“I volunteered to help the Zargonnii females. Kobe is a warrior under Citun’s command. Citun has a mother and sister we saved in there. Kobe will come for me. He said the Castians and Zargonnii don’t battle, but they’ll make an exception.”
He looked disappointed. “My name is Roam. What’s yours?”
“Zuri.”
Roam got up and began pacing. Zuri watched him for a moment. For a second, he stopped and the look in his eyes was enough to make Zuri pin her body into the corner of the bed. His shoulders then drooped, and he looked ashamed. He approached her hesitantly; when he sat on the bed, he stayed away from her.
“We were returning from Earth when we spotted the Zargonnii headed in the direction of the Gorgano. We wondered if they had learned of humans on the planet and decided to see for ourselves. When we realized they were only there on a mission to save female Zargonnii we decided to offer aid. Then I saw you. You—needed—saving.”
“You heard Kobe and the others call to me, you’re not being truthful.”
“A Castian can’t lie.”
“Then you’re omitting something. What is left of Earth?”
“Not much.”
“There was something left.”
“A human female. I found her inside a cave, frozen, starved. She died in my arms.”
“Your hopes of saving me can’t save her. Or your feelings of failure.”
“I know. But I had hoped to change your mind. I hoped I had saved you.”
Zuri moved closer. “Roam, you are nothing like a Tonan. The woman died; it wasn’t your fault.”
Roam gave her a half smile. “It will be interesting to see what your babe looks like.”
Zuri was openmouthed. He knew? “How?” she stammered. How the hell did other beings guess before she was positive?
“To a Castian, scent is everything. I can sense a little presence. Since I’m positive I’m not pregnant it has to be you.”
A frantic bellowing as the door slid open had Zuri scrambling to her feet.
“Roam, damn it. Her mate is aboard Citun’s vessel; he’s erupted and is threatening to wage war. This female is his.”
“I know, Rask. Tell him he can calm down. Zargonniis know a Castian warrior would never harm a female.”
“He knows that. He’s livid you will mate with her.”
Roam looked affronted. “I would never force a female.” His face then went red.
“Bring her to the deck. I’ll make sure to tell the Zargonnii that this was just a misunderstanding.” Rask turned and within seconds his shield was up and Zuri watched in amazement as he leapt over the balcony.
“This Kobe must care a great deal for you if he’s willing to take on a Castian army,” Roam said.
“He cares enough to take on a cyron army.”
“Now, that’s just crazy.”
Zuri smiled, she knew it was crazy; she also knew it was true.
Chapter 13
“I went crazy when I lost you.” Kobe had her in his arms the second the black hole opened onto the ship. Only Zuri came through as was commanded. Citun wasn’t positive he could control Kobe’s rage.
“I’m guessing you could bust a cyron’s balls.” Zuri smiled at his confused look. “You may not have maternal instincts, but you obviously have killer mate instincts. You had the Castians shitting bricks.”
Citun laughed. “I don’t know what a brick is, but I bet that would be uncomfortable. It’s nice to have you back where you belong. I also find it interesting I no longer seem to be allergic to you.” He eyed her up and down.
Zuri went red, but agreed it was good to be back with the Zargonnii. “The females?” she asked.
“Safe, on a lower level of the ship. My warriors and the females are feeling a tad uncomfortable. None of the females has ever been on a space vessel with their males, and two others are also related to the warriors. One is also a mother and sister. It’s bittersweet. But I admit it will be nice to visit with my mother, if I can stand my sister’s stench that is.”
Zuri groaned. In a way, it was a revelation and she grew concerned. What if she gave birth to a girl then had a son, how could they cohabitate. She then realized her worries could prove endless. She would have to take each day at a time. Then she felt a measure of hope surge. Zane had a son, Draven, half-brother to Luna; he didn’t seem repulsed by his sister. Perhaps like it was with the growing for battle mode, the females and males got the repulsing smell toward their siblings from their mothers. Wryly, she thought Kobe would get a kick out of that, him and his fragrance war.
