The Spider Queen (The Space Merchants Book 5)

by Wendie Nordgren

“No! I walk, Pierce. Neema big.”

  “Yes, Princess Neema,” Pierce said as he put her down close to Yukihyo.

  I heard her laughter as she ran to Quaid.

  “My goodness. You have gotten big. Where is my kiss?” Quaid asked. Neema kissed his cheek and played with one of his rank insignias.

  When Yukihyo opened my door, I forced myself to get out of the transport. He held Niklos in his arms. Cradling Peter gently in my arms, I slowly approached Quaid and Neema. I noticed that Quaid had ordered the red carpet laid out.

  “Will you all join me in the officer’s lounge, where we can be more comfortable?” Quaid asked.

  I nodded. Even though Quaid and I had reconciled, I felt worried and uncertain. Thunderdrop nuzzled my neck in the lift on the way up. Yukihyo and Quaid made small talk about Talpa’s environment. The bridge crew saluted us. Then, Quaid guided us into the lounge.

  “Eric!” A huge weight fell from me. I went to where he reclined with his feet up in a big padded chair in his pajamas. His injured leg was in a brace on top of his blanket.

  “I wondered what I’d have to do to get you to visit.”

  I touched my forehead to his and felt our familial bond strengthen. “Oh, Eric.”

  “I know, Teagan. It’s alright. Who do we have here?”

  “This is my son, Peter.”

  “Let me hold him.” I placed Peter in Eric’s arms. “Teagan, he’s so light. How much does he weigh? Should he be out of the Medical Bay?”

  “He’s doing better. He’s up to five pounds. He weighed three when I brought him home. Look.” I put him on Eric’s lap and unwrapped him. “See how tiny his hands and feet are? Feel his sides here.” I ran a finger down Peter’s side.

  “He’s so small. I’m afraid to touch him.”

  “So am I. Eric, his father was in one of the fighters I destroyed.”

  Eric’s pale blue eyes met mine and reflected my sadness. “Teagan, I know Peter’s history. You’re doing what you can to make amends. We’ll just do everything we can to give him a happy childhood.”

  “I would like to hold my son,” Quaid said from behind my left shoulder.

  Fear that he only wanted to hold Peter to placate me wrapped around my heart, but Quaid removed his jacket and sat on the couch to Eric’s right. “Come to Mommy, Peter.” I wrapped him in his blanket and gently lifted him. Sitting next to Quaid, I put my baby in his arms.

  “You weigh no more than a handful of sand, little nanite. Why did your mother name you Peter?”

  “Neema picked it out. She thinks Peter looks like a fairy from one of her books.”

  Quaid traced one of Peter’s ears with his index finger. Peter moved his head trying to suck on Quaid’s finger. “Yes, I suppose he does look like a little elf.”

  “I don’t know what name his parents might have chosen for him or even their names.” Sorrow doused me like a heavy jungle downpour.

  “Kivek was his father’s name. In time, we will learn more. We will be able to answer some of his questions, once he is old enough to ask them.”

  “Quaid, thank you. I am grateful for this. I’ll officially record his name as Peter Kivek Probus. There will be no doubt that he is my son.”

  “Our son, Teagan. You haven’t forgiven me for my cruelty. However, as the years progress, and I love Peter as my own, you will see that I have amended my heart. Peter may not be of our bodies, but he will feel my love and protection for all of my days. He looks to need it. His head and body fit in the palm of my hand. He is so fragile.”

  I felt the moment when Quaid fully understood. “And then, there is what I took from him.”

  “He will not want for love. Let’s wrap you up and keep you warm,” Quaid said to Peter.

  Gary had made an appearance and had Neema and Niklos crawling all over him like wild little monkeys. Then, Phillip came in, and I was corrected. Neema showed me what wild really was.

  “Fip! Fip!” she yelled as she ran and made an “Oof,” as she hugged him around his knees. Phillip sat. Then, he and Gary entertained the children and Thunderdrop with the toys we had brought.

  An hour later when Peter started to fuss, I moved off to a quiet corner to nurse him. Phillip and Gary were shocked, and I felt heat infuse my cheeks. They didn’t comment on the maternal intimacy that I shared with Peter.

