Unexpected Mates (Sons of Heaven)

by Lyons, Brenna

  “I have rights,” Zeke protested.

  “To my mate? Impossible. Sandy has made her—”

  “To my son!”

  “He is a Sakk child, born at the Sakk consulate, to a mated Sakk woman. By Sakk law, he is my son.”

  “That consulate is on American soil, buddy.”

  “Not really. The consulate is Sakk sovereign soil.”

  “I’ll file an injunction.”

  Darm scowled, his brow furrowing. “A what?”

  “Legal papers, asshole. I’ll ask for custody or...or visitation. Yeah, visitation. I don’t want the brat all the time. Let his mother take care of the kid, but they won’t let you keep him away from me.”

  “And you wish this for what reason? You suddenly feel the pressing need for a son in your pathetic life?” Darm doubted it.

  Zeke’s smile was cold in challenge. “I’m not in the same position you were. I have rights you never will have to them, and I’ll prove it, too.”

  A wild need to shelter his mate and son welled in him. “That depends.”

  “On?” Zeke asked warily, no doubt believing Darm intended to kill him.

  “On how fast you are.” Darm left him standing there without further explanation. It would be a race to the prize, but Darm had no intention of losing.

  He found Sandy in an area full of sweet-smelling treats. “Have you found what you want?” he asked.

  She glanced around his body and flinched. Darm didn’t have to ask what she saw. If Zeke was skulking around, Darm could use that to his advantage.

  He cupped Sandy’s head in one hand and leaned in for a kiss. It wasn’t something Sakk males typically did around other unmated males, but he felt certain the security detail would understand his game.

  Zeke snorted, and Sandy started to pull away. Darm followed her retreat, and she gave herself up to the passion between them. When he drew away, she let out a little whimper.

  Darm smiled at that. “Have you found what you want?” he repeated. He had two meanings, and her answer to either would be acceptable.

  A smile blossomed on her lips. “You said anything?” A little bounce of excitement had her presentation curls swaying around her face.

  “Anything your heart desires.”

  Sandy led him to a display of mostly gold-wrapped confections. Here and there were spots of bright colored wrappings in the mix. They shared a maker’s mark of Lindt.

  “Which ones are your favorites?”

  She blushed. “Anything they make.”

  “Ravon.”

  The Captain appeared at his side. “Yes, Darm?”

  “I wish every package of this maker delivered to the consulate within the hour.”

  Ravon smiled. “As you wish. May I leave one man behind to accomplish it while you continue to shop?” His eyes shifted to Zeke and back, indicating that he wanted to get Sandy away from the unpleasant male as soon as possible.

  “Precisely my thought.” Darm turned his attention to Sandy. “Is there anything else you would like?”

  She started to shake her head, then nodded. “Yes. There is.”

  That’s my woman. He offered his arm. “Lead on.”

  She took it and glanced toward the warrior speaking to the clerk. “What did you order Ravon to do?”

  Davon smiled. “Collect a sampling of what they offer.”

  Sandy would probably be appalled at his actual order, but that would fade with time. Now that he’d met Zeke, it was clear she’d never been pampered as a female should be, until she came to the consulate, and she’d been actively avoiding letting Darm do that to his fullest ability.

  ****

  Sandy looked back, her heart pounding at the sight of Zeke trailing them. As if he understood her upset perfectly, Darm extended his wing around her to block Zeke’s view.

  Or to block my view of Zeke. Relax, Darm. The last thing I want in my life is Zeke.

  Sandy led the warriors and their unwelcome tag-along to lingerie. By the grumbling and whispering of the warriors, she guessed that this was unacceptable to them. It was unkind to taunt a Sakk male with what he couldn’t readily have, she knew.

  Darm squeezed her arm lightly. “Whatever you want. Our guards can turn their backs to give us privacy.”

  They did so as if it had been an order, and the sounds of upset diminished.

  It might have been an order. Sakk men are a jealous lot. The idea of another male fantasizing about his mate is intolerable to Darm.

