Materfamilias

by Wendie Nordgren

  I glanced over at Lorca. He nodded his head and smiled. Suddenly tired, I sat beside Nico. He patted my knee. “You should be proud. We are growing a big, loving family.”

  I mumbled, “We’re growing ground troops. How many soldiers are in a squadron?”

  Laughing, Nico kissed my temple.

  Quaid said, “Teagan, I’m sorry. Eli brought me up to date on the situation at the Academy.”

  Meeting his black eyes, I felt a pang of guilt. Now, I was the one keeping secrets. He was offering me sympathy for my fake expulsion. However, they had allowed me to believe it for days to make it look believable to the spies who had been planted on Parvac.

  “It wasn’t fair. Rovek is a d-i-c-k and an a-s-s-h-o-l-e,” I spelled out.

  Niklos and Neema were paying close attention. They knew I was keeping something a secret. Neema narrowed her eyes at me. She called out, “Pierce, it’s time for Neema school. Where you at?”

  “Here I am.” Smiling, he held his hand out to her. She took it and scowled at me as she walked away.

  “Wait for me!” Niklos said as he ran after them.

  Peter cried for his brother and sister, so Lorca took him and followed them.

  Neema asked, “What word did Mommy say?”

  “She spelled a word. Would you like to see how your name is spelled?” Pierce asked as they entered another room.

  “I am a good mommy. I inspire learning in my children.”

  Yukihyo said, “At least you didn’t say it.”

  All of our heads turned at an odd plop sound. Thunderdrop blinked at us from above Sue’s tank. We watched as a clam fell to the bottom, and he used his claw to close and secure the feeding door.

  Quaid asked, “May I have your permission to plan a date for us on Aurilius? I’ve missed you.”

  “Yes, we can do anything you’d like, as long as it doesn’t involve spinning things. My vertigo is intense.”

  “I won’t disappoint you. Quaid out.”

  Zared gave my mind a gentle nudge of approval. While our ship was refueled and I was out with Quaid, Sparrow and my hybrid Laconian warriors would have plenty of time to send out the probes. The sooner we uncovered the truth, the better it would be for everyone. Each of us had our duties. Actually, my assignment was to behave as I normally would. I wasn’t really spying, and Sparrow wasn’t either. She had merely created fabulous probes unlike anything ever before used by the Empire. My Omnes Videntes were simply gathering information about a person or a people with whom we had no treaties. So, there really wasn’t any reason for me to feel guilty. Except, I was hiding the truth from all of my husbands with the exception of Zared. Those husbands from whom I was keeping secrets sympathized with my expulsion which was just part of my cover so as to avoid suspicion. Furthermore, we were just visiting planets populated by telepaths and empaths who could spot a lie as easily as Tracy could sniff out an olive. What could go wrong?

  “Stop worrying. We will protect all thoughts of our mission from being exposed. Relax,” Zared said telepathically as he calmed my mind.

  I wrapped my arms around Fitz’s neck and kissed his cheek.

  During the trip, my family and I settled into our shipboard routine of morning walks through the corridors, shared meals, and family activities. I did love having everyone close. During my morning calls, I attempted to call Cedrenus, Binder, and Ross. However, I got no response. They were either being punished for something, or since they believed me to be expelled from the Academy, I no longer mattered to them. I didn’t mention it to Clark, because he didn’t answer either. I assumed he was busy. Instead, I did my best to put all thoughts of my so-called friends out of my mind. There were plenty of other things about which to worry.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Tracy was bouncing with nervous excitement a few days later when we docked on Aurilius. “I can’t wait to see my family!” She was wearing an everyday, casual dress.

  Terre and I exchanged looks. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt Tracy’s feelings, but I didn’t want her to feel embarrassed when she saw what awaited us outside in the land port. Even if she tried to wait out the crowds on the ship, she would still end up on the news.

  Jazon said, “It’s my fault. I should have explained to her what to expect.” Tracy looked puzzled by our conversation, and I didn’t blame her. She only cared about her family. Lifting her hand to his lips, he kissed her fingers. “Did you see the vids the last time Teagan and her entourage visited Aurilius?”

  Tracy’s ivory complexion became a bit paler.

