by Dakota Dawn
When he bent to pick up some more of her stuff, a tail darted out and slapped him. He looked at Mr. Tickles. The animal was once again standing on his back leg with his paws on his hips. He glared at Slanon and stabbed his pink tail sharply in the air three times at Slanon.
He raised his hands in surrender. If lukpas could talk, he was pretty sure Mr. Tickles would have just said, “I’m watching you.”
Eying the little fellow, he whispered, “I’m not going to hurt her.”
Mr. Tickles snorted and gave Slanon a “we’ll see” look. The temptation to toss the thing over the outside rail rose up in him. Alicka coming back stopped him.
“Are you boys coming? I need your direction, Slanon. We need to figure out where to put Mr. Tickles’s litter box and food and water bowls.” Her fur-ball had instantly gone down on his front paws when she’d entered the room. Now he was hopping over to her, looking like an innocent angel.
Alicka smiled when her pet tickled her under the arm. She looked at Slanon. “Isn’t he the cutest thing?”
Taking a page from the little critter’s playbook, he walked over and petted Mr. Tickles’s pink head. “Yes, he is. I’m so glad you have him.”
A fluffy tail swooshed over Alicka’s face, causing her to close her eyes. When hers were shut, Slanon had a pair of angry yellow eyes glaring at him.
Alicka giggled and stood. “He belongs to both of us now.”
Slanon silenced a groan. It looked like he’d have to get on Pink Fuzzy’s good side if he wanted to have any peace in his own home.
“Why don’t we see if he can help us decide the best place for his things to go?”
A wicked gleam entered the tiny beast’s eyes and the little bastard headed straight for their bedroom.
Slanon felt blessed by the moons when Alicka frowned and said, “I don’t think this is the best room for your things.” She looked up at Slanon. “His box can get a little stinky sometimes.” Mr. Tickles looked at her like she was lying. She ignored him and turned to leave the room. They followed her to the guest bedroom down the hall.
Mr. Tickles made a sad sound and Alicka quickly scooped him up. “You’re right. This room is too far away.”
“We could put his stuff in the corner of the living room.”
Alicka’s eyes lit up. “That’s a great idea. I keep his box very clean so it shouldn’t bother us. My real concern with him in our bedroom is him seeing us doing you-know-what.”
He fought a laugh at her innocent blue eyes. They flashed naughtily when she danced around saying the word “breeding” in front of her pet.
“I totally agree. He should be quite happy here.” Mr. Tickles didn’t look too happy, but Slanon was excited about Alicka choosing their privacy over her pet.
Slanon went about setting up Mr. Fuzzy’s area with a warm heart. Things were looking up.
Chapter Four
Alicka had just finished putting on the dress that had been delivered. It was a little low in the front.
“Pfft.” Who was she kidding, the dress delved between her breasts and almost made it to her belly button.
There was no way Slanon would want her to wear it, would he? Should she take it off? Where was her man?
Just when she was about to take it off, her friend, Princess Keneese, waddled into the room.
Keneese came over to her and grinned from ear to ear. “You look beautiful. Slanon is one lucky male.”
She waved her hand down the front of her body. “Isn’t it a bit revealing? What if one of my boobs pops out? His family and the king and queen will be here.”
“They’ve seen it all before.” Princess Keneese gestured to the front of her dress. “This dress is reveling as well. Now that the guys are getting excited about females being here, they are starting to order the more risqué designers’ clothes for us. I think it’ll all stop after a few fights break out. For now, let them have their moment. This generation doesn’t know much about living with younger women. They’ll catch on soon enough.”
Alicka knew Keneese was right. If she wasn’t, then all the chosen females would have to get used to skimpy clothing. Looked like hot-blooded males were the same everywhere. She let her gaze travel down to Keneese’s round belly.
“You are glowing.” The princess had been taken at the same time she herself had been. Keneese had been taken by her natural mate, Prince Luken. Now, she was six months pregnant and looking gorgeous.