  “You are mine,” I said as I looked down into his tiny eyes. Peter’s little belly quickly filled. Niklos deciding it was his turn, crawled over to me.

  “I want to hold him,” Phillip said. I gave him a look, but through our bond with Yukihyo, Phillip knew how he had made me feel. Phillip gave me a, “Come on. Give me a break,” look and took Peter over to a chair where they proceeded to have a profound intellectual conversation.

  A few days later once our ships had each had a turn on the surface for maintenance checks, word had arrived from the Galaxic Government for how the Militia was to proceed with the Eloneave. I paced the Imperial Deck waiting for either Eric or Quaid to call and tell me what they would do.

  “Stop worrying,” Rozz said.

  “Yes, stop it. You might make your milk turn sour. Think what that would do to Peter’s tummy,” Jazon said as he rubbed the aforementioned tummy. Jazon, my lethal telepathic mercenary, adored Peter. Phillip smirked at him. “What?” Jazon retorted.

  “Teagan takes cold, hard men like you and Kaoti and turns them into puddles.”

  Jazon shrugged. “I like being a puddle, but if anyone threatens Teagan or her babies, I’ll solidify fast. Yes, I will,” he said as he smiled down at the baby.

  “Jazon, what does Peter think about?” I asked. I sat beside him, propped my chin on his shoulder, and smiled at Peter.

  “He is warm, dry, full, and the things touching his skin are soft. He grows accustomed to the sounds of our voices, but those sounds are different from the ones he heard in his mother’s womb. That is why he is drawn to Thunderdrop. His chirps and chitters sound familiar.”

  Concerned, I asked, “Am I wrong to take him?”

  “No, it is right. You need each other. With you, he has already doubled his chances of survival.”

  “He is healthy and grows stronger. Phillip and Savelli both say so. I won’t lose him.”

  “No, you won’t lose him. However, down on that wild planet, living in the trees, with Tusk Bugs being the least of his worries, who could say? He needs to be with us,” Jazon said.

  “Based upon Teagan’s emotional response, I believe her question was rhetorical,” Rozz quipped.

  Eli returned with Nico. Nico had a smug, self-satisfied look on his face. He removed his jacket and laid down on the floor beside Niklos and Neema who were playing with blocks. “The Militia was ordered to assist and render aid to the alien race fleeing their failing star system, establish peaceful relations, and study their language and culture.”

  I closed my eyes and rested my forehead on Jazon’s shoulder. “Can we go home, now? Please?”

  Nico said, “Yes, I’ll coordinate with Kane.”

  The next day, I learned that Kane and Merick planned to remain along with two Militia ships, the Trajan and the Augustus, until relief ships arrived with food and medical supplies for the Eloneave. They had docked their life ships on their new home world.

  The rest of us were setting course for Ephors. However, we would have to match our course and speeds to the other ships. Since it would take us close to three months to return, Phillip’s mother, Lulu Svenson, had cajoled him into keeping her company. Quaid would be remaining on the Hadrian. Eric hoped to be back to normal by the time his ship docked on Ephors.

  The Empress flew in the center position surrounded by five Parvac warships. Four Galaxic Militia starships flew behind us. The Captains took turns on our flight rotation to prevent engine stress on any of our ships. The other captains soon became envious of our star panels and initiated dialogue with Yukihyo.

  The brief freedom I had enjoyed had come to an end with my adoption of Peter. He needed me every
two hours which had me feeling tired and lethargic. Anyway, I hadn’t been able to get anyone to agree to spar with me. Suspicious as to why, I made a voluntary trip to the infirmary.

  “How may I be of service?” Dr. Savelli asked.

  I came right out with it. “Am I pregnant?”

  “Have you been experiencing any symptoms?”

  “Not really. I’m really tired. It’s the men in my life who are behaving as though I’m fragile. None of them will spar with me all of a sudden.”

  “Have a seat,” Dr. Savelli said as he patted an exam bed. Out came the scanner. “No, you are not pregnant. Your heart is functioning properly. I can find nothing wrong. Perhaps, they are just preoccupied.”

  “I’m not pregnant? How is that possible?”

  Dr. Savelli grinned at me. “Impregnation is not as predictable and controllable as some would like to think. Now then, may I give you this?” he asked as he produced a vitamin injection. “While Peter has doubled his weight, he does need all of the help he can get. This will be good for both of you.”

