A ripple of alarm passes through the herd.
The other two are running though the brush on the other side, deliberately making as much noise as they can, spooking the animals. But they still do not run, only shift restlessly in place.
Something more is obviously needed.
As if on cue, there’s a loud, echoing crack. One of them must have hacked at a tree hard enough for the sharp sound to carry.
That galvanizes the herd. Almost as one, they turn and run from the loud noise, their long fur shifting and swaying as they go from a standstill to a surprisingly fast sprint for such a large animal. The creatures are so large and heavy, I can feel the tremble of their movement through the ground underneath me.
The stampede moves swiftly. We watch as the river of fur streams past us leaving a few bivos behind, marking the ones we will target. They are slower than the rest, not quite able to keep up. Good prey.
I glance over at Ragnar, waiting for his signal . . .
He makes the gesture.
Bursting up from the alongside him, we slide down the dune, shoving our lochabers into the sand to steer. We flare out our wings and run to intercept the last two bivos, holding our arms out wide and making ourselves look bigger. They rear back, turning to run the other way.
But Bashir and Melchior block the other direction.
They are cornered.
Their urge to run switches over to a decision to fight.
One turns back in our direction, but the other keeps running towards Bashir and Melchior. That is good. If they had attacked in one direction together, it would have made the kill much more difficult.
"Split!" Ragnar orders as the bivo bears down on us, its great shaggy head lowered, sharp tusks pointed menacingly in our direction.
I leap to the right as Ragnar leaps to the left.
I have been learning to hunt with the group, to take orders from the others, because they are more experienced with working together to bring down large prey.
"Neck!"
I pull my lochaber back with both hands, and slice directly at the bivo's neck with the sharp blade, trying to strike a balance between cutting deeply and quickly. I do not want to cut too deep and have the lochaber ripped out of my hands when it keeps running. Ragnar does the same on the other side, his grunt of effort loud as he pulls his lochaber out with a wet ripping sound.
We keep an eye on the bivo as it continues running, blood gushing out of the wounds in its neck on both sides, the scarlet liquid sparkling in the bright sun. Both of our hits were good, deep slices. It cannot run for long. It is losing blood too quickly.
Sure enough, it turns to confront us again rather than continuing to run, its legs already shaky. It take a few steps towards us, bobbing its head. Then it slowly drops to its knees, letting out a low moaning sound, deep and mournful.
Ragnar looks over at me.
I nod.
We move forward towards it of mutual accord. But we are careful as we near, not letting down our guard. A wounded animal is often the most dangerous kind. In pain and angry, they can often surprise you.
I adjust my grip as I step closer, eyeing its large body.
Sure enough, it rushes to its feet as we near, swiping its head to the side as it attempts to gut Ragnar. My brother leaps back, the tusks just barely missing his belly. I move quickly while the bivo's head is still turned away. Bringing my lochaber down in a hard and fast motion, I stab it in the back of its head, cracking straight through the skull with a loud crunch.
It dies instantly.
We step back as it falls over on its side, going limp with a last huff of breath.
I am breathing hard, my heartbeat fast.
Ragnar steps close and claps me on the back.
"Good hunt, Brother."
Brother.
He has not called me brother since I first confessed everything.
I meet his eyes, searching. His are direct. Not warm quite yet. But not cool anymore. There is acceptance in them. Our relationship is improving. The tightness in my chest loosens somewhat. As I work to contribute to the Tribe, as Ragnar helps me learn how to hunt with the group, I can feel him thawing towards me. That, as much as the slow acceptance from the rest of the Tribe, gives me even greater hope for the future.
"Let us see if the others need help," Ragnar says, stepping back from the moment.
But when we look over at Melchior and Bashir, it is to find they too have killed their bivo.
"We will have a good amount of meat for the tribe," I comment as I crouch down to help dress the kill.
That is a relief.
"Yes," Ragnar agrees. "We will preserve what we cannot eat to help us through the times where the hunt is not successful." He looks up at me. "We are careful not to waste anything, including meat."
I nod. It is a smart decision. A smart way to live on Tajss where all resources are precious.
We take our time with the carcasses. When we trek back to the Tribe across the desert, we are well laden with the meat.
I take a deep breath as I see the wall looming in front of us.
As always, my first thought is Mei. Smiling, I continue on slightly faster now that we are within sight. Past the wall, the Tribe greets us with a warm welcome.
"Good hunting!" a few cry out as they see our full bags and know we are successful.
"Tonight we feast!"
I receive a few more slaps on the back from other Zmaj, but the entire time I am searching for one particularly bright head of hair amongst the crowd.
Unmistakable and beautiful.
But I do not see it.
Frowning, I wonder if she is—
"Good job, Ryuth."
The voice is not particularly loud, but it cuts through the crowd, as clear as a bell to my ears, attuned as they are for it.
I turn towards it, smiling as Mei walks up to me.
"I cannot take full credit," I say as I take her in my arms. My treasure. "The strategy they use is good. And it is much swifter and safer to hunt as a group."
