by A. R. Ford
“Warlord Bolden, my apologies!” he croaked.
A choked whine of pain burst from his open mouth when I moved away. But Trildail’s punishment was not yet complete. My thumb and middle finger caught his hand in precise locations on the palm and top of his hand. Gradually exerted pressure from the two digits crushed a metacarpal.
“Accidents. Every. Damned. Day,” I hissed. “All day long.” A slight shift of the position of my fingers, along with additional pressure, snapped another bone in his hand. “Such a pity.” A hand came to rest on Trildail’s shoulder as my body levered toward his, close enough that he could hear every word that came in a whisper meant only for his ears. “If anything happens to Gracie, you will pay. After what I have managed with a foot and two fingers, just imagine what I could do to you with an assortment of weapons. I would take great pleasure in filleting the flesh from your bones while you still lived. Do I make myself clear, Trildail? Just nod.”
A frantic nod and moan came from the man who thought to threaten my mate without retribution. “Y-Yes!”
“Good.” The pressure of my fingers released. In one graceful movement, I caught the good counselor as he collapsed while nodding at a guard stationed not far away. The guard came forward at the same moment I released Trildail. “See that this man makes it home safely. He has had a bit much to drink.”
When I turned to walk to the table I shared with Gracie, a rift of concern twisted in my gut. Only Zanzi and Etaiks stood there. “Where is Gracie?” I inquired in the voice reserved to keep others calm.
“She stepped out to use the restroom,” Zanzi replied. She turned her attention back to Etaiks.
Trildail’s threats, followed by Gracie’s disappearance to the restroom, did not ease my worries. Something about this entire scenario felt wrong.
“Which restroom did she visit?” My question was answered with Etaiks’s gesture toward a short hall not far from where our table sat.
After making my way to the restroom, I stood outside, ears straining for any sound. Foot tapping impatiently, I vowed to wait for a few more seconds. Then, regardless of who was in the restroom, I would enter and see that my mate was safe.
Chapter 11: Gracie
The joy of being pregnant was occasionally overshadowed by certain negative aspects. Having to empty my bladder often was one such aspect. A few minutes after Zayn left the table to speak with some guests, his son landed a well-placed kick directly on my bladder. I knew if I did not visit the restroom now, wetting myself would ruin the emerald and gold gown Zayn had ordered from a seamstress in a distant town.
At my whispered question, Zanzi beckoned to the nearest restroom which was not far from where we sat. I excused myself, and wove through the crowd near the podium where the musicians played. Once I finished up in the stall, I moved to the long stone counter containing multiple sinks. Before I could wash and dry my hands, the door opened. I cast a glance in the direction of the door with a polite, “Hello.”
“If it isn’t Warlord Bolden’s mate in the flesh.” Eilphe’s clicks and purrs instantly irritated me. “Imagine such a grand affair being held in your honor. You really have impressed him, haven’t you?”
Giving one final glance in the mirror at my appearance, I ignored Eilphe’s digs. A single swipe of the gloss over my lips restored what had worn away. “If you will excuse me. I must return to my mate before he comes looking for me.”
Eilphe’s three-fingered hand came to rest on my shoulder. The pretzel-like digits, with knobby protrusions at each joint and fingertips, made my skin crawl. “I haven’t finished with you.”
How dare she? I knew for certain that mean girls lived in every corner of the galaxy. And earth had in no way cornered the market on Eilphe’s particular type of mean-spirited behavior. Straightening my back, and pulling back my shoulders, I stood toe to toe with her.
“I have finished with you, Eilphe. Unless, of course, you would like for me to cause a scene which would lead to someone coming to investigate. You would not want that, would you?”
I was unprepared for the violent shove Eilphe gave me. The slick soles of the slippers did little to help my feet remain steady. Feet skittering on the floor, arms wind milling, I fought against gravity as it did its job flawlessly. I landed hard on the floor. In the process, the wall managed to catch my head while a low metal trash can bit into one elbow. Stars spun in my field of vision for a moment.
All hell broke loose the next instant.
