by Lara LaRue
How any mother could carry life under her heart for any length of time and then deny the child when born out of anything but necessity was completely beyond me. I didn’t understand it at all.
But I felt that Hope was like me, when my parents had abandoned me, throwing me away for no damn reason. I knew the Grand Mother meant well when she’d planned to take her, and Hope would have had a better life than I did growing up in the Children’s Ward. But she never would have had a real mom or a real dad. And I realized now that that was the worst part for me growing up.
I vowed to give Hope what I never had. A mother who stuck around, protecting and loving her.
When Hope was napping, I took care of other business. I’d met briefly with perfumers and candlemakers who seemed enthused about adding Earth scents to their repertoires. Anything resinous, green, or floral attracted them.
I had A’dam send a message packet to President Maeda on Earth. With my current ambassadorial status, I had a great deal of leeway in requests I could make. I asked for plants and seeds that produced the scents in question, and I asked Maeda if a botanist would be interested in making the trip.
We began, over transmission packets, to negotiate trade in the form of restaurants, entertainment, and market stalls, and, most importantly of all, families that might want to immigrate to Juhl. I figured that if families with girls in them were here, then nature could take its own course and the population could expand through the regular interactions between our people. Even if not all were genetically compatible now, the project would eventually find a solution.
Raevu would still have to meet with his council about arranging for a large influx of just human women as brides or jalkavaima. But to convince them, he’d need to know our mating experiment was a success. A complete success, unlike the disaster I had barely survived back on Earth.
That thought discomfited me. I was an experiment. Did Raevu still see me that way? I knew I’d started out in his mind as “the female” and even “his female,” but was I still? I traced a hand lightly over the sigil that forever marked me as his. How do I really feel about him now?
I smiled because there was no doubt in my mind that I loved my sexy alien mate. Yes, he was domineering, brusque, bad-tempered, and impulsive. But he was also brave, caring, nurturing, funny, protective, charismatic, intelligent, and fucking spectacular in bed. And despite our ups and down together, I wanted to stay with him…forever.
I sat down abruptly in the nearest chair, and tears came to my eyes. Furiously, I blinked them away. I am independent and self-sufficient, dammit! And I love Raevu. I wanted to stay with him, build a life with him, and have lots of babies. And somehow, those things didn’t really feel like they were in opposition anymore.
Seeing the camaraderie between him and his most trusted advisers, T’ral and Baelon, while we were on Earth, and watching them interact had been interesting. When Raevu’s old friend, Ken Maeda, the president of my planet, had been added into the mix, everything had shifted to fascinating… They were extraordinary men doing ordinary things. Connecting and working together just like I’d seen cooks and chefs work with Gino at his restaurant when I’d taken shifts there to pull in extra money.
And when we’d gotten on board the ship and I saw in action how the respect had flowed back and forth between Raevu and his people, I knew then that he genuinely cared for their well-being, and they cared right back for his. I had seen that even more profoundly when we arrived on Juhl. Raevu’s people could absolutely count on him to lay down his life for them.
Yes, I also saw his arrogance and stubbornness—and how hard I would sometimes have to work to get him to communicate his thoughts and intentions with me clearly, without him being an asshole. But I knew now it was just him to keep things close to his chest and not share them like I thought he should, but it was because he’d never had a mate to share that part of him. Several of our arguments could have been completely avoided if he’d just told me why we were doing something a certain way, instead of assuming that I automatically understood his rationale. Raevu had his faults, and so did I. We both weren’t perfect, but no one was. What was important was that he was considerate of me and respected my thinking. He’d taken to talking with me of policy and government just before our evening meal every night. And he was so passionate in his lovemaking and could set my whole body aflame with just a look. And then it was how tender I’d seen him be with Hope. He was so large, but his hands couldn’t be gentler in his handling of her like a precious package.
