Bethany's Heart (Unearthly World Book 3)

by C. L. Scholey

  Roam cupped water onto her head and over her throat and spoke soothingly. Bethany began to stir, her eyes fluttered. When her gaze settled onto Roam she struggled weakly.

  “He won’t hurt you, Bethany,” Finn called to her and was pleased he was finally saying her name right. “He is my friend, a Castian warrior named Roam. Remember, I spoke of him. You became ill drinking the poison water. This healing pool is trying to fix you.”

  Bethany looked over at him. Roam brought her closer to the edge of the pool where Finn could reach to take her hand. She then gazed at Jinx. A strange moment passed between the women and Jinx lowered herself into the water beside Roam.

  “Jinx?” Finn asked uneasily.

  “It’s the baby,” Jinx said. “Our baby is somewhat of a progeny. He wants something. I told you he was a thinker.”

  “The water can’t fix me,” Bethany said loud enough for Finn to hear. Her voice was raw and he could tell she was still in pain. But at least she was awake; he could explain there was another way to save her life. He would have to let her go. Finn slumped, fearful she was lost to him forever.

  “I can hear the baby in my thoughts,” Jinx said.

  “So can I, he’s gathering information on the whereabouts of the Angano. A new creature we encountered on the planet of the Dalanee,” Bethany said, her voice hardly above a whisper. “He’s a strong little guy, it’s like he’s surrounding me in thought; the pain is lessening.”

  “You know the creatures’ position?” Roam asked.

  “Yes, I showed the Dalanee and now your son is taking the information. He’s not hurting me, but he’s doing something else.”

  “What, Bethany, what’s he doing?” Finn shouted, up on his feet.

  “He’s healing me. He’s taking over where the water cannot.”

  “My God, Roam,” Jinx said and gasped. “He’s manipulating the chemicals in the water faster than I can calculate. Where did he get this information?”

  “The creatures that attacked me,” Bethany said. “They must know what needs to be done. He’s using their skill to aid a human. I can feel the connection; it’s stronger with your unborn baby here. They’re furious. But now they know of him. I’m so sorry they know of him but there’s something more.”

  “He doesn’t appear to be worried,” Jinx said. “If I didn’t know better I’d swear he’s taunting the creatures. He’s a little monkey, this one.”

  Bethany struggled from Roam’s grasp. She waded over to Finn. “While the baby healed me, he checked out how to destroy the Angano. If he ever encounters them, he will annihilate them.”

  Finn gripped her hands and tugged her into his arms. Bethany squealed. “Finn, I’m naked.”

  “You sure are.” Finn looked at Roam who held Jinx tightly to his chest; they were also both void of clothing. “Thank you, my friend.”

  “It wasn’t me, it was my son,” Roam said, pride shone from his eyes.

  “Your people will make an even greater ally to the Zargonnii and any other who is smart enough to join you.”

  “What of the Dalanee?” Roam asked.

  “Stupid as to the ways of humans, not that I’m an expert, but I know better than to let humans near scum-covered water. They could be a powerful ally against the Angano, time will tell.”

  “Can you stay for a while?” Jinx asked.

  Finn hesitated. He knew Titus was coming for him; it would take a few days. Castian vessels were decidedly faster than the Zargonnii’s.

  “A few days, until Titus comes for us,” Finn said.

  “I’m exhausted.” Bethany looked up at him. Dark smudges were under her weary eyes.

  “Do you have a place we can rest undisturbed while she recovers?” Finn asked.

  Roam grinned and nodded.

  “Give us a second to dry off, alone,” Jinx said and climbed from the pool. She grabbed two towels and after wrapping one around her she handed one to Bethany. Jinx took Bethany by the hand and both left the males to talk while they dressed.

  * * * *

  “The Castians have a beautiful planet,” Bethany said.

  “This is a bird’s eye view. Roam set up this hologram room for you to see what you want without the risk of anything bothering us. I promise you are perfectly safe.”

