Citun turned to hover over her, his elbows locked, and he kept his weight from her. Storm traced his face with a fingertip. She didn’t like the worry etched in lines on his forehead. She knew he was eager to go home.
“The village won’t take too long, a month or two. As long as we can help with the initial structure. The females Battle hid from us was a surprise. After all that time visiting, he never mentioned there were twenty on board. He is incredibly protective; I’m surprised a Gorgano killed his female. That must be a sad story. Amini is having the time of her life. She’s thrilled to have her brother back and loves her niece. It’s hard to be the only one of your species, thinking everyone you ever loved is gone. Now she’s making lots of friends.”
“You will be able to see human females again once we’re home.”
“Yes, I’m looking forward to that. I miss Zabbie and Zell. Having Ashala and Lano here, it’s like having a family reunion with the others.”
Citun dipped his head and using his lips, he played with hers. “Are you too tired to love me?”
Storm chuckled. “I will never be too tired to love you, but if you mean make love, I think if you can control your enthusiasm I might be coaxed into a bit of play.”
“I have no intention of playing with you.”
Both of them were naked, the slight breeze from outside was growing chill. The door flap was secured as was one over the single window but the edges had come loose and flapped. There was never any snow on the planet, but there were nights that dipped below freezing only to warm again come morning. Storm guessed the season was as close to winter as they ever came. She wondered at the snow Citun promised on his own planet. She would like to see their winter. It had been years since she saw snow, longer still since she had played in any. From the way Citun spoke, she would be able to create an army of snowmen, women and children.
Citun pushed her legs up under her knees and plunged his cock within her. She hadn’t realized he planned on taking her so quickly. Storm cried out, but Citun had his hand ready to place over her mouth. Many of the male warrior shifters were outside in black cat form to keep warm. It would be embarrassing to have one break through the door covering if they thought her in danger.
Citun gave her an evil grin, releasing her knee and pinned her wrists high over her head with his other hand. She was helpless. Storm wrapped her legs around his waist and hung on. Each thrust moved her higher until his weight pinned her. Storm screamed under his hand knowing she couldn’t be heard. Slick and hot, his claps of thunder echoed in the room. She gave in to her need to sob, whimper, and howl. The feeling was wicked and she came hard.
Storm saw Citun clench his teeth and wanted to laugh. Even if she placed her hands over his mouth it wouldn’t help. He leaned over her, squishing her into the fur and she heard the rumbles of his release as he bellowed into the bunched fur. When he rose higher, he was gasping. He removed his hand from her mouth for a second.
“Well, that was naughty, you bad boy.”
The evil grin was back on his face. Citun bunched the fur higher to ready it for him again. He flipped Storm onto her back, grabbed her wrists in one hand high on her back then covered her mouth again. When he thrust back into her, she knew he was in battle mode, and she knew as he began to pound inside of her, he was about to become a really bad boy.
Bring it on.
* * * *
Storm gazed at the progress they were making. After two months of hard work, the village was starting to take shape. The warriors, both Citun’s and Battle’s were so powerful they were able to create a town from the massive boulders once used by the ancient people of the planet. Every day that passed, Storm was growing loath to leave. Yet, she was also excited to finally return home soon. She had a surprise for Citun. After falling head over heels in love with Heart, she realized she wanted a child. Soon enough her wish came true.
She had so many questions she wanted to ask Citun about other females carrying Zargonnii children. She was tired often, cranky. There was the odd time she snapped at Citun then felt bad. The worst part was she didn’t want to make love. She knew she should tell him what was wrong, but they had a long trip home and he had enough to worry about. Storm claimed exhaustion each evening. Citun wanted to hold her, but the slightest weight on her midriff made her gag. It hurt to push him away. She didn’t think anything was really wrong, except she was pregnant and carrying an alien’s baby, which led her right back to the million questions she had.
Ashala and Lano guessed what her problem was but stayed silent. Amini was sad, knowing Citun loved Storm and Storm had come to love him. Storm knew her friend was hoping she would find love in her brother’s arms and stay. She wasn’t interested in Battle; her only thoughts were of Citun and going back where she belonged. The shifter was charming with every female. A rogue, one with a lot of responsibility. Storm admired him, nothing more.