  “Sure.”

  I returned to the sitting room.

  The next morning, I got back into my daily routine with three babies. Peter was so light that I began carrying him against my chest in one of the papoose baby carriers that I had found on one of my first trips to the Laconian Sector.

  When we arrived at the first communications relay, our ships stopped, inspections began, and messages were sent and received. I even received one.

  “Teagan,” Quaid said from his vid-screen in his quarters.

  “Quaid,” I responded.

  “Eric feels capable of supervising for the next few hours. While it would be against protocol for me to leave the ship while my captain continues to recuperate, I may have a visitor. Might you consider flying over?” Quaid had a deep, needy blackness in his eyes that seemed to swallow me. It left me feeling tingly and put a hitch in my breath.

  “Pierce, would you care for Peter for an hour or so?”

  “Yes, your highness.”

  “I’m on my way,” I said to Quaid as I ended the call. I signaled Captain Ricimer. “I’m flying over to the Hadrian for a brief visit. Don’t leave without me.”

  “Yes, Princess.”

  “I’ll take my fighter if Olson isn’t using it.”

  Yukihyo, Fitz, and Nico were so busy with correspondence that they didn’t even notice my exchange. However, Zared did, and he followed me. When he climbed into the pilot’s seat, I scrunched my forehead at him.

  “I’m coming with you.”

  Not bothering to argue, I climbed into the passenger seat. A few minutes later, we were directed into a berth position on the Hadrian’s flight deck where Quaid was waiting. He seemed to pause and grow distant when he observed Zared. Some telepathic communication occurred between the two of them. I hoped they weren’t fighting. I was so tired of fighting. Quaid offered up his hand to me to help me disembark. Then, his arms were around me as he kissed me into complete submission there on the flight deck. Heat pooled between my legs. Without a word, he gave me his arm, led me into the lift, and rushed past Eric and the bridge crew into his quarters.

  When he gestured for Zared to precede his entry, I worried something was wrong, and this wasn’t a social call as I had hoped.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked as dread filled my heart.

  Instead of answering, Quaid secured his door. Zared stood behind me, and I started in surprise at the feel of his hands at my waist. His fingers skimmed across my skin as he lifted my shirt, pulled it over my head, and tossed it to the floor. Zared’s lips touched my neck while he unfastened my bra. Shock immobilized me. My nipples hardened painfully while Quaid watched. Lowering my eyes, I could see evidence of his arousal straining against his pants.

  Quaid’s eyes were feral as he reached out and began pushing my pants down my hips. Kneeling before me, Quaid touched my center with his tongue. I cried out and clutched at his short blonde hair with my fingers. His tongue danced sinuously against my most intimate place. Then, through the tip of his tongue, he spiraled pleasure through the tiny bud as he flicked it.

  Zared caught me before I could fall and held me against his hot naked flesh. He trailed his hand across my breasts and down to my center where he slipped a finger into the slippery mess I had become. Quaid watched while he undressed. Helplessly enthralled in sensations, I shuddered and moaned. Zared’s hard length throbbed against my back. Had his arm not held me to his chest, I would have fallen. His long hair tickled my side. I wanted to turn in his arms, but he held me firmly to his chest.

  Quaid stood before me. From his black eyes, beautiful lips, and strong jaw, my eyes fell to his chest, covered in thick blonde hair, and then down to where he throbbed and pulsed up and outward from his body. An orgasm tore through me at the sight of him with such intensity that my eyes squeezed shut. Zared bent down to lift me, but didn’t put me on the bed. He held me under my knees, my back to his chest, and my head tilted back against his shoulder. Confusion clouded my mind as Quaid closed the distance between us. He reached down, putting his large strong hands on my knees. Then, with Zared’s cooperation, he spread my knees apart.

  “Quaid,” I said desperately on shuddering breaths as I laid completely displayed before him.

  His right hand skimmed from my left knee and along my inner thigh. I began trembling, hard. Quaid’s black eyes stared into mine as he slid a finger into me. I cried out as I climaxed. He removed his finger, stuck it in his mouth, and sucked it clean. I began panting, unable to control my breathing. Quaid moved in closer and pushed himself completely into me. I screamed and felt my inner walls clutch and release him in one hard spasm after another. Quaid began pumping himself into me with hard, powerful strokes. My legs were now supported by his hands, and my back was against his bed.

