Abby laughed and whisked herself out of the room. “I’ll leave you three to settle that one.”
N’tana glared at Inzen, seemingly undeterred by the fact that he was twice her size. “My patient deserves privacy.”
“My mate does not need privacy from me.”
“Then why don’t you put her down and let her speak for herself?”
He reluctantly placed her on the bed, his tail lingering on her wrist as he stood up. “Do you want me to leave, letari?”
Actually, she would probably have preferred to be alone with the medic, but he looked so anxious that she didn’t have the heart to tell him to go. “No, it’s fine if you stay.”
N’tana snorted. “Fine. As long as he doesn’t interfere.”
“Why would I interfere?”
The medic ignored him and turned back to Jade. “Please remove your clothing.”
“What? No!” Inzen roared.
Both of them looked at him, and he ducked his head. “I apologize. Do you want me to assist you, Jade?”
Well, yes, but this wasn’t the time or place for that. Instead, she shook her head. “No, thanks.”
“I will stand over here,” he muttered, turning to look out the window. His shoulders were stiff with tension, his tail lashing anxiously.
As she started to undress, she regretted turning him down. Her muscles were tight and aching from the shock. N’tana stepped in as she fumbled with her shirt, her thin fingers cool and soothing as she helped Jade strip off her clothes and then bent closer to examine her neck injury.
“The damage to your neck is only superficial.” N’tana smoothed a blue cream along the lines where the shock collar had been, and Jade felt an instant easing of the lingering soreness. Then the medic brought out a small scanner and ran it over her. “Your brainwaves are normal and your heart rhythm is stable. There should be no lingering effects from the shock. The stiffness in your muscles should go away with time but it would help to soak in a warm bath. I will leave some crystals for you to add to the water.”
N’tana had been moving the scanner over her body as she spoke and she suddenly paused as she passed it over Jade’s stomach.
“You were taken from your planet?” she said, frowning.
“That’s right.”
“How long ago?”
“I’m not really sure at this point. Maybe four weeks? Why?”
“Hmm.” N’tana drew a sheet over her, then stood up and turned to face Inzen, still standing by the window. “I need to speak to your mate alone. This is not negotiable.”
“Why? What is wrong?” He took a quick step towards the bed.
“Alone,” N’tana repeated.
Jade’s heart thudded against her chest. What had the medic found?
“Please, Inzen. Just for a minute,” she whispered.
He gave her an agonized look, but he nodded. “I will be right outside the door. If you need anything, call for me.”
As the door closed behind him, N’tana sighed and sat down on the bed next to her.
“I’m sorry about that, my dear, but I need to ask you some questions and I wasn’t sure that he could handle the answers.”
“What questions? You’re scaring me.”
N’tana’s cool fingers closed around hers. “There is no need for fear. Whatever you decide, I will make sure that your wishes are obeyed.”
“Decide about what?” she cried.
The medic hesitated. “I must ask, were you abused after you were taken?”
“You don’t consider this abuse? It’s the second time I’ve been shocked.”
“Yes, of course, that is abuse, but I meant abuse of a sexual nature. Whatever you say will remain strictly between the two of us,” she added when Jade stared at her. “While I don’t recommend keeping secrets from each other, I understand that you may not wish your mate to know.”
“No, there was nothing like that. I was lucky enough to be rescued before anything happened. Twice,” she said with a shudder.
N’tana sat back, a relieved smile on her lips. “In that case, I hope this will be good news. My dear, you are with child.”
Her ears rang. She must have misheard. “What? No, that’s not possible.”
“Why not?”
“I tried for so long on Earth. It took years to become pregnant with Lily. It can’t have happened again.” Despite her protests, a faint dizzying hope began to emerge. Her eyes filled with tears.
“I can assure you that it did.” N’tana frowned at her. “You are unhappy? Because there are alternatives—”
“No! No, I’m not the least bit unhappy. Are you sure?”
“Very sure.”
Joy filled her so completely that she felt as if she were floating. But she needed Inzen here to share in her happiness. “Inzen!”
He burst through the door so quickly he almost took it off its hinges. As he took in the tears now streaming down her face, he growled and advanced on N’tana.
“What have you done to her?”
“She hasn’t done anything,” Jade said quickly, holding out her hand to him. “I have the most wonderful news.”
“What news?” Still eyeing N’tana suspiciously, he took her hand.
“We’re going to have a baby!”
Her strong Cire warrior actually stumbled, collapsing to his knees next to the bed.
“A child?” he whispered.
“Yes. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“But you said…”
“I know. Apparently, I was wrong.” He was still staring at her, his face unreadable. “What’s the matter? Aren’t you happy?”
“Happy? Oh, my love.”
He threw his arms around her waist and buried his head in her lap, his shoulders shaking. She heard the door close behind N’tana, but she was too busy running a soothing hand over Inzen’s head to care.
“I never thought to be so blessed,” he said when he finally raised his head. He laid a reverent hand over her stomach. “Another daughter.”
“It could be a boy, you know.”
