The Vulpirans' Honor: The Soul-Linked Saga

by Laura Jo Phillips

  Garen stopped just short of stepping directly between Faron and Vikter, Trey at his side. “I know why you are angry, Lord Protector,” he said, his voice deceptively soft. “Saige voxed Lariah to share her outrage, and Lariah shared hers with us. We too, are displeased. However, we are in possession of information that leads us to believe that an error has been made.”

  “Yes, Highness,” Faron said. “I agree that an error has been made. Consul Vikter’s surprise was genuine when I accused him of harming their Arima.”

  “What is this about Honey being harmed?” Vikter broke in, unable to help himself. “What has happened to her? Where is she?”

  “Calm yourself, Consul Vulpiran,” Garen said. “Your Arima is not in danger, nor is she harmed in the way you think. However, she does suffer, and as we owe her much, we cannot allow it to continue.”

  “Suffers how?” Vikter asked. “We will correct the matter at once.”

  Garen looked at Faron, who nodded before looking to Vikter. Faron listed all of the issues that Saige had given them, growing angry again as he spoke, only with himself and his people rather than the Vulpirans. How could they have allowed someone whom they claimed to value to be in need of such basics as a home and money for food and clothing? It was shameful. “She wants, needs, and deserves a home of her own without having to rely on the charity of others,” he finished.

  “We did not offer her another guesthouse as we thought that you would care for her yourselves,” Garen said to Vikter. “It has come to our attention, most emphatically, that you have not cared for her, nor even visited her since her release from the clinic three days ago. It is the opinion of Arima Saige, Princess Lariah, and ourselves that Honey Davis is deserving of more than she is receiving from the Jasani, or her Rami.”

  “Excuse me,” Michael said from where he stood a few yards away with all of the other onlookers. “I’m sorry about the money situation. Half of what I have is hers, of course. I’ve been so busy working I didn’t think of it, and she didn’t say anything. I’ll fix it first thing in the morning.” He turned to Vikter, an expression of disappointment on his face. “I didn’t know that you guys were avoiding her,” he said. “Honey and Nica are both welcome to come back to the guesthouse with me. I thought...well, it doesn’t matter what I thought.”

  “The only reason we’ve been staying away from Honey is that she is still a married woman,” Vikter said. “We thought it best to wait until she is no longer married before claiming her as our Arima.”

  “Dr. Davis, did you not receive the documents we sent to the clinic for you this morning?” Garen asked.

  “I did receive them,” Michael replied. “I showed them to Honey, but then I got carried away with an idea about the Xanti and forgot to tell the Vulpirans about them. I’m sorry, Vikter, Lance, Hunt. I meant to tell you.”

  “The brilliance of your discovery forces me to forgive your forgetfulness,” Garen said. He arched a brow at Vikter, who nodded.

  “Yes, the same goes for us, Michael,” he said. “And I understand why you were so angry with us,” he said to Faron. “I would have felt the same were our situations reversed. Frankly, I am now ashamed that we stayed so far from her for our own sake. Had we not thought of ourselves so much, we would have come close enough to sense her distress and worry.”

  “It is not an easy thing to have an Arima,” Garen said. “After centuries of waiting, to suddenly have a woman to love and care for can be far more difficult and confusing than one would ever suspect.”

  “The important question is, what do we do now?” Lance asked. “I confess, I am greatly ashamed of our behavior. Our reasons for what we did are irrelevant. I will not rest until our Arima is happy and well, but I’ve no idea how to procure her a home at this time of night, let alone solve the other troubles she has.”

  “We have offered her a home, here on the ranch,” Garen said. “Tomorrow our architect will arrive to discuss with all of you what you want most in a home. It was meant to be a surprise, but I can see that it’s best you know now. While waiting for the home to be built, we will offer Honey the River House. It has been extensively remodeled, so there is room enough for all of you, should you all wish to live together. Also, it is within walking distance of our own home. If she is to live alone, we would have her close enough that we can keep watch over her.”

