“We should go,” Jakkar said, gesturing to the passageway leading away from the port. “If I know my little human, she is already fretting about our return.”
“You brought Anna?”
“And Kylesh.” Jakkar smiled. “I have opened Leijona House for the occasion so as not to wake the entire city when she cries.”
“What do you mean…your human?” Beth asked, frowning.
“My slave, of course.” He winked at Dragar and both men laughed. Beth stopped dead in her tracks.
Dragar immediately turned to her. “Do not worry, little one. He was joking. Jakkar is every bit as much Anna’s slave as she is his.”
“He is quite correct,” Jakkar said. “I’m sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you.”
Beth couldn’t detect any malicious feelings from the large warrior, so she nodded and slipped her hand into Dragar’s, following quietly as they resumed their walk. Two men moved automatically to the front of the small party, while the rest clustered around them. The men discussed the Serigali maneuvers but she paid little attention as they walked through another gate, this one open, and emerged on a landing overlooking the city.
Ballara spread out before them. It wasn’t large, especially compared to many human cities, nestled in a bowl between black stone hills. She could see people and vehicles moving but the city had a curiously deserted air and she wondered how it would feel to know that your planet was dying. Directly across from them, the hills became sharper and more jagged and she knew instinctively that the Place of Judgment lay there. She shivered and focused on the rest of the city instead.
Wide steps led down from where they stood to a plaza at the bottom. From there a broad avenue stretched across the city to what looked like a cluster of government buildings. Retail establishments clustered along the main avenue, but behind them small walled estates rose in concentric circles towards the surrounding hills. None of the buildings were more than five or six stories tall, all carved out of the same black rock that surrounded them. The brutal severity was broken only by frequent patches of greenery and the lush gardens that surrounded each house.
Dragar led the way down the steps and the entire party entered a large vehicle that lifted quietly away from the ground. Beth bit back a gasp and clung to Dragar’s hand as it accelerated rapidly. Everyone remained standing, talking easily, despite the speed and the sudden movements, as she desperately tried to keep her balance. Dragar saw her struggle and tucked her safely against his side as the city whizzed by, too fast for her to absorb.
The vehicle finally stopped and they exited in front of a high stone wall, a large gate the only break in the expanse. Jakkar exchanged a few words with an unseen guard and the gate opened, revealing one of the verdant gardens she had seen from the hill. With another clasp of Dragar’s hand, and a nod to Beth, their companions disbursed, heading for the rows of barracks that lined the inside walls. Jakkar led the way to the main house, winding along a narrow path through exotic, fragrant shrubbery. Four stories tall and with no windows on the ground floor, it didn’t appear welcoming at first glance; however, she could see large arched windows and small balconies on the upper floors.
Jakkar took them through a set of doors that must have been at least a foot thick, into a small hallway which made two sharp turns before ending at the base of a narrow, winding stair. Dragar laughed at her confused look.
“Siege tactics,” he explained. “This house was designed when battles between Clans could become violent.”
“But that doesn’t happen now?”
“Once we realized that our planet was dying, those petty feuds became unimportant.”
“I’m sorry,” she said softly, squeezing his hand.
“Don’t be. Everything has its cycle.”
“Are you going to stand here and philosophize all day or can we continue?” Jakkar demanded.
Dragar laughed. “You’re just in a hurry to see your mate.”
‘Wouldn’t you be?”
“Always,” Dragar said, and bent down to give Beth a long, slow kiss. She melted into him, her pussy beginning to pulse, before she remembered Jakkar. Her nipples tightened but she pulled back, only to look around and see that they were alone.
“Where did he go?”
“Probably to do the same thing we were just doing.” He gave her nipples a teasing pinch. “We should go before I ravage you here in the hall.”
When she gave their surroundings a speculative look, he laughed and pushed her gently toward the stairs. She loved seeing him like this, almost light-hearted, and she silently thanked Jakkar for coming to support them.
