by L M Lacee
‘I will, Lady Esther.’ June assured her. She was sitting next to Yinny, who was also sleeping.
‘If you are all sure?’
‘We are.’ Kate said. ‘Go eat and see your little ones.’
With one more stroke of Lott’s fur, Esther allowed herself to be coaxed from the unit and into the transfer circle. Within seconds they were in the noisy dining room, being greeted by squeals of welcome from Rayvan and Draykin. Hope and Keylan were still reserved, but Hope smiled when Esther hugged her, after she had hugged both little boys. She took Keylan from Marlo and placed her on her knee where the baby sniffed her neck.
Esther raised her eyebrows and asked. ‘What is she doing?’
‘She is scenting you.’ Marlo told her. ‘I noticed she does it more than Hope.’
Hope raised her head, saying. ‘I do not have to do it as close as Keylan. I have everyone’s scent.’
Brenda asked her. ‘Is that normal for your people?’
Hope looked at Brenda, ancient eyes staring out from a child’s face. ‘I do not know, where is Mama?’ With fear entering her voice, she stated. ‘The giant one said she would be here, she is not.’
Darby came back and smoothed her hand over the young girl’s hair as she placed a plate of food in front of her. ‘Hope sweetie, your Mama is sleeping in her viewing lounge. She found and bonded with two Prowlers, and they are very little. The healers are in her bedroom, she did not want to disturb them.’
‘So Mama has more than us?’
Darby opened her mouth to answer when Reeve leaned down and picked the girl up in his enormous hands. He held her with her feet dangling in the air as she faced him eye to eye. ‘Your Mama has the capacity. You know what that means.’
Hope nodded her head, her eyes wide. ‘Yes, giant one. It means large.’
‘Good enough. You are a clever girl, now your Mama has the capacity to love everyone.’
‘Does she love you?’
‘Your Auntie Darby says she does.’
‘Does she love Keylan and me?’
‘Yes, she took you as her own.’
‘Alright giant one, I believe you.’
‘I do not tell untruths. I am an Elite?’
‘I know and you are our uncle, like Uncle Hawk and Uncle Dinas. Uncles do not lie, Rayvan told me that.’
Reeve nodded. ‘This is very true.’
He placed her down on her seat and gave her head a pat and walked away. Esther shook her head and murmured. ‘Darby, that mate of yours is one of a kind.’
‘He really is.’ She looked at Hawk. ‘So different from you, how is that possible?’
Hawk let loose one of his rare smiles as he stated. ‘He is Reeve, he is an Elite.’
Which made them all laugh as they sat and began to eat and discuss the mission and what it meant for Rage that Peyton had found her bonded.
By that evening, Patty had determined the kits were only six days old, which was not that much of a surprise for Peyton or Fanharr.
Less than twenty-four hours later, they arrived on Prime to a joyous welcome. It was a wonderful homecoming with family and friends excited they were back, or so Trina and Helen told Peyton.
Everyone fell in love with the girls and were in awe of the Draygons. The kits came in for their share of attention, which surprised no one.
Maikonia represented freedom for all the Draygons, and for some it would be the first time they could do more than look at their wings. For the sleepers who woke to a new world, they found nothing was required of them other than to be what they had always hoped to be. Honorable Warriors who could finally explore what it meant to be more than killing machines.
TEN:
Rage paced his cabin aboard Maikonia II, as he had done for the last thirty mins. Fanharr finally asked him. What ails you?
He stopped only to begin again. I am disturbed.
Fanharr stroked his neck with her head. By what, my mate?
Rage returned the caress and sighed. That is the worry; I do not know, but there is disharmony somewhere.
Rave asked. With what brother, all is well with Pantarr. Bonding is happening on a regular occurrence. The juveniles enjoyed visiting our new world. We have only been away just over one lunera and will be home in less than an hour. What could have possibly disturbed you?
Fanharr smiled as she said. Our kits are well. I am well. The Terrans and Warriors are all where they should be. Apparently the Draygons are doing well and are practicing flying.
