by S. E. Smith
“The desire to protect and care for her?” Quan asked.
“The desire to see her smile and laugh?” Bran asked.
“The desire to bundle her up and take her home and …?” Cooraan asked with a mischievous grin at Kordon.
Kordon growled at all four men. He quickly pulled Gracie out of his younger brother’s arms and back into his. “The desire to please her?” Kordon asked as he brushed a kiss across her mouth.
“The desire to feed her?” Gracie asked hopefully. “Because I have to tell you, being scared shitless can make a girl really, really hungry.”
Quan grabbed Mohan and gave her a huge kiss. “Sounds good to me. I’m hungry too.”
Mohan’s fur changed colors vividly as Quan’s double-meaning drew laughs from all the men. She turned and bared her teeth at Quan who quickly took a step back with his hands thrown up in the air in surrender. Gracie just sighed. She would need sharper teeth before that trick would work on Kordon.
Chapter 20
The group climbed into the transport. Saffron soon was in the air above the capital city. Gracie had to admit Paulus was beautiful. It reminded her a little of the ancient Roman cities she used to read about. The buildings were large, white, and opulent. It was growing dark and lights were beginning to glitter throughout the city. Saffron must have been very familiar with the city as he flew through several narrow corridors missing most of the congestion before landing in a back alley.
“This place is small but it has great food.” Saffron said powering down the transport.
Gracie groaned as her stomach rumbled. “As long as it doesn’t try to eat me first I’m happy.”
Kordon laughed as he helped Gracie out of the transport. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he led the way through a back entrance. Gracie didn’t say anything. She figured he knew what he was doing. A small, rotund man with four arms came forward to greet them. Saffron said something in a language Gracie didn’t understand and the man nodded rigorously. Turning, the small round figure moved quickly down a hallway before turning into a room.
“You will have complete privacy.” The man said briskly. “I will wait on you myself.”
Saffron nodded. “Thank you, Brut.”
Gracie moved to sit on a set of cushions on the floor that were situated around a low table. Kordon moved in next to her pulling her close. Gracie squeaked when the cushions moved around both her and Kordon’s body, expanding until it supported them comfortably.
“Wow!” Gracie said in awe as she touched the cushion. “I could have really used this in both my alcove back in the tunnels and on the supply ship. My cot and the seats on the supply ship weren’t near this comfortable.”
Saffron looked at Gracie again as if he was curious about something but wasn’t sure about asking her about it. He nodded as Brut set down a tray with drinks on it. Kordon said something to him and the little man’s face lit up with pleasure as he glanced at Gracie. Within minutes, another tray was set down in front of her.
Kordon reached out and poured the cool liquid into a tall glass before handing it to Gracie. “You might enjoy this. It is a mixture of fruits. It is not too sweet and is very refreshing.”
Saffron leaned over and picked up one of the appetizers that Brut delivered. “What really happened in the Council Chambers?” He asked before seating back again.
Kordon looked sharply at Gracie before turning his attention to his brother. “Nothing to worry about.”
Gracie picked up one of the appetizers and sniffed it before taking a small bite. “You might as well spit it out. I’m just going to be pissed at you if you keep hiding things.” Gracie said before she stuffed the rest of the appetizer into her mouth.
Cooraan laughed at Kordon’s resigned look. “I don’t think you are going to be able to hide anything from your little warrior, Kordon.”
Gracie nodded as she picked up three more of the appetizers and set them on the plate in front of her. “If he tries, I’ll just hack into his computer system and figure it out anyway. Then, I can plan payback.” She added with a grin at Cooraan.
Bran, Quan, and Mohan laughed at Kordon’s groan. “Tell us.” Bran said sipping his wine.
“I don’t trust Proctor. He wants Gracie. I am not sure why yet, but he will not give up so easily.” Kordon said quietly.
Bran nodded. “My resources have told me there are some major changes going on in the Earth Council. Proctor is making a bid to become the Supreme Chancellor. I suspect he feels if he has the Mother of Freedom at his side he would be unbeatable. It doesn’t hurt that the Mother of Freedom is young, beautiful, and is known all over the planet.”
Gracie’s hand stopped in mid-air as she was about to eat another appetizer. She looked at all the men who were staring at her. Setting the appetizer down on the plate in front of her, she stared down at the plate not seeing anything for a moment.
“I don’t want to go back to Earth.” Gracie said quietly not wanting to look at anyone at the moment. “I don’t belong there any longer.”
Kordon reached for Gracie’s hand. He frowned when he saw the tremble in it she was trying to hide. “You belong with me. You will not return to Earth unless you wish to.”
Gracie looked up into Kordon’s eyes. “Everything I knew, everyone I loved is gone. I don’t want…” Gracie’s throat tightened as memories flooded her.
It may have been eight hundred years to everyone else but for her it had only been three. Her memories were still too sharp and fresh to ignore. To go back and actually see everything gone was more than she could handle at the moment. Maybe in a few years she would be able to deal with it after she found her own place in this new world but…not now.