  I pleaded with her. “Oh, come on. Don’t you want your mother and brothers to see you on the news meeting Consul Dano? It won’t take long. Then, you and Jazon can go. Please?”

  Terre said, “I’ll help you prepare.” She was stunning in a sparkling light-blue dress that reminded me of an Arachnean rainstorm. They hurried away to Tracy’s room.

  Sparrow asked, “How do I look?” Her red silk dress pooled around her feet and skimmed her form just enough to hint at her pregnancy. The long sleeves stopped a few inches short of each of her wrists which were adorned with diamond and ruby bracelets. Xavier stood nearby smiling proudly.

  “You look gorgeous,” I answered truthfully.

  Eli said, “The Hadrian’s crew stands in ranks to pay you honor.”

  Sparrow seemed concerned by the news.

  “Don’t worry,” I told her. “We’ll drag Gary, Eric, and Quaid out of line and embarrass them with kisses in front of everyone.”

  She nodded. “Good. Let’s go.”

  Terre had helped Tracy to change into a stunning pink, long-sleeved, silk dress, and each of us wore enough diamonds to please the matriarchs of Houses Probus, Galerius, Jiri, and Dacia. After recent events, even I realized the importance of putting on a show for the reporters. My husbands looked so sexy and dangerous in their black suits and dress uniforms that I was tempted to remain on my ship.

  Zared’s knowing smile drew my attention to his lips. “Teagan, you have had us at your disposal for quite some time. While I never tire of your attentions, I sense that Quaid is near the breaking point.”

  Worried about Quaid’s mental state, I waited for Thunderdrop to get comfortable on my shoulder and then stepped into the lift. Quaid needed me to calm his mind. Our telepathic bond created a symbiotic relationship between us, the same as those stabilizing bonds which I shared with Zared and his brothers. Those bonds prevented Eriopis males from delving into madness. Even though Quaid and I had sensed each other the closer our ships had brought us to one another, it wasn’t enough. I heard Jazon chuckling softly at some unshared telepathic joke between him and his brothers. However, rather than learning what it had been, I had other concerns.

  All too soon, we were the center of attention at the land port. Consul Dano, various government officials, ambassadors, wealthy citizens, and reporters waited to welcome us to the planet. Yukihyo held Neema in her frilly white dress, Nico carried Niklos in his little white suit, and Fitz carried Peter who was wearing a tiny black suit. His little clawed toes sought purchase against Fitz’s suit. After exchanging several pleasantries and putting the minds of the planet’s leaders at ease, I was finally able to turn my attention to the Hadrian’s crew. It was a good thing because Sparrow was beyond agitated.

  “Come on,” I said as I took her hand.

  After a few steps, she released my hand and ran to Lieutenant Gary Adair. “Daddy!” she exclaimed as she threw herself into his arms.

  Solid black eyes tracked my approach. He was like a starving shark masquerading as a man. I drank in the sight of him in his dark-blue, Galaxic Militia uniform. He had shaved his handsome jaw so closely that I smiled, knowing I wouldn’t be getting a rash on my inner thighs once I finally got the chance to wrap my legs around his head.

  “Hey, Eric!” I said without taking my eyes from Quaid’s. From the way he was smiling, I knew he had read my thoughts. Even though he still stood at attention, I ran my hands up his arms to hi
s shoulders, pressed my chest to his, and then held my wrists behind his neck. Anticipating what would happen next, Thunderdrop moved down the skirt of my dress.

  Chuckling to himself, Eric said, “At ease.”

  There at the land port, with the gloomy sky of Aurilius above us, Quaid put his arms around me and tipped me back so quickly that I gasped and clung tightly to him, fearful of falling. With a sexy grin, he took advantage of my parted lips and claimed them with a kiss so passionate that I forgot where I was. It was a good thing he held me, because the force of our telepathic bond snapping solidly back into place was of a dizzying intensity. My thoughts spilled into Quaid’s mind as he spiraled pleasure into me. My moans were muffled by his tongue.

  Eric’s laughter brought Quaid back to himself. “Are you going to take my sweet little cousin right here in front of an audience?”