The barren military appearance stopped at the top of the stairs, an ornate archway leading into a large living room scattered with comfortable furniture in soft jewel tones. Jakkar had a curvy human woman backed against a wall, kissing her as thoroughly as Dragar had predicted. One hand curved possessively around her bottom and he was sliding his hand toward her breast when Dragar coughed. The woman jumped and pushed Jakkar away before rushing over to embrace Beth in a warm hug. The impact of her emotions washed over Beth, but she picked up only warmth and caring.
“I’m so happy to see another human again!” When she pulled back, her big, golden-brown eyes were damp. “I’m Anna.”
“Hi. I’m Beth.”
“I love your outfit,” Anna said, and Beth blushed despite the sincerity in her words. Next to Anna’s lush curves, she felt like a schoolboy in her slim leather pants and halter. Anna rushed on. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t come with Jakkar to meet you. We left Sardor Two in a hurry and I swear my assistant is incapable of independent thought. I was too busy making sure I had everything that Kylesh needed to make sure she understood what to do. But it’s all taken care of now.”
“Your assistant?” asked Beth, a little dazed by the flow of words.
Anna giggled. “It’s silly really. I’m quite capable of organizing the land claims by myself but Jakkar worries that taking care of Kylesh as well is too much for me.”
“You need your rest,” the big warrior said firmly as he stepped up behind his mate and tucked her against his side.
Anna rolled her eyes at Beth but she could see how the other woman nestled back against her mate. Before she even had a chance to feel neglected, Dragar mimicked Jakkar’s actions, the warmth of his body surrounding her. Anna gave her a knowing smile, before pushing Jakkar away again.
“Come with me. I’ll show you to your room and you can meet Kylesh.”
Beth gave Dragar an uncertain look, but he nodded, kissed her softly, and sent her off with Anna.
“You have a beautiful baby,” Beth said, as Anna put the now sleeping baby back in her crib. She had been entranced by the tiny infant with the mop of gold hair and shimmering Sardoran skin.
“Thank you.” Anna looked at Beth speculatively. “You know; the doctors were convinced we wouldn’t be able to have children. Then when Kylesh was born, they said it was a one in a million chance.”
Beth looked at her, trying to decide how she felt about the implications. Finally, she smiled. “I understand. It would be wonderful to have a baby with Dragar.” A lump pushed its way into her throat. “But if it doesn’t happen, that won’t change the way I feel about him.”
Anna shook her head. “I’m glad, but that’s not where I was going. As it turns out, I’m pregnant again.”
“You are? Congratulations!”
“Thank you. You’re the first to know. I didn’t want to tell Jakkar until after we were here because he would have gotten all protective and refused to bring me.” She hesitated. “But my point is—I’m no longer convinced that it’s all that hard for a Sardoran to get a human woman pregnant. And if the two of you are as…enthusiastic as Jakkar and I are…”
“Oh.” Beth realized that her hand had dropped to her stomach. The other woman watched her, eyes sympathetic.
Beth frantically tried to count days in her head. Could that be right? She counted again. Oh god. She
started to laugh.
“What?”
“Do you realize that less than three weeks ago I was at a gallery opening in Seattle…and now I’m on a strange planet somewhere in the universe and I might be pregnant with an alien baby? Could my life be more like a supermarket tabloid?”
Anna laughed as well but as they quieted, Beth’s eyes filled with tears.
“Are you all right?” Anna asked.
“Yes. A little scared. I don’t know if I’m ready for this.”
“There might not be anything to be ready for. Jakkar and I were together for several months before I got pregnant the first time. I think we need to find out about Sardoran birth control.”
“We?” She couldn’t help teasing. “Haven’t you heard of the proverbial horse and the barn door?”
Anna rolled her eyes. “Yes. And I’m thrilled to be having another child. However, I might want to take a break after this one. Since I have no intention of discontinuing my, umm, marital duties, birth control seems to be a necessity.”