Rage paced back and forth as he said. My mate, I am thankful you and our kits are well and brother, what you say is true. He ceased moving and his ears stood upright, then his eyes narrowed and his head shook from side to side. I understand what or who it is that has disturbed me. We must go to the comm unit.
Fanharr looked at Rave and asked. What did I say?
He shook his head. I have no idea.
The Warship had a communications unit which was upgraded with the new technology allowing the Prowlers to make use of it. Fanharr and Rave arrived in time to hear Rage growl the special code for Jax. Instantly Jax switched the comm to the newly developed software he and Jean had written. It was a program that allowed mind-sending to be transcribed into spoken words, so the Prowlers could use the comms.
Greetings Jax.
Greetings Rage.
Comm Peyton, please.
Immediately Rage.
When the connection was made, they were surprised at what they found. Peyton was not her normal cheerful self. Her hair was unkempt, as were her clothes. She looked like she had not showered recently, and to Rave’s eyes she appeared thinner. He knew something was drastically wrong when she did not have her usual cup of coffee in her hands. Peyton looked like she had not slept in days, her eyes were dull and sadly there was no secret laughter in their depths.
Carefully he asked as he looked at the female he had never seen look so young and delicate before. ‘Greetings Beloved, how are you this eve?’
‘Greetings Rage, you are home?’
‘We arrive back within the hour.’
Her eyes closed as she nodded. ‘I did not know that?’ She opened her eyes and said. ‘So Tuarillian kits and Draygon young.’
Rage nodded, this was a discussion they’d had when she had first arrived back from finding the kits. Confused, he asked. ‘It is so, are you not happy to have your bonded?’
Peyton shrugged. ‘Yeah, I am… sort of.’
If he had been human, he would have been scratching his head in confusion, unable to understand what had happened since he had left Prime. He said the first thing that entered his mind and was surprised by her answer. ‘Do you think I will disappear, now your bonded are here?’
‘Yeah.’
‘We talked of this already, I am your Pride Leader. You are our Beloved, why would I seal myself away from your rays. Why would any of us?’
She nodded, and to his ears she sounded overwrought when she answered and their concern grew as she rambled. ‘Everyone is leaving me; you know they do not want to come away with me. And we have not found all the Warriors yet. Melody and Heather will not come on missions again. Marlo and Brenda will stay home. Hawk has decided he must stay at home. I think it is because of me. I know he says it is not, but…’ She shrugged. ‘I am hard work, I think I drive him and Dinas crazy and Darby…’ She hiccupped a sob of distress. ‘Darby has her mate now and she will never want to leave home. She only did because I did. Rayvan misses Draykin, they have not seen each other for wekens. Draykin has not snuck into sleep with Rayvan or have cuddles with me. Everyone is busy and have mates, and they are doing family things.’ She finished on a wail of despair. ‘We are not part of their family anymore.’
Fanharr asked. ‘You think we have all left you?’
She nodded, her eyes tired and her body slumped as she cried plaintively. ‘You left me!’
Rage nodded. ‘I see. Beloved you are tired.’
She continued as though they had not spoken. ‘The
kits need to be fed every two hours. Keylan is not sleeping well. Hope cannot sleep by herself yet, and Rayvan misses Draykin so much he cries in his sleep.’
Fanharr demanded of her. ‘Where are the ones to help you with the young? Where are the Prowlers to help with the kits?’
‘The Prowlers have not come. I think they are frightened of the kits and no one is here to help. They all have lives and their own families. I can do this, I am not incapable.’
Rage asked gently, not allowing her to hear the anger he was feeling. ‘As well as run the worlds and Prime and oversee the concerns of the new people to our worlds. While all the time looking for the lost ones, plus bearing the burden of the Stars.’
She said nothing, but her sad eyes looked at him and he could see the fatigue shadowing her thoughts. She whispered. ‘I know, but it is still true I am capable.’
‘Maybe you are Beloved, but is that not why we are here, your family, to lighten your burdens?’
She tiredly replied. ‘Perhaps.’
