Gigi

by Nena Duran

  By now she knew acerbic humor was his way of telling her how much he cared. Ju’nii was also part of the crew since he knew Briq’s physiology better than anyone. The Glaxians agreed Ounna would care for Gigi.

  Shoulder-to-shoulder, the warriors walked down the steps to join the forces below. Zaaq-niq and Briq to the left, O’frahm and Xy to the right, flanked by a warrior whose loyalty was unquestionable. The right of swift justice was his and his alone. Gigi saw the determined glint in his eyes. The time had come for Dru-lah to claim his mate.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Sexy Connection

  A month had passed since the men had left to battle the Kreeh-nosh. Gigi tried not to let her feelings of panic overwhelm her. Briq wanted to be in control when he faced T’zaal. The last thing he needed was a frightened mate. He tried to talk to her as much as he could, but they were up against a strong pack.

  The armada was currently divided around the galaxies, restoring order to the outposts. Many of them had already demanded autonomy. Newly emerging nations wanted their own government, elected by them without Protectorate interference. In some cases, the seed of unrest was planted and paid for by outsiders like the Kreeh-nosh, the House of Mal’cious or mining consortiums.

  In the Kreeh-nosh case, military strategy was the reason. Divide and conquer the armada. Gigi had almost died during one of the rebel attacks. The House of Mal’cious just wanted to separate their outpost from the Protectorate while the consortiums sought complete control of every mining operation. They were in bed with the devil, but they didn’t care.

  Before their hurried goodbyes, Briq had practically ordered her to go out and have fun. The next day, Gigi had asked Amada for a tour of the gardens. Her sister had quickly agreed and organized a picnic day for everyone. Viewing the gardens from her window didn’t compare with how beautiful and vibrant it was up close. It evoked magical kingdoms and fairy lands from the stories she held dear.

  Amada insisted Gigi call her sister as it was the Pendo’rahn custom. It was easy to do since Amada was caring and giving, and her energy was contagious. So far, Gigi had met a sign language speaking lowland gorilla named Belle. The gorilla loved the children, especially little Dra’ehn, whom she fiercely protected.

  The children were the most beautiful babies she’d ever seen. The two identical girls had full heads of black hair just like their mother. The little boy was bigger and already looked like a miniature warrior ready for battle. The couple had decided to name them after the Pendo’rahn battle cry—honor, loyalty and strength.

  Gigi felt relaxed for the first time in months until Belle let out a loud roar. Amada just laughed and told her not to worry. Belle was very territorial. It was then Gigi saw the creature from one of her makebelieve stories.

  “Is that a…?”

  “Yup, they’re called yala’lu here. That’s Percy. I rescued him from K’luk. Can you believe they eat them?”

  “I can’t believe dragons are real. He’s so beautiful, Amada. Is he tame?”

  “Totally, until he and Belle come together. For some reason, they’re both very protective of the kids.”

  “How do you keep the peace?”

  “I schedule play dates for all of them. Which reminds me, Percy’s turn.” She signed to Belle.

  They were sitting by a secluded clearing near the lake. An impressive waterfall tumbled wildly to the left just outside the fortress walls. The servers had set up the picnic and then left while the warriors kept the perimeter. Gigi made a mental note to come back with Briq. It was so peaceful.

  She asked Amada about life on Pendo’rah, the brand and link. Gigi was still trying to understand the fact her mate was almost a thousand years old.

  “Their lifespan is really long by human standards. Zaaq-niq is like nine hundred.”

  “How are they going to survive when we’re gone?” Gigi couldn’t imagine her life without her mate. What would become of him after she died?

  “Remember the first time you joined? When the brand appeared on your body and your souls merged?” Amada asked, her eyes twinkling.

  “Yes,” she answered, feeling herself blush. Hers and Briq’s first joining had happened amid destruction and despair. It’d been the most beautiful moment of her life. His soul had literarily entered her body and wrapped around hers.

