by Ciara Lake
“Oh, the rain’s going to ruin our picnic.” Zalora pulled away and sat back on her knees with a grin on her beautiful face. Holding her head up, she allowed the rain to fall freely on her face. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “We need to get all our stuff along with this bedding into our transport or it’ll be a mess.” She jumped up to make an escape, snagging a pillow in her hands.
“Zalora, who cares about this bedding or the rain? It always rains here.” He reached for her. “Come here, my love. Let’s finish. Your lips are still glistening with my cum.” He grabbed her hand, pulling her back down to their makeshift bed. She sat back down next to him. Joining her, he sat up, taking her into his arms. Pulling her close to him, he hugged her. Tenderly, he kissed her shoulder. Then their lips met, and he pushed his tongue into her mouth. “I taste you mixed with me. Hmmm, so good, let me taste you some more.” He pushed her down onto their bedding. The rain was warm as it continued to fall on them. Everything was always warm in Xihirah. Spreading her legs, Val kissed along the inside of her thighs up to where soft hair covered her core. With his tongue, he found her clit, laving it. Zalora tried to resist him, but he held her down. “Be still, mate, so I can give you pleasure. I love to taste you. I know you like what I do to you.” The rain picked up, beating down on them.
“Let’s go into the transport to wait this out. It’ll pass soon.” She pushed at his shoulder.
“No, we can stay out here. We only have a few more hours alone before we have to join the others. Father’s going to be thrilled with his surprise. My sisters and my aunts worked so hard on this surprise birthday party we can’t miss it. But I don’t want to cut this time short.”
“I can’t believe they planned this party without telling your mother.” Zalora laid back down, putting her hands above her head, surrendering to the elements and to him. “I guess it’s like taking a warm shower out here.” He kissed her breasts again.
“Yes, it’s nice.” He grinned. “See, relax. I love being out here with you. This is different from the Tallusian forest, but it’s still out in nature with trees and animals all around us.”
“I could be with you anywhere.” She leaned into him.
“Me, too.” He nipped her ear then growled. “The surprise was for Mother, too. Anyway, she’s busy with her new baby, like you’re busy with Klay. It was hard for you to do all the work the women did to ready for this. Anyway, it was Aunt Mia’s idea. She knows what makes Mother happy, so she’s in charge.”
“It’s a good plan. I’m looking forward to getting all dressed up to dance the night away with you. I can’t wait to show you my new dress. I look…”
“Like a beautiful princess?” He nipped her neck.
“I guess so, my prince.” Zalora smiled, giggling.
“Our son wears you out, too. I’m glad you can make time to be with your husband. We have to make time to be together.”
“Well, with our nursery full of Braeden babies, it seems our women do find time to be intimate with their men.” She chuckled. “I’m glad you brought me here.” She looked around. “I love being with you outside. Xihirah is gorgeous. Being outside with you reminds me of when we first met.”
“That’s my point of bringing you here.” He grinned. “It keeps you hot for me. I like you hot and needy.” He laughed. “And it gets us away from our family so we won’t be interrupted. Klay’s very demanding, as are our sisters and aunts. You women are always doing something. I have to fight to have time with you.” He groaned.
“Klay’s demanding like his father.” She smiled. “But you don’t have to fight for time with me.” She lightly smacked his chest. “You exaggerate, greatly.” Zalora rolled her eyes. “I’m guessing all of you Braeden men are demanding. It’s in your blood.”
“See, the rain is lighter now.” He held out his hand, playfully shook his wet hair. Droplets flew from his hair. “It feels great.”
They spent the rest of their time eating their lunch she prepared. They enjoyed succulent pieces of meat, Val’s favorite, some fruits, followed by tavis juice to wash it down. Quickly, Zalora gathered their things together, putting their food away. “Val, I have to get back to the palace to feed Klay. My breasts are about to let down.”
“Oh yeah?” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Shall I squeeze them?”
“No.” She waved him away. The rain came down harder, pushing them to pack up. “This is the longest I’ve gone without feeding him.”
