“Pizza.”
“YES! Pizza!” We both laughed and continued to eat our cake. I loved talking with Cami, she always kept things real, kept me grounded.
“Maybe we’ll just have to get creative ourselves and re-invent some of this stuff, introduce the Ulayians to Earth cuisine. I mean after all, I managed this!” Cami said, gesturing at the remnants of cake on her plate.
I grinned. “After the baby’s born, let’s work on it.”
Nodding enthusiastically, Cami took the last bite of cake and asked, “Do you feel up to going out to the market in the meantime? Maybe we can find something similar to ice cream?”
Her eyes gleamed with mischief and a slow smile spread across my face. I really liked her like this.
“What about Zorvak and Roark?” I asked hesitantly.
Cami shrugged. “They’re busy. We’ll be back before they know we’re gone.”
I wasn’t sure if I could physically handle going to the market, but I hated to tell her no. And I would like some ice cream, or something similar; besides, shopping was something I hadn’t been able to do in ages.
“So, we won’t tell them?” I asked.
Roark will blow a gasket if he suspects I’ve gone out without him, unprotected, I thought. I still don’t know what I need protection from, though...
Cami slowly shook her head and I smiled, feeling the daredevil take over. I wanted to go, but physically, I wasn’t sure if I could. “I’m more tired today. We’ll have to take it slow and easy.”
Cami held up a hand. “Say no more, I understand. We can go as slow as you need to.”
That was all I needed to hear. “Okay, let me get dressed in something more appropriate.”
Pushing up from the coach, I waddled to the bedroom and browsed through my dresses. Pants were out of the question.
“This one will do.” I pulled the black dress haphazardly over my head, slipped the light blue, long-sleeved dress from the hanger and put it on. It fell almost to my knees. I combed through my hair, and after slipping on some black flats, headed back to the living area. It wasn’t the best outfit, but it would do.
“Ready,” I proclaimed, grabbing a black hooded wrap.
Cami grinned. “Let’s go.”
Chapter Two
Lara
Gripping the rail, I took one slow step at a time until we reached the rooftop. I slid into the passenger seat of Cami’s air vehicle, trying to situate myself. It wasn’t as easy as it sounded; in fact, it took a fair amount of maneuvering until I could finally fasten the harness.
I still worried about the change in energy, the amount of exertion it took for one simple task. But as long as we walked slow, everything should be fine. And to be honest, I needed a change of scenery, something besides the apartment and the mansion.
“Ready?” Cami asked, programming the coordinates in.
“I think so,” I replied, my mood already improving.
As the air vehicle lifted from the rooftop, I knew that if Roark ever found out, he’d kill me. Or at least lock me inside the apartment. I smiled; actually, he wouldn’t do any of that. Maybe refuse to leave my side ever again, yes, but not lock me up.
____________
The crowded market bustled with people rushing from vendor to vendor, shooting us quick, curious glances as they passed. Cami and I took our time as we wandered along. Getting around on foot was slow going, but at least I wasn’t affected by the cool air for once.
“Are you alright?” Cami asked, glancing at me and ignoring everyone who stared as they hurried around us.
That was a good question. “I think so. I’m just overly tired today and I swear, I think the baby has gained two more pounds overnight.”
Her eyes strayed to my stomach. “I worry about that.”
I scoffed. “Yeah, me too.”
One woman with long dark hair in a fancy formal ivory dress raked her gaze up and down my body, eyes lingering on my rounded belly. When her eyes met mine, I smiled at the scowl on her face. Her eyes widened from being caught before she hurried away.
“Has Jasok said how big the baby will get?”
I simultaneously rubbed my belly and shook my head. “No. But the normal Ulayian baby averages twenty to twenty-five pounds.”
Cami groaned. “I can’t even imagine. It’s impossible.”
Walking slowly, I glared over at her. “Oh, my God, Cami. Shut up!” Trying to push out a twenty-pound baby kept me awake most nights. I didn’t need her reminding me how impossible it really was, or how painful it might be.
She laughed. “Sorry.” A few seconds later, her laughter slowly faded and her expression grew solemn. “This will all work out, you’ll see. We’ve been through too much for it not to.”
A faint smile ghosted my lips before I rubbed my belly again; the small gesture always soothed me as much as I imagined it soothed him or her. “I hope so.”
Deep inside, I worried, at least a little. Finally having a family, a home with a husband/bond mate, I kept expecting someone to jerk the blanket out from underneath my feet, tell me it was all a dream and that I didn’t deserve any of this.
I’m so close to having everything I never even knew I wanted…
Walking into one stall, the vendor—an older man with silver-streaked, short black hair—smiled at us.
“May I help you?” he asked in a friendly voice.
“Just looking,” Cami replied without looking up, as we headed over to the jewelry case.
I couldn’t believe how beautiful and delicate Ulayian necklaces were. In the top right corner of the case, a rose-colored chain with a sparkling jewel drew my attention.
“That is a fine piece,” the vendor said, noticing as I stared. “It called a Pulse jewel. Would you like to see it?”
“I shouldn’t…”
“Yes,” Cami interjected.