"Hmm," she agrees, winding her arms around my neck. "I am certain the others would agree it is even swifter and safer now that you are here to contribute."
"This is true," Ragnar says over his shoulder in passing. "Good hunt, brother."
"Good hunt, brother," I repeat, feeling a warmth of emotion rising up in me at the clear and public acceptance.
"I'm proud of you," Mei murmurs, smiling at me with that look that always manages to make me feel like I belong. Like I have a home. I know even if the Tribe had not accepted me, I would not be cut adrift. I would always have Mei.
"I hope I continue to make you proud of me," I return, my expression turning serious. "My treasure."
Her face softens. "I know you will," she says. "You are a good person, Ryuth."
I shake my head, leaning my forehead against hers. I do not know why she has so much faith in me. But I know I will do everything in my power to ensure I do not jeopardize that faith.
I know the others watch us discreetly, but they give us some space. They know that Mei is mine. And that I am hers.
"You make me better," I say, kissing her lightly. "It is one of the many reasons why I love you."
She grins, the smile quick and bright. I sigh. I love that smile too.
I love everything about her.
"I love you too." She slides her hands down my chest, her eyes turning mischievous. "Perhaps you would like to go back to our cave. So you can tell me all the other reasons why you love me," she says in a low voice.
I feel a stab of heat.
Of course, my desire for her is never far below the surface.
"Are you propositioning me, my treasure?" I tease.
She raises her brows. "Of course."
I love that she does not hide her desire. "Well, then," I murmur, stepping back as I take her hand in mine. "By all means. Let us retire to our cave."
I push through the crowd, tugging Mei along with me.
&n
bsp; She giggles. "We don't have to rush!"
I look back at her over my shoulder. "I do not wish to dawdle."
She laughs again, trotting to keep up with my longer stride. Turning, I swing her up in my arms so I can go even faster.
"Ryuth!" she cries out, wrapping her arms around my neck.
"We will go faster if I carry you," I explain. Very reasonable.
She shakes her head, smiling as she tucks her face against my neck. "All right. Sounds good to me."
I move even faster as I marvel at what life has become for me. Free. Accepted by the Tribe. With Mei by my side. My beautiful treasure.
I have more than I ever hoped for, ever could have dreamed of. And it is all because of Mei. Because of her, I fought back from the depths of the bijass. Because of her, I stepped back from my duty, the duty I did not realize was misguided. Because of her, my brother is in now back in my life.
I lower my head to her soft hair and breathe in her familiar scent.
My treasure.
I am a lucky male indeed.
For the first time in decades, I look forward to the future.
I cannot wait to spend the rest of my days with my love by my side.
24
Mei
I close my eyes, feeling Ryuth's pulse against my lips where I rest them against his smooth throat.
I'm so damn proud of him. He's working hard, trying to show he can contribute to the Tribe. Being a hunter isn't easy, and he's succeeding! Not that I ever doubted he would.
He's trying so hard to rebuild his relationship with his brother. It takes a lot to admit when you're wrong. I know exactly how strong that makes Ryuth.
But all of that is a little on the backburner in my mind right now.
There's something else I have to tell him. Something that's been difficult to keep to myself. I haven't said anything yet because I wasn't sure until now. I didn't even realize I was late until a few days ago.
At first, I thought maybe it was just the stress. God knows there's been plenty of that to go around. I mean, a lot went down over a fairly short period of time.
The kidnapping.
Surviving in that oasis.
Being with Ryuth.
Ryuth leaving.
Going to save and stop him and fighting the zemlja . . .
Yeah. I think I can be forgiven for thinking it was just stress. But as soon as I started having bouts of nausea and smells started setting me off . . .
I knew.
The joy I felt when I fully realized it actually caught me by surprise. I hadn't really thought that far ahead, to be honest. There were so many more immediate concerns that kept taking my attention.
Stupid, I know.
Especially considering how much Ryuth jumped my bones, and how much I liked to jump his. To top things off, I wasn't on epis for a bit there, so my body wasn't exactly equipped to be running on all cylinders.
Pregnancy was the last thing on my mind.
But now . . .
I cover my stomach with my hand as Ryuth carries me all the way to our little corner of the rock wall. Now, I'm so happy, I'm almost bursting with it.
My only worry is Ryuth. What if he isn't ready for it? I mean, he literally just started speaking again. He went through so much and he's just getting his footing here in the Tribe. I don't want to overwhelm him with something else.
I bite my lip as he lowers me to the bed, all his possible reactions running through my mind. He sits down on the bed next to me and frowns when he sees my face. I must not be hiding my worry very well.
He takes my hand in his. "What is it, my treasure?" he asks in a soft voice. "Why are you worried?"
I sit up, feeling too vulnerable lying down. Now's the time. I can't put it off. He has to know and I can't handle keeping it in.
"I have to tell you something."
"I am listening," he says, looking at me expectantly. "What is it? You can tell me."
I know that. Doesn't make me any less nervous.
"I . . . I'm pregnant, Ryuth." I cup my hands over my stomach, trying to smile.