  “His lifespan became yours. You and Briq are now bound forever as long as you both live.”

  Gigi was thrilled to learn this. She was now forever tied to her champion. If he died, she’d follow. They couldn’t survive without each other. It was another reason why Pendo’rahns didn’t formed permanent bonds even before the attack. It was so absolute. The mated couple became as one.

  It saddened her to think those proud people were denied the wonder of true love. Women couldn’t feel the joy that came with passion. They were very caring, but couldn’t feel desire. The Glaxians were exploring the possibility of using Gigi’s and Amada’s DNA to find a cure.

  What they called sex-sparring wasn’t satisfying. Amada introduced them to hip hop with all the bumping and grinding. The female warriors became more receptive to the stimulating beat of the music. Gigi found out Security Cheif Mah’yanna was a big fan.

  Guilt for her sister’s capture assailed her. She would exchange places with the warrior in a second. If only she could, but she had to think of her babies. The best she could do was pray for all of them.

  “Don’t worry about our sister. She’s a trained warrior. She’ll face her fate with strength and honor.” Amada tried to reassure her, but the defiant look in Mah’yanna’s eyes lingered. She’d seen that same one in Briq’s many times.

  They stayed by the lake the rest of the day, enjoying Belle’s and Percy’s antics. The two were inseparable even when they fought for attention. The children were a delight, cooing and gigging at everything.

  Gigi noticed that while both pets adored the triplets Percy stayed closer to Dra’lyaa. It was cute watching the babies play with them. She lovingly ran her hands over her belly, gliding her fingers across the rounded mound. Her loud squeal brought warriors running from all directions. Amada just looked at her, grinning from ear to ear.

  “Is this your first time feeling them?”

  “Yes. Wow. Here, feel them. They’re kicking so hard.”

  “Dios mio, they’re strong. How far along are you?”

  “According to Ju’nii I’m in my fifth month. If you ask me, it feels as if they’re ready to come out.”

  “Is everything all right, my ladies?”

  “Yes, Cee-ruh. Lady Gigi just felt her babies for the first time. I bet Briq is having the time of his life. I’d give anything to see his face right now,” her sister replied, giggling.

  “I don’t follow you. What’s so funny?”

  “Oh, you know how Briq can feel everything you do. How did he cope with morning sickness?”

  “I didn’t have any. It’s been very uneventful so far.”

  “Well, you guys are lucky. Now every time the kids act up, Briq will feel them as much as you do. Your link will make it possible, including labor pains.”

  “Lady Gigi, may I take some readings? I need to make sure the babies are doing well.” Ounna called them babies because Amada had pitched a fit every time someone had used the term younglings.

  “Be my guest, Ounna.” It came forward, holding little Drac’yaa. The Glaxian loved the little one even if its features didn’t show it.

  “Well? How are they doing?” Gigi asked anxiously. Amada’s pregnancy had lasted only seven months. The kids were born full term, which meant Gigi’s pregnancy could be a fast one too.

  The Glaxians monitored the children’s physical development, taking into consideration Briq’s genetic mutations. So far the scans had assured them the babies were one hundred percent Pendo’rahn-human.

  “Your children are doing well. I suggest a more thorough scan as soon as we return to the fortress.”

  “Thanks, Ounna. I’ll be there.”


  The guards resumed their posts after eating while Percy and Belle ran around chasing each other. It was late when they got back. The babies were fast asleep. She was staying the night since Amada insisted she shouldn’t be alone. They crawled into the big sleeping platform, ate popcorn and did their hair and nails as if they were at a slumber party.

  * * * *

  The Jog’nafan pack leader’s head snapped back with the force of the blow. Briq wanted to rip it off and be done with him. The creature was a coward not worth the effort. He’d been in a foul mood since the day before when they’d learned T’zaal had left the ship days ago.

  “Your security cheif is on her way to the badlands. T’zaal has plans for her. It’s a pity I couldn’t be there to defile her myself,” the Jog’nafan taunted, angering Briq even more. The loud crack of a fist against muzzle reverberated around the room. The force of the blow dislodged several sharp teeth.