* * * *
“Okay, my son needs you.” Val stood. “We’d best hurry. It’s an hour to the palace.”
“You did not get to run.” Zalora pouted. “I know you enjoy a good run.”
“Next time, I want you to run with me. I love to see you shift. You’re glorious.”
“It’s wonderful, such a miracle to change like that.” She grinned. He took her hand, kissed it then walked her to their transport. Handing her a fluffy towel, she wiped off so she could dress. Val loaded everything inside. He was quick. When they were all ready to take off for home, Zalora buckled into her passenger seat. Kade turned on soft Tallusian instrumental. Sleepy, she rested back in her chair, closing her eyes. Val covered her with a dry, soft blanket, patting her knee. “I love you, Zalora,” he whispered as he started the transport. The look he gave her made her heart skip.
“I love you, too.” Her mate was gorgeous, sexy, forever hers. The thought made her feel good inside. The blanket he covered her with was warm, comforting.
Surrendering, sleep took her. She dreamed. Again, she dreamed vividly of a beautiful woman who had a faint resemblance to her. The facial structure and the eyes reminded her mostly of some one very familiar. Deep purple eyes watched her, studied her. Her hair was dark as night, and it fell in waves. Silky and long, it fell past her shapely bottom, which was encased in black trousers. Delicate, graceful, she was definitely a Tallusian. Zalora could feel her power strangely connecting with hers, reaching for her. She’d never felt such a thing from another Tallusian. This woman had power. There was fire in her soul similar to Zalora’s. At times, there was annoyance in her eyes or at least frustration. It wasn’t toward Zalora.
Since Zalora first opened herself up fully to her powers, she’d become more in tune with them, even recognizing others who possessed her gifts. When she had visited Tallusia, some of her people had more openly accepted her. Others stayed clear of her. Whenever she encountered another gifted Tallusian, she knew it. The dream woman had the gift in an exceptional way. It seemed to emanate from her. It was almost like a vibration only Zalora could feel. The Xihirians believed Tallusian powers were a gift, not a curse. This belief healed Zalora’s broken heart at the rejection of some of her people, even from her close friends, ones she’d grown up with. Even Anya had distanced herself when she’d heard of what happen on Terrian. Anya’s rejection hurt deeply.
Cora seemed different, too. Neither had traveled to Xihirah to see Klay when he was born or visited. They did not visit with her when she was on Tallusia. Their plans were never followed through with. Eventually, they had stopped answering her communications at all. Zalora had shed many tears over the loss. Just thinking about it hurt her, and her heart ached. But time as well as surrounding herself with those who loved her made the pain dim over time.
Since living on Xihirah, Zalora learned much about herself. She was unafraid others knew she had gifts. In fact, she was proud of her gifts. One bad thing was she had to be constantly guarded. Her life was at risk for many reasons now. She practiced her ability to move inanimate objects, and she’d gotten much better. Tomron was alive and furious. Several veiled, as well as not-so-veiled threats, had been issued. He’d made it clear he was going to end her, painfully. Realmist had even been captured on palace grounds. The incident had caused the Braeden men to go into an uproar. More restraints were placed on everyone.
Oddly, in her dreams the woman kept saying something. It was like a warning. But Zalora could not understand. It was clear she very much wante
d to communicate with Zalora, giving her some message. Zalora knew it was important. If only she could make out what she was saying. She’d been struggling to understand her message for a year now. Zalora had the feeling the woman was growing somewhat impatient as if time was of essence. Then this time, for the first time, they made a new connection. She touched Zalora’s hand in her dream, waking her with a start.
“Zalora, wake up, honey.” Val patted her hand. “We’re home.” Val’s face was close to hers. “You sleep so deeply sometimes. It worries me. Are you pregnant again?” Zalora shrugged.
“So soon. I don’t think so.” Zalora unbuckled her belt.
“Yes, it happens.” Val kissed her forehead. “You’re hot, too. Maybe you should see the medtor. I don’t want you to miss the big party.”
“I was just dreaming. I got worked up in the dream.” She pushed her hair out of her face.
“Dream about me, huh?”