  Bethany lay on her back, Finn was at her side. A soft fur rug was beneath them. The rug was massive and dark black. Bethany clutched the fibers through her fingers.

  “Is this real fur?” she asked.

  “No, it’s a replica of a cyron pelt. These creatures don’t wander Bagron, they’re too dangerous for females. Cobra is very strict when it comes to the females on his planet; he is a viper when watching over everyone. Castians are highly connected emotionally; when one grieves, all grieve.”

  “Roam and Jinx have a beautiful daughter.”

  “The female child belonged to his warrior mate. When Roam’s warrior mate died, the child became his. The tie that binds warrior mates is so strong, Roam is almost the same as her father, their blood mixed. The child can feel the connection to her father through Roam.”

  “That is a strong connection.”

  “My people can scent connection. We have mated and when we return to my home my family will know you as one of them immediately. You don’t have to worry about fitting in and finding your place. You don’t have to worry about jealousy or animosity. You will be loved and in time they will simply love you because of who you are.”

  “Sounds nice.”

  Bethany cuddled up closer to his side and laid her head on his shoulder. The room was dark except for the multitude of brilliant lights in different areas. Beneath them the rotating brilliance of stars danced across their bodies and the fur. Overhead a huge image of a planet slowly rotated to give them glimpses at all angles. Shooting stars raced across the hemisphere in intervals. Breathtaking shimmering lights shone green, purple and golden. Their flickering images flared, settled and shimmered.

  “I feel like all eyes in Heaven are on me,” Bethany whispered.

  “The only eyes on you are mine.”

  Bethany gazed up at him. “I knew you would come for me. I knew you would save me. But would you really have given me up?”

  “I would never give you up; I would have let you go to save your life.”

  “I don’t want a life if you’re not in it.”

  Finn rolled on top of her, keeping his weight from her. They were both naked, the room was warm. Bethany had been so cold when she was ill she needed the warmth, but she needed Finn more. She thought she would die in his arms; when she woke in a stranger’s arms she was terrified. If she were to die, there could be no place but with Finn, in his loving embrace.

  Bethany trailed the outline of his face with the tips of her fingers. His breath warmed her cheeks. He was so different in appearance to a human man but one of the most humane males she had ever had the privilege of knowing. She liked the way her breasts were warmed by his chest fur; she loved the way his hot cock pressed onto her, announcing its presence. His hard long legs could carry her at a dead run when she was in his arms. Power, sweet dominance, fun and most importantly, he was hers.

  Finn nuzzled her throat with his nose, making her smile. His finger trailed her lips, then his own. Yes, they were the same except for color. He had two eyes, two ears, two of everything Bethany had, except he was all male and if Bethany wanted a hard, hot manhood, she would settle for his any day. Reaching lower her hand closed over her desire. She rubbed up and down listening to his growls of content.

  “I love when you do that,” Finn said and grunted.

  “I love to do it.”

  “Do you ever wish you had a cock?”

  Bethany laughed. “You betcha! Every time I had to drop my drawers in the freezing blizzard. I swear my piss was an icicle before it hit the ground. You have no idea what it’s like for a woman in a traffic jam. I can’t tell you how much I hated while I watched with longing as the men got out of their cars to community pee behind
the only tree at the side of the road. And when a doctor hands you this tiny little cup for a specimen, don’t get me started, it’s like playing where’s Waldo with a test-tube. My hand needed an umbrella. A woman’s idea of a golden shower is all about maneuvering to avoid the void.”

  “Hmm, it’s not really what I was thinking—but good to know.”

  “Do you ever wish you were female?”

  Finn looked surprised. “Me? No. Well…our females are bigger and stronger, they can have babies. But for all their size and strength they aren’t warriors. They stay on our planet and have no concept of space flight. They aren’t stupid, I guess they’re content. So no, I don’t want to be female, but I do want to be content.”

  Bethany stroked him harder. “Are you content?”

  Finn brushed a lock of her hair out of her eyes. “Yes. At this very moment, I am content. You are safe and with me. I love you. Is that what love is, content?”

