believe you’re here, Dad,” she told him, “Are you ok now, Dad?” She asked, suddenly serious and concerned.
“I’m one hundred percent better my darling,” James assured her, just as Holly, Anthony, Harrison and April also broke through the crowd.
As our kids hugged James, April came
and stood next to me. My heart instantly felt heavy as I could see her longing to be a part of the moment James and the kids were sharing.
When James looked up at me with sheer happiness on his face, I smiled and side-nodded my head towards April.
“We have a new member of the family,” I told him as my smile grew bigger.
James’ responding smile was exactly what I was expecting. I knew through and through that he would be fine about it. He looked at April with the same affection he showed our own kids, and he beckoned her over to join in the group hug he was relishing with the kids.
James didn’t have to say anything to Holly, Anthony, Harrison and Abigail. They automatically moved, making a gap for April to join in when she nervously approached them. James, always the amazing Dad that he was, used his nearest arm to scoop her in, making her giggle.
It was fantastic to see such a heartwarming sight. Even the angels and people around us who saw it were getting quite emotional with one or two people getting a little teary.
“Lead me to the food please,” James asked them as one by one they released him.
I watched happily as the kids led James towards the multiple shops, which were still filled with food. Nalik and Christine approached me from the crowd, both of them seemingly happy that their partners, my kids, were so happy to see their dad.
“It’s amazing,” Christine said quietly, “you just wouldn’t believe that James nearly died to look at him now, would you!”
“I know, it is truly amazing what the angels can do,” I told her as my eyes stayed on James and the kids.
We stood there for a few more minutes as I watched the kids and James laughing and joking while they loaded his plate with food.
“Don’t feel like you can’t join them, you two,” I told Nalik and Christine, “You’re part of our family too, you know,” I said with a smile.
As I walked away heading towards the long table I’d left earlier, I had a feeling that Christine and Nalik were doing what I suggested. I knew James would find me when he was ready, and I needed to eat badly. Christik was already back at the end table with the elders, and I was pleased to see that my barely touched tray of food was still in my seating place. My mouth watered at the sight.
Christik gave me a little smirk as I took my seat and instantly, I started to blush. She gave her head a soft shake.
“I will say it again,” she said, smiling, “You are a passionate race, aren’t you.”
As her eyebrows raised, I laughed aloud, not being able to keep it in. We ate our food and talked while watching everyone enjoy themselves. Within an hour, James had found me and was sitting next to me as we enjoyed seeing angels and humans actually getting up to dance to the music that was playing.
The elders and Christik all seemed very surprised to witness their angels dancing, but I don’t think the poor angels had much of a choice. I’d already witnessed Derek dragging a reluctant Hulaz to the newly-formed dance floor, much to Harrik’s amusement, who was watching and smiling to himself.
While we watched everyone having a good time, I heard Lindaz and Evest mention a name to the elders next to them. It was their tone of voice that pricked my attention and interest. The name was Akhenaten, and I didn’t know why it sounded so familiar to me, but it definitely rang a bell.
“Who are they talking about?” I asked Christik as I leaned towards her.
“The elders are discussing Akhenaten, who was one of our angels,” Christik replied quietly as she also leaned in, “He was with us, the last time we came to Earth.”
“Did something bad happen to him?” I asked, “the elders sound sad as they talk about him.”
“We do not know what happened to Akhenaten,” Christik answered, “The elders and I still miss him. He was my brother,” she added.
‘Woah,’ I thought as my mind absorbed her words. ‘And we thought only humans had family drama.’
My surprise must have been evident in my face as Christik’s eyebrows raised, and she nodded her head.
“I will tell you about it when we can talk properly,” she said with a genuine smile.
Chapter 6
By the time we got back to our rooms, we were all absolutely shattered. It had been an exhausting day full of excitement and revelry. Even though James was completely healed, I could tell that the party had taken its toll on him.
We said goodnight to the kids, who all gave James a huge hug, including April, and we closed the barrier between our rooms. By the time I got to our bed after showering and cleaning my teeth, James was already sleeping deeply with his arms and legs out like a starfish.
Trying not to wake him, I climbed on the bed. Luckily, the moment my leg touched his, he rolled over on his side, giving me the room to slide under the sheets. I put my arm around his waist, and it felt so wonderful having him close to me again. My eyes felt heavy as my body became warmer next to his body heat, and before long, I was sound asleep too.