I swiped at the tears on my face from all of the love I felt for both Raevu and Hope. But I had to get my shit together; Linnea would be here any moment now for another history lesson. She couldn’t see me when I was this emotional mess.
I grinned. Damn. I loved Raevu, and I wanted to stay and make a family here and build a life. By God, I hoped I’d read all the signs right and he’d love me back.
Chapter 27
Raevu
I hoped Eva liked her surprise. Keeping it a secret had been difficult. I’d been almost bursting with it for weeks now.
Thank goodness for Hope. Eva and I could discuss Hope, and I could set aside thoughts about the secret and manage to once again avoid blurting it out. Well, the moment of truth was at hand. I’d find out now how she felt about surprises and secrets.
I’d picked a moment when I knew Linnea was with her, thinking that if I had someone I knew well there, the moment would be less awkward for me. I glanced around to make sure all was in order, as best it could be anyway. The excitement was palpable. I asked Geoffrey to open the door to Eva’s suite of rooms, and I let myself and our newly arrived guests through.
Bodies seemed to tumble through the doorway and spill into the room. Happy cries of Eva’s name sounded over and over as each person clamored for her attention. I couldn’t even find her in the bedlam I’d helped to create.
And then I did. She was a light of calm amidst the bubbling sea surrounding her. Tears streamed down her smiling face as she struggled to hug five boisterous, wiggly Earth children at once.
Her deep brown eyes linked with mine, she mouthed “thank you,” and turned her full attention back to the demands of her very own multitude. I went to stand by Linnea, who had backed out of the path of the stampede when the children had rushed for Eva.
“Are these the little ones you talked of?” she asked, wide-eyed. “Ivy’s kids? Laura’s Amber?”
I nodded and grinned briefly, proud to see the results of my planning and secret-keeping. “Who else could it be?”
Linnea shook her head slightly. “Yes, how silly of me. How long are they here to visit?”
“They are not visiting.” I leaned against the wall and continued to observe the happy chaos. “They’re here to live.”
“That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.” Linnea patted my arm. “Does Eva know that?”
I had to fight down another grin. “Not yet, but she will.”
She beamed. “Oh, I see. Where are their mothers?”
“T’ral and Baelon are bringing them down. We thought it’d be fun for the kids to get their hellos out of the way first. The adults are taking a more scenic route past their new quarters.”
Eva had managed to get the children all settled where they could each be touching her. She had the two boys snuggled up against each hip beside her on her chaise, the older girl leaning on her back with two little arms wrapped tightly around her neck, and the two younger girls of light and shadow leaning against each knee.
She had just managed to convince the boys that her tears were happy ones. Finally, when T’ral and Baelon arrived with Ivy and Laura, I noticed the disgruntled looks on Baelon’s and Laura’s faces. I wondered what was wrong, but it couldn’t have been terribly important because T’ral and Ivy just looked amused.
Eva stood up and rushed over to Ivy’s open arms. Ivy pushed Eva back to arm’s length and looked her up and down and said, “It worked? So quickly? You’re pregnant.�
�
I blinked very slowly, pushing off from the wall as I stared between them. What?
Eva’s startled gaze flew to me. “I haven’t had a chance to tell Raevu yet.”
I stood there in shock. She stared back, a guilty, worried look on her face. I blinked, and a slow grin spread across my face. I walked over to Eva, feeling the need to touch her. I reached down and trailed two fingers down her cheek. “You’re pregnant?”
She straightened her shoulders, lifted her chin, and nodded.
“Since when?”
“I found out the day Hope was born.” Her eyes shifted around in embarrassment at the admission.
“But that was almost three weeks ago,” I said. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I meant to. I planned it out, but then I’d fall asleep before you got to bed, or then we’d be busy…with other things. And what if I miscarried? Or what if it had been a false positive due to stress and exhaustion? We’ve been through so much lately. I wanted to make sure I was pregnant before I said anything to you.”
