A New Time

by Donna Steele

  “The old ‘I’m not good with people’ thing you believe about yourself?” Dee asked.

  “It’s true, or it was before you.”

  “Can we get it back?” Dee’s voice shook again at those words, but she couldn’t control it any longer.

  “You weren’t running away from me? You weren’t trying to disappear, to keep Erica from me?”

  It slammed into her with a force she wasn’t prepared for. That’s what he thought?

  “Oh God, no! Running away? Never! Not from you. I can’t tell you what happened that day. I don’t know if labor caused it.” She looked away a moment as something tried to form in her mind, a memory. “Protect you.”

  “What?”

  “Was I acting paranoid?”

  “Yes.”

  “I can’t remember clearly. You were in danger.” A headache began to form. She rubbed lightly at her temples.

  “Danger? From what?”

  She saw Dusty shift to the edge of the seat, toward her, a first in far too long. She held out her hand and he grasped it, moving beside her. The headache retreated at his touch.

  “Something to do with scales.”

  “You said that earlier. What kind of scales?”

  “Like on a reptile.” Her whole body shuddered and to her joy and relief, he drew her into his arms and pulled her onto his lap. She couldn’t stop the tears.

  “I’m sorry, Dee, I’m sorry.”

  She shook her head, unable to speak.

  “I’ve shut you out since we got home. Why can’t I learn what a stupid thing that is? God, Dee, I need you. You think you feel weak, but I was raised in the old times, where men didn’t show emotions, not like now. I’m not whole without you.”

  She snuggled in, feeling safer than she could remember. And he gave her the time to cry. She thought he cried as well.

  When she finally sat up, he handed her a tissue, though he wiped away the remaining tears with the tips of his fingers.

  “You dreamed about alligator men.” She shivered at his words, as the memory of shimmering blue and green scales returned.

  “I dreamed the same. A lot of people did. It made the internet, do you remember?”

  “Yes.” She did remember now that he’d said it. “The alligator men. I’d forgotten.”

  “Didn’t the dreams stop?”

  “For a little while.”

  “When did they come back?”

  She searched her mind, but finally gave up. “I don’t know.”

  “Could it have been when I was out of town?”

  “I don’t remember. That’s not your fault, Dusty.” She rested her head on his chest again.

  “We’ll get back to that. Did anyone ever come into the ER about the alligator men?”

  She jerked, meeting his eyes. “Yes. I didn’t treat any of them, but I recall they talked about it in the lounge, laughed about it.”

  “Was that before I went to Atlanta?”

  “Yes, it had to be because I remember it. What are you thinking?”

  “Not sure yet. I’d like to know more about the phenomena.”

  “Why? There are no alligator men.”

  “No, but whatever bothered you, you remember scales. You mentioned Angie had scales in one of your dreams. You reassured me you weren’t jealous, but you dreamed about her. She had blue-green scales around her throat, I think you told me.”

  “Yes.”

  “Would you be willing to be hypnotized to try to regain those memories? There are so many missing pieces. What happened to you was so far beyond the pregnancy.”

  “I think I have to.”

  “Does anyone at the hospital practice hypnosis?”

  She snuggled in. “Yes, but how can we go to a stranger? If it’s related to the time travel, it could be dangerous. I could blurt out something we couldn’t explain. Dad does it, in his practice.”

  “Your father? Do you think he’d do it?”

  “We’d have to ask. He doesn’t treat family as a rule.”

  “I’m going to call him. He hasn’t seen Erica in a couple of weeks, so I’m sure he’s anxious to return.”

  Dee chuckled; Dad had been as besotted as possible by their daughter. Before he could place the call, his cell rang. “Hello? Dad?”

  “I’m back in the country and overcome with the need to meet my granddaughter!” Dee could hear his father clearly and smiled.

  “Have both grandfathers come,” she whispered and Dusty nodded.

  When he’d broken the connection, Dee looked into his eyes. “I have a question.”

  “Go ahead.”

  “How did you find me? I know I dismantled the equipment, though I don’t remember doing it. You shouldn’t have been able to locate me.” She was surprised as an abashed expression came over his face. “Dusty?”

  “I . . . I was frantic. Sherry came over and she pinged Leonard. They both jumped in without hesitation. When Leonard couldn’t get a rise from your GPS, we called the police.”

  Dee blinked. No one had told her that.

  “They were no help whatsoever. Told us to contact hospitals on our own. I grabbed Sherry, shook her. I didn’t mean to, but I probably bruised her. Leonard forced me to let go and then I had to apologize so she’d forgive me. She sent me to splash some water on my face. Instead, I . . . I called out to the woman who comes at our crises.”

  Dee gasped. “The woman in the flesh colored robe?” That never occurred to her.

  “I didn’t really expect an answer. I know neither of us was convinced she exists. I was desperate, frantic. I know now she does exist. I don’t know how, but the information appeared in my head. Along with a damn good headache, and I knew exactly where you were. You can ask Sherry. I didn’t deviate from my course once.”