As Storm strolled the core of the village, she heard a loud commotion. She raced to her friend’s home. Amini lay face down on a fur next to a blazing fire, Heart was sobbing. A Gorgano, arm lifted was making Amini convulse. Storm invaded its mind and blew it to pieces. She ran to Amini, who was alive but not moving. She grabbed Heart into her arms and took off outside to find Citun and Battle, the child would never be able to defend herself if left alone. The Gorgano must have taken Amini by surprise.
Outside was bedlam. Explosions destroyed parts of the village. Storm was halted in her tracks. The blasts cut her off from the warriors. A laser aimed at her made Battle bellow in terror, he shifted to jump through the flames, but when the blast reached Storm she shredded it. Citun was bellowing, he had returned from the ship after escorting Ashala and Lano up with a handful of warriors. Citun was right behind Battle, running through the flames to get to her.
Storm was pissed. Citun could be hurt. He was about to be a daddy and didn’t know. She should have told him; she would tell him. She watched him stumble, Citun caught himself before he fell, he was neck and neck with Battle. Explosions continued around her until she was crushing the lasers aimed at Citun and Battle as well.
Nothing is allowed to hurt my warrior.
Rage built, little Heart pressed her face into Storm’s neck but seemed to understand she was in the safest place she could be. Mama bear was the meanest son of a bitch in the valley. As though in slow motion, Storm strolled down the core of the village again, centering her thoughts, the tiny child on her hip. Gaze to the sky the massive ship overhead was gutted section by section as she walked. The pieces were so miniscule when they landed they were harmless.
The evil tin can had met its opener and Gorgano fell from the sky, each one bursting into flames before they hit the ground. Storm was done with the bastards. Each one was at its end. Storm was going to make certain. Never again would these things harm another.
Shuttles zipped across the sky but were picked off one by one by the Zargonnii and Battle’s men. Nothing was left, except the loan Tonan that fell to the ground. Citun had her in his arms, Battle reached for Heart. The noise Storm had tuned out while she fought invaded her ears. Citun wrapped his body around her. The Tonan was howling in the distance. Battle’s men beat the warrior until his shield fell. He sat back on his knees arms raised in supplication.
There was no reason for the warrior to keep his silence when he was questioned where he slumped. He informed them the last of the Gorgano were on the ship. There were no more. The war was over. Very few Tonan rogue warriors were left and many went to ask for Cobra’s acceptance. The Tonan declared himself to be half-evil. He wanted a female of his own. He traveled with the Gorgano for one reason, to find a mate.
Battle had no intention of letting the Tonan get off easy. He was to be deprived of light and put to work. A Tonan had killed his family and friends; they had stolen his sister. Storm knew his was not going to be an easy life. The Tonan brought his punishment on himself.
Storm knew it was time to go home as she gazed up into Citun’s concerned eyes.
Their last night, the warriors hunted together for the last time. They feasted well into the night. On her fur bed tucked away into their home for one more night, Storm lay in Citun’s arms.
Citun had been quiet the last few days. He rolled toward her, but she shifted away a little. Citun rolled back.
“Have you changed your mind about going home with me?” Citun asked.
Storm was surprised. “Why would you think that?”
“You spend so much time with Heart and Amini, you hardly let me touch you anymore.”
“You and the warriors have been so busy helping to create a home for Battle and his people. The Tonan told Battle he knows of a planet where more of their females are. Battle plans to go get them now that the Gorgano threat is gone.”
“At night, you tell me you’re too tired for me.”
Storm chuckled, he sounded like a petulant boy. “I am too tired. I don’t make doilies all day, you know. Somebody has to feed the horde and make the homes livable.”
“You seldom want to be held.”
Storm squirmed a bit. “I guess sometimes you hold too tight around my middle and it hurts.”
Citun turned to look at her; she could see he was appalled. “Why didn’t you say something?”