  “Love is every emotion: anger, fear, and yes, being content. Love is desire. The desire to be with someone, to need and want someone. To want to be better for someone. To care, to hope, to dream.”

  “I dream of you,” Finn whispered.

  The tip of his cock pressed up between her legs, the first drops of his seed made him slick. Bethany lifted her legs to wrap around his waist as they began to rock together. Flickers from the planet caught sections of his limbs as he moved above her. She was being taken under and above the stars in their own universe. Cheekily, Bethany wondered if an orgasm was a string theory, riding the waves of desire to another plane of existence. Finn was no theory. He was real, his movements controlled, for now.

  Another shooting star zipped overhead and Bethany made a wish. She pulled Finn tighter and whispered her desire. At a word from Finn the fur beneath them vanished and the couple defied gravity, spinning slowly together making love. Stars slipped past, the moon’s dark shadow rolled lazily showing off its beauty.

  Finn thrust with wild abandon, unrestricted. His large arm was wrapped around her waist; her sweat dampened his furry chest. The roar of Finn’s release masked her own. They settled as the fur beneath them appeared.

  Bethany fought for breath. “How long before Titus comes?”

  “At least two more days.”

  “How many universes are programmed into this hologram?”

  “Many.”

  “Show me,” Bethany panted. “Show me many.”

  At a word from Finn, the image changed. Chaos ensued. Black bolts of lightning zipped across the sky with wild bangs. Surreal images faded in and out. Odd, terrifying noises in surround sound dotted her flesh with goose bumps.

  “Finn?” she whispered.

  “Wild?”

  “Too wild.”

  “Not compared to your mate.”

  Finn pinned her entirely beneath him. His somewhat flaccid cock had grown rock hard and he began to thunder inside of her. Before long, Bethany realized he was right, their surroundings were tame—Finn was not.

  Chapter 15

  “Blu and Adan haven’t been found. I think they landed on Brax,” Titus said.

  Bethany and Finn had said a fond farewell to the Castians and stood on the main deck of Titus’s ship. They had been traveling for a few days. Finn had his arms wrapped around her waist. He was loath to leave her for even a second and Titus had been indulgent. When the commander had sent for Finn, he had taken Bethany with him. If Titus minded he said nothing.

  “Brax?” Bethany asked.

  “A fierce planet to be sure,” Finn said. “Have you sent out a hunting party?”

  “I have to wait until the Braxians respond. You know what they’re like. They would kill the pair out of spite if they felt we violated their rights. They are one of a few who still haven’t chosen a side to ally with.”

  Bethany looked out across the expanse of the galaxy. The greenish planet covered in pitch dark areas gave her the creeps. Somewhere down there was a friend. Blu had better keep a close eye on Adan.

  “What of the others?” Bethany asked. “What happened to the other women?”

  Finn had been closed mouthed, or he wasn’t sure; Bethany was hoping Titus would answer her.

  “Adan is with Blu, we know that. As long as he is safe, she should be. I have a strange feeling the Dalanee know Bertha’s whereabouts and have no doubt they will return the mouthy demon, I mean female, back to us. The other shuttles have tracking devices so we know Tasia has landed on our planet with a warrior. They were together for some time in space alone, I’m uncertain of the outcome.

  “Let’s see, ah yes, Dyani and Chiyo are still making their way to our planet. We can pick them up, but they have chosen to take their time.”

  “The women have chosen, or your warriors chose for them?” Bethany said dryly.

  For a second, the corners of Titus’s lips curled in a smile then he looked all business. “My warriors know what’s best. They need time to explain the situation and evaluate what’s best for their charges.”

  “Uh huh.” Bethany crossed her arms over her chest.

  “I think it’s time to return your little female to your room, Finn,” Titus said.

  “Do you really think the Dalanee will return Bertha?” Finn asked.

  “Unfortunately,” Titus whispered under his breath.

  There was a collective groan from the warriors in the ship. And when Titus asked for volunteers if they were allowed to search Brax, every warrior there volunteered, except Finn. Bethany hid her smile behind her hand.