“Citun you need to develop the Castian way of transportation, at least for humans,” Zuri said.
“What thrill is there to simply walking through a hole?” Citun asked.
“Honestly, I can do without the enthusiastic ‘weee,’” was her sarcastic reply.
Kobe crushed her tighter to his chest. “It’s time to go home.”
“I agree,” said Citun, then bellowed: “Let’s get this ship home, warriors.”
* * * *
It was good to be back, to be home. The word home was so long in coming it made Zuri cry. She had been worried for her human friends, but soon discovered her fears were unjustified. The human men had been set free to wander and gather in the meeting place with everyone else. Leo and Cash were no longer captives. The meeting place was where warriors and their male offspring gathered to play games, spar, talk, laugh. For now Zuri went along, knowing no one would dare harm her. It didn’t stop the males’ curiosity, even with Kobe growling at them. Her bald skin was an oddity.
She didn’t mind a warrior’s warm hand roaming her soft skin; they were always gentle and courteous. Zuri was surprised with the warriors; she had thought Kobe was a fluke. All of the warriors, whether they agreed with having humans as mates or not, were very respectful. Females and males may not cohabitate, but they did care for one another. When the female Zargonnii parted, it was with warm embraces, soft crooning. With Zuri’s help, they had communicated throughout the trip with sons and brothers. Citun didn’t appear so full of himself when he melted against his mommy. The idea made Zuri chuckle. They did love one another in their own way.
The little ones at the meeting hall were the most curious, and Zuri always had a double handful of children following her when the males came together, which was often. Miniature versions of their fathers, they were adorable. She often found Cash and Leo racing after three young males who were in their charge.
Leo was loved, in a different way. His warrior wanted to mate with Zargonnii females. The Holiday would soon be approaching, and the warrior needed Leo’s help caring for his two sons. Leo loved the Zargonnii male offspring; he loved being part of their lives. It showed on his happy face which had filled out again from the care and safety he received. Belonging, after he had joked his way through life. The warriors were responsible; after all, they thought he was small. Leo loved the idea of being considered fragile at his portly size. The Zargonnii boys he cared for in return were hell on wheels, but all loved him in their own way.
Cash was often seen chasing his warrior partner’s son who was born during the last Holiday. The child was huge and Zuri was amazed at how young he was. Cash had his hands full. Zargonnii male children were into everything and learned young how to spar. His sour temperament was kept to a minimum; he didn’t have time to be surly.
The place where the human males were first kept was opened as an addition to the meeting place. Numerous caverns from inside branched out to underground tunnels, leading to each separate home. After Zuri and Kobe had eaten, Kobe took her hand and laughingly shooed off the last of the curious children.
The tunnel to Kobe’s home was heated; as was the human males, it was the only other tunnel to stay warm. The tunnel lit as they walked and darkened behind them. A massive foot-thick door swung inward when Kobe threw his shoulder against it. It creaked then swung slowly inward; they were immediately mauled by a large pet toff. Caff was a bundle of blue-
black fur and teeth. At first, Zuri was terrified of it; the creature resembled a bear. The way the toff played with Kobe was horrifying. It bit him and jumped on him. It seemed out of control. Kobe was quick to teach the toff it was not to play with Zuri in the same fashion. Thankfully, the pet was bright and quick to learn. It was deadly loyal.
After a proper greeting with the animal, Zuri went to stand by the window. Outside was a winter wonderland. The pastel lights of the sky were darkening as night was settling. Drifts of snow piled in the corners of the backyard against a twenty-foot high fence. The interior was warmed by a twelve-foot wide, five-foot tall hearth. Everything inside was soft and warm reminding Zuri of the blue berry pod. She was comfortable. For a second she thought she saw a snow drift move. More movement outside caught Zuri’s attention. She wasn’t mistaken.
“Kobe something is out there.”
Growling Kobe didn’t hesitate, he jumped through the window, followed closely by Caff. It gave way like Jell-O, not shattering. The window would only let in her and Kobe and the animal; it was programmed that way. Zuri watched with trepidation as she saw Kobe struggling with a monstrous thing. It was apparent he was dragging whatever it was. He disappeared for a moment from her view. When he came in he was smiling and covered in snow.