Keneese rubbed her hand over her protruding abdomen. “My glow is probably sweat. This kid is heavy and I still have four more months to go.” A mischievous grin crossed the princess’s face. “If you’ll hurry up and get pregnant, our babies can grow up together.”
Looking at the happy princess, she was glad they’d become good friends over the months. “When you put it like that, I hope I do get pregnant soon.” A thought struck her and she asked, “What if his family doesn’t like me?”
“Aww, don’t worry about that, honey. They’ll love you.” Keneese glanced at the timekeeper on the nightstand. “Slanon should be here any second. I have to go before Luken shows up and carries me out of here.” Keneese took Alicka’s hands, growled softly, and touched her forehead to Alicka’s. “I love you, sister of my heart. Now stop worrying, it’s going to be fine.” With that said, Keneese waddled toward the door. It opened before she could turn the knob. Prince Luken was there, looking worried until he saw his very pregnant mate. He looked around and nodded at Alicka as he put his arm around Keneese and guided her away.
Slanon was in the doorway, grinning at her. The sight of him eased her soul, until she remembered what she was wearing. She waved a hand down her body. “Isn’t this a bit revealing? Should I change?”
His face turned stubborn. “You are not changing. I want people to know how lucky I am. You are so beautiful, sweetling. It’s almost time to go.” Slanon leaned down and kissed her gently. Before they could get overheated, he took her hand and opened the door to the deck.
A group of men immediately surrounded them and started singing upbeat songs of love and happiness. She wondered if any of them were professional singers. Yes, they sounded that good.
Their singing guides led them across the bridge and over to the glass-roofed gazebo. Butterflies took flight in her stomach. She repeatedly looked down to make sure one of her big boobs wasn’t on display.
The singers stopped and parted. Alicka was led up to the center of the gazebo and right up to a wooden box that had trees painted onto it. Aww, he thought of me. He gestured toward it and helped her stand on it. She was still shorter than Slanon, but now she could easily look him in the eyes. He was looking like a good catch. She smiled when she remembered him catching her trying to take fruit from his grove. Even then, he’d been a perfect gentleman. Slanon was quickly stealing her heart.
A man cleared his throat. She looked up and found him standing near them. The man looked a lot like Slanon. It had to be his father. Icy blue-gray eyes that matched Tor’s locked with hers. She gave him a nervous smile and he winked at her. She barely stifled a giggle. Looking to the side of Slanon’s father, her gaze landed on a woman taller than Slanon.
Holy stars, she and Slanon were the shortest of the group. His mother’s smile indicated the woman knew what Alicka was thinking. It looked like that was a universal thing. She was so easy to read. After smiling at her mate’s mother, she glanced around and saw Tor and a man that must be his brother Xander standing next him. He gave her a wolfish smile and Slanon growled. Startled, she looked up at him. He was shaking his head and staring his brother down.
“Not now, boys,” Slanon’s father said, causing many around to chuckle.
In a blur of speeding time, Slanon’s father started the ceremony by saying how happy they were for their son and his mate. As he talked, the butterflies in her stomach turned into a vulture and started ripping at her stomach. What if she messed up in front of his family and the king and queen?
Slanon stroked her shoulder and pulled her
in tight to his side. Her foot came close to the edge of the box she was standing on, but it was sturdy so it didn’t tip over, thank goodness. Both of her boobs surely would pop out from a fall like that.
A few men who were recording the ceremony stepped in closer. She looked up in time to see Slanon’s father pull out a decorative box. He opened the lid and pulled out two necklaces. They were eye-catching. An intricate design of tiny gold branches and leaves cradled a fiery-red stone in its center. Aided by the wind, the suns’ rays pushed through the tree’s branches and made the stones sparkle much the way red glimmered through Slanon’s hair every so often.
Slanon took the necklaces from his father and kissed the stone in each one. With passion in his eyes, he raised the smaller of the matching necklaces, and slid it over her head.
“I claim Alicka as my natural mate,” he yelled loudly for all to hear. Cheers rose up through the tree’s branches and were carried away on the breeze.