  “You best pray she’s not harmed when we find her, you frackking piece of shit. Should I kill you now and be done with it? Maybe I’ll keep you around for practice.”

  “Go ahead. I’m not afraid of pain. I rose through the ranks of a brutal pack.”

  “Are you comparing me to one of yours? The creature I’m mixed with has no conscience, and is probably ten times stronger than you. It’ll tear you apart with a swipe of a spike.”

  “Then I’ll die with the satisfaction knowing your security chief whore was publicly humiliated.”

  “What’s T’zaal planning to do?” Briq raised his arm once more and inched a spike out until it touched the Jog’nafan’s eye.

  “They’re on their way to the fight pits. T’zaal arranged for a private fight, starring your precious security chief. We know she’s in full k’lyaa. He’ll just dump her in the mist of several hundred paying males.” The merc taunted, “T’zaal is planning to broadcast the entire fight through the twin galaxies.” He laughed. His deranged laugh gave Briq chills.

  He wanted to torture him, take his time before finishing him. The beast had other ideas. It wanted blood. Briq didn’t try to stop it when a spike burst out, ramming through the Jog’nafan’s eye and exiting through the back of his head. He hated cleaning up brain matter.

  The meeting in the briefing room was unpleasant. They opened commlink with the Q’alor II where Dru-lah, Xy and O’frahm traveled. Briq and Zaaq-niq stayed with the Toq’ma’lal. Time for games was over.

  Pendo’rahns agreed there would be no prisoners. Each warrior claimed the right of swift justice. No one defiled one of their own and lived to tell. For Briq, this mission would be his redemption. He was going to make sure nothing was left of the Kreeh-nosh Empire.

  * * * *

  The odd feeling came while attempting to block his mate from the beast’s bloodlust. At first, Briq didn’t understand what it was since he’d never experienced anything like it. After killing every single Jog’nafan and destroying their ships, he felt it again. It was like a kick.

  He knew it had something to do with Mor’u and his children. Briq wasn’t a very talkative man, but he needed to find out what it meant. His brother was the only person on board with a branded mate. It was a pain in the frackking ass. He’d no idea how to ask. What was he supposed to say? Hey, have you ever felt like someone is kicking you from the inside?

  “Enter,” Zaaq-niq called impatiently.

  “My apologies for intruding, but I need a word with you, commander.”

  “There’s no need for formalities between us, Briq. Chillax.”

  He couldn’t help the grin at hearing his brother use one of his mate’s many weird expressions. “You sound just like your mate, Brother. I’m afraid to ask what this chillax means. No offense, but she has quite the sharp tongue.”

  “It’s what she calls slang. It means you should take it easy and relax. Like chill out and relax.”

  His brother’s impersonation of his tiny mate was so ridiculous Briq momentarily forgot why he was there.

  “Something happened earlier that I don’t understand. I think it has to do with Mor’u and the children.”

  “Tell me what happened?” His brother waved toward the couch as he took the chair directly in front.

  “It happened while I was fighting several Jog’nafan and felt… I’m not sure how to explain it to you. It was like a kick. Something moved…here.” Briq pointed at his lower abdomen, wondering if he’d imagined the whole thing. His brother gave him a wide smile and then burst in to laughter.

  “This is the first time it happened? You know, the first time you felt a kick?”

  Briq frowned and growled at his brother. Why was he laughing at him? Didn’t he realize how worried he was about Mor’u?

  “How can you laugh at time like this? I’ve come to you for advice since you’re the only other Pendo’rahn with a branded mate. Mor’u could be in danger,” Briq yelled and stood ready to punch his brother.

  “Sorry, Briq.” Zaaq-niq raised his hands in a placating gesture. “I didn’t mean to give you grief. Please sit. To answer your question, what you’re feeling…this kicking is just your children moving within your mate’s womb. Remember we’re forever linked to them. From now on every time they move within her, you’ll feel it as well.”