“Damn, I should have asked Rianen.”
“Rianen?”
“She’s a Sardoran warrior that I met. I’m sure she could have told me.”
“Since she’s not here, we will need to ask our men. Unless you’re planning on celibacy until you find out?”
A slow blush heated Beth’s cheeks. “I would rather not.”
Anna jumped to her feet. “Then let’s go ask.”
“Together?”
“Why not? I need to tell Jakkar, anyway. And if you wait until you’re alone with Dragar—”
“I might get distracted,” Beth finished for her. The two women smiled at each other and Anna led the way back into the other room.
Dragar and Jakkar were sitting on the balcony and looking out over the city to the mountains beyond. Dragar laughed at something Jakkar said and Beth felt a little pang as she realized how content he seemed. How could he risk giving up this feeling of companionship, of family? But then again, Jakkar was taking the same risk.
The men looked up as the women approached. Anna slid happily into Jakkar’s lap. Beth blushed but took Dragar’s hand and curled up with him. She wasn’t used to being with him around other people but it always felt right to touch him. He bent down and kissed her and she stopped worrying about anyone else.
“I missed you,” he whispered.
“I was only in the other room.”
“Much too far away.” He curved his hand over her breast. Cheeks flaming, she pushed his hand away and sat up straighter. However, when she shot an embarrassed glance at the other couple from underneath her lashes, she saw that Jakkar had actually slipped his hand into Anna’s gown to caress her nipples. The other woman moaned softly and Beth looked away, discomfited and aroused.
Dragar studied her pink face and peaked nipples. “I believe it is time to say good night.”
He stood up and threw her over his shoulder. She heard Anna start to call out but her words dissolved in another moan and Beth raised her head enough to catch a glimpse of Jakkar’s hand pulling Anna’s gown up over her legs.
Dragar strode impatiently through the halls, stopping only to lock their bedroom door before throwing her onto the bed. He stepped back to remove his clothes and she watched appreciatively as he stripped away his vest to reveal the muscled expanse of his chest. But as she raised up on one arm to get a better view, Anna’s words came floating back.
“Dragar, do Sardorans have birth control?”
He froze, one hand on his belt. He had been watching her but now his gaze dropped to the floor and she couldn’t read his expression. She was about to prompt him again when he finally spoke.
“There are options,” he said slowly. “Usually warriors—male and female—have implants when they are under contract.”
Beth tried to ignore the sinking feeling in her chest. “So you have an implant?”
“No, not for over a year. Mine expired while I was procuring the claim rights for Sardor Two. Since then—” He shrugged. “It didn’t seem necessary.”
“So I might be pregnant?” Her mouth started to curve up and she realized that her hand had dropped to her stomach.
“Yes. And you can’t have an implant if you have already conceived. Also, the implant is not designed for human physiology. It would have to be adjusted.” He wasn’t looking at her, his body still and tense.
“I think it would be at least another week before I’m due. How soon could a doctor tell?”
“Tell?” he asked absently. He didn’t even seem to be listening.
“If I’m pregnant.” What was wrong with him?
“Tomorrow. Our doctors can detect pregnancy within one cycle.” Startling her with how fast he moved, he dropped to his knees in front of her, bowing his head over her hands. “I’m so sorry, little one.”
“Sorry?” Her lip trembled.
“I didn’t think. I should never have taken the chance.”
A desolate hole opened in her stomach. He didn’t want a baby. Or maybe he just didn’t want to have a baby with her. What had she been thinking? Despite feeling as if she had spent her life waiting for him, they barely knew each other. Pulling her hands away, she stood up and paced to the balcony doors. The magnificent view started to blur before her eyes. Trying desperately to control her voice, she said, “Fine. I’ll go to the doctor tomorrow.”
“We’ll go.”
“That’s not necessary. You don’t have to be involved.” Her voice hardened as anger started to replace her sorrow.