The grin on Slanon’s face sank into her heart and flooded it with happiness. He handed her the larger necklace. Never taking his eyes off her, he bent and winked at her.
With slightly trembling hands, she slid the necklace over his head. More cheers rang through the air as the singers started up another tune and closed in around them.
In her heightened emotional state, she shifted and started to fall off of the pretty wooden box she was standing on.
Slanon quickly caught her. “Never worry, little one. I’ll always catch you.” He gave her a sweet kiss and then set her down on the floor of the gazebo. The singing men led them back across the bridge and over to the deck that surrounded the house. They continued to sing and surround them.
The scent of food wafted to her. The men were waiting for the food to be taken to the gazebo before guiding them back to the ceremony. Slanon filled the time by kissing her. His touch and scent calmed her nerves and drew her focus solely to him.
She laughed when one of the men nudged Slanon, who then pulled back a little from her. He took her hand and let the singers lead them back across the bridge. Once on the other side, they parted in front of Slanon’s family.
Slanon gestured to the couple in front of them. “Alicka, these are my parents, Txanon and Landra Terrisic.” He hugged her closer to his side. “This is Alicka Terrisic, my natural mate.”
Hearing her new last name was surprising, but felt right.
Txanon smiled and stepped up to her. Slanon released her and his father took her hands, growled softly, and touched his forehead to hers. “Welcome, little Alicka. We are happy to meet you and look forward to the many babies you and Slanon will have.”
A strong hand rubbing her back stopped her from choking at Txanon’s words of babies. VisOrrentians were so blunt. Her hands were released and Landra greeted her next. After the customary greeting, she said, “Welcome, child. Don’t let Txanon shock you. We are also happy for you two finding each other and starting a life together.”
“Thank you. It’s nice to meet both of you.” She could hear Slanon loudly being head-butted and growled at by his family and was glad she wasn’t a male. As a human, she’d end up with a head-banging headache.
Landra stepped back and Tor greeted her as custom decreed. He grunted as he straightened and looked down at her. His ice-blue eyes grew darker as the gray in them took over. “Welcome to our family, little one.” He placed his hand over his heart. “I vow to watch over you and your babies for the rest of my life.”
Slanon growled at his brother. “Thank you, brother.”
To Alicka, it was obvious that this was a big deal to the brothers. At seven and a half feet tall, and a good three hundred pounds of muscles, Tor was a good person to have on her side.
Her attention was captured by another male, who was almost as tall as Tor. He took her hands, growled and touched his head to hers. After straightening, he grinned down at her. His gold-and-green eyes looked a lot like Landra’s.
“I’m Xander, Slanon’s brother. It’s nice to meet you, little Alicka. I wish you two happiness and many babies.” His gaze cut to Slanon and then came back to her. “I also promise to forever watch over you and your future babies.”
“Thanks. It’s nice to meet you, Xander.” All this talk of babies was making her wonder what their children would be like. She suddenly longed to cradle their baby in her arms.
Her emotions must have been revealed on her face because Slanon hugged her tightly to him and whispered, “It’ll happen soon, sweetling.”
Happiness filled her chest at his gently spoken words. With her internal clock ticking, she looked forward to having their children in the near future.
There wasn’t much time for her to think on the future, because the royals came over and greeted her and Slanon. They were followed by all of Slanon’s friends and several business associates. Once it was all done, Txanon tapped on a glass, getting everyone’s attention. “Let’s feast in honor of my son and his natural mate.” Cheers were shouted and everyone took a seat.
It was a very relaxed event from there on out. She couldn’t help but stare at King Sedrice and Queen Darcelle. They sat next to Slanon’s parents and talked as they ate. These couples must have been friends since they were young.
Alicka nibbled from the plate in front of her and looked at her good friend Princess Keneese. “I hope we’ll be sitting around celebrating our children’s claiming one day.”
“Me, too. Won’t that be wonderful? You need to jump Slanon tonight and every day until you’re pregnant.”