“Do not fret. You will not go back unless that is what you desire.” Kordon said softly pulling Gracie into his chest.
Gracie turned her face into Kordon drawing his comforting scent into her as she blinked back tears. She merely absorbed his quiet strength into her as she let the memories wash over her. She pulled away with a self-conscious chuckle muttering an apology to the others.
“I don’t know why I feel so emotional.” Gracie laughed as she brushed a tear away.
“I do.” Kordon said with a huge grin on his face again. “Toolas said she believes you are with child.”
Gracie’s head jerked up as all the men and even, Mohan, laughed and started congratulating Kordon and her. She stared in wonder at Kordon. She was really, really going to have to talk to him about keeping information from her. Gracie let her hand drop down protectively over her flat stomach and laughed in amazement. Toolas thought she was pregnant. She and Kordon were going to be parents? Gracie smiled up at Kordon when he turned and gave her a hard kiss.
“I protect what is mine, Gracie. I claim you and our child. I have claimed you from the first time I heard your voice. The sound of your voice reached out and touched a part deep inside me I never knew existed. I love you, Gracie Jones-Jeke.” Kordon said quietly so only Gracie could hear him.
“I love you too, Kordon. Forever.” Gracie whispered as she leaned up and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips.
The rest of the evening passed quickly. Brut brought in tray after tray of food. Gracie ate so much she complained she was just going to curl up right there and sleep. The men drank and talked while Gracie and Mohan made plans for where they were going to live, when was Mohan going to have kids so they could all grow up together, and what they would need to do before the baby was born. Gracie hadn’t laughed so much or felt so happy since before the invasion of Earth. She looked around the small group who were more family than friends and decided maybe, just maybe she would have to send a wedding invitation to Murphy.
The next two months flew by. They all returned to the Conqueror to finish up their duties with the exception of Saffron who returned to Zion. Bran was appointed the new Grand Admiral of the Confederation Military based on Kordon’s recommendation. Quan was returning to Zion with Mohan in a few months. He would work with
his brothers in their transport business. Cooraan was going to remain on board the Conqueror with Bran. Gracie and Mohan spent time with the new communication’s officer showing him the changes in programming they developed. There was still a concern there might be more Alluthan mother ships out there. Gracie explained how they were solitary type ships unless a large amount of resources were available. Bran and Cooraan were sharing the adaptations to the shields and weapons systems so all the Confederation of Planets’ warships were upgraded.
The biggest changes were beginning to show on Gracie. She was now sporting a small bump in the front of her uniform. In the back of her mind was still the fear of Proctor trying something but it was moving further and further to the back the longer she was aboard the Conqueror and nothing happened.
Kordon watched as Gracie laughed at something Mohan said. She was positively glowing anymore. He felt his cock jerk at the thought of making love to her again. He loved holding her, touching her, and sliding his hands over the slight swell of her stomach. She had gained weight over the past couple of months and her breasts were getting plumper as her pregnancy advanced. They were leaving tomorrow for Zion. Both of his parents were anxious to meet Gracie. His mother was overjoyed at finally having a daughter. Kordon was the oldest of four sons. His mother often mourned the fact she had no daughters to spoil. As he was the only one with a mate, Gracie would be swept under her wing. Kordon listened with half an ear to what Quan was saying. He and Mohan were also leaving tomorrow but they were heading for Ta’nee to see Mohan’s parents.
“You need to keep your eyes and ears open. Proctor has disappeared. After what happened with Gracie on the council, he was replaced.” Quan was saying.
Kordon jerked his attention around. “What have you heard?” He asked in a low tone not wanting Gracie to suspect anything.
Quan shrugged. “Not much. I heard he was royally pissed at you. His only hope for redemption is if he can get his slimy hands on Gracie. There is more power and prestige in being the Supreme Chancellor of Earth than merely a councilman on the Confederation. He can set policies and will have more power.”
“I don’t want Gracie to know. She should be safe once we are on Zion. Proctor would be a fool to try anything on a planet filled with warriors.” Kordon said in cold anger.
Quan gave Kordon a brief nod before excusing himself. Kordon walked over to where Gracie was sitting with Mohan and the new communication’s officer. Bending down, he brushed a kiss across Gracie’s lips.
“I have some reports to finish. I will see you later in our living quarters.” Kordon said quietly.
Gracie grinned up at him. “Okay. We should be done in a little while.”
Gracie watched with longing as Kordon turned to leave. Damn, but the man had a great ass. She thought with a sigh.
Mohan chuckled as she watched the longing in Gracie’s eyes. “He has changed so much since he met you.”
Gracie looked around curiously. “What do you mean?”
“He was always known for being cold and reserved. Even that night we shared together on Cumin, he never showed any emotion.” Mohan said without thinking.
Gracie froze. “What do you mean ‘the night you shared together’? Are you saying you’ve slept with Kordon?” Gracie asked tightly.
Mohan looked up from what she was doing and flushed. The soft fur on her face changing colors. “It was nothing.”