  Quaid stared into my eyes and sucked my bottom lip into his mouth. Zared and my Omnes Videntes had lied. They hadn’t hidden our true mission from Quaid. They had nudged his mind to my hidden thoughts and were currently sharing with him all they knew. My thoughts sped to Cory, on his knees before my Papa, Lucius’ blaster pointed at his head for not telling us who had tortured him. What would happen to Zared and the others should anyone find out that they had shared our secret mission with Quaid? Would they be executed? Fear banished my passion. Gently, Quaid tugged at my bottom lip before releasing it and lifting me back to my feet.

  Everyone watching us would probably assume that my blush had been from the steamy kiss, but Quaid knew it was from my shame of having intended to keep a secret from him and from fear of my hybrid warriors being executed for treason. While steadying myself with my hands on his shoulders, I searched his eyes, now ringed with thin white sclera. I sensed no anger from him, only contentment to be holding me once more.

  A little blur of white sped past and hurled itself into Eric’s legs. Laughing, he bent down and picked up Neema. “How’s my best girl?”

  Neema hugged his neck and gave him kisses. “Neema good,” she said in a matter-of-fact tone.

  “Well, alright.” Eric’s pale blue eyes shifted to Yukihyo. Grinning, they clasped forearms.

  Quaid took a step forward, held me closely to his left side, and shook hands with Yukihyo, Nico, Fitz, Zared, Drex, Eli, and Dario. “Aww, there’s my nanite,” Quaid said. He released me to take Peter from Fitz. “Congratulations,” he said to Fitz and Dario. I worried he might be hurt or jealous. “Teagan, I am neither. They have given you something you desperately needed, and the children you carry have done much already to heal your heart and mind. Your happiness is my joy. However, I have already requested leave for twelve months from now.”

  Yukihyo said, “That sounds about right.”

  My husbands chuckled amongst themselves. I rolled my eyes at them. Other than the children we produced, their favorite aspect of my pregnancies came a few months following them when my hormones sent me into a Parvac female’s version of mating heat. Sending my thoughts to Quaid, I asked, “Are you angry? Or worse, are you disappointed in me?”

  Giving me his free arm while kissing Peter’s cheek, he said into my thoughts, “No, Lady Bosh. We have a common goal, and I intend to work with you to uncover the truth of the aggressor who almost tore us apart. However, for now we have our roles to play.”

  Understanding what he meant, we posed for pictures, recordings, and news drones with Consul Dano. Then, we followed him to his estate where we were forced to socialize a bit longer. I couldn’t get a moment alone. As soon as I freed myself from one individual, another one would take his or her place.

  “Teagan,” Sparrow whispered. I turned my head to her. “We’ll see you later.” I nodded and watched jealously as she, Xavier, Gary, Tracy, and Jazon snuck out.

  Forcing my thoughts for the hundredth time away from Quaid’s naked chest, I refocused my attention on Consul Dano, who gave me a knowing look. Dario and Nico stood to either side of me and were discussing with him our current political situation.

  Dario said, “The Empire only prepared to defend herself….”

  His words, all of their words, faded into nothing as a server walked by with a silver tray laden with stuffed olives of every sort, cheeses, meats, and fruits. Manners forgotten, Terre, Violet, and I converged on it, startling the woman who held it.

  Terre said, “Please, allow us to take this from you. It looks heavenly. I mean heavy.”

  The three of us reached for it at the same time, and none of us intended to let go. We met each other’s eyes with daring defiance and walked awkwardly with the tray between us to a small side table and two chairs that were free. Yukihyo brought a third chair over for me. Once the tray rested on the table, our hands shot out. I popped a cheese and pepperoni stuffed olive into my mouth and chewed. Violet had her eyes closed and tears streaming down her face. We ate in silence. The Lady Perth, Consul Dano’s trusted assistant, sat near us and smiled with a questioning look in her eyes.

  Yukihyo explained, “This is one of the reasons for our trip. Consul Dano spoiled Teagan with treats on our last visit.”

  “What are the other reasons, if I may be so bold as to ask?”

  “Ice bear,” he answered. It was obvious from her expression that the telepathic Lady Perth knew the complete truth of his words. Yukihyo added, “The ladies also desired to see their families. The unwarranted threat of war has had them in varying emotional states of distress.”