  “You drove like a bat out of hell?”

  “Yeah.” Dusty grinned, finally getting some pleasure from the memory. “Scared the shit out of Sherry, but I wasn’t paying any attention to her. I only knew I had to get to you, and fast. She was there.”

  “What?”

  “When Erica was born, I saw her again.”

  Dee stared hard at Dusty. What had Gail said? Your eyes are clear again. Dusty’s were as well now, and more green than brown. And to her joy, filled with love again. His fear had receded.

  How could she not have seen he was afraid?

  The fear was gone. She was in his arms.

  They would get to the bottom of this together.

  Chapter 21

  Dee relaxed against Dusty, feeling like she was finally home again. They still didn’t know what caused her actions, but they’d work together now.

  She glanced up to find his eyes on hers. “Dusty, I want you.”

  “It’s too soon.” His response, while politically correct, couldn’t keep his body from betraying itself to her.

  “Well, we can’t do high gymnastics or swing from any chandeliers, but there are a lot of other—”

  She yelped and her arms went around Dusty’s neck as he all but leapt to his feet with her in his arms and headed to the bedroom.

  Her light laugh ceased as he eased her gently to the bed, his hand caressing beneath her untucked blouse. The other already worked on the buttons.

  Dee placed her hand on his to stop him. “Wait. My body doesn’t look like it—”

  His lips shut her up, taking possession as he continued to remove her blouse.

  “Dusty—”

  He tossed her top over his shoulder and gazed down at her. “You are so beautiful.”

  She couldn’t meet his eyes, as his fingers unfastened her nursing bra. “This one isn’t very sexy.”

  “It works for me. If you want, what about Daphne�
��s designs? You should check the M and D collection. I’m sure she made something sexy for every occasion.”

  “Bite me,” she chuckled.

  She barely had time to see the gleam in his eyes before he was between her legs, his teeth gently nipping at her soft inner thigh. She couldn’t stop her gasp. Then his tongue pressed, tasting other parts.

  “You taste different again.”

  “What?” she attempted to concentrate on his words.

  “When we lived in Braddock’s Crossing you tasted one way. When we returned, you tasted tangier. The pregnancy, I suppose. Now . . . you know how a perfectly ripe peach tastes, sweet and firm. Perfect.”

  He must have noticed her tears, because he slid up her body, taking her lips again. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

  “I’m not crying.”

  “Really?”

  “I . . . I just never . . . thought I’d hear . . .”

  “God, I’ve been away too long. Never again. I can’t be away from you.” He kissed her long and slow for several heartbeats, then returned to his previous occupation as she melted beneath him.

  He hadn’t forgotten anything; teasing, biting, lifting her over and into ecstasy. She shattered with a cry and felt his arms go around her, holding her safe.

  Before completely back to herself, Dee felt his lips close around her nipple.

  “Careful, my milk . . .”

  Her caution came too late. He laved her nipple, taking a sip of her milk.

  “I’m sorry.” She tried to cover herself with her arm.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I don’t . . . are you repulsed?”

  “I don’t know what kind of morons you used to hang with or what you’ve been reading, but the last thing I am is repulsed. It’s warm and a touch sweet and the perfect ambrosia for our princess.”

  Emotion closed her throat. How had she lived without this, without him?

  “I think you need said princess.” Dusty rose and jogged toward the nursery.

  “Wait, you haven’t—”

  “You can’t imagine what I have,” he shot back over his shoulder, speeding up.

  He returned quickly with Erica cuddled close.

  “She was awake, waiting for me.” He slipped the baby into her arms and Dee brought her to her breast.

  To her surprise, and utter relief, Dusty reclined beside them, gazing at them with such love.

  ~ ~ ~

  Dusty settled onto his side, resting on his elbow as Dee nursed Erica. He’d wanted to do this for weeks. This was where he belonged, appreciating his women at their most fundamental—Dee feeding their child from her body.

  I hadn’t allowed myself.

  She’d been worried about him seeing her body. She was always lovely, though he had to admit the sight of her, nude, gave him pause. Her ribs were apparent now and her pelvic bones stuck out. Hell, she’d been wasting away, and he hadn’t allowed himself to notice. Her breasts were larger due to the nursing, but the clothes she’d worn had been hiding the truth from him.

  This was his fault as surely as allowing her to be overtaken by her dreams. At least he could start correcting this. Her favorite Thai would be delivered for dinner and he would make sure she took care of herself now.

  Guilt haunted him. She might think his leaving for a couple of days for a business trip wasn’t a big deal, but the havoc it caused still reverberated as world shattering. The reason behind it might still be missing, but he hadn’t protected her as he should have, independent, strong woman or not. He’d never forgive himself even if she truly did.

  ~ ~ ~

  Erica hadn’t been so content since she’d been in this body. Her parents were so relaxed and . . . together. The tension was gone. They were physically close to one another, which happened rarely.