“No.” She shook her head. “I don’t want to miss the party either. I have a brand-new dress to wear.”
“Of course you do.” Val helped her out of her chair.
“I’m excited to show you my dress.”
“I’m excited to see you in it. Your son is waiting for you.” Val rubbed her thigh. “I know you will look beautiful. You always look beautiful. Go ahead inside to take care of Klay. I’ll unload our things. I have to go talk with Jerrian. He’s preparing a ship for he and Kade to go on a mission. When I’m done, I’ll see you in our suite.”
“Okay.” Zalora rushed to the nursery. Her heart raced with excitement to see her little Klay. When she looked at him, his father’s eyes looked back. Her heart would swell even more with love. High-pitched voices of playing children echoed down the hallway as she approached the nursery. Unfortunately, two armed guards stood stationed outside the nursery on a daily basis. They nodded as she approached. All around the palace, their presence was more visible over the last year. All of the women tried their best to make life natural for the children. The small children rushed to her when she entered.
“Zaza, Zaza…please read…please read to us.” One of the little ones pulled on her dress. All of the children loved for her to play or read to them. The rest of them ran up to her. They tried handing her several things. “Zaza, see.” Two handed her stuffed toys. Zalora smiled, patting them on their heads. “I’ll read and play with you later. I promise. Aunt Zaza has to get ready for big party with Uncle Val. I have to feed Klay first. Okay?” Disappointed little faces went back to playing their games.
“Hello, my Klay. You missed mama?” She reached his crib smiling down at him. Klay was a beautiful baby with amber eyes and dark hair like his father. He smiled brightly when he saw his mother’s face peering down at him. Klay was another Alpha Prime Wolfton born into the Braeden family.
After, Zalora fed and played with him for a bit. His little mouth was still moving as if he was still drinking her milk when he drifted off to sleep. A surge of love passed through her as she gazed down at him. Caressing his little head, she kissed him carefully, placing him back in his crib.
She heard Saleeya coming into the nursery where the other children were playing. Saleeya was there to take care of Jiolee, her new baby girl. Quickly, after tucking sleeping Klay into his bed, she hurried out to miss her. The party was only in a couple hours. Zalora did not want to let anything slip to have all the women mad at her for ruining their wonderful surprise. As she rushed to her suite she shared with Val, she thought of her dream she’d had. Suddenly, she knew what she had to do.
She laid out her new silky, deep-purple gown on the bed. It was low cut with beading around the edges. It was a bit on the daring side but tasteful. Its high waistline was very flattering, allowing the material to swirl around her. I love the feel of this fabric. She’d been so excited when Kara, Kristal, and Kalinda had found the dress. They’d gone shopping with her, and Kalinda had raced to her holding the gorgeous dress. The color matched her eyes. Kara had insisted, as well as the others, she buy it regardless of the exceptional price tag. Every time they went shopping, they took a small military with them as well as one or two Braeden men. When she purchased this dress, Val had not been around. He had allowed Kade and Jerrian to escort them with a legion of soldiers. At least it seemed like a legion. Zalora smiled at herself in the mirror. So this will be a surprise. He’s gonna love me in it. Val had given her earrings with a necklace, which matched her dress. The jewels were a vibrant shade of purple. They’d been a gift for the birth of their son. She held them up to her ears, admiring them. “I so excited. I need to hurry up.” She rushed into the cleaning chamber.
Val told her the jewels had reminded him of her, and he could not resist buying them. Every opportunity he showered her with gifts, mostly jewels from all over the universe. Truly, he spoiled her. However, the purple jewels were the ones she loved. They would dazzle on her tonight. I love to see you smile when I wear what you give me.
After she was all dressed and her hair fixed, she sat down on the terrace to wait for Val. She wore her hair free down her back. A breeze blew softly across her face. The wind was cooler now than it had been earlier. The breeze wafted the sweet scent of the flowers surrounding the palace. Val always waited until the last minute to get ready for special events. It must be nice to get ready in a moment and still look stunning. It did not take much for him to look superb dressed in his dress uniform or other dress clothes. “You’d look great in anything.”
