by Mia McKimmy
“It’s all right with me,” Kyra said. “I’m sure you’ll want to stay here with Riana.”
“Yes, I’m not leaving here without her. It would help out if Iggy stayed with you guys.”
“You’re spending the night with us,” Lily squealed.
Iggy hesitated. “What if Riana wakes up in pain and needs me?”
“Doc Regan will keep her pain under control,” Cy said.
Iggy chewed his lip for a second. “Okay, but call if she needs me.”
He gave Cy another hug and it tugged at his heart. Iggy was right where he belonged.
Cy pushed through the doors of the operating room.
Doc Regan stood over Riana applying gauze to her incision. He glanced at Analae. “You want to fill him in on how the surgery went?”
Cy’s stomach flip-flopped at the tone in Doc’s voice.
Analae removed her surgical gloves and gown. She took Cy’s arm and led him toward the door. “She was pregnant. I’m sorry, but she’d lost too much blood to save the fetus.”
Cy realized they thought the baby was his. He didn’t want to give them any explanations without talking to Riana first. So he kept his face vacant and waited for Analae to continue.
“The bullet ruptured one of her ovaries. Although it would have healed, it was so mangled it wouldn’t have been functional. We believed it was best for Riana’s health to remove it.” Analae laid her hand on Cy’s arm. “This doesn’t mean she can’t conceive. Since we already have to take extra measures to become pregnant, it could be more difficult for her. ”
“I don’t care about that. I only care about what’s best for Riana.”
“Good, I hoped you’d see it that way. I just hope Riana will. She’s always wanted a houseful of children.”
Analae and Doc Regan went into the treatment room to care for the other Protectors’ injuries.
Cy sat beside Riana’s bed and watched for signs of her waking up. Her eyes jerked beneath closed lids as if she were having a bad dream. What if she thought she was still at Vind’s castle being held captive? Or worse. Cy couldn’t stand the thought of it. He went to the sink and wet a cloth with cold water then brought it back. He wiped her face and neck until she responded by turning her head to the side. At least he’d interrupted whatever she’d been dreaming about.
Moments later, Riana’s lashes fluttered, and beautiful green eyes stared into his.
Chapter 43
As Riana focused on Cy, he launched into an onset of questions.
“Hey, how do you feel? Do you need anything? An extra blanket or pillow? Water? Oh my God, I sound like Iggy.”
Riana attempted to smile but her face didn’t want to cooperate. Her throat felt like she’d been for a jog in the Sahara. “I could use a few ice chips.”
Cy ran to the machine and got the ice and a spoon. He returned and spooned a few small chips into her mouth.
Riana savored the cold, wet pieces of ice trickling moisture down her parched throat. She opened her mouth for another spoonful, and noticed Cy’s vibrant blue eyes appeared dull and weary. He’d washed his face but the rest of his body remained covered in dried blood.
“How did the surgery go?” she asked.
“It went well.” Cy glanced into the paper cup as if the ice could tell his future. He took a long breath before he spoke. “They had to remove one of your ovaries. The bullet caused too much damage, and you’d lost too much blood to sustain the pregnancy. But your mother said we can still have children.”
Riana’s breath hitched. Not because she’d lost the baby. Even though it was a part of her, she couldn’t make herself mourn Vind’s child. She may have to deal with those feelings later, but right now all she felt was relief. And fear. Fear that her chances of having children had been cut in half.
After Sivadians came to Earth, it took years before they figured out why females couldn’t get pregnant. Once they did, it had never been an easy process. The only time it was a definite, was directly after the initial fertility ceremony. And Vind had robbed her of that. Most females went to the magnetic field lines numerous times before becoming pregnant. Their difficulty conceiving was why there had never been a Sivadian population explosion.
She was marrying a king, and would be responsible for producing an heir to the throne. Tears welled in Riana’s eyes.
Cy held her face in his hands. “Sweetheart, we can still have children.” He wiped a tear pooled in the corner of her eye. “Do you want me to go get your mother? She can explain the details.”