His eyes follow the gesture as he blinks.
His face goes slack with surprise as comprehension dawns
"You are . . . with child?" he asks, his eyes coming back up to meet mine.
I nod. What is he thinking? I can't tell. "Could you say something, Ryuth?" I urge.
He reaches out with his free hand to my stomach, covering mine. "Our child?" he whispers. When he looks up to meet my eyes again, he's grinning from ear to ear. "A baby!" he exclaims, leaning in to give me an enthusiastic kiss.
I laugh, kissing him back, a wave of relief and joy hitting me.
I pull back. "You're happy?" I ask, just be sure. "You don't feel like this is too fast, like you need a little more time?"
He shakes his head incredulously. "Why would I not be happy?" he asks. "We are having a child! A baby that is both you and me. Why would any time be a bad one for something so wonderful?" He cups the side of my face, his expression turning serious for a moment. "You cannot doubt my joy at this news."
He's right. I can see it on his face. The same happiness that I'm feeling right now is reflected in his eyes.
"Okay," I say quietly. "Okay."
His smile is tender now, his eyes warm. "I cannot wait to see you growing round with my child."
I laugh, shaking my head. "Maybe that'll be fun for you," I say wryly. "There are some things I'm not looking forward to."
Especially the bed rest I'm going to have be on towards the end and then the actual birth . . . Those babies are huge! But even my nerves about those things aren't enough to dim this moment.
"I know you will look beautiful," he says, his eyes darkening. "But perhaps a demonstration of exactly how attractive I find you is in order."
I laugh as he abruptly starts pulling at my clothes, stripping me with an efficiency that has to count as a skill. But I stop him as he moves to come down on top of me.
"No," I say.
"No?" he says, looking confused.
"Your clothes too. Take them off."
"Ah," he says, his face clearing. "Yes, I can do that."
He all but rips his clothes off, making me laugh again as he layers his muscled body over mine. And then his mouth is on mine. And I'm not laughing anymore.
He makes love to me, so tenderly there are tears in my eyes.
He takes his time, kissing me softly, slowly. Everywhere. My breasts. The insides of my wrists. The delicate skin covering my ribcage. My ankles, where I didn't even know I liked to be kissed.
And then between my legs. Where his lips and mouth work slowly but thoroughly, drawing two orgasms out of me. Until I'm glowing with pleasure, any worry or fear drowned out by it.
When he rises onto his elbows on top of me and slowly pushes in, he kisses me gently.
"I love you," he says in a deep, hoarse voice, the control he's exerting over himself clear. "More than anything."
My heart is so full, it aches.
"I love you, too," I say, my eyes half closing as he seats himself inside me all the way. I can never get used to how he fills me. I love it so much.
I watch him and he watches me as he starts thrusting, his body moving smoothly in and out of me, the spike at his base hitting my sensitive clitoris.
My vision blurs as I come a third time.
A fourth.
He comes with me that time, his eyes tightly shut, his jaw clenched as he shudders around me, inside me.
And then his secondary cock comes into play.
At this point, I think I might be coming continuously.
My head tosses from side to side as he lifts my legs to his shoulders, thrusting in and out of me slowly. But it doesn't matter how slow he goes when he's that big. It always feels just short of overwhelming, in the best way.
By the time he's finished, I'm limp, sated beyond measure.
The future is looking brighter than I could ever have dreamed it to be.
Ryuth lies down next to me and then pulls me on top of him, skin to skin, his arms tight around me.
"I love you, my treasure," he says again, kissing my temple. "And I already love our child so much," his voice breaks a little. "I cannot wait to be a father."
I lift my head to look at him, feeling so lucky. "You're going to be an excellent father," I say. "I love you so much. And we're going to spoil this kid rotten."
He frowns. "Spoil . . . rotten?" he questions. "That does not sound healthy . . . "
I snicker, propping my head up on my chin. "It means we'll give our child whatever he or she wants."
"Ah." His face clears. "Then yes. We will spoil our baby rotten."
I chuckle, laying my head down on his chest. I snuggle in and close my eyes.
Knowing I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.
____________
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A Baby for the Alien Prince
Celestial Mates (The Alva)
MIRANDA MARTIN
Blurb
Take an Human female as mate on the off chance of saving his race? Absurd.
At least that's what Prince Elorshin Do'ana thinks. It's true, the Alvan race is dying. There have been no new births in years and if they don't do something, their entire race is doomed. However, Elorshin doesn't want to bind himself to a mate that can't fully share in the fated bond that all Alvan crave. Forced into a marriage by a House more powerful than his own, Prince Elorshin doesn't think he will ever know happiness, that is until he meets his bright, luscious bride.
Margot Whelan wants two things, one of which she will never have. Love and a baby. The second can't happen, not as long as she's on Earth. Population control is too strict. When she sees an advertisement for the Celestial Mates Dating Agency she decides to take the chance. After all, what future does she have on an overpopulated Earth? She agrees to marry the hot, seven foot tall, indigo alien with sparkling emerald eyes and oddly sexy fangs.
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