I wanted to interrupt her with more questions, but I saw she was struggling to explain, and I forced myself to nod in acknowledgment and keep listening.
“I kept waiting to talk to Ivy or Laura about my doubts and concerns, but I couldn’t get in touch with them. Now I know why.” Eva shrugged her shoulders. “It’s kind of ironic. I had decided today that I wasn’t going to wait any longer. I was going to make sure to tell you tonight. I swear. But Ivy kind of spoiled that surprise.” Eva laughed and brushed away a tear.
I was filled with emotion. I could have been very angry at her for hiding the truth, but I was coming to learn that some things were more important than the satisfaction of my expectations. Eva was more important.
I bent and wrapped my arms about Eva and swept her off her feet into a giddy turn. Since her face was conveniently close to mine, I kissed her softly. “Pregnant. That’s the best news I’ve ever heard.”
I carefully set her back on her feet. She was quickly swept away into Laura’s arms for a hug of hello and congratulations.
Baelon walked over and slapped me forcefully on the back. “Good job, nephew. Now, quit staring at her and let’s go tell everyone. Let’s see if the boys want to come with us.”
I looked back at my life mate briefly, and then went on with my uncle. I had two children and my new life mate that I loved more than life. I had been truly blessed by the gods.
Chapter 28
Eva
I adjusted Jaylynn’s arms around little Hope so that Hope’s head was supported more securely. “She’s kind of green, Eva. Why is she green?” Amber asked as she patted the moss-colored down on Hope’s head.
I laughed, even as Laura hissed for her daughter to mind her manners. “Haven’t you noticed, Amber? Everyone here, except for the group of us, is either blue or green.”
“She’s beautiful,” Jaylynn murmured. “My very favorite shade of green.”
“Every green is your favorite shade of green,” Amber protested to her friend. “But why? Why is everyone blue or green?”
“I really don’t know, honey. Does it matter? They’re blue or green. You’re white. And I’m black. It’s just another color.”
“No, it doesn’t matter.” Amber continued stroking the velvet. “I’d just like to know why.”
“Eva,” Ivy’s daughter Josephine called from where she’d been talking with Linnea. “When is your baby due?”
“In the season the Juhlians call Kavat,” I replied. “We’d say early spring, I think.”
Amber walked up to me and tugged the edge of my shawl. “Hugs?”
I picked up Amber and twirled her around. I couldn’t believe my family was here with me—and staying. “I don’t understand how you got here!” I cried.
“On a spaceship,” Amber giggled as she was spun.
Laura rolled her eyes at that. “Yes, honey, that’s exactly what Eva’s asking.” Laura seemed restless; she kept wandering the room and touching the knickknacks and ornaments scattered throughout. “We didn’t really have all that much to stay on earth for. Ivy and the kids don’t have any other family. I’m on my own with Amber. We both had pretty meaningless jobs.”
Ivy nodded and spoke up. “Raevu sent a messenger packet and offered us free room and board, and education for the kids. How could we lose? Move somewhere exotic where you can live for free in a palace near your best friend, or stay in a tiny living cube and work a job you barely tolerate just to pay the bills. Not a difficult choice.” Her eyes twinkled.
“Besides, I’m now a certified nurse-midwife, and I can help you with your pregnancy.” Laura smiled. “And Ivy is a teacher and can teach all of our kids.”
“Mama,” Jaylynn called. “Can we have this baby when Eva has her own?”
I shook my head at that, though the kids’ immediate attachment to Hope made me smile. “No, Jaylynn, I’m not giving up Hope. She’s mine.”
Amber’s eyes grew round, “But she isn’t yours. Your baby is in your belly. Will you still want her when you have your own?”
“Of course I will,” I objected. “She’s a beautiful, innocent baby. I consider her my own now. She’ll be my oldest child just like Trevor is the oldest or, if your mommy ever has any more children, you’ll be the oldest. Ivy loves all her children, and your mommy will always love you. And I will always love Hope, no matter how many of my own kids I have.”