  Zared bent over me, hiding Quaid from view. He sucked hard on my nipples. My thoughts fled. There was only pleasure, nothing else. Quaid’s thrusts quickened as he came hard within me. I could feel a tickle deep inside of me as he spewed. Then, I was laid on Quaid’s comforting chest. His heart pounded against my breasts. My left hand rested limply on his shoulder. My right was curled under me between his arm and side.

  I felt Zared’s hands as they lifted my hips from where they rested on Quaid. The mattress shifted as Zared kneeled and spread my thighs. He pushed himself between my swollen folds until our bones touched. Without the strength to do more than blink, I moaned at each of his powerful thrusts until I found the strength to feebly scream with the pleasure each of my lovers began to spiral through me.

  When I came to, I was naked and in my bed on the Empress. Zared’s arms were around me, and the viewport was open showing stars as we flew through space. My limbs were weak and tingly.

  “How?” I asked.

  Zared stroked my hair. I could feel the strands lift and fall against my back. “I carried you to the fighter and flew you back.”

  “Naked?”

  “No, I dressed. You, we wrapped in Quaid’s sheet.” My cheeks had the strength to burn. Zared pushed me to my back and kissed me as my head sank into the pillow. “You are so soft and gentle,” he whispered. He sank himself into me once more. This time, I sent all of the passion and pleasure that he and Quaid had given to me earlier back through him. “I take it you are too tired for more pleasure?” Zared asked huskily.

  “You know my thoughts and emotions.”

  Zared kissed me. Then, he strutted into the bathroom and started the shower. I wasn’t certain that I could walk. Slowly, I managed to get up and follow. Sure enough, Quaid’s sheet was in the laundry basket under Zared’s uniform. Tiredly, I sat on the waste unit and peed. Zared’s back was turned to me as water cascaded down his muscular physique. He had an amazing backside. I joined him. Pressing my forehead to his shoulder blade and closing my eyes, I let the jets of hot water knead my flesh.

  “So, you just carried me unconscious across the bridge and to the flight bay?”
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  “Yes, with your hair trailing loosely behind and your toes poking out from under the sheet,” Zared said as he turned and pressed his muscular, wet body against mine.

  “Every Laconian on the ship knows.”

  “Are you embarrassed that you were with us? No, you aren’t. You feel…fragile…vulnerable. That’s it.” Zared lifted my chin so he could see my eyes. White sclera were visible in his. “It is understandable for you to feel as you do considering what happened between the two of you, but he was just as hurt as you were, if not more.”

  “How? He seemed angry.”

  “To lose you is Quaid’s biggest fear. For a time, he feared Eric would die. He feared for you when you were taken hostage. Then, you undermined his command when you protected the Eloneave. He felt emasculated, and his Laconian crewmen knew it.”

  “I shamed him?” I felt terrible, but what else could I have done?

  “If it is any consolation, that is no longer the case,” Zared said and then answered before I could ask why. “When a man’s wife so completely gives herself over to his needs, only to succumb to the pleasure he gives her to the point of loss of consciousness, other males realize who controls the marriage.”

  My cheeks burned again. I raised an eyebrow. “I suppose it’s okay if we allow them to think that.”

  Zared laughed, and I washed my hair. “Yes, they believe that you control fleets of warships and thousands of Parvac soldiers, but that Quaid Bosh controls you. Truthfully, had his orders been carried out on Talpa, it would have been damning for his career, especially if there had been a loss of innocent life.”

  Zared’s words evoked a memory of a dream I couldn’t remember. Instead, I saw Peter’s sweet face as he looked up at me, and I felt happy.

  Zared said, “Quaid knows this. He should not have allowed his control to slip on Talpa. He almost lost his wife and any future command. It took time for him to realize it. Today, he was eager to express his gratitude.”

  “Well, the both of you sure did that.”

  “Are you quite certain?” he asked as he hardened.

  I suffered momentary panic at his resurgence. “I’m very sure, really.” Truthfully, I thought I’d be sore for days.