“And I would be just as pleased with a son. But I think we will have a daughter. And her name will be Hana in honor of your grandmother.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
The door opened and she looked up, expecting to see N’tana, but instead, a small brown head peeked around the corner.
“Mama sleep?”
“No, baby. Come join us.”
She held out her hand and Lily flew across the room. Inzen lifted her onto the bed and then settled down with his arms around both of them, his tail curved protectively across Jade’s stomach. Outside the rain continued to pour down but it didn’t matter. The three of them were safe and warm and together.
It had taken being captured by aliens, but at last, she had the family she always wanted.
Epilogue
Twenty-one months later…
“Mama,” Lily demanded as she came racing into the shop.
Jade put down the dress she’d been working on and smiled at her daughter. “What is it, baby?”
Lily came over and leaned against her side, her attention caught by the tiny garment. “Whatcha making?”
“A dress for Hana for her birthday.” Her miraculous second daughter was turning one tomorrow. Well, maybe not so miraculous, she thought, her hand going to her stomach. She had snuck away for a visit to the medic this morning and the doctor confirmed Jade’s suspicions: she was pregnant again. Her reproductive system apparently functioned just fine when a Cire male was involved. She couldn’t wait to tell Inzen but for now, she hugged her secret to herself.
“It’s pretty.” Lily nodded approvingly as she studied the dress with a critical eye. Jade already suspected that she would carry on the family tradition. Their daughter loved to spend time in the shop and had already learned some very basic stitches.
“Thank you,” she said solemnly.
“Where’s Auntie Cassie?” Lily asked.
�
�She’s at the other shop.”
After the terrible incident with the Ruijin, Cassie had finally started to make peace with her. She had actually agreed to Jade’s suggestion about the shop window and began to listen to her marketing advice. Most of all, she had finally let her start sewing. By the time Hana was born, the two women were full partners. Six months ago, they opened a second location to satisfy the growing demand. Cassie wasn’t quite young enough to be Jade’s daughter, but she felt an almost maternal pride in watching the younger woman continue to find both her confidence and her peace of mind.
Lily fiddled with Jade’s ring, her lip poking out. Inzen had bought the ring back and generously compensated B’hira for the loss of the pink flyer. Nothing could make up for the pain Gokan had caused B’gento, but the Trevelorian had assured Jade that she didn’t blame her, and despite her lingering feeling of guilt, the two had become close friends.
Lily twirled the ring again and Jade hugged her closer.
“What’s wrong, baby? Did you need me for something?”
“Dada won’t let me play wif Hana.”
Jade hid a smile. They had been concerned that Lily would be jealous, but from the beginning she demonstrated an almost proprietary interest in her sister and wanted to be involved in everything to do with her.
“Why not?”
“Nap time,” Lily said gloomily. She had given up her morning nap recently and didn’t understand why Hana still took one.
“She needs her rest, baby. Remember that the two of you are spending the night with Auntie TeShawna tonight.” Abby’s long-ago prediction had come true. As soon as Jade and Cassie established a relationship, the other woman had come around.
“Yay!” Lily cheered, then gave her an anxious look. “Yous okay without us?”
Jade hid another smile. “Yes, baby. We’ll be fine.”
In fact, she had already made some definite plans for tonight, even before she found out the news. Inzen had been a little doubtful about letting the girls spend the night away from them, but she intended to take advantage of every minute.
As if her thoughts had conjured him up, he appeared in the doorway, Hana’s tiny body tucked against one broad shoulder. Their daughter was a perfect mingling of the two of them. Her features were very like Jade’s, but her skin was a pale green and she had a tiny, adorable tail.
“I thought it was nap time?” she asked, raising her eyebrow.
“So did I, but Bobo has gone missing again.” Lily had ceremoniously presented Hana with the stuffed animal a month ago, and now they had a second daughter who wouldn’t sleep without him. “The monitor says he is in here.”
“Here he is!” Lily announced, pulling him out from under a pile of fabric and handing him to Hana who squealed happily.
“How in the world did he get there?” she asked.
“Perhaps he wanted to give me an excuse to kiss my beautiful mate.” Inzen’s eyes darkened as he bent over and brushed his mouth against hers, his tail curving around her waist. Even that small touch awakened her need for him, and her body responded.
“Yous kissing again,” Lily said.
“Yes, we are,” Inzen agreed as he straightened back up, his tail flicking teasingly across her now erect nipples. “Your mama needs a lot of kissing.”
“Me too!”
“You too, little one.” He scooped Lily up in his other arm and she kissed his cheek before nestling against him and patting Hana’s back.
“Can you take them both back to the house? I want to finish Hana’s dress today so I can give you all my attention tonight.”
She deliberately licked her lips and saw his eyes darken again.
“I am very… eager for your attention.”
“Tonight,” she promised.
After Inzen left to take the girls to TeShawna’s that evening, Jade hurried to their bedroom to prepare. With Hana’s birth, they had decided they needed more room but rather than move away, Inzen bought the property behind them and added on to the house instead. Just as well, she thought, her hand caressing her stomach again.