  Sandy moved from rack to rack, picking out teddies, baby doll nighties, peignoirs, and wraps that appealed to her. Darm offered his hands to carry them. She added on some lacy underwear and bras, then some fancy stockings and high-heeled slippers.

  A glance at Darm made her swallow a lump in her throat. His expression was potent, proof positive that his cock was rigid and ready inside his under-wrap.

  “You want to pick the first one I wear?” she offered.

  To his credit, Darm didn’t groan. She was sure it was a Herculean effort not to.

  “Absolutely.” Clearly, he had a favorite.

  “I can’t wait to see.”

  “Neither can I.”

  At the counter, Darm told the clerk to put it all on the consulate account. There was no question that she was a Sakk mate. She didn’t doubt Darm wouldn’t let there be confusion.

  Amy had told her that every warrior mated on Earth was granted a generous stipend to outfit his mate with whatever she needed or wanted before she went to Sakk with him. Some professional women chose expensive tools of their trades. Some women chose jewels and fashion clothing. No matter what they chose, no woman had exceeded the limits set for them.

  Maybe there is no limit. The money being poured into Earth’s economy was staggering, though she’d heard that precious metals had taken something of a dive on the stock market at the addition.

  All of her purchases in the lingerie department fit into two large bags, and Darm took both in one hand.

  “Anything more?” he asked.

  She hesitated.

  “Sandy?” he prompted her.

  “You said it will be winter on Sakk?” She’d originally come here to get things for Darren.

  “Yes. It will be.” That seemed to confuse him.

  “Okay. I need a few more things.”

  His smile widened. “Lead on.”

  Their last stop was baby clothing. Most baby clothes wouldn’t fit over Darren’s wings, but some things would. She picked out a hooded bunting big enough to fit over the appendages, socks and soft shoes that would last a year or more, and crib blankets.

  Two of their guards took those bags, and the entire entourage—including the guard they’d left behind in the candy department—escorted her to the Sakk consulate’s limousine. Most new mates rode in the consulate vans, but Sakkra and Amy had insisted she use their limo, complete with the diplomatic seal and flags, because of Darren.

  Ravon addressed Darm. “The van is a bit full. Would it be possible for me to ride in the car with you and your mate?”

  A shiver of awareness worked its way up Sandy’s spine. It was a fifteen man van. The chances of it being full enough that their seven man detail wouldn’t fit was slim.

  She started to look back to search for Zeke, but Darm’s wing closed around her.

  He’s here. “Yes. Please.” Though she didn’t doubt Darm could handle Zeke alone, three warriors sounded safer than two. I’m a wimp.

  Darm raised her hand and kissed the back through the ceremonial gloves she wore.”As you wish, my love. Ravon may join the driver. Darren may need to eat on the way back.”

  And that isn’t something he wants Ravon seeing.

  In short order, they were on their way back to the consulate, and Zeke was left far behind.

  Where he belongs.

  ****

  “I believe we should leave on this ship. There is plenty of room for us. There may not be on the next.” That last part wasn’t strictly true, he knew. To
his knowledge, no ship leaving Earth had ever been full, but there was a possibility that one might be someday.

  “Really?” Sandy’s excitement was infectious.

  It was a relief as well. “Really. My family is anxious to meet you. The transport leaves tomorrow.”

  “We’ll never be packed in time.” But the thought seemed to depress her.

  “On the contrary, my belongings and our purchases can be packed and transported aboard by other warriors within two hours. I can pack your belongings in an hour longer, even if Darren demands your undivided attention.”

  She hesitated only a moment.

  A lifetime.

  “Yes. The sooner we go, the better.” Her eyes were haunted, a sure sign that Zeke caused her unease.

  Darm laid a soft kiss on her forehead. “The sooner, the better,” he agreed. “A new life awaits us.”

  He took his leave and gave the orders to relocate them to the departing ship.