  “Tomorrow I will set up a new account for Honey and transfer funds into it,” Michael said.

  “When you do, send the account number to us so that we can do the same,” Garen said. Michael nodded agreement.

  “That covers the most urgent needs, I believe,” Garen said. “I’m not sure what to do about a school for Nica. That will take some thought.”

  “If I may,” Michael said hesitantly. Garen nodded. “I’ve spent the past couple of days working in Doc’s clinic. I noticed that he treats a lot of children, though he told me he usually sees them at the infirmary. Many were school age, five, six, seven year olds. Doc said he was the closest physician, though there’s one in a nearby town. I assume that means there are families nearby with children who might benefit from a school a bit closer than town.”

  “They must be the children of the ranch hands,” Faron said. “I didn’t think of them. I wonder, what do they do for schooling?”

  “Most of them home school,” Trey said. “There are several other ranches out too far to make the trip into town twice a day so they home school their children as well.”

  “I think we need to make plans to build a school on the ranch,” Garen said thoughtfully. “But not tonight.” He looked at Vikter and smiled. “Without interfering in your personal affairs, might I suggest, Consul Vikter, that you and your brothers visit your Arima? It appears the four of you have things to discuss.”

  “Your advice is appreciated, and will be followed, of that much I can assure you,” Vikter said. “We have not done well for our Arima so far. I can only hope that we improve with time.”

  “You will,” Faron said with a wry smile. “I warn you though, it will be an ongoing process of trial and error.”

  Vikter smiled, but it was a weak effort. The knowledge that Honey was fully divorced was welcome. But the knowledge of how they’d failed her was hard to take.

  ***

  After putting Nica to bed and reading her a story, Honey went back downstairs. The Bearens’ were in the sitting room, talking around the fireplace, and they invited her to join them. She politely declined, then went out to the garden for some fresh air.

  She felt edgy, restless, unsettled. She regretted her outburst in front of Saige earlier. She generally kept a much tighter rein on her emotions. She decided that she’d leave a bit early for the clinic in the morning so she could visit Saige and apologize.

  That decision made, she felt a little better, but not entirely. The matter of a home for herself and Nica was eating at her. The more she thought about it, the more impossible it seemed. After all, she realized, this was not a town. This was a private ranch, owned by the Dracons. It wasn’t like she could go rent an apartment up the road.

  She was beginning to wonder if remaining on Jasan was a good idea. She knew that Michael would never return, and she didn’t blame him. But that didn’t mean she and Nica had to stay. She’d never go back to Terien, but maybe she could get a job on Earth. At least her psychic abilities wouldn’t be as shocking on Earth as on Terien.

  Honey sighed softly as she looked up at the stars in the dark, purple sky. The real problem, she admitted to herself, was the Vulpirans. She’d thought that since she was their Arima, they would want her. Obviously she’d been wrong. And the truth was, she didn’t see how she could continue to live here, on Jasan, knowing that they didn’t want her.

  So, she thought. That’s it then. Tomorrow I’ll begin making arrangements for Nica and I to go back to Earth.

  Her mind made up, she turned to go back into the house, refusing to allow one more tear to fall. She’d cried enough the past couple of days. She was
getting to be downright maudlin.

  Just as she started to reach for the patio door it slid open, revealing Vikter Vulpiran. Honey was so startled that for a long moment all she could do was stare at him.

  ***

  Jackson showed the Vulpirans out to the patio, silently wishing them luck. If ever there was a woman who deserved happiness, it was Honor Davis. On his way back to the sitting room he saw a message light blinking on the vid screen so he paused to check it. He listened to it twice, then turned the vid screen off and returned to the sitting room.

  “The Vulpirans have come to speak with Honey,” he announced as he crossed the room to the fireplace and added a new log to it.

  “It’s about time,” Clark said. “I was beginning to think we’d have to light a fire under them.”

  “According to a message I just got from Dav, the Lobos and the Dracons have already done that,” Rob said with a smile.