‘Now in your tiredness, you are overwhelmed and imagine that we are all leaving you.’
‘Because you all have!’
He ignored her outburst and said. ‘You are scared and exhausted.’
She nodded and whispered. ‘I am, it is scary. I do not know if I am doing this right or anything right. You are not home. Jarrod cannot come because of Trina and the Draygons. I cannot find Rose. Esther is gone… just gone.’ She mumbled a little more, but the words were unintelligible.
Then she said clearly. ‘Hawk will not, and the sisters all have better things to do. No one else wants to. Netta ran away.’ She laughed and shook her head. ‘Oh, that is silly. I am sorry, she is training somewhere. My Rage, you are right, I am so tired. Can you find Avana, I am worried about her?’
He told her soothingly. ‘Avana is also in seclusion. She is teaching Senes, who recently arrived on Maikonia. She will be home soon.’
‘Is she? I did not know that. Penny is still not here, no one is telling me anything. I miss everyone.’
Fanharr ordered. ‘Peyton, go to bed, are the children and kits asleep?’
‘Yes.’
‘Rage will send someone to look after your little ones, you are exhausted.’
‘I am.’ She said. ‘Fanharr, the kits seem like they are awake all the time. I love them, but I cannot sleep.’
‘I understand, we will be there soon.’
‘I miss you, Fanharr.’
‘I know Beloved, go to bed.’
Rage cut the comm, then mind-sent to the ones he hoped to never have too. He braced for the Entity he was to call and prayed it would be enough. Star Child!
Rage felt his mind full and pain coat his tongue as the Entities he called arrived.
Why do you call us Chosen?
Star Child, your Daughter has not slept for many days. I am concerned after the traumas her body has received that she is not well. I ask that you make her sleep while I arrange care for her.
There was silence, and he felt them leave and was very thankful they seemed to be using a filter. His mind took a breath, and felt better when Fanharr and Rave brushed against him.
Seconds later the Stars returned and their voice was cold and remote. Is there a reason our Daughter is exhausted and for how long will sleep be needed?
We will have Sister Heather advise you. She has been left with her young and the kits for a time. I apologize for her condition, we were off world, not that we are blameless. We should have made sure she would be better cared for.
He bowed his head as the outrage they all felt flooded the room. If possible, the Star Child’s voice became even colder. We will do as you ask Chosen. Understand, we are not pleased that she has been neglected.
Rage panted as he assured them. We will remedy this.
A min passed, then the Star Child’s voice thundered through his mind. We send this message with you Pride Leader. Explain to her family that we will think on what has occurred and may remove our Daughter, if we deem it necessary to ensure her safety.
Rage, Rave and Fanharr felt the full weight of their displeasure. Fanharr whimpered as Rage and Rave felt their bodies pressed to the floor. Rage struggled to say. We understand…
I am sure you do, Pride Leader. Make her family also understand.
The pressure was gone as fast as it came. Rage hurriedly asked Fanharr. Are you well?
I am my mate.
Rave?
I am my brother. He assured him, as shaken as the other two by the anger of the Star Child.
Rage growled long and low. We have neglected our Beloved. No wonder they are angered.
Fanharr asked with the fear she was feeling threading through her voice. Will they really take her from us?
Rage caressed her cheek. Yes, I fear they will, if we do not make this right.
Jax waited until Rage was finished talking before saying. Rage I have comm’d Heather and Harm, they are already on their way to Peyton’s apartment.
Thank you, Jax. Why did you not alert anyone to her distress?
Jax sighed. I am not permitted in her apartment. She has done all her business from there. I assure you, I would not have stood by and allowed this to occur, if I had known.
Of course you would not. Fanharr soothed him. Why would you? Somehow we must not let this happen again.
Rage agreed. Perhaps we can convince her to allow you into the apartment. This is not good enough.
Jax sounded as distressed as the Prowlers when he agreed. I concur.
Thank you, Jax.
She has become as dearle to me as she is to you. He sounded as confused as others when he said this.
Rage smiled. It happens with her.
So it would seem. I would never have believed it.