  Then he informed medical, so all information about Darren’s condition and needs could be communicated to the ship’s medical crew. To his amazement, Gabin replied that he would travel with them to ensure continuity of the young one’s care.

  Out of courtesy, Darm informed Sakkra about the trouble headed their way. As he expected, the prince gave the order to have them off planet before evening meal. Much to Darm’s surprise, Sakkra ordered everyone leaving the planet to do the same.

  By midnight GMT -5, the ship would leave orbit. When a woman and child were threatened, the Sakk could move very quickly indeed.

  ****

  Sandy watched the Earth disappearing on the shuttle’s screens, her muscles easing. No matter what Zeke tried to do now, they were beyond his reach.

  I hope. There were treaties between the Sakk emperor and the American government. There might be clauses in the treaty that would apply to this situation.

  Darm reached his free right hand to the console and pressed buttons to change the view. “This is the ship that will take us to Sakk.”

  A shuttle entering the landing bay gave her perspective. “It’s huge.” It was. The shuttle they were in was thirty feet wide and four times as long, but the entrance to the bay looked like the mail slot on the front of a ranch-style house.

  He chuckled darkly. “Yes. It is indeed.”

  Darren wiggled against his shoulder, and Sandy looked up at him, waiting for the complaint that he was wet or needed a feeding. The baby settled again with a sigh.

  “He is fine,” Darm assured her.

  “Should I carry him?”

  “No. When we enter the ship, as when we enter my family’s ancestral home, I should carry Darren.”

  She suspected it was a Sakk tradition and nodded her agreement.

  One of the pilots spoke in the Sakk language and Darm answered in the same.

  “What did he say?”

  “We dock in a few moments.”

  “I have to learn to speak Sakk,” she conceded. She’d only picked up a few words her entire time at the consulate, since Darm and Zave—as well as the doctors and royals—all spoke English for her.

  He smiled. “I will teach you, but the ship’s translators will allow you to interact aboard ship...when we leave our quarters.”

  “Why don’t they use them on the shuttles?”

  “I have no idea. When Sa Beldon came aboard ship, translators were set one way...Earth languages translated to Sakk. Now they work both directions, but the shuttles have not been equipped. I suppose...We spend so little time on shuttles, it didn’t seem as important.”

  “So I’ll know what you’re saying when you speak Sakk?”

  His smile disappeared. “I will have to keep that in mind.”

  “There’s something you don’t want me to hear?”

  “No. But I often use the Sakk language to arrange surprises for you.”

  Something told her he wasn’t being completely honest with her.

  The docking was so smooth, the pilot announced their readiness to disembark without Sandy noting the slightest change.

  Darm stood and helped Sandy to her feet. He reached across her body and threaded his fingers through hers. Then he closed her in with his wing, surrounding Sandy on three sides.

  They made their way down the ramp, and the Sakk warriors at the base stopped to stare. A bark of command made Sandy jump. The warriors dropped to one knee and bowed their heads.

  An older male with silver curls and gold ornamentation on his cuzta approached them. He bowed deeply and started speaking.

  It was difficult to focus on the translated voice instead of the man’s natural one, and the dichotomy of his mouth moving and the overlapping sounds made her head spin. Somehow, she managed to make out the words.

  “We are honored by your presence. You have my vow. You are all safe aboard my ship.”

  Darm tipped his head. “My thanks, Sa Biren. If you would be so kind as to have your men unload my mate’s belongings and take them to our quarters, I should get my family settled.”

  Biran waved a group of older warriors toward the shuttle. Sandy looked at the group, then at the younger men kneeling on the floor.

  “Is there a problem?” Biran asked.

  “I don’t understand.” She looked from one group to the other again. “Shouldn’t the younger men carry heavy loads?”

  Biran smiled. “Only older, widowed warriors are permitted in the nest areas, but I assure you, we are able and strong enough to carry heavy loads.”

  “Oh.” Realization stopped her cold. “I am so sorry for your loss.”