Their new bedroom was larger and more spacious, but it still opened out to a private garden. She opened the doors to the garden, letting the sound of the fountain fill the room as she lit the small lanterns. The bedroom lights were already set to low and she undressed quickly, knowing he wouldn’t be gone long. The silken rope went over a rafter, then she slipped her hands into the wrist loops, and waited, shivering with anticipation.
Inzen hurried back across the garden. He was still not entirely sure about leaving the girls for the night, but he intended to take full advantage of being alone with his mate. She had been teasing him all afternoon with light touches and whispered promises. He threw open the door to their room and forgot how to breathe.
Jade was suspended from the rafters, her slender arms stretched above her head and her slim golden body glowing in the soft light. He stalked forward, noticing that her nipples were already taut with excitement and the heady scent of her arousal mixed with her natural sweet, spicy fragrance. She was completely naked except for a sparkling green stone suspended between her breasts. After everything that had happened, the idea of a mating bracelet no longer had the same appeal. Instead, they had agreed to put the jewels aside for the girls—all except for one perfect stone, which he had made into this necklace.
She wore it constantly, usually hidden beneath her clothes, but he liked knowing that she wore a symbol of their joining. He traced a finger along the thin gold chain, lingering between her breasts as he circled the stone, and saw her shiver.
“I like you clad only in this.”
“I know you do.” Her gaze flicked down to where his cock was straining at his pants. “And I like you clad in nothing at all.”
He quickly stripped away his clothes, and returned to her, his shaft a heated bar between them as his tail circled her waist and pulled her closer. Her hands were still stretched above her head, and he ran his hand up them until he found a silken cord circling her wrists and leading up to the rafters. Some primitive instinct roared approval at the idea of her bound for his pleasure.
“What is this?”
“I said something once about you leaving me hanging. You thought I meant it literally and I… liked the idea.” She grasped the cord above her wrists and lifted her weight, spinning in a slow circle so he could admire all of her delightful body.
“Hmm, I can see the advantages. I can tease these impudent little nipples.” He bent his head and sucked a taut bud deep into his mouth. “Or fill my hands with your luscious little ass.” He spun her around, then lifted her easily to kiss a line between her quivering cheeks.
Since she was already at the perfect height, he spun her again and pressed his mouth to her delicious cunt. He groaned as her sweet taste flooded his mouth. Her body arched backwards, opening her even more to his touch and he focused on the hard little nub of her pleasure receptacle, bringing her to a quick, hard climax.
Oh, yes, he definitely approved of this idea of hers.
As her shudders died away, he drew her back down his body until she was perched just above the straining head of his cock. He rubbed her slowly back and forth along the thick nubbed length, prolonging both their pleasure.
“Inzen, please.”
At her whispered plea, he brought her down over his cock in one long, hard stroke. She cried out and once again arched backwards, her body in a taut, beautiful line. He bent forward, his hand supporting her as he enclosed her breast in his mouth, licking and sucking the quivering flesh as he began a slow, rocking rhythm, letting her swing out and back on his cock. His tail circled beneath her, probing gently, before finally slipping inside her bottom hole. The additional tightness sent a shock of pleasure through his system, and he could feel her quivering, on the verge of climax. His patience deserted him and he abandoned his leisurely pace, thrusting with mindless desire as she convulsed around him. Fire raced down his spine and the base of his cock expanded, i
mpossibly tight now, as his release swept over him and he called out her name, clinging to her with desperate hands as he exploded deep inside her.
With the last of his strength, he carried her to the bed and collapsed, their bodies still locked together and his heart full.
“I have something to tell you,” his mate whispered a few minutes later and he tried to force aside the lazy contentment filling him to focus on her.
“What is that, my love? You are opening a third location?”
She laughed. “Well, I’ve been thinking about it, but I think I’m going to wait for another year. I think I’m going to be rather busy.”
“Yes?” he asked absently, his hand curving around her breast. When she laughed, they bounced most delightfully.
“I’m going to be busy because—oh!”
She gasped as he pulled gently on the taut little bud of her nipple, bigger and darker now than when they had met. Unable to resist, he lowered his head to taste the tempting morsel of flesh and she moaned. His barely softened cock jerked as her snug little cunt tightened around him when he increased the pressure. So sensitive, he thought approvingly. She was always responsive to his touch, but she hadn’t been this sensitive since…
A sudden wild hope beat in his heart, and he lifted his head. “What did you want to tell me?”
“Later,” she said, trying to tug his head back down. “That feels so good.”
“I will make it feel even better,” he promised. “After you tell me.”
Her face lit up and he knew he had guessed correctly even before she spoke.
“We’re going to have another baby.”
Even though he had thought himself drained, his cock was once again fully erect and he saw her eyes widen before she smiled up at him.
“I can tell you like the idea.”
“I love the idea that you are pregnant with my child,” he said firmly as his hips gave an involuntary thrust forward and they both moaned.
“Good. Then about your promise to make me feel even better…”
“A Cire warrior always fulfills a promise,” he agreed, and proceeded to do just that.
Daughter of the Alien Warrior Page 17