“You and Kordon? You two slept together? Gracie asked again.
“Gracie, I did not mean to upset you.” Mohan said anxiously. “The Ta’nee is a very sexual species. I am only half-Ta’nee and can fight the need. Unfortunately, sometimes it is too much. I had been drinking more than normal. I didn’t even know it was Kordon until eight months later when he brought me aboard the Conqueror as his communication’s officer. He was very clear it would never happen again.” Mohan said fretfully. She reached out to touch Gracie but stopped when Gracie pulled away.
Gracie stood up abruptly. “I…I need to be alone for a little while.” Gracie said softly before turning away.
Mohan stood up in distress. She wanted to follow Gracie but was unsure of what to do. She no longer thought of Kordon in any way. Her love and desire was only for Quan. She should have realized Gracie would have been upset. She remembered reading about how the ancient Earthlings felt about their mates. Some Earthlings still followed the old customs. Mohan let out a small cry of distress knowing she had hurt her friend deeply.
Chapter 21
Gracie sat looking out the viewport in one of the rooms designated for relaxation. There were consoles for viewing or contacting family, portable tablets for reading or watching holovids, or chairs designed for just relaxing. Gracie sat doing none of that. She had no family, she didn’t feel like reading or watching a movie, and she was too busy crying to relax. She and Murphy were having a pity party and she just wanted to be left alone. It wasn’t as good as the one she had on the moon but it was coming in a close second.
Picking up another tissue she replicated, she wiped her eyes and blew her nose. Why did it seem just when everything was going good, Murphy came along to throw a car at it. Of course, Gracie thought as new tears flowed down her cheeks. With her luck, Murphy was probably laughing his ass off at her for being so stupid. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes wanting to just forget about everything. The combination of crying, being pregnant, and the quietness of the room soon lured her into a restless sleep.
That was where Kordon found her two hours later. He grimaced at the signs of tears still wetting Gracie’s cheeks in her sleep. There were dark shadows under her eyes again and her face was slightly red and puffy from all the crying she had done. When Mohan sought him out to tell him about what happened, it took a moment for him to understand. Mohan haltingly explained the ancient beliefs of the Earthlings. Once she was finished she was wringing her hands together and crying. She was afraid Gracie would never forgive her. She read accounts of that happening frequently in some of the old literature from Earth. She called them romance stories. She said if the woman felt betrayed she would not have anything to do with the male or the female, even if the female was related, ever again. Kordon assured Mohan that Gracie would forgive them both. It happened before they even knew she was alive. Mohan was so beside herself Kordon finally called for Quan to take her back to their living quarters and comfort her.
Now, as he gazed down on Gracie as she cried in her sleep he wondered. Every few breaths, a little sob would escape. It tore him up to see her like this. He had sworn to protect her. So far, he felt like he was doing a poor job of it. Bending down, he gently lifted her into his arms. He bit back a curse when she stiffened for a moment before relaxing and turning her face into his chest. He tightened his arms around her and carried her back to their living quarters. She had fallen into a deeper sleep as he carried her. He laid her gently down on their bed and silently removed her shoes and clothing before removing his own. Kordon crawled into the bed and pulled Gracie up against his warm body, holding her tightly. Gracie moaned and stirred restlessly like she wanted to pull away but Kordon held her tight, rubbing his hand up and down her back until she gave a soft hiccup and settled back down.
Gracie woke the next morning feeling like her head was filled with cotton. She laid on her side trying to remember how she made it back to her and Kordon's living quarters. For the life of her, she couldn't remember anything after she closed her eyes. She frowned as she remembered sitting in a chair in one of the off-duty rooms. Her eyes filled with tears as she remembered why she had gone there in the first place. Gracie sniffed as her nose itched from trying not to cry again.
"Shush, my little warrior." Kordon said wrapping an arm around Gracie and trying to pull her back against him.
Gracie stiffened and tried to move away from him but Kordon just tightened his arm. "Let me go." She sniffed.
"Never, my Gracie." Kordon said as he pressed a kiss into her shoulder. "I never meant to hurt you. Please do not c
ry." Kordon whispered.
"I hate you!" Gracie sniffed out again.
"I know. I am just a terrible mate." Kordon replied pressing another kiss into her neck.
"I really, really do." Gracie whispered.
"I know." Kordon whispered back as he pulled her over onto her back. He kissed a stray tear from her cheek. "But, I love you very, very much, my Gracie."
Gracie looked up into Kordon's eyes with such a look of betrayal, Kordon began to hate himself. "If I had known, I never would have..." Gracie began before she was cut off by Kordon's lips on hers.
Gracie resisted at first but Kordon persisted. He was determined to show her that she was his world. She was the only thing that matter. Gracie tried to turn her head to one side but Kordon slid his hands up to hold her head still while moving his body over hers to cage her under him.
“Gracie, please.” Kordon groaned. “You are the only one for me. Surely, you know that. You claimed me.” Kordon said with a slight grin. “I have never been claimed before.”