The vendor took out the stone—about two Karats if comparing the size to Earth standards—and let it dangle from his hand before dropping it into my open palm. My mouth gaped slightly as I stared awestruck, watching the gem change colors depending on the angle.
Tilting it left, it took on the appearance of bursting sapphire; tilting it right, shining emerald. Staring straight on, the jewel exploded with both colors and transformed to something like a ruby and amethyst, and many more colors that left me speechless. I understood why they called it a Pulse jewel; it was almost like a living thing, changing color with every heartbeat.
The vendor pulled me from my wonderment as he apparently recognized me and asked, “Would you like that sent to your home?”
Ready to agree, I parted my lips, only to clamp them shut again. I couldn’t bring myself to buy something so expensive without a purpose, and this necklace would be expensive.
I sighed, handing it back. “Not today.”
Not ever. I won’t even ask how much it costs, I told myself firmly, already knowing it would be too much.
“Lara, go ahead,” Cami nudged. “You deserve it, and Roark can afford it easily.”
“I can’t.” Having grown up poor, I could never spend anyone else’s money—not even my own—on something with no practical function. Jewelry was nothing more than an adornment; I would neither ask for nor expect to have any.
We visited one vendor after another, looking at fabrics, fruits, and trinkets. You could buy almost anything imaginable. When we found the one that sold baby supplies, a thrill of excitement made me shiver.
Stepping inside the large tent-like stall, all eyes turned our direction. There were two other pregnant women in there, but they didn’t look nearly as big as me. I smiled; the one woman scoffed, jerked her head away and continued in her pursuit of baby clothes, and the other walked over.
Black hair cascaded against light red, almost pink skin; giving off a radiant glow, her baby bump was the size of a melon. I gave her a friendly smile.
“When is your baby due?” I asked, trying to be polite.
Her eyes narrowed briefly
before an understanding bright smile glistened over her dark lips. “Not for a few months. And yours?”
I shrugged. “Nobody really knows.”
“Ah, because you are Human. You are Roark’s bond mate, are you not?”
“I am.” Unsure of what to say, or how much information to give, I glanced around nervously. She seemed nice, but treading through uncharted social territory made me a little uneasy.
“I’m Lara, and this is Cami,” I said with a careless flick of my wrist.
“Hi ya.” Cami threw up a hand and wiggled her fingers with an obviously insincere smile. I groaned internally; that wasn’t going to help an already awkward conversation.
The woman inclined her head slightly; she seemed uncomfortable, most likely due to the stiffness of the conversation and awkward moments of silence. I wasn’t capable of much more than vague pleasantries for strangers, though.
“I am Easi. It is nice to make your acquaintance,” she said politely.
“Good luck on the birth of your baby,” I replied with a pleasant smile, intending to end the conversation.
She placed a hand on her belly and smiled kindly. “You as well.” Glancing around, she continued, “This merchant has some nice items, but if you do not find what you are looking for, there are two others at the far end of the line.”
“Thanks!” Cami said a little too enthusiastically.
“You are most welcome.”
As Easi turned to resume her search of baby items, I whispered from the corner of my mouth, “Let’s get out of here.”
“Okay, where do you want to go next?” Cami asked as we made our way toward the entrance.
“I don’t know,” I replied, waiting until we were out of earshot to add, “She seemed nice, but for some reason, I’m leery of everyone here.”
“At the market?”
“No, everyone in general.”
“It’s probably a mama bear thing.”
With an incredulous look at Cami, I shook my head. “I have no idea what l you’re talking about.”
“You know, bears—protective of your baby just like they’re protective of their cubs. That’s what bears are known for,” she said, in a tone which suggested I should know this.
“You read too many books on Earth,” I said. “And, correct me if I’m wrong, but bears went extinct centuries ago. And neither of us has ever seen one.”
“You can never read too many books,” she countered, undaunted.
Almost to the end of the market, Cami and I were laughing as I glanced over my shoulder. The smile quickly fell from my face and a cold shudder made me jerk a little.
I nudged Cami. “Who is that?”
Slowly, she turned and followed my gaze.
A muscular man with short hair stood staring daggers at the two of us, arms crossed, a menacing smile spreading slowly across his hard features. Others hurried around him, but he stood still as a statue.
“I don’t know,” Cami replied, a slither of worry in her tone. “Let’s go.”
She grabbed my sleeve and we resumed walking toward the end of the market and away from him.
I glanced back and noticed he had begun following us. A dread settled deep inside as my heart thumped against my chest. That gave me some much-needed adrenalin, and we kept a good pace in spite of my pregnancy. I hoped our shared anxiety was for naught, that this guy was just someone who recognized Cami and knew we shouldn’t be here; maybe he’d run and tell, or try forcing us back to the mansion with him. Either way, we weren’t sticking around to find out.
Lara, are you alright? Roark asked.
Not wanting him to be upset with me, I didn’t know how to respond. In reality, this could most likely be my vivid imagination working overtime. The man could very well be part of the Royal Guard, off duty and now thinking to keep us safe and win favor with both Zorvak and Roak.
I am, I replied neutrally. It wasn’t a lie, since technically I was okay…
I feel your concern.
Glancing over my shoulder, we were putting some distance between us and him.