I managed, somehow, to rise to my feet. I flew at Eilphe with a shriek of rage. My fingers curled into claws aimed at those luminous eyes. One finger managed to gouge an eye. Eilphe’s shout of pain joined my growl of aggression. A few fingernails managed to leave bloody trails down one cheek. Zayn burst into the restroom just as I drew back my fist. No one was stopping me now.
My fist connected with Eilphe’s nose with a satisfying crunch and spurting blood. She crumpled to the floor moaning in agony.
“What is going on here?” Zayn shouted.
“Some alien bitch is getting hers,” I muttered.
With one foot drawn back, I did not give anyone a chance to stop me. A well-placed kick in Eilphe’s side brought another cry of pain. I bent over her, eyes narrowed, a pointed finger emphasizing every word I said. “Now, listen here, Eilphe. If you ever think to lay hands on me again, you’d better pack your lunch. I will wipe the floor with your skanky ass if you come anywhere near me, Zayn, or anyone I hold dear.”
Not satisfied that she understood, I landed another kick in her side.
Zayn pulled me out of the restroom before he shoved me against a wall. “Are you injured?”
“I hit my elbow on a trash can. My head hit the wall,” I explained. Zayn groaned when I raised my elbow.
“Your elbow is bleeding. Let me check your head.” Probing fingers found the lump on the back of my head. I winced when his fingers pressed against it. “What happened in there?”
“Eilphe said some really horrible things. I tried to leave. She pushed me.”
Zayn’s bellow of outrage attracted attention. In seconds, we were surrounded by a crowd of people. “Guards, arrest the woman in the restroom. She is to be held in isolation until further notice.”
Two guards entered the restroom. They returned moments later, unceremoniously dragging a sobbing Eilphe between them. Zanzi and her brother hovered by my side while Zayn whispered orders to another guard.
“We must leave,” Zayn commanded. “Dr. Ohnasi is on his way to examine you, and tend to your injuries.”
“I am okay, honestly. Can’t we stay and enjoy the ball for a while longer?” My plea was met by Zayn’s glare. Appropriately chastised, I lowered my gaze to the floor. I wanted nothing more than to deliver a few more punches to Eilphe’s face. My evening was ruined.
Zayn gathered me close, his breath caressing my ear as he spoke. “The fall could cause complications for the pregnancy. Let the doctor assure me you are unharmed. We can return.”
Every little girl has dreams of being carried to a palace by her Prince Charming. I was carried through the grand ballroom, and up a staircase every bit as grand as the one in Gone With The Wind. It did not matter if we returned to the ball. Warlord Zayn Bolden carried me, a fact that made me ecstatic.
*****
“The gel is cold. It’s the worst part of the examination,” Dr. Ohnasi announced.
I was not buying it. One minute we sat in our room waiting on a simple exam, and to get my elbow bandaged. In the next instant, Dr. Ohnasi insisted that I go to the medical center for further observation. At least the private, luxurious room provided ample comforts. And not just any room. The royal suite.
“If everything is okay, why did I have to come here?”
“Gracie, be patient and let Dr. Ohnasi do his job.” Even Zayn’s usually relaxed face was somber. A muscle twitched along his clenched jaw.
“But you are not telling me anything!” My voice rose in volume. Tears welled. My heart was froz
en with fear. What if something was wrong with our baby?
Sensing my need for reassurance, Zayn took my hand while leaning over to kiss my cheek. “I promise the baby is fine.” His eyes were glued to the screen where an image of our baby’s face appeared.
“Now, let me see,” Dr. Ohnasi murmured as he moved a gadget across my slick skin. “This may be a bit uncomfortable, Gracie. I need to press firmly here.”
I groaned when the gadget in his hand pushed hard against one side.
“Exactly as I suspected!” Dr. Ohnasi announced.
“Please tell me the baby is okay,” I whispered, tears threatening to fall at any second.
“They are fine.”
The doctor’s words eased my worries. Wait. What?
“Explain,” Zayn demanded.