“I wasn’t going to say anything until we were home. You have enough to worry about.”
Citun sat up. “Are you sick?”
“No. I am wondering how long a human female carries a Zargonnii baby.”
Citun appeared confused. “The human females on my planet carry the normal amount for them in month time. Zargonnii females’ gestation is much shorter.”
“Lucky them.”
“Why do you ask?”
“We should be home in lots of time for your child’s birth then.”
“Oh.” Citun lay back down. “What?” He jumped to his feet taking her with him.
Storm laughed. “I thought that might get your attention.” She placed her hands on his chest. “I am tired a lot. I also puke a few times a day, too. Please don’t ever think I don’t want you. I do. I didn’t want you to worry.”
Citun picked her up into his arms and carried her to an oversized chair stuffed with grass. He sat down and rocked her.
“I’m too big to be rocked,” Storm said and rolled her eyes.
“I’m rocking my baby. I want to feel every experience from start to finish. Now go to sleep. I’ve heard of the symptoms you describe. You need lots of bed rest and plenty to drink. When we get home I’ll take you to Finn, he’s a healer. He’s come up with a drug that will help you.”
Citun began crooning. Storm had never heard the noise before. A lullaby, she guessed. The gentle motion of his arms was heaven. They spent their last night together on the planet cuddled together.
Chapter 14
Citun was working. The skies were darkening. Storm placed a hand on her rounded belly. Once returning home, Finn and his miracle drug eased her into a calm pregnancy. Citun was caring and sweet. Today Storm was jumpy, her insides fluttery. The rain was holding off. She knew she shouldn’t, but she wanted to go for a walk. The winter had been long and cold. The weather was warming. The snow gone.
Their arrival into a winter wonderland was a shock to Storm. The snow was feet high everywhere. Citun showed her underground caverns connecting the Zargonnii to main buildings. Storm was able to visit with other human females and human men. There weren’t many; a number of humans were with the southern Zargonnii. Storm was happy when Zabbie came for a visit. Zell would visit on his own occasionally. Storm had grown to love the mysterious boy.
Taking a breath, she stepped through the window and heard the ground crunch under her. Old vegetation. Immediately, she heard the whispering of the trees. She wondered if the trees warned the animals to stay away from her out of fear for her or them. Not a bangor would come close to her. Cyrons gave her a wide berth. The pond scum rolled back as she passed.
The air was chill as winter fought to keep its hold. Storm wore a long flowing skirt and warm sweater. She could hear the sound of spring grumbling for its turn at life. She knew it wouldn’t be long before everything would grow again. She wasn’t chilled; the baby was a furnace in her belly.
The foliage parted to her left and Storm smiled. Amma walked with her. Storm had missed her. Amma touched Storm’s belly and seemed sad.
“I had a son,” Amma explained.
“I can’t imagine having to ever let a child go.”
“I came out to watch him play in his backyard; finally, it is warm enough. He is his father’s first son. I was hoping for another daughter, but my son’s father is so pleased I’m happy for him. Zargonnii children grow fast. It’s to keep them safe. So don’t be surprised if your child looks like she is growing right in front of you, they do sometimes.”
“Yes, I’ve seen that. Zell, Titus’ son appears in my home often. He’s a sweet little boy. He speaks to my belly and for the life of me, it seems he listens to my baby.”
“This may come as a surprise, but the boy Zell appears to Zargonnii females when they leave the female area. He respects our ways, but he is curious. I understand him when he talks to me.”
“He will make a great leader one day. I think he knows he will. I wonder if he’s thinking of trying to join your females back with your males.”
“No. It’s impossible. But what he does do is make the females understand he will be their leader in a way. Unobtrusively, he plans to protect all of us. I think one day he will be powerful enough to do it. Especially if he can figure out your ability.”
Storm sighed. “I wish I could explain my ability to him, but it’s a feeling.”
Amma sniffed the air. “Your mate is searching for you. I think that’s a good thing. I won’t go far if you need me.”
“Why, is there danger?”
“No. But this is Citun’s first time to witness life. Some males panic.”