A chuckle from Prince Luken, Keneese’s mate, had Alicka’s cheeks heating. “I don’t think you have to worry about that, delicate one. Slanon won’t let a day go by without breeding her. The claiming call will only draw them closer every day, just like it did to us.”
“If you all don’t stop talking about breeding, I’m going to have to steal my mate away from the party.” Slanon grinned sexily at her and squeezed her leg under the table. When he looked at her that way, her body heated for him every time. This time was no different.
Several males sniffed the air and smiled at her and Slanon. Fire heated her cheeks. Damn their strong sense of smell.
Keneese laughed and drew her back into conversation as the three princes, Luken, Kalen, and Thavon, talked with Slanon, Tor, and Xander.
As she talked to the princess, Alicka’s gaze wandered over to Kyros. The combat expert had just come over and was talking to the guys. He was a massive male of over seven and a half feet. Alicka decided to stay out of his way so he didn’t accidently step on her. Mr. Tickles would also need to stay safely away from Kyros, plus all of the other giants that were here. She hoped any sons they had wouldn’t be too short.
After desserts of all flavors had been brought out and mostly eaten, people started to slowly head home. When the king and queen left, Slanon’s parents left and then Luken took Keneese home. An hour after that they were down to prince Thavon and Kalen, Tor, Xander, and Yoni.
The five men were having a great time and Alicka liked watching them. Their serious side was the one she was used to, so today had been interesting.
Right now Thavon was recounting a battle he’d had on the planet Xertco. “I was surrounded on all sides when one of the warriors lunged at me with a knife.” He copied the move with his hand. “But, I wasn’t about to leave without the technology I’d paid for. I dodged and when another warrior jumped me from behind, I fell back and knocked the breath out of my opponent. Another one lunged at me, forcing me to kick out. That one fell down whimpering. Mind you, I’m still on the one who’d jumped on my back.”
A grunt came from Tor. “Yeah, I’m sure you were enjoying yourself.”
A wicked gleam entered Thavon’s turquoise eyes. “Maybe a little. What matters is that I refused to leave without the technology.” Thavon eyed them all. “I barely made it out alive. The one beneath me started wiggling at the same time another one lunged at me with a knife that was two times the size of the other warrior’s kni
fe.”
Kalen laughed as he asked, “Remind us how you managed to survive such a vicious pack of warriors.”
Thavon growled at Kalen. “They were stronger than they looked. Back to how I survived. I rolled off the one and before the warrior knew what was happening, I jerked the fighter up and in front of me. With my claws to the warrior’s neck, I demanded what I was due.”
Yoni nodded excitedly. “What happened next?”
“The other warriors backed away and one ran off to get my purchase.” Thavon hit his chest. “Now they know better than to try and rip me off.”
Tor grunted. “Yes, those vicious females do.”
Kalen and Yoni burst out laughing.
Slanon chuckled and then whispered in her ear, “Xertco is run by females.”
Thavon quickly defended himself, “Hey, those females are tough, and sneaky, too.”
“I wouldn’t mind one of them sneaking into my bed,” Xander said with a wolfish grin.
Tor pushed away from the rail he and Xander were leaning against. “I’m going for more groftoc.” The huge male strolled to the table on the other side of the gazebo and momentarily out of their sight.
Alicka took a sip of her own groftoc. It was a teal-colored drink with a hearty flavor. The stuff made her a little lightheaded, so she was drinking it slowly. The guys didn’t seem to be affected by it at all.
She leaned into Slanon’s side and enjoyed the lively talk and gentle breeze. It was getting dark, but the three triangular moons were putting off enough light for them to see well enough.
Just as Tor was returning, a flash of pink darted around his booted foot. “Shit!” The big male tried to stop in midstep and listed hard to the right. He fell into Xander, who made a whooshing sound as he toppled over the rail.
One second Xander’s boots were flying up and the next he was gone. A thud split the air. They all jumped up and rushed over to the rail.
Alicka stood there in shock as Tor, Thavon, and Kalen leapt over the rail and dropped down forty feet to the ground.