“You are carrying twins. Earlier, when I examined you, Gracie, I thought I felt more than one head and buttocks. Just to ensure my suspicions were accurate, I thought an ultrasound would give us an answer. Both babies are fine. I would like to monitor their heart rates for a few hours. I can bandage your elbow. The bump on your head may make you dizzy and off balance, so I have decided …”
“She stays here,” Zayn commanded. “Until you are certain there are no other surprises lurking.”
“I will officially admit her.” Dr. Ohnasi gazed at Zayn.
What the actual heck? When did I become invisible?
Enough was enough. I waved both hands in the air between Zayn and Dr. Ohnasi. “Hello? Why are you talking about me like I am not here?” My balled-up fist caught Zayn square in the chest when he laughed at my demand.
“Right. Sorry about that, Gracie.” Dr. Ohnasi fled to the relative safety outside the room.
“You are giving me two children, Gracie. I adore you.” Zayn kissed me passionately, his big hands cupping my belly.
“And you, sir. We need to discuss a few things.” One hand caught Zayn’s shirt. A tug brought him closer. Silver eyes caressed my entire body, from head to toe.
“Yes?” he inquired with an arched brow.
Alien sex god. My original assumption about Zayn during my recovery from the genetic manipulation procedure was one hundred percent accurate.
“Why can’t I go home? This bed is stiff and lonely.”
Zayn’s laughter burst free. “I understand how a hospital bed might be stiff. But I am having difficulty understanding how a bed can be lonely.”
Another tug on the shirt forced him to place a knee on the bed beside me. “Because you are not in said bed. If I am forced to remain, you must snuggle me. I am going to be very demanding after learning you have impregnated me with not one, but two, babies.”
His hands clasped mine before tugging it until my hold on his shirt was broken. “In the event you have not noticed, little one, I am just over seven feet tall, and weigh over three hundred pounds. Your lonely bed is large enough for you and your belly to rest upon.” A thumb jerked over one shoulder at the padded bench along one wall. “I will rest there. If Dr. Ohnasi clears you tomorrow morning, I will proudly carry you from here to our room in the palace.”
“Hovercraft would be faster.”
Zayn’s tender kiss brought my hitching breath. I truly was happy with him. No one, except for my parents, and my best friend Eve, had made me feel as happy and secure as I was at this moment. “Hovercraft it is,” he agreed.
What could be more entertaining than someone trying to sleep on a bench at least a foot shorter than his seven-foot frame? Zayn’s growls, grumbles, and muffled cursing provided more than a little comic relief. Although neither of us slept a lot that night, we woke the next morning early when Dr. Ohnasi announced that all was well.
Zayn kept his promise to use the hovercraft. Zanzi, Etaiks, and a dozen other well-wishers met us at the palace entrance when we arrived. Always the congenial host, Zayn led everyone to the dining hall. He made the announcement about learning we were expecting twins to those who gathered there to partake in the morning meal with us.
“Congratulations!” Zanzi and Etaiks squealed at the same moment. Their sentiments were echoed by others at the table.
It was definitely a busy morning at the palace. While I stood talking to a group of guests, a guard appeared in the dining hall.
“Cael Bolden requests permission to visit, sir,” the guard informed Zayn.
“Is this your brother?” I inquired with an arched brow. I could have sworn Zayn told me he was an only child.
“No, a cousin. He has been living in one of the southern territories. I wonder what brings him home?”
We did not have long to wait to find out the answer. An alien the same height and build as Zayn appeared in the dining hall. He wore armor coated with an anti-reflective camouflage design. The cousins hugged while pounding each other on the back.
“It is good to see you!” Cael stood back a step, or two, while grasping Zayn’s shoulder. “You look happy. Rumor has it you have found a mate. I suppose that is reason enough for you to be happy.”
“I am, and I have, cousin. Gracie, this is my cousin, Cael. Cael, Gracie is my mate. We learned last night we are expecting twins,” Zayn beamed. Cael nearly crushed me in a hug that raised my feet up off the floor.
“Sorry about that. I forget about being larger than humans,” Cael chuckled. “I am pleased to meet you, Gracie. Now, I have hope that my cousin will settle down, and rule our world properly with you at his side.”