Of course I’m concerned, I replied dismissively. You would be too if you had to carry an extra person around inside you. Did you know that at twenty pounds, that’s like a one-year-old on Earth? I can’t give birth to a one-year-old!
Everything will be fine, ji’si, he soothed. You are a Compatible, therefore you will be able to have our young.
If you say so.
I do.
When I glanced over my shoulder again, I didn’t see the guy anywhere. Cami noticed too and both of us slowed our pace. I took a few deep breaths, my heartrate slowing to normal.
Ji’si? What is happening? Roark pressed.
I’m fine, Roark. Don’t you have work to do?
Warmth spread throughout my body and I knew he was sending loving vibes to me.
I do, yes. Reach out if you have need of me.
I will. Love you.
And I love you, ji’si.
“Roark?” Cami asked, her eyes landing briefly on me and noting my distant expression.
“Yes.”
“Did you tell him?” she asked, resuming her scan of the area.
I quickly shook my head.
I probably should have…I mused.
“Yeah, I didn’t tell Zorvak either. He didn’t believe me though.” Her voice had lost a little confidence. “Let’s head back to your apartment.”
“Good idea.”
We turned around and hadn’t made it five steps before I spotted the man again. A slow smile of unsettling delight spread across his face as he headed our way, weaving around other people, that hard gaze boring into us.
“That’s it, we need to go now. Come on!” Cami grabbed my wrist and pulled me further away, almost running.
My breasts bounced and my belly pulled hard with each stride, and I realized with a sense of horror that I simply couldn’t do it—I couldn’t run, at least not for more than a minute or two.
We rounded the corner, heading up the back of the stalls. Breathing in ragged gasps, I slowed down, clutching my belly.
“I can’t,” I huffed.
Cami looked frantic, her eyes bouncing everywhere.
“There!” She pointed at a black tarp covering a wagon-style carrier, made of a bronze-colored flat metal with no wheels.
Rushing over, we pulled the tarp back and climbed underneath, covering our heads with the heavy, stiff material. Every quick movement pulled at my muscles, but fear gave me the energy I needed.
Laying still, my heart pounded wildly in my chest.
Ji’si, I feel your panic! he called to me.
Not caring about the potential consequences for my earlier omissions any longer, I rushed to say, Cami and I are at the market. There is a man after us and I don’t know what he wants. He looks mean and I’m scared, Roark.
I could feel the threads of his panic, but his voice sounded unwavering. What does he look like?
I don’t know, he…
Taking charge of my panicked state, he said in a sure voice: Form an image and send it to me.
I thought of the man, the way my skin had crawled at his stare, and shoved it at Roark.
Ardak! he growled, the first sign of emotion bleeding into his voice.
The wagon thing levitated from the ground and I knew we were moving. Then I felt a pop, pop, pop, and warm liquid gushed down to wet my inner thighs.
“Did you just pee?” Cami whispered, her nose scrunched.
“No. My water broke.”
With wide round eyes, she hissed, “Oh shit!”
“That sums it up.”
All day, I had ignored the ache in my lower back, dismissing it as normal, even as it increased with activity. As a sharp pain tore through my middle however, I couldn’t ignore it any longer. I gritted my teeth and tried not to make any noise. The pain peaked to a dizzying height, and I bit my lip so hard it bled. I grabbed hold of Cami’s wrist, squeezing with everything in me. She grunted,
our eyes met, and I knew she understood. There was no mistaking it this time: I was in labor.
Chapter Three
Roark
Each potential recruit stood at attention, hands laced behind their backs, chins up. Wearing a crisp white uniform, Zorvak stepped forward regally, welcoming each new member into the Royal Guard.
As Zorvak gave his standard speech, my mind drifted back to Lara and our earlier conversation, the way she had tried to cover her fatigue with a smile.
If it had been any other day, I would have ignored her insistence to go and remained at her side. Even now, I wanted to rush back home.
Another hour or two, I told myself firmly.
Zorvak’s speech permeated my thoughts as he spoke of how each recruit was the best of the best, how they must work together as one unit… I had heard it all many times over. His words faded as Lara’s beautiful face misted before me in a dream-like vision.
Jasok was convinced she had another month or so to go before giving birth, but even I who had no medical training, understood that it was nothing more than mere guesswork. Human anatomy differed significantly from our own, leaving everything to trial and error. Feeling her increasing weariness and taking in her overall health, I personally thought Jasok’s calculations might be off.
Zorvak finished his speech, then stepped back and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with me. When Voth caught my eye, I nodded, authorizing him to take over. Distracted as I was by my bond mate, I was here in appearance only.
Moving to stand in front of the selected recruits, Voth’s voice boomed as he explained the ins and outs of working at the mansion, what was expected from each guard, and the rotation schedule. I only half listened.
“Cami is concerned about Lara,” Zorvak said so quietly, only I could hear.
“As am I,” I replied, my own voice barely audible.
“She relayed earlier that she was on her way to visit Lara.”
I breathed a slight sigh of relief. “It is good to know she is not alone.”
“Cami was concerned that Lara would not reach out to you if she needed help. At least not today.”
Roark's Baby Page 2