I was kind of glad that Baelon, Raevu, and T’ral had taken Trevor and Mark with them on a tour. Those two boys needed more male figures in their lives. “How are Gino and Val?” I asked.
Ivy answered, “Their restaurant is moving—as in, here. They will be one of the first Earth restaurants to open up here on Juhl. Some man named Willoughby asked them if they’d be interested. They said of course! And half the staff wants to come along as well.”
“I think Raevu has to propose it all to the Council, but, Eva, the plans you’ve proposed to him about immigration here make sense,” Laura concurred.
I arched a brow. “Raevu knows about all of my immigration proposals?”
“Of course he does,” Linnea laughed. “Raevu reads every message packet before it leaves. He’s seen the suggestions you’ve made in your ambassadorial capacity to your president, and he loves them. Willem has mentioned them a couple of times when he’s come home.”
Extra hormones must have been flooding through me, and I got teary-eyed for the third time today. Typically, I wasn’t even a crying type of chick.
Laura smiled at me. “Eva, it’s obvious that Raevu is as head over heels for you as you are for him. Just watching the chemistry between you two lets me know everything… You two are definitely in love with each other. And I couldn’t be happier for you. You deserve happiness.” She winked at me. “By the way, what is that wonderful smell?”
“What smell?” I asked, bewildered.
“She means the Sopu tree,” Linnea said. “Isn’t it marvelous? Relaxing and delightful at the same time. I’ve taken to simmering it in pots around our quarters as well. Makes Willem very affectionate.” She blushed lightly under her pale green skin.
“Is that included in the messenger packets?” I wondered. “I think this fragrance would sell marvelously well on Earth. I need to ask Brother Estijen about supply and demand. I doubt they would let any of their sentient trees be exported, but they probably shed plenty of foliage that isn’t being used.”
I paused and then winced slightly. “Speaking of supply, Linnea, did all the information get supplied to Geoffrey?” We weren’t getting anywhere in our historical search for answers going solely off Linnea’s memory of learned events from four hundred years earlier. We had been forced to utilize another resource, Geoffrey, my computer concierge, who could filter through data and information in a fraction of the time it might take a person. He could identify the patterns we might not be able to see.
“It should all be uploaded by tomorrow morning. I wish the two computer sy
stems were a bit more compatible and could just dump data back and forth. Data entry is tedious,” Linnea complained, “but, as we have ten men working on it, almost all of our history books and files are in his system now.”
“Good! We can start feeding him search parameters tomorrow. Who knew research was so exciting?” I pulled Josephine in for a hug, so glad I had my family surrounding me once more.
Chapter 29
Raevu
Things were looking up. There hadn’t been a single death threat in weeks. The Council had been surprised and thrilled to hear of Eva’s pregnancy so soon into our union, and they had passed an immigration bill allowing unwed Earth females to join jalkavaima complexes if they so desired—after getting a clean bill of health, of course.
The immigration bill also had a stipulation that jalkavaimas of either race could settle on a more permanent relationship if both the male and female were in accord with this.
When we passed the bill and coordinating treaty on to Ken Maeda and Earth, the response was overwhelming. Thousands of women were willing to become jalkavaimas to get off the overcrowded Earth. Some were willing to do it for just a couple of years until they could get established—or find a mate. Other human females, like Eva, were doing it only to help out our population. Many women were willing to have in vitro fertilization and have babies, but they didn’t want to formally become jalkavaimas.
The outpouring of support and generosity from the Earth women was remarkable to me. But I still had to take precautions. I was sure there would be some just like Acidi, opportunists and manipulators.
Provisos were placed into both bill and treaty that allowed for a zero-tolerance of criminal activity or suspected manipulation of information. A trial of peers made up of Grand Mothers, jalkavaimas—both human and Juhlian—and a few males would be held for those thought to be abusing the system, and those found guilty would be deported back to their former situations.