  Consul Dano and Dario had approached. We didn’t stop eating to acknowledge them. Consul Dano said, “The ladies shall have all that my storerooms have to offer.”

  Yukihyo said, “It isn’t necessary. I plan to thoroughly stimulate Aurilius’ economy while we are here. We don’t want to risk running out of anything the ladies crave.”

  He asked, “Each of the ladies is expecting?”

  “Yes, and Teagan carries twins….”

  Eventually, after we had eaten everything in sight and an appropriate amount of time had passed, we were able to say our goodbyes. My ladies and I had been observed with ample amusement during the latter half of our visit which seemed to please Fitz’s political nature. We piled inside of the huge transport that Dario had purchased. I slipped out of my shoes and took my seat.

  I said, “I think we should let Sparrow name this thing like she did her fancy transport. It’s like a warship on wheels.”

  Dario said, “She also has hover craft capabilities in case of unstable terrain or flooding.”

  It was like an extravagant hover bus. My thoughts took me back to another lifetime and to a ride with Henry to the land port before I had met Yukihyo. As if he sensed my thoughts, solid white eyes met mine.

  Violet said, “From a distance, this transport reminds me of a giant block of rich, chocolatey fudge.”

  Terre asked, “Is there any left?”

  Phillip said, “No, there is not. Enough is enough.” He had a stern look on his face. It was one I recognized, and I dreaded what he would say next. He had taken out his scanner and was studying its readings, unaffected by our glares. “The three of you have been overindulging on sugar and sodium. I won’t tolerate any more of this.”

  Terre said, “Don’t you dare try to dictate to me what I can and cannot eat, Phillip Svenson.” She angrily jabbed him with her finger for emphasis. “I have endured vicious nausea, dizziness, aches, and changes to my body in carrying your child. I will have what I want, and you will provide it. Otherwise, I will accept males who will see to my needs.”

  Phillip’s eyes turned glacial. “No, I will not. I don’t care how many males you accept. I’ll go and grab a couple off the street for you right now! You and our child are my responsibility, and no one will get in my way when it comes to caring for either of you.” He had gone cold and quiet as if his blue eyes had become ice and seeped down into the rest of him. Terre looked stricken. “You will cut back on the unhealthy foods, and you will begin making better choices for meals and snacks. I’m not saying you can’t s
atisfy cravings. However, I just watched the three of you consume over two hundred stuffed olives. That’s it. I’m placing each of you on notice.”

  Violet cried out, “Kaoti! How can you let him treat me this way?”

  Without expression, Kaoti said, “Your ankles are very swollen. His professional opinion is both valid and highly respected. Dr. Svenson doesn’t tell me how to kill, and I don’t tell him how to heal.”

  Violet stared at her husband with her lips slightly parted and tears beginning to pool in her eyes. I didn’t bother looking to any of my husbands for help. They wouldn’t win against Phillip. Nico had once tried to battle him, but Phillip had won the war. He had my Papa’s full support.

  I said, “Tears won’t work. Trust me. I’ve tried.” Violet frowned at me. “The more he cares about you, the stricter he gets. Terre, you’re screwed.”

  She said, “Well, yes. That is what got me into this situation.”

  “No, I mean Phillip loves you more than anyone else in the universes, so prepare yourself to deal with a nutritional tyrant.”

  Angrily, Neema threw her stuffed bear at Phillip. He caught it and turned his attention to her. Neema’s face was turning red and splotchy as she started to cry.

  “Creampuff, what’s wrong?” he asked as he went and sat beside her in the play area.

  “Don’t Fip love Neema?”

  Pulling her onto his lap and holding her to his chest, he said, “Fip loves Neema the whole universe times ten,” he promised.

  “How come you not ‘nutrent trying’ at Neema?” she asked as she wiped her eyes on his jacket.

  “A nutritional tyrant?” he asked.

  She nodded. She was jealous that he wasn’t griping at her. Terre closed her eyes and shook her head. She was fighting a smile.

  Phillip said, “Well, Neema is a very good girl. She always minds her Uncle Fip and eats healthy foods. Doesn’t she?”

  Neema nodded. “Neema is Fip’s favorite?”

  “Oh, yes, but Fip has lots of room in his heart for Terre, Mommy, Violet, Niklos, and Peter.”