Riana nodded. “Why don’t you run home so you can bathe, and lay down to rest for a while? You’re trying to get over some pretty severe injuries of your own. I’ll be fine.”
“I’ll go take a quick shower and then come back here. I’m not sleeping anywhere that you’re not.” He bent and gave her a gentle kiss. “Nor will I ever leave your side again without saying I love you. I’ll send your mother in on my way out.”
“I love you too,” she whispered as he left. What was she going to do? She couldn’t marry the man she loved. After everything that’d happened, she wasn’t worthy to be his life-mate—definitely not worthy to be his queen. But their souls were joined. Could they even survive apart? Riana’s heart ached at the thought.
Her mother came in with Oz close behind.
“Hey Dad, did they take care of your shoulder?”
Oz wrapped his large hand around hers. “Yes, sweetheart, I’m fine. How are you feeling?”
Riana’s throat tightened and tears burned her eyes.
Analae hugged her. “Honey, it’s okay. You and Cy will have more children.”
They believed the child she had carried belonged to Cy. Right now, she didn’t have the energy to tell them different. “Mom, will you take me home to recuperate. I need to be alone to think for a few days.”
“Sure, honey. With my supervision, you can recuperate there as well as here. Let me finish up a couple of things in the treatment room. I’ll grab some pain meds for you tonight.”
“Don’t bother with that. The pain med from surgery will get me home. I’ll be healed enough in a few hours that I shouldn’t need more. And I’d really like to leave now…before Cy gets back from his shower.”
They both stared at her wide-eyed, but didn’t ask questions.
“I really don’t want to go in to the reasons why. I promise to tell you both tomorrow. Please take my word for it. I need time alone to clear my head.” Riana reached one arm toward Oz. “Would you mind helping me off this gurney?”
Oz jumped to her side, slid one arm beneath her back and slowly raised her to a sitting position.
Riana dangled her feet for a moment before standing. “Dad, would you tell Cy what I said? Try to make him understand.”
“Honey, I’m not sure I understand myself.”
“Cy knows my reasons. I just need time to think.”
***
Cy jumped out of the shower and dried off. He glanced at the red welt on his stomach from Vind’s knife, all that was left of that painful memory. It wasn’t the first time Vind had stabbed him. But he had every intention of it being the last.
The memory of Riana beneath his brother in that cell was the only thing still hurting. Cy shook his head. What the hell was wrong with him? She was back and safe. That’s all that mattered. Once he executed Vind, this whole chapter of their lives would be over.
Cy slipped on a pair of jeans and grabbed a T-shirt. He pulled it over his head while walking into the living room. As ice clinked into a glass, Cy froze and then spun around. Oz stood at the bar pouring whiskey into a glass. “Damnit, Oz! You scared the crap out of me. What are you doing here?” An uneasy feeling crept up Cy’s spine when Oz said nothing, and downed the contents of his drink.
“I want you to tell me what happened to you and Riana before we arrived at Vind’s,” Oz said.
“Can this wait until later? I need to get back to Riana.”
“You have time now. Riana lef
t with her mother. She asked me to tell you to give her a few days to clear her head. I want to know exactly why she needs to be alone after being away from you for over a week.”
Cy’s knees went weak. He lowered his rear onto the edge of the sofa, propped his elbows on his knees, and scrubbed his face with his hands. “She can’t do this, now. She’s not thinking clearly. She believes this is what’s best for me. It’s not. Riana is all that matters—not an heir—and certainly not what Vind did to her.”
Oz came over and placed his hand on Cy’s shoulder. “Son, tell me what happened.”
Cy took a shuddering breath, and then told Oz the whole sordid story.
When Cy finished, Oz sat silent for a few moments before he spoke. “Riana hasn’t had centuries to deal with the repercussions of Vind’s actions like we have. As far as I know, Riana’s never been the target of another person’s cruelty. She was right to leave and give herself time to process what happened. You need to allow her that.”