  Welcome to my terrifying universe, boys.

  * * * *

  “We have permission to search the planet. Braxians are a strange lot,” Finn said.

  He strode into the bedroom. Bethany had been left alone only recently as Finn resumed his normal duties. Bethany wanted to wander again today and see the strange sights on his planet. She had been scared a few times when she knew something was following them. Finn explained it was his mother Unna. His mother was enthralled with Bethany, the feeling was reciprocated and Bethany was dying to meet her.

  “Do you think Adan and Blu are okay?”

  Finn chuckled. “Don’t worry, your little spitfire friend will keep Blu safe.”

  Bethany had to laugh, then turned serious. “Are there strange beasts on Brax?”

  “Some, some as bad as here. The weather is worse and unpredictable. Their males are…different.”

  “Will Blu know how to take care of her?”

  Finn pulled her into his arms. “Blu is honorable and fierce. The second he pulled Adan into a shuttle with him, she became his responsibility. He may not have wanted a female, but he has one now. At least until she’s safe.”

  “Are you still content?”

  “Yes and no.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Apparently there has been a female Zargonnii hanging out in the woods with a baby boy. She won’t let any of the males near him. For a second, she let Zane close then chased him off.”

  “That’s horrible. What’s she waiting for?”

  “Sometimes a female has a hard time giving up her son, especially when it’s her first child. Unna is keeping watch. The mother has retrieved the boy after initially setting him down and still suckles him. She also won’t leave the area. She’s waiting for something, or someone. Finding the father can be tricky. If this is her first, she absolutely won’t hand the babe over until his father comes for him. It’s best to stay away from a mother when she has her child unless you Holidayed and may be expecting a delivery.”

  “The baby isn’t milk or a parcel, Finn.”

  “Well, he was delivered when he was born; why wouldn’t he be considered delivered when handed to his father?”

  “Point taken.”

  “Well, the child isn’t mine. I did get close enough to see she and the babe appear to be doing fine, but to get closer while knowing your scent isn’t on the babe or mother is suicide.”

  “Poor thing. I hope she finds his daddy soo
n.”

  Finn took her in his arms. “It will all work out. In the meantime, I have a question for you to consider.”

  “Yes?”

  “Mother has been beside herself bouncing back and forth between the continents. I’m a Southern Zargonnii, my brother is a Northern Zargonnii. Mother wants to meet you, but she also likes to be near her granddaughter, little Unna. You will love Zuri and Kobe and their babe. I want you to meet them. My question is when we go to visit, will you consider staying? They have harsh winters, I won’t lie about that. Conditions can be harsher than where you lived on Earth.”

  “Sounds intriguing,” Bethany joked and snuggled into his arms.

  “It’s cold and fierce but I can take care of you. We will be surrounded by family. You’ll need family.”

  “Will I be able to see the other human women? They were all a huge part of my life for a long time.”

  Bethany had been thrilled seeing Tasia and her mate together. The two women had sat down and spent an entire afternoon regaling each other with their adventures. They cried when they parted but were promised they could see each other often. Bethany adored Tasia’s mate; he was smitten with her friend.

  “Yes, when they land, I’ll take you to them.”

  “Wherever you are, Finn, is where home is.” He seemed a little hesitant about something. “Finn, are you disappointed the baby boy isn’t yours?”

  “The boy would have been a bonus and would have given our new daughter a brother, but I’m content.”

  “Aren’t you putting the cart before the horse?”

  “Mother won’t leave until we agree to head north.”

  “Why?”

  “Our females have a huge sense of scent. Mother insists you’re carrying. Our females deliver each other’s babies. She knows I’m skilled, but she wants to make certain our daughter will be fine. Not really flattering, but I understand her confusion.”

  What? “I’m carrying what?”

  Finn laughed. “Our daughter, silly.”

  Bethany almost fell down. “When did that happen? I mean I know when it could have…Oh no, she wouldn’t have been hurt by the water?”

  Finn crushed her close. “No, it was after the water. The babe will be fine.”