“Zalora,’ Val called out as he entered their suite. “Who are you talking to?” There was an excitement in his voice.
“I’m out here waiting. I was talking to myself.” She bounced up, making her way to the door. Val looked mesmerized.
“You’re absolutely the loveliest woman in the universe. I guess you can talk to yourself if you want to.” He stood glued to the floor just watching her. “Come to me, my princess.” She could see approval in his eyes. He held his arms out to her.
“Your look makes me melt.” When she reached him, she wrapped her arms around his neck. He kissed her, running his hand through her hair.
“You smell so sweet, too. I love your hair free like this.” He sniffed her head. Zalora pulled away.
“You’re going to mess me up.” She clasped his hands, looking up at him. “Go get ready. We’re supposed to be there early to yell surprise. If we’re late, your sisters and aunts will kill you…because I’ll blame you fully.” She pulled away from him.
“Very well.” He rushed to the cleaning chambers. In a short time, he’d returned dressed in black trousers, a white dress shirt, with a black jacket. He was simply dressed, but he looked phenomenal. His black hair was brushed back from his forehead, but as the night passed, it would fall down onto his forehead as it always did.
“You look nice, too. No uniform tonight?” She cocked her head to the side.
“No, this is a birthday party.” He shrugged.
“So? You wore a uniform to our joining.”
“I was supposed to.” He made a face. “It’s tradition when you’re military.”
“I’m not going to try to understand.” Zalora waved her hand in front of her face. “Let’s go. I want to talk to Kade tonight. I need to give him a message before he leaves.”
“A message?” Val looked at her oddly.
“Yes.” Zalora nodded her head. He opened their door for her to exit. When they got closer to the dining hall, it was loud, full of excited conversation. Delicious aromas from the food being prepared wafted down the hallway. Kalinda rushed past them with her mate lagging behind. He was huge man, almost as big as Val. He had lovely golden hair. He wore it to his shoulders. His dark blue eyes sparkled as he watched her rush off. Kalinda yelled to him, giving him some instructions. He smiled at her bossiness.
“Yes, my love, as you wish.” Zac waved as he walked past them in Kalinda’s wake. Val gave him thumbs-up sign, winking. Zalora paused to look up at Val.
“What’s that about? Do you men ha
ve some sort of private communication we don’t know about?”
“Yes.” He gently rubbed her back. When they entered the dining hall, a huge crowd already gathered there. Mia and her mate were handing out individual flowers to each of the women as they entered. Mia had mated many years after Saleeya. Amazingly, she found a fierce Xihirian soldier who adored her. Their two teenage boys helped her greet everyone at the door. “Good moonrise, Aunt Mia.” Val kissed her check. “You look lovely. Mother will be so pleased with what you’ve done. As will Father.” Val nodded toward Tylan, her mate. Flowers in a variety of colors were scattered about the room.
“I sure hope Saleeya loves it all.” Mia smiled.
“Oh she will. Only on Xihirah would flowers like this be available. It’s gorgeous in here. ” Zalora looked around with huge eyes. Glamorous floral centerpieces graced every table. Kara rushed up to them.
“Do you like the flowers? I told you your dress was magnificent. How do you like it on her, Val?” Kara grinned from ear to ear. She was lovely in her scarlet gown. Her black hair free down her back. She looked exactly like Kade, just a female and beautiful.
“They really went all out for this party.” Zalora looked around more. “I’ve never seen such beautiful flowers. I love your dress, too. You are so pretty.” Zalora smiled. Kara twirled around showing it off.
“Yep, it is nice. But all the men here are related to me.” She frowned. “And Kade would chase off anyone interested. He hovers.” Kara rolled her eyes. “So does Val…but he has too many unmated sisters to hover over to watch me to closely…He’s too busy.” She tapped Val’s arm.
“I’m watching all of you.” Val grunted. “Don’t think otherwise.” Kara kissed him on his face then dashed away toward Kalista, who was motioning to her. Thyson was lifting another vase of flowers for her to place on another table they had just been set up.