“Settle down and rule properly?” Zayn punched Cael in the arm. I could tell they were close by the way they interacted with each other. Easy. Relaxed. Almost like brothers would behave.
Tiredness crept into my bones as breakfast turned into an extended social gathering. An hour after the morning meal ended, I found myself unable to hold my eyes open. My first yawn drew my mate’s attention. He called an end to everything before escorting me upstairs.
“You should spend time with Cael. I will take a nap, and be as good as new in a few hours.” My words were slurred and jumbled as drowsiness covered me.
Zayn tucked me beneath a blanket before drawing the drapes. “Promise you will rest,” he admonished. “If I hear you have been out of bed before I return, I will be forced to spank your bottom, Gracie.”
“You say the sweetest things, sometimes.”
The comment ended with a swat on my butt. Life with Zayn would never be boring. I looked forward to our lives together.
Chapter 12: Zayn
Cael’s arrival set me at ease. Both of us were only offspring. We grew up with the close bond of brothers as our close-knit families lived in the capital city. He moved to a southern territory not long after I assumed leadership of Lonus.
I felt safe spending time with Cael once I knew Gracie was tucked into bed with two guards at the door of our quarters. Gracie’s preference for walks in the royal garden influenced my decision to take Cael there. We had scarcely made it down the stairs to the first floor when the head guard from the prison approached us.
“Warlord Bolden, if I could have a moment of your time.” The grim set of his jaw was unsettling.
“Take as much time as you need.” My brows rose when the guard beckoned to an alcove on one side of the hallway. His report must be serious.
“The Dalaakian prisoner escaped last night. All guards on shift at that time have been debriefed. It appears they were overpowered through the use of an old anesthetic used by earthlings at one time. Chloroform, I believe it is called. I have assigned a dozen guards to investigate, and search for the escapee. What are your orders, sir?” The man stood at attention with his eyes focused on something unseen in the distance.
“You did well to report this. The steps you have taken are satisfactory, for now. See that the number of guards in the palace, and near my quarters, are doubled.” My whispered orders eased the guard’s tension. He sighed with relief, his posture relaxing slightly.
“As you command, sir.”
“What do you think the prisoner is up to?” Cael
muttered. “Surely someone would not dare usurp the throne?”
“Treachery runs deep, Cael. Come, let us continue our walk in the garden. Later we will discuss a plan for what lies in wait. All of us must be prepared.”
Our peaceful conversation in the garden did not veer from its purpose. If any spies lurked about, it would appear Eilphe’s escape did not perturb me in any way. While it looked like an innocent conversation with Cael, my mind moved at warp speed as I formulated a plan to protect Gracie.
“Tell me, cousin, how is the southern territory?” My arm came to rest on his shoulders. “And working as hard as you have has improved your musculature.”
“It is good, just lonely. You know I pine away for my one true mate. I have built my own home, complete with everything an uncouth savage like me needs,” he offered. “Your parents would be happy to see you with your mate. I can tell the wee thing has stolen your heart.”
Cael walked a few steps ahead of me. He admired a flower bed, barely dodging an aggressive qinzod that took insult at his close presence. “Thank the gods we do not have anything like those bastards where I live.”
“You have drawn them in with your sweetness.” Cael chuckled at my jest. Rubbing my chin thoughtfully, I asked the question that had been on my mind since Cael’s arrival. “Have you found any prospective mates?”
“Gods, no! The place is unsettled and chaotic. Only fools like me live there.” A charming grin gave a much-needed lift to the dark tone of his admission.
“I need a good man at my back here. What would it take to convince you to stay?” I observed the flow of emotions reflecting in Cael’s eyes. The deaths of his parents six months before his departure was one factor in his move. The other was the lack of fertile potential mates.
“If only I could find a mate as perfect as yours,” he grumbled. Cael’s gunmetal eyes darkened even more. “You know our parents placed the burden of ensuring the Bolden family name square on our shoulders. You are well on your way. I am the failure of the Bolden dynasty.”