  Jackson made a mental note to ask Rob more about that later. “Hope, the council has a request of you,” he said.

  “The council?” Hope asked in surprise, looking up from her book. “What could they possibly want of me?”

  “There is a vault in the Hidden City that contains all of the artifacts that remain from our ancient home world, Ugaztun,” he said. “They ask that you visit it to determine if there are any items that are meant to be used in some way for the good of our people.”

  “They know I am a Keeper, then,” Hope said with a sigh.

  “Yes, I’m afraid they do,” Jackson said. “Elder Vulpiran asked Aisling about her bracelet. To be fair, she was not asked to keep it quiet.”

  “No, she wasn’t,” Hope agreed. “And I’m not upset about it, either.”

  “Then why do you seem worried?” Clark asked.

  “Reading objects is often an unpleasant thing to do,” she said.

  “You need not read them,” Jackson said. “In fact, didn’t Riata tell you that you’re not meant to read such objects?”

  “That’s true,” Hope said, brightening. “All right then, so long as I don’t have to touch or read the items, I’ve no objection. When should we do this?”

  “Whenever we want to,” Jackson replied. “Since we’re able to speed-travel to the Hidden City in moments, we don’t even have to pack. We can take a morning or afternoon whenever you like.”

  “What about your work schedule?” Hope asked.

  “This takes precedence,” Jackson said.

  “In that case, the sooner the better as far as I’m concerned,” Hope said. “I don’t want to sit around worrying about it. How does tomorrow afternoon sound?”

  “Tomorrow afternoon is fine,” Jackson said. “And there’s nothing to worry about, niha. We will be with you every moment, and you will touch nothing you don’t want to touch.”

  “Thank you,” Hope said. “What about the boys? Should we take them?”

  “No, I think we should leave them here,” Clark said. “I don’t think the council would approve of three toddlers set loose in the vault of ancient artifacts.”

  Hope laughed softly. “No, I suppose not. Tess and Sila can manage without us for an afternoon.”

  “There will be guards, of course,” Jackson said. “For our own peace of mind.”

  “Of course,” Hope said. “As much as it annoys me, I admit I’ll feel better knowing there are guards watching over the house and the children while we’re gone.”

  “Not just guards,” Jackson said. “We’ll ask the Bearen-Hirus to come. They’ll enjoy the chance to spend time with the boys anyway.”

  “Aren’t they a bit highly ranked to be baby-sitters?” Hope asked doubtfully. “I don’t want to insult anyone.”

  “They will not be insulted,” Rob said. “In fact, they’ll be honored. If the Bearen-Bat and the Bearen-Ti weren’t off-world right now, we’d ask them.”

  “You’d ask the first and second ranked male-sets of your clan to babysit?” Hope asked in surprise.

  “No, we’d ask them to guard our sons,” Jackson said. “And they’d be honored to do it, Hope. Don’t forget, Harlan, Matt and Weld are the only Owlfens left.”

  “Oh yeah,” Hope said. “I try not to think about that too much. Now that you’ve brought it up though, ask them not to spoil the boys, all right? I don’t want them getting big heads.”

  “Spoil?” Clark asked, while at the same time Rob said “Big heads?”

  “Why would having the Bearen-Hirus guard our sons cause their heads to grow large?” Jackson asked.

  “What I mean is I don’t want them to become arrogant or conceited,” Hope explained.

  “I see,” Jackson said. “I do not believe that arrogance is a part of their nature, niha. We will, however, keep our eyes open for such behavior, and guard against it.”

  Hope smiled. She knew when she was being placated. “Thanks,” she said, closing her book and setting it aside. “I think I’d like to take a bath before bed. Anyone want to join me?”

  For one moment all three of the Bearens froze. Then they all burst into motion at once using Air Magic to speed travel. Clark sped through the house checking the locks on all of the doors. Rob closed the fire screen on the front of the fireplace, then checked the windows. Jackson lifted Hope into his arms and, a moment later, set her on her feet in their bedroom.”