There was a moment of silence behind her. “If that’s what you want.” She heard him leave the room and her anger disappeared in a wash of misery. She rested her head on the cool glass and let the tears come.
Chapter Twenty
Dragar strode into the main living room. How could he have been so foolish? True, they had all assumed that Kylesh had been a one in a million chance, but he had known it was possible. How could he have taken the chance with Beth’s safety? She was too tiny; she would never be able to give birth to a Sardoran baby. The thought of his little one’s body torn apart by childbirth was unacceptable.
Restlessly he paced back and forth, fighting the impulse to return to their room as the night wore on. He hated not being with her but she seemed so sad, sad and angry. She must blame him as much as he blamed himself. If she wanted him to stay away from her, he would—no matter what it cost him.
A door opened and he turned eagerly. Perhaps she had forgiven him. Instead, Jakkar entered the room. “What are you doing here? Don’t you have a little human of your own to play with now?”
Dragar turned away, unable to respond. After a minute he forced a casual response. “Why aren’t you with yours?”
“She’s hungry. I think I wore her out—and she needs to keep up her strength.” Jakkar’s voice was light but Dragar could hear the concern in it. His anxiety grew. Unable to keep still, he resumed pacing. When he looked up, Jakkar was watching him.
“What’s going on?”
“Nothing.” Jakkar’s words replayed in his head. “Why does Anna need to keep up her strength?”
A wide smile split Jakkar’s face. “She’s pregnant. We’re going to have another child.”
“Oh, no.” Dragar groaned, and dropped into a chair, burying his head in his hands.
“That’s not the reception I anticipated,” Jakkar said coldly.
“I’m sorry, my friend. I’m truly happy for you. It’s just I’m afraid that Beth might be as well and she is too small.” He looked up at Jakkar, eyes haunted. “I didn’t even consider the possibility. I’ll never forgive myself.”
“Is Beth upset?”
“Of course she is. I was careless with her safety.”
Jakkar frowned. “Is that what she said?”
He scowled at the other man, trying to remember if she had actually accused him. “No, but how could she not blame me?”
“What did she say?”
“Not much. I told her
how sorry I was. But when I told her we could go to the doctor and find out, she didn’t want me there.”
Jakkar sat down on one of the couches and rubbed his chin. “That’s odd. Anna was so thrilled; she wanted me to go with her.”
“Beth doesn’t want me.”
There was a long silence before Jakkar spoke again. “Is it possible that she thinks you don’t want to be there?”
“What?”
“Most mated couples look forward to having children together. You seem to be appalled by the idea.”
“Of course, I’m not appalled. I would love for us to have a child.” His throat closed as he realized how much he wanted to see Beth with their child in her arms. “But I can’t stand the thought that anything could happen to her.”
“Dragar, believe me when I say that I understand. I couldn’t bear to be away from Anna when she was pregnant. If she had let me, I would have carried her everywhere. I almost tore the medical offices to shreds when she went into labor. I’m pretty sure I threatened to cut off Doctor Bergthor’s fingers if anything happened to her.” He hesitated. “But she was fine and now we have a beautiful daughter. And she is just as excited about this baby.”
“But Beth is so delicate.”
“Is she? She fought at your side. She befriended a female warrior. She handled Kievan Rus. She mated you in a traditional ceremony. She even had your clan mark inscribed on her. That doesn’t sound too delicate to me.”
A surge of pride raced through Dragar. Jakkar’s words were true. His little one had faced all of her trials with grace and strength. For the first time, he let himself feel the initial joy he had felt at the idea, before the joy had been swallowed by fear and guilt. Then he remembered her small figure standing in front of the window, hands clenched.
“Goddess, she does think I’m horrified by the idea.”
“Then I suggest you return to her and disabuse her of the notion.”
Dragar jumped up but paused before he left. “Thank you.”
Beth and the Barbarian Page 16