“What is it?” Zuri demanded.
“A cyron.”
“What?” She squealed.
“Don’t panic, it’s dead. It was a gift from my mother. I guess she figured you needed more security. Citun had planned a hunting party to get me another, guess my mother beat him to it. I know what I’ll be doing tomorrow. I’ll have Atin help me if you don’t mind watching Mrac; he’s still small enough to get lost in a snow drift.”
Zuri relaxed. “You realize once this baby is born, Unna will be around more often. At least I hope she will. She has to be the most interesting mother-in-law in the entire world.”
Kobe stopped dead in his tracks. “What?”
“Mother-in-law. In my culture they joke the only good in-laws are dead in-laws. I lucked out.”
“No, I mean what baby?”
“When you were on duty Citun came by with Band who asked me a number of questions about humans. I kinda hinted I had a few concerns and he was really interested. He asked to examine me, I didn’t see the harm, he is your healer and Citun remained a respectful distance. I asked Band if he would know; your mother told me she thought I was carrying when we first met. I guess Band and Finn are friends, and Finn told him what to look for. Band is positive I’m carrying.”
“You never said anything.” Kobe flopped into the nearest chair, he appeared dumbfounded.
“I didn’t know for certain. I’ve never been pregnant, Kobe. The timing was wrong. The planet was wrong, the whole damned jungle was wrong...shit everything was wrong at the time. It’s not wrong now. You brought me home. Thank you for that. My home died and I never belonged after that. I belong now, with you. I have family again.”
Zuri moved forward to join him; she loved the overstuffed furry furniture. She went and sat in his lap. Kobe had given Zuri a beautiful warm wrap to wear. He said the pelt was made form a zuna. Whatever the hell that was. The hide was soft as silk and kept her warm from her underarms to her feet. As well as the moccasin slippers she had made.
Zuri opened her wrap and placed Kobe’s hand on her rounded belly. The telltale bump should have been a dead giveaway to Zuri, but she had harbored mixed feelings. She wanted a baby, she wanted Kobe’s baby, but would it be a boy or a girl? What did the future have in store for mixed children? There were some warriors on both continents who didn’t like the idea of humans and Zargonnii mating. They were adamant it was wrong. Was there any place in the universe where ‘live and let live’ was precedent?
The fire crackled and popped. For a while Kobe remained silent. Zuri let him digest the information. She didn’t blame him for not noticing; after all, he had never seen a pregnant female. He wouldn’t know what one looked like. After a few moments his hand slid around in circles. Zuri’s tummy gurgled and he snatched his hand away.
“Is your tummy growling for food, or does the babe not like me?”
Zuri laughed. “I just ate. My tummy is settling. I’m fine and the baby will adore you. How could it not?”
“If it’s a girl, will you go stay with the females? My mother will protect you. She is obviously back on this continent for a reason.”
He sounded so sad. Zuri cupped his face in her hands. “I already told your mother; I’m staying with you. Male or female you’re stuck with us.”
“Oh no,” Kobe said, he looked horrified.
“What?’Zuri felt her panic build.
“If it’s a female, do you think she’ll be as mouthy as you?”
Zuri relaxed. She stroked Kobe’s face. “Kobe, my dear, I’m positive she’ll be twice as mouthy as me.”
Chapter 14
The entire Zargonnii way of thinking about family structure was changing. Their entire lives were changing. No one ever thought two small human females would have such an impact on two continents, now there were five. Human females and their female offspring added so much love. For many, family took on a new meaning. Kobe had been sent word Bay had given birth to a second female the day before Zuri had given birth. Like a female Zargonnii giving birth,it was Zane who grew with each birth. His strength was said to surpass a large cyron’s. It also left the Zargonnii wondering if a human female could give birth to a male babe. It was something Finn and Band decided to explore.