Rave told him. As we did not.
Jax switched the screen back on just as Harm and Heather arrived. They watched as Harm overrode the security code and Heather entered Peyton’s apartment ahead of him. They could hear her gasp at what she found. ‘Oh, Peyton hon, what have you done to yourself?’
Without a word, Harm picked a compliant Peyton up and with Heather leading the way, carried her into her bedroom. Mins later he returned and looked at Rage, his face taut with worry.
‘We have a problem?’
Rage agreed. ‘Yes, call a meeting, all the family. No excuses.’
‘You are angry?’
‘No, I am fearful, we have angered the Star Child, and they have threatened to remove our Beloved from us. That sends terror into my heart, as it should yours. Assaen call the meeting.’
Harm paled a little. ‘I see, we have failed our Star Daughter.’
Rage nodded his majestic head. ‘We have failed our sister and friend.’
‘That is much worse.’
‘Far worse, gather the family, meet us in the dining room. We will be on world in thirty mins. Have Heather say how long she needs to sleep. The Star Child has said they will keep her asleep so she can rest and heal.’
‘As you wish Pride Leader, we will be there. Rave my bonded you are well?’
‘I am my bonded, we will be together soon.’
The screen went dark as Heather came from the bedroom. ‘What has happened?’
Harm stared at her. ‘We are to have a family meeting.’
‘It is 21:00 hours, the young are asleep.’
‘Even so, gather the children my treasure. I will wake Hope.’ He tapped his link. ‘Jax comm the family.’
Everyone, Lord Harm?
‘Everyone, in the dining room within thirty mins, no excuses. Anyone who does not attend had better have a very good excuse. Tell them Rage is demanding they are there.’
As you say Lord Harm.
Heather demanded to know. ‘I am not moving until you tell me what has happened. Harm, you are scaring me.’
He sighed as he rubbed his face with both hands, then took her into his arms. ‘The Star Child has threatened to take Peyton from us. How long does she need t
o sleep?’
Heather paled and whispered fearfully. ‘They cannot do that, can they?’
‘Yes, my treasure they can. How long?’
Automatically, she replied. ‘Twelve hours or longer. Why would they do that?’
Instead of answering, he asked her. ‘My treasure, what did you find when you examined her?’
‘She is exhausted and has lost weight, her body has still not fully recovered from what happened on Oraintarre or from the poisoning... oh... oh, I see. We have neglected her.’ She looked up into his golden face, which was so dearle to her, and with tears in her eyes, asked. ‘How could I do that Harm, how did we do that?’
He held her to him. ‘We have been busy with the Draygons, learning what we need to know to help them settle into their new lives. Then there are the reawakened sleepers. I have been starting a new enterprise. In general, living our lives as have everyone else it seems.’
Heather nodded her head against his chest as she said. ‘Meanwhile, she has been healing and struggling with three little ones. Two of them with issues and one who is a three lunera baby and two special kits. Plus running the worlds and organizing away missions. Overseeing the Draygons integration to our home and still looking for the lost Warriors and then on top of all that. She is the Star Daughter and someone is trying to kill her.’ She buried her head tighter into his chest. ‘She said nothing.’
‘Why would she? Get the little ones my sweet.’ He kissed her, sorrow mixed with fear, and as she pulled away, she told him with determination. ‘Okay, we can do better.’
‘Let us hope we get the chance.’ He whispered as he went to wake Hope and the kits.
ELEVEN:
Heather and Harm arrived in the dining room to find most, if not all, of their family already there. Several asked Harm what had happened, which he declined to answer, other than to say they would have to wait for Rage.
Hawk stopped him by placing a hand on his arm. Harm replied to the unasked question. ‘Peyton is asleep. Be prepared, Rage is angry, very angry.’
‘Noted.’ He moved away to talk to Marlo, no doubt Harm thought to warn him.
As Heather was settling the young ones in portable cribs, he placed a sleepy Hope on a couch Willian and Coraan had brought into the dining room, and with a gentle kiss to her cheek covered her with blanket.