  His smile went brittle. “I had fourteen wonderful years with my Judia. She presented me with three beautiful children. Both of my daughters have mates and have started families of their own. I cannot regret that.”

  Sandy didn’t know how to reply to that. She nodded, tears stinging her eyes.

  Biran said something in Sakk that didn’t translate.

  Darm’s arm muscles tightened a notch. “You may.”

  The older man stepped toward them, reached a hand out, and laid it on Darren’s tiny head. After a moment, he withdrew his hand, a faint smile on his face. “My crew has never been honored with transporting a babe so young before. My thanks for allowing me to offer my prayers.”

  The other widowed warriors left the shuttle, each with a small box tucked under an arm, reinforcing how few belongings Sandy had amassed at the consulate. They peeked up at Darren, longing on their faces.

  “Let them,” Sandy whispered.

  Darm shot her a questioning look.

  “It means so much to them.”

  He nodded. “The masters may offer well wishes for our son. My mate is correct. Such an event should be fully appreciated.”

  One by one, the old warriors approached, touched Darren’s head or back, and offered their thanks. When they had all done so, Biren led them to spacious quarters.

  At the door, he bowed deeply. “We leave Earth’s gravity in a ses-time. Call for meals when you have need.”

  Sandy worked at that. “But a ses-time is just over an hour. I thought the ship didn’t depart until tomorrow.”

  He offered a sly smile. “All the passengers are aboard. Why should we tarry longer?”

  Something told her there was more to it, but Sandy nodded her agreement and slipped inside the room.

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Sandy looked up from Darren’s dressing at a knock on the door. She nodded, and Darm went to it.

  It was Biren. He kept his eyes averted while he spoke in low tones.

  “Just a moment,” Darm replied. “Our son is nearly ready.”

  He bowed and withdrew, closing the door behind him.

  It had taken her weeks to learn how to wrap a formal cuzta; she’d been terrified she’d break one of Darren’s tiny wings. Now that she was at ease with it, it seemed the easiest way to dress a baby she’d ever seen.

  Darren’s current outfit was one Darm’s parents had sent aboard for him. It wa
s a deep blue that matched Darren’s eyes, with the family Kieta embroidered on it in silver. Sandy had added a slightly darker pair of socks and soft, black baby shoes.

  Darm had assured her they would be disembarking through a tunnel and into a heated reception bay, so she’d opted to carry his bunting in the wrap bag until they needed it.

  At last, she decided their son was perfect. At her nod, Darm cuddled Darren to his shoulder and offered her his hand. He adopted the same stance they had when they’d entered the ship. Sandy decided it must be ceremonial.

  Biren waited for them in the hallway and led them out of the ship.

  Sandy looked around at the nearly-deserted hallways, her head reeling. She’d never seen them so devoid of life. “Where is everyone?”

  Their captain smiled back at her. “We let the others disembark first. Young Darren does not need to be exposed to such a crush of people for no good reason.”

  She nodded. In other words, the healers had ordered them to minimize the crowds of new people Darren was exposed to. Sandy reversed that determination a moment later, when they stepped into the reception bay.

  The crowd of people stole her breath. She’d been expecting Darm’s parents...or perhaps guards who would transport them to Darm’s ancestral home. There were easily more than a three dozen people in the huge bay.

  An older winged Sakk warrior with silver curls escorted a short flight female that could be no one other than Darm’s mother toward them. The Kieta at his neck confirmed their identities, and Sandy dipped her head to them in greeting.

  Darm’s mother didn’t leave it at that. She released her mate’s arm and gathered Sandy into a hug. Sandy hesitated a moment, then returned it.

  When the older woman released her, Sandy looked over at Darm, smiling at the sight of his father’s big hand covering Darren’s lower back.

  Darm’s mother crowded in. “May I hold my grandson?” she asked in slow, smooth Sakk.

  Darm probably warned them that I’m still learning their language.

  Darm chuckled. “Sandy, these are my parents, Elenna and Daragan.” He turned Darren and settled him in his mother’s arms.