Finn stood holding his newborn niece. He and Band had helped deliver her. Blond streaks mixed with her white hair which flowed to her shoulders. The babe had gotten some of her grandmother’s traits, her beautiful hair could wrap around her shoulders if she felt chilled. Her body was bald like her mother. Two perfect little white eyebrows were centered over glowing red eyes. Kobe was practically dancing to hold her again. Finn placed the tiny babe back into his arms. Kobe marveled once more on how tiny she was. At first, he had been terrified she was too small, but Finn and Zuri assured him she was a good size at a mere ten pounds.
“I’m leaving, Kobe,” Finn said.
“What? Wait, for where?”
“Titus is sending a search party to Earth. There are rumors a small group of survivors is living underground. The Castians are heading out as well. We don’t know if it’s true, but we want to get there before the Gorgano catch wind.”
“You are determined to get your own female, brother.”
“Yes,” Finn said. He gazed adoringly at the miniscule bundle Kobe held. “I want one of these, I want a human female. I have since I met Bay.”
The two males conversed quietly. Zuri was exhausted and lay sound asleep. A strong warrior, Kobe was mortified he had almost passed out when he had seen all the red blood as she gave birth. Finn was able to give her something for pain, but she had taken mouthy to an extreme level. Her battle cry had made his hair stand on end. He had been reduced again to the dumb ass moron. She had been right—when their female babe opened her mouth and wailed, Kobe knew he was in for it.
“A human female will be lucky to have you,” Kobe told his brother.
Kobe had lost his father, his family. Within one year he had gained a mate, a brother, and a female babe. His feelings of protectiveness were overwhelming, yet tempered. A small movement outside the window caught his eye. His mother had kept vigil while Zuri was giving birth. It was too unfamiliar for her to come closer with so many males around. Later, Kobe planned on slipping out and introducing his little bundle to her namesake. He knew Zuri wouldn’t mind, and he was positive his mother would love her. Kobe had a feeling his mother would be as near as she could. Though she expressed no desire to Holiday again, she would stay close as the time approached. No way would a cyron come near her grandchild’s home.
“I think Titus is interested as well.” Finn tickled the babe under her chin.
She snuggled deeper into Kobe’s furry chest, and to his surprise, she
began crooning a soft sweet sound. It was a cross between his soothing noise and Zuri’s purr.
“But what about Unna?” Kobe asked.
“Little Unna is perfectly healthy. Band is staying behind in case you need him. He wants to study her ability to make warriors grow,” Finn said. “I find it fascinating. Citun and Titus will be joining me. We will return before the Holiday starts. Atin has promised to help you out as well. I still can’t get over seeing Mrac grow larger when he saw little Unna. Citun is chomping at the bit over that.”
Kobe laughed. “I’m positive Citun is interested in finding a human female for another reason. He has dominated every Zargonnii female he has taken, but Zuri perplexes him. He spends so much of his time talking to her, asking her questions about human females. He’s tired of the fighting. He wants the loving.”
“I think it may be a race between our two great leaders; who do you think will be the first to find love?”
“I don’t know.” Kobe snuggled his daughter deeper into his arms. He cuddled her close to his chest. “May the best Zargonnii warrior win.”
Two others were listening from the next room. Both Titus and Citun grasped wrists tightly in a friendly gesture. Rarely had north and south come together unless it was to discuss world issues. This birth was definitely cause for celebration. Both warriors were larger than before with the birth of the new babe. Both were feeling their strength and determination.
Citun had a gleam in his eyes. “By all means. Let the hunt for human females begin!”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
C. L. Scholey
Please call me Connie! It’s been fantastic working with great publishers and following my dream of writing. When I’m not writing, I’m busy looking after my children, husband, grandkids and the family pet, our newest addition, a mastiff pup named Aramis, after the Three Musketeers.
I’m currently working on way too much, as normal, but I love every second of it. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Look me up on my web page www.clscholey.com or join me on Twitter and Facebook.
C.L. Scholey - Zuri's Zargonnii Warrior (Unearthly World # 2) Page 15