Cy’s chest tightened and his breathing increased. “I’m not sure I can stay away from her. I’m about to have an anxiety attack knowing there’s no one guarding her right now.”
“I’ll go and stay at Analae’s until Riana’s ready to talk. I’ll keep her safe. You have my word.”
“Just go, and call me once you’re there so I’ll know she’s all right. I’ll do my best to stay away.”
After Oz left, Cy downed several shots of Jack, hoping to take the edge off his raw nerves. This night wasn’t turning out as planned. He was supposed to be with Riana, holding her, comforting her. Even though Oz made some good points as to why he should give her time, knowing she didn’t need him as much as he needed her, twisted him in knots. Cy tossed the shot glass into the sink, turned the bottle up and killed it. Passing out was the only way he would keep his promise not to go find Riana.
***
Riana looked at the clock on her bedside table. Sleep had evaded her all night, but she’d forced herself to remain in bed to heal her injuries. At least dawn was finally breaking and she could get up.
After she and her mother arrived home last night, Elle came over and imparted her wisdom as to why Riana should have stayed and talked to Cy. Most everything Elle said was right—especially the part about none of what happened being Cy’s fault—and the part about him loving her no matter what. How did someone who’d only dated humans get so wise about relationships?
Voices, along with the aroma of fresh brewed coffee wafted up from the kitchen. After twenty-five years, last night was the first time she’d slept under the same roof with both her parents. It would’ve been kind of nice—if her life wasn’t in total shambles.
Someone knocked lightly on the door. Her mother entered with a tray that held a glass of synthetic blood and a cup of coffee. “How are you feeling?”
“I miss Cy, and my heart aches like someone stomped it all night with their boots.”
Analae handed her the glass of blood. “I hate to tell you this, but it doesn’t get much better.” She sat on the bed and took Riana’s hand in hers. “Honey, your father made Cy tell him what happened. I’m so sorry you went through any of it. But if you let it come between you and Cy, you’re allowing Vind to still hold power over you. Please don’t let the past rob you of happiness the way I did.”
Moisture pooled in Riana’s eyes. “I’m not sure I can survive without Cy. But he’s our king. What if I can’t give him an heir?”
“You still have the ability to have children. Even if you couldn’t, you could adopt. No one would ever have to know.”
“I wish I could get my hands on Vind’s research. He said all he needed was my eggs to have a child with me. And his scientist could harvest eggs and mature them. It could be the answer to so many Sivadians’ fertility problems.”
“Honey, you still have an entire ovary full of mature eggs. You and I are doctors, scientists. If Vind’s people figured it out, we damn sure can.”
Riana smiled at her mother. “Thanks, Mom. I was hoping you’d help me.”
Riana eased her legs off the bed. Other than soreness, her pain wasn’t bad at all. The doorbell rang. Riana’s heart raced and she knew who was at the door. “Mom, will you go down and tell Cy to come up here.”
Analae smiled and patted her hand. “Don’t worry, honey. You and Cy will have so many children you won’t know what to do.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Riana eased across the room and pulled a hairbrush from the dresser drawer. She made a few quick stokes through her hair. She turned when the door opened. Cy stood in the doorway looking uncertain if he should enter. Riana smiled and watched relief flash across his handsome face. She eased back toward the bed and sat down, then patted the mattress beside her for him to sit. “I’m sorry I left without talking to you last night.”
Cy held her gaze, and for the first time she detected fear in his eyes. She had reduced her vicious warrior to a bundle of nerves.
“Before you say anything,” he said, “I want you to know that I gave you my soul for eternity. I won’t ask for it back because I have no need for it without you. Whether you choose to keep it is up to you.” Tears filled his eyes, making them shimmer like aquamarine in sunlight.
“I would never ask for it back, Cy. My heart and my soul could never belong to anyone but you. It’s just…I no longer feel worthy of your love…worthy to be your life-mate and queen.”
Cy framed her face in his hands. “I’m the one not worthy of you. I failed to protect you and almost lost you forever. If you’ll give me the chance, I promise, I will never fail you again.”
