“Is that what I have to look forward to with our Clara?” Beren asked.
“Did you think she would stay alone all her life?” Rena asked with some amusement.
Beren grumbled under his breath, but Rena caught something about battle training and she nearly laughed. She could just imagine Beren taking their daughter out into the garden to show her some moves guaranteed to bring any male to their knees.
Kryon and his mate Cicily came over to join them. They’d moved to Zelthrane-3 a month ago, and seemed to be settling in well. While Kryon wasn’t a part of the council, he had been assisting those in charge of training the warriors. With his knowledge of other races, he’d been an asset.
“How’s my beautiful daughter doing?” Kryon asked.
“I’m good, Father,” Rena said.
Rena was still hesitant around her mother. She’d gotten to know her rather well in the last month, but Cicily still felt very much like a stranger to her. They had the same eyes and hair, and everyone agreed that Rena looked very much like her mother, but she didn’t feel the closeness she felt with Kryon. She hoped it would grow over time, and knew it hurt her mother when she was distant.
“You look good today, Rena,” Cicily said.
“Thank you, Mother,” Rena said
“You have a wonderful home, a very protective mate, and a baby on the way,” Cicily said, her eyes tearing. “My baby grew up and I didn’t even get to see it happen. I missed so much.”
“It’s not your fault,” Rena said. “You had no control over what happened.”
“Would you…” Cicily licked her lips. “Would you maybe want to go baby shopping tomorrow? Just the two of us?”
Beren squeezed her hand, and Rena knew he was encouraging her to accept her mother’s offer. They’d had very little alone time together.
“I’d like that,” Rena said.
She’d once asked her mother about her birth father, and Cicily had said she’d fallen in with the wrong crowd. Rena’s father was part of the Russian mob on Earth -- not that Rena understood what that was -- and had cast Cicily aside when he’d discovered she was pregnant. The Vaaden warriors sent to search for her had found Rena in an orphanage, abandoned and unwanted. While Rena hated that her mother had been taken as a slave, she was grateful for the time she’d had with Kryon. He’d been a wonderful father and had always shown her love and affection.
In some ways, Beren reminded her of Kryon. They were both hardworking, devoted to their people, and very loving toward their families. Beren had worked with the council to get Rena’s family here, and she was very grateful. Even though she was still getting acquainted with her mother and siblings, she loved them. She’d gone from being alone, being property, to being surrounded by love and kindness. Some days it was overwhelming.
Beren leaned in close, his lips brushing her ear. “I love you, my sweet mate. You’re my heart, my entire world, my everything.”
“I love you too, Beren. So very much. You’ve given me everything.”
He placed his hand on her growing belly. “No, it’s you who has given me everything. And I will spend the rest of my life making sure I’m worthy of such a gift.”
He kissed her softly, and Rena knew that no matter what the future brought, they could handle it. Because they had the love and support of their families, and they had each other. Rena’s mother had told her something the first time they’d met, that all things were possible through love. She hadn’t understood at first, but now she did. With the love of her family, the love of her mate, and the child growing in her womb, Rena knew that she could handle anything that came her way.
She’d survived slavery. Had found an amazing male. Been reunited with her family. Rena had once despaired that she would ever be free, and now she had so much more than just her freedom.
“I love you,” she told everyone seated at the table. “All of you.”
“And we love you,” Kryon said, with a wink.
Rena smiled and leaned her head against Beren’s shoulder. She might not know what tomorrow would bring, but she knew she’d be happy because she was loved, and that was all that mattered.
Dear Reader
Thank you so much for purchasing a copy of Rena and the Alien Warrior. I know Rena’s story was a little darker than the past books, but she was quite adamant that I tell her story. And I couldn’t have found a better mate for Beren. Through love they’re able to heal one another, and I honestly do believe that through love all things are possible.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed writing the Intergalactic Brides series and your support has meant so much to me. When I first started book one, Brielle and the Alien Geek¸ I never dreamed the series would be this long! It’s because of you that I’ve been able to continue writing in this world. It’s my hope to release more books in the Intergalactic Brides, Intergalactic Loyalties, and Cy-Con series, so stay tuned for updates!
If you enjoyed reading Rena and Beren’s story, I would love it if you’d take a moment to leave a short review. Let other people know what you loved, or didn’t love, about the story.
Until next time…
Jessica Coulter Smith
Jessica Coulter Smith
Award-winning author Jessica Coulter Smith has been in love with the written word since she was a child writing her first stories in crayon. Today she’s a multi-published author of over seventy-five novellas and novels. Romance is an integral part of her world and spills over from her professional life into her personal one. When she went on that first date with her husband, she never expected to hear the words “marry me” pop out of his mouth -- and judging by the shocked look on his face, he hadn’t meant to say them either. But, being the hopeless romantic that she is, Jessica said yes and they’ve been married since 2000.
Jessica firmly believes that love will find you at the right time, even if Mr. Right is literally out of this world. She’s often gazed at the stars and wondered what, or who, else might be out there. Who’s to say that hunky model on the hottest romance bestseller isn’t really from some far off galaxy? Maybe that blue Martian you saw at Halloween wasn’t really in costume. After all, there’s an awful lot of space out there for us to be the only ones living in it.
Jessica loves to hear from her readers! You can follow her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jessicacoultersmithauthor and Twitter https://twitter.com/kitcatjms. Visit her website: http://www.jessicacoultersmith.com. Want to be noticed of new releases or special discounts? Sign up for her newsletter! http://eepurl.com/bwPvbT. Find more books by Jessica Coulter Smith at http://www.changelingpress.com/author.php?uid=144.
Rena and the Alien Warrior (Intergalactic Brides Book 16) Page 12