  Daddy worried about Momma, but differently than before. It wasn’t a helpless worry now. New resolve filled him.

  They were lying beside each other on the large soft surface, and she lay between them as they talked to her and to each other.

  There was a different tone to their voices.

  It was a phenomenon she needed to explore and ensure it continued.

  If only they could understand her. Their minds weren’t quite sophisticated enough to pick up her communications yet. That was a change Erica needed to make, but not until she grew more confident of her abilities in this body.

  For now, she would bask in the love permeating the room.

  Chapter 22

  Home World of the Malveks

  “Would your mate agree to talk to me?” Braxal asked Gsark. It was a difficult request to make. Females were never consulted, rarely considered other than for spawning. This was a request the older warriors could never accept.

  “You wish to confer with Ledda?” Gsark’s surprise was evident though Braxal could tell he attempted to hide it.

  “Only with your permission and presence. I wish to know her thoughts on this plan with my own ears.”

  Gsark bared his teeth in a grin. “She would be wary yet honored. If I am by her side, I believe she would speak with you.”

  Braxal nodded.

  The notion of conferring with a female never occurred to him prior to meeting Gsark. Now, the perception of having such a relationship of his own entered his thoughts on occasion.

  Much was changing.

  ~ ~ ~

  Braxal presented himself at Gsark’s quarters once again. The three older warrior sons were at training. The two younger sons were not present.

  Ledda stood beside Gsark, wearing a light green covering this time. Aware of what a healthy and pleasing figure she presented, Braxal pondered searching for a female outside of his clan to strengthen his line.

  He had never heard of such a practice, yet Gsark and Ledda were not blood kin and they had produced five warriors. It was a new idea. More than one clan of the Malveks would not last another generation.

  This information could be contemplated later. He was here about more immediate concerns.

  He bowed slightly to Ledda. “My thanks for speaking with me.”

  “I am honored, Warrior Braxal, though I also admit to confusion that you wish to speak with me as well as Gsark.”

  “Gsark has told me how he values your counsel. It is a different perspective and I would wish to learn from it. Your mate has been more than disconcerting to me on my new journey of discovery.”

  Ledda bowed again, a pleased expression on her face.

  Gsark led them to a sunlit area and they arranged themselves in the warmth.

  “I am told you see value in an expedition to the planet Earth without the violence of conquering it,” Braxal began.

  Ledda glanced over at Gsark before replying. “That is true. I am aware of the injury to both of our mind talkers and the temporary dishevelment of both Gsark and you when they were injured. If you are correct, the Guardians accomplished this from such a vast distance, invasion might be considered impossible. Much unnecessary destruction and costly loss of life could result.”

  “Should we not seek revenge for the injury to our mind talkers?” Braxal probed.

  “They were not killed. I received word our mind talker, through the efforts of yours, has regained life and is awake.”

  “I had not heard. I am pleased my mind talker was of assistance.”

  “Gsark has told me he spoke of the plan enlisting the aid of the Guardians to find new spawning grounds for our sons and yours. If the Guardians do not wish us to advance through invasion and violence, perhaps they would listen to envoys,” Ledda said.

  “My mate has thought on this for some time and questioned me often. I see her wisdom in the idea,” Gsark offered.

  “How do you see su
ch an expedition occurring?” Braxal asked, repositioning to bring warmth to his other side.

  “As I proposed earlier,” Gsark said, “I see taking two ships. My flagship and yours. I do not propose attempting a landing on the planet. According to our mind talkers, most Earthers are not aware of other species in the universe.” Gsark shifted and nodded at his mate. “When the Guardians become aware of our approach,” he added, “they will know there is no invasion planned with such a small contingent. We would not be considered a threat, merely a first contact.”

  “You still believe we can negotiate with them for other planets? After what happened?” Braxal pressed.

  “I cannot know. I do know they did not harm us as a species. Yes, our mind talkers were injured, but there has been no retaliation for the probes we conducted on Earth.” Ledda bowed slightly.

  Braxal considered their words, sharing his regard between Ledda and Gsark. “Continue.”

  Gsark spoke. “My proposal is a minimal contingent of soldiers, and I would ask to have my three oldest warrior sons accompany me. I would invite your warrior sons as well. I would wish for Sandarc to travel on your ship to learn from you during this voyage. I would welcome your eldest aboard my own ship for the same if you are amenable.”

  “You would risk your sons on such a voyage?”

  “They must learn all they can before they are on their own. And I still have two warrior sons here, under Ledda’s care. Denrk and Loris will travel with me.”

  “I must think on this matter.”

  “Of course. Your mind talker would also be welcome.”

  “Would your mind talker be well enough for such a journey?”

  “I hope that he will be. There has been much progress with Axal’s help.”

  “Axal?”

  “Your mind talker. They have named one another for ease in communication. Axal and Sark.”