Riana’s throat tightened. “What if I can’t give you an heir?”
Cy pulled her close and kissed her lightly. “It doesn’t matter. Nothing matters except sharing our lives together. Baby, I can’t bear this life without you.”
“Nor I without you.”
He kissed her as if she were fragile as porcelain. Then he stood and dug her ring from his jeans pocket. He got down on his knee and looked up at her with nothing but love in his gorgeous eyes. “Can we put this back where it belongs?”
“Yes, and there’s no way it will ever come off again.”
Cy slid the ring back on her finger. The vise that had squeezed Riana’s battered heart for over a week, vanished, and the pain was replaced by the love of her life-mate.
Chapter 44
One week later.
Riana and Cy finished dressing for his coronation ceremony and headed into the living room of his apartment.
Iggy sat on the couch tugging nervously at the tie around his neck. As he saw them, he froze mid-tug and released a low whistle. “Man, do y’all look fancy. You look beautiful, Riana.”
“Thanks Iggy, you look very handsome yourself.”
Cy wore a black tuxedo, and she had on a black A-line evening gown. The thin straps and belt were covered with jade. Cy had picked it out, along with a gorgeous pair of jade chandelier earrings. He said it brought out her eyes, but she believed he’d decked her out in jade for its fertility and gynecological healing properties.
“Iggy, can I straighten that bowtie for you?” Cy asked.
“Are you sure I have to wear this thing?”
“I’m sorry, Iggy. I promise you can take it off as soon as the ceremony’s over.” Riana snickered. “I guess we found something you hate worse than bathing.” Iggy had anxiously waited for this day to arrive, and she’d taken his excitement and replaced it with torment.
“It’s okay, Riana. The tie’s a small price to pay for getting my bravery medal and becoming an honorary Sivadian.”
Cy smiled at her as he finished Iggy’s tie. Iggy just confirmed what she and Cy had discussed earlier. The fact that he wasn’t really Sivadian didn’t matter to him. The difference between them and his own people was everyone here loved and wanted him around. Not even his parents had shown him love.
From what Iggy told them, his father had been a hard, cruel being. And the person he’d believed was his m
other despised him. He’d never understood why until the day his father died and she’d revealed he wasn’t her son. That Iggy was just some bastard his father had brought home and forced her to say was hers.
Iggy’s step-mother had banished him, and warned that anyone who helped him would receive the same. He had gone back to find his real mother and was thrown in prison. Tears came into Iggy’s eyes as he told them his brother was the only person who had come to his aid. After he broke Iggy out, they escaped to this realm. It explained a lot about why Iggy felt he should have been the one to kill Soren. The only thing Riana regretted about taking Soren’s life was Iggy didn’t get the closure he’d needed.
He’d never discovered who his real mother was, or if she was even alive. He didn’t know if she was a full god like his father, or a demi-god. Iggy said he suspected his mother was a full god, since his powers had increased over the last three years, and gods came into their full powers during their second century of life. It didn’t matter to Riana and Cy what he was. She intended to make sure Iggy knew he was loved and cherished by his new family.
“Are you guys ready to go? We have to be there early, so the king here,” she said smiling at Cy, “can get ready for his coronation.”
“Am I supposed to call you your Kingship, or my Lord, or something like that?” Iggy asked.
“You can call me Cy. I’m still the same person, just one with more responsibility.”
“Oh.” Iggy’s head bobbed up and down causing his curls to bounce.
Cy moved to the door and held it open for them. “Iggy, you do know we have to transport to the palace for the ceremony. Are you okay with that?”
Iggy released a heavy sigh. “Riana told me yesterday so I’d have time to psych myself up for it. If I pass out, just drag me inside.” Iggy looked at Riana. “But whatever happens, don’t put that sauce up my nose.”
Riana burst into laughter. “I know, Iggy. I believe everyone does.”
***
Riana, Cy, and Iggy met Lily and Kyra in the courtyard of the compound. After ten minutes of Iggy and Lily going on about how pretty each other looked, they transported to the queen’s palace.