  Hope kissed him lightly on the lips, then turned toward the bathroom. By the time she reached the doorway, all three of her men were right behind her.

  ***

  “Hello, Honey,” Vikter said, stepping out onto the patio. Lance followed, then Hunt, causing her to back up a couple of steps. She didn’t know why they were there, and felt a strong need to maintain some distance from them. She crossed her arms in front of her and made her face as expressionless as she could manage.

  “Hello,” she said. They just stood there, staring at her for so long that she became very uncomfortable. “Is something wrong?” she asked.

  “Yes,” Vikter said. “Many things are wrong. We have made many mistakes, though I promise you, none were intended to hurt you.”

  Honey started to ask him what he was talking about, but stopped herself just in time.

  “It has been brought to our attention that you are not entirely happy, and that we are to blame,” Lance said.

  Honey’s eyes widened at that. She couldn’t help it. She had to ask. “What are you talking about?”

  “You are unhappy, Honey,” Vikter said. She started to shake her head but he held up one hand. “No, do not deny it,” he said. “We can feel it. And it’s our fault.”

  “What’s your fault?” she asked.

  “All of it. You staying here as a guest instead of having your own home, for starters,” Vikter said.

  Honey arched a brow at him. “I fail to see how that is either your responsibility or your business,” she said, beginning to get a little angry. “Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I’ve decided to return to Earth. I’m going to make the arrangements tomorrow, so you see, no more problem. Now, if you will excuse me, I’m tired.”

  “You’re returning to Earth?” Vikter asked, his face paling.

  Honey frowned, wondering why he seemed so upset. “Yes, I think it’s the best solution for us. I’m responsible for Nica, and I have to do what’s best for her. I have nothing here. I can’t even give her a home here, or send her to school, or....” She trailed off. She’d gone over the list of woes so many times she was sick of it. “It’s just best.”

  “What about us?” Hunt asked. Honey shook her head a little in confusion. “I’m sorry, Hunt, I don’t understand what you mean. What about you?”

  “You are our Arima,” Lance said. “We do not want you to leave.”

  “Why not?” she asked. “You don’t want me, that much is obvious. It’s best for all of us if I leave Jasan.”

  “So much misunderstanding, so many assumptions, beliefs, worries,” Vikter sighed deeply. “Honey, come over here and sit down, please. Give us a few minutes to exp
lain ourselves to you. Then, if you want to leave Jasan, we will not stand in your way.”

  Honey wasn’t sure she wanted to do this. She very nearly said no, but the waves of worry, hope and fear coming from the three of them tugged at her heart. She could not deny them this small request.

  She turned and walked over to the patio table and pulled out a chair. She sat down, then wrapped her arms around herself again, this time for warmth. Hunt removed the light leather jacket he wore and draped it over her shoulders without a word.

  “Thank you,” she said, breathing in his scent. She shivered, but it had nothing to do with the cold.

  “To begin,” Vikter said, after they were all seated, “you need to know why we have been staying away from you.”

  Honey nodded. She would like an answer to that.

  “Everyone knows you are our Arima,” he said. “And everyone knows you are married to Michael. We wished to avoid any hint of dishonor for all of our sakes. After you told us the truth of your relationship with Michael, it suddenly became impossible for us to remain in your presence without treating you as our Arima. Before you were healed, we could remind ourselves that we had to be careful for your sake. But afterward, we were afraid of ourselves. We want you too much, Honey. Need you too much. Desire you too much. But we had to wait until you were no longer married.”

  “So you stayed away for my sake?” Honey asked.

  “For all of our sakes,” Vikter replied. “We should have talked to you, we see that now. We never meant to hurt you, and we surely never meant to abandon you. You are the one woman meant for us. We have waited for you for centuries. We tried so hard not to cause you harm, and in doing so, we caused you harm. An Arima’s health and happiness comes before all things, and in this we failed you, and we are ashamed of ourselves and more sorry than we can tell you. But please, do not leave. We ask that you give us another chance.”