I wasn’t sure where I was, but there were trees and plants as far as I could see. I’m standing in long, lush grass up to my knees, and I can hear water running in a stream or a small river. Turning on the spot, my ears pick up on a rustling sound, and I stop and wonder who or what is making the noise. The long grasses before me started to move and out from the foliage appears a red panda.
‘Omg it’s so cute’ is the first thought that popped into my head as I watched it forage the ground between us. The panda isn’t very big, about the size of the large cat we’d had back home. Its fur on its head and body is a stunning reddish-brown, while its legs and underbelly looked black. The tail on the red panda is bushy and striped with a darker shade of reddish-brown, which also appears on its face between prominent markings of white on its cute face and ears.
It’s foraging around as if I weren’t there, and I was absolutely fascinated watching it. Like James, I always loved animals, and that was why we always had so many pets before our planet’s disaster. I was quite happy to continue to watch the little guy, but something didn’t feel right. The hairs began to prickle at the back of my neck, and I suddenly felt the tiny hairs on my bare arms stand to attention.
A noise in the sky grabbed my attention, and when I looked up; at first, I thought it must be one of the Angels’ crafts, but as the noise became louder as the object in the sky got closer; I realized that it wasn’t. It was a different kind of craft, which was bulky in shape, reminding me of a grub and was fairly big in size. It was a dark sandy color, and it was moving fast, considering it wasn’t exactly streamlined.
A heavy feeling began to form in my chest, and I could feel my baby girl starting to move around sharply, almost in a panic. As the words “Oh Shit,” left my lips, beams of fire shot out from the craft right before me. The poor little red panda didn’t stand a chance as it instantly burst into flames. As my body was thrown backwards from the force of the fire, the last thing I heard was the red panda screaming in pain, just before my body hit the floor.
I abruptly sat bolt upright in our bed with beads of sweat running down my chest, and I suddenly felt cold and clammy. I could still feel my daughter moving around in my belly, and I could sense her distress. I lowered my hands to my swollen bump, stroking her through my skin.
“I know baby girl,” I told her quietly, “We need to save the animals.”
I could feel her calming at my words and affection. She knew the animals were in great danger, and she obviously wanted them to be safe before the Marilians arrived. She may have only been a growing baby bump, but I trusted my daughter’s instincts, especially as she’d already saved my life and her own when Peter and Kay had attacked. Also, after what had happened at the natural pool when the birds and fish wouldn’t leave me alone, I couldn’t disregard her connection to the animals either.
I turned to look at the large round window above the seating area, only to see it was still pitch-black outside. ‘No wonder James is still fast asleep,’ I thought as I looked down at my husband’s sleeping face.
He was snoring softly and was dead to the world. I didn’t know what to do, and I sat there wondering if I should reach out to Christik straightaway, to tell her about the dream or if it could wait until the morning.
I decided to wait as the kids were all still sleeping too. There wasn’t anything that could be done in the dark anyway. I laid back down in the bed, and as I laid on my side, I stroked my baby bump reassuringly. ‘You don't need to worry baby girl; we will get all the animals back, so they’re safe,’ I mentally told my daughter. I could feel her pushing against my hand as if she was trying to say thank you.
When I woke in the morning, everyone else was still sleeping, so I took a nice shower and cleaned my teeth. By the time I came out of the bathroom feeling human again; James was awake and was smiling like an idiot at me.
“Wow you look too good when you’re pregnant,” he said as he slid off the bed and took me in his arms.
“Don’t start getting all frisky, husband of mine,” I told him with a giggle, “the kids are all going to be up soon, so you need to get yourself sorted,” I added as I reached down and smacked his sexy pert butt.
“I’ll give you ten minutes to stop doing that,” James replied as he pulled me even closer.
I could feel his heart pounding as he was starting to get even more passionate and unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to do anything about it. Reluctantly, I pulled away from my sexy man, and I gave him one of my stern looks while pointing to the bathroom area.
“Go shower now!” I said with a firmer tone, knowing he was enjoying it.
“Oh, I’ll give you an hour to keep doing that too,” James replied, as he quickly raised and lowered his eyebrows for emphasis.
I could hear the kids next door laughing and squealing, which seemed to give James the motivation to get in the shower quickly. It wasn’t long before breakfast had arrived, and we were all sitting together, eating and talking. It had become part of our routine and one which I really enjoyed, especially as we had James back.
The Marilians Page 6