After Amma said this, Storm felt her belly tighten. The first spatters of rain began to fall. Amma led her to a shelter of trees and rocks. She settled Storm down onto fresh bows and grass. She smiled at her and told her she would steer Citun closer faster. Before long, Citun barreled into the shelter. Past him, the heavens opened.
Citun knelt beside her. “We need to get you to Finn.”
“No time.”
The contractions made her suck in her breath. Her water broke. “Holy hell, this little one wastes no time.”
The storm was raging as thunder crashed beyond the shelter opening. Booming jolts of lightning lit the sky. Storm could feel the baby coming and she screamed with the force of her pushing. Citun pulled up her skirt. Storm had stopped wearing shorts in her third trimester. Their home was always warm enough inside and in the tunnels, but she felt clunky and fat. The material was soft against her skin. It was now bunched under her hips.
Her legs shaking, Storm sucked in her breath as she pushed. She cried out as she struggled to push a Zargonnii baby into the world. Citun had gone as white as a ghost.
“Hang in there, Citun.”
“I’m fine, you will be fine. Breathe.”
“I’ll breathe if you breathe.”
“I see a head,” he bellowed.
“Easy, that’s a good sign.”
Storm screamed, Citun gave a cry. His hands were shaking. “Holy hell, a shoulder.”
“Again, that’s a good sign,” Storm said, her teeth gritted as she gasped. She pushed again.
“I got her,” he yelled.
Storm gasped and lay back. She squeezed her eyes closed when she heard the baby give a small cry. Then nothing. She struggled onto her elbows filled with concern.
“Citun, why isn’t she crying?”
“It’s all right.”
Storm looked at the shelter opening. Amma was there smiling. “Is she okay, Amma?”
“Our babies cry very little. It’s dangerous and draws attention; we often don’t have the protection of the pod or other females. For them, it’s instinct. She�
�s a smart little thing and brave. It takes a lot of heart to come into the world without making a fuss when you’re terrified. You have a fine daughter.”
Amma was gone. Somehow Storm knew she wouldn’t go far. Storm sobbed when Citun handed her the baby. They used her skirt to wrap her.
“Thank you for giving me a daughter I can love,” Citun said.
“Brave, I want to name her Brave.”
Citun cupped his daughter’s head and smiled at Storm. “The name is fitting.”
Storm thought so, too. Brave was wide-eyed but made no sound. She was the most beautiful baby Storm had ever seen. At Citun’s grunt she gazed at him and stiffened. He was in battle mode but larger then she had ever seen. Citun ran his hand across his chest. He grinned.
“A warrior grows bigger after a female half-human child is born to him. It’s to help keep her safe,” Citun said. He looked pleased.
“I hope your cock stayed the same size.”
A fast peek and Citun showed his disappointment. “Nope, no change down there.”
Storm was relieved. “I’m sorry you may be disappointed, but you’re already huge.”
Citun moved to take them both in his arms. Cuddled together, Storm was content to watch nature battle the elements beyond the shelter opening. Spring won as the air grew warmer. Nestled in Citun’s arms, she drifted into sleep.
* * * *
Citun chuckled as Storm tried to convince Zell to go home to his mother. The boy had made a point of visiting every day since the birth of Brave. He saw her the day after she was born. First he appeared and was trailed by Zabbie. His mother said he had been acting in a strange manner all day; Zell must have somehow sensed her birth. Citun wasn’t sure how he felt. He was leader of the north Zargonnii; Zell’s father was the leader of the southern Zargonnii.
It was strange having any male near his daughter. The urge to growl at the boy was strong, but he sensed the child’s fondness for his daughter. Other warriors knew to stay away from Citun’s home for the time being, but nagged him relentlessly for a glimpse of Brave. She was already strong. She was as beautiful as her mother, with her thick black hair and shock of white to the middle of her back. She was as bald as a human female. Her eyes blazed red like Citun’s. She was perfect, two perfect tiny white eyebrows, perfect blue lips. The most beautiful baby he had ever set eyes on.
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