  “You’re telling me I can actually feel my children even from this far away?”

  Zaaq-niq explained everything in detail. The gift of ul’naah-maa-roh allowed a branded couple to share everything. Something Briq didn’t look forward to was labor pains, not because of him, but because of Gigi.

  He couldn’t bear the thought of having her in that much pain. The Glaxians had had to use a neuro-blocker to keep Zaaq-niq under control. His brother had almost lost his mate, but thanks to Ounna’s skills and devotion she’d been saved.

  “I swear to the goddess by all that’s sacred I’ll never touch Mor’u again. She means more to me than anything in the galaxies.”

  “A noble sentiment, my brother, but if your mate is anything like mine, she’ll not allow it. My little one is insatiable. I had no idea a female could crave sex as much as she does.”

  “You’re right. It must be a human female trait. Mor’u’s body is so soft and sensitive, and there’s not a single part of her that doesn’t experience pleasure.” Briq stood abruptly as his cock reacted to the thought of Mor’u’s soft yielding pussy.

  “Tell me, Brother, has she given you any math lessons yet?” Zaaq-niq asked, grinning ear to ear.

  Frackking insolent pup. He had the audacity to laugh at him. One of these days he was going to clean the ship’s bio-matter disposal units with his sorry ass.

  * * * *

  Oh dear, her mate was horny and he wanted her. Gigi felt the tendrils of his desire as they reached out from across the expanse. Their love for each other was deep, and their desire knew no bounds.

  The problem was she didn’t know how to reach back. Plus, she was having a slumber party with Amada and the kids. Gigi was staying over while the warriors were in combat since she didn’t wanted to be alone in a new place. She couldn’t go on much longer. Her throbbing clit made her fidget.

  “Girl, stop squirming or you’ll start a fire with all the friction. Talk about caliente, you’re hotter than Satan sitting on a volcano.”

  This couldn’t be happening. It was just too embarrassing. She’d been so preoccupied to even notice her sister staring at her knowingly.

  “Um, sorry. I was kind of distracted.”

  “Yeah, by a horny mate I bet. Don’t sweat it. I’ve been ignoring mine for like half an hour.” Amada rolled her eyes, smiling impishly.

  “I don’t know what to do about it.”

  “What do you mean? Just go to your room and you know…make the sexy connection.”

  “I don’t even know where to begin.”

  “Haven’t the two of you ever done the long distance thing? It’s like sexting. Just reach out to him and the rest will follow. Trust me.”

  “Um…thanks. I’m sorry. This is so embarr
assing.”

  “Let’s get one thing straight, Gigi. Don’t ever apologize. We are sisters, and we’re no longer on Earth. The rules we grew up with no longer apply. You don’t need to feel embarrassed by your sexual desires. We’re mated to two of the most powerful warriors in the twin galaxies. They’re strong men with matching needs. They’ll never abuse us or cheat on us even when they’re a gazillion miles away. Now go on and take care of your guy. Mine is getting grumpy.”

  * * * *

  Briq leaned back on the platform. His heart beat furiously. He’d barley made it to his quarters when he’d been gripped by a blast of pure lust. It was the most intense thing he’d experienced, surpassing even the inhibitor. While the chemical had given him an altered state of euphoria, this feeling came from within.

  He closed his eyes and reached out for the little point of light emerging from his soul. It exploded in a torrent of sexual desire so bright it blinded him. Invisible hands caressed his chest, moving lower and reached his brand. He jerked under her fingers’ soft caress. It was amazing. He felt her breath as she placed heated kisses on his face and neck.

  “Open your eyes, Briq,” Mor’u whispered softly, and he obeyed.

  He couldn’t believe his eyes. She was there naked, straddling him, her hair so bright it had a halo around it.

  “I don’t understand. Who brought you on board?”

  “No one, my champion. I’m not really here. I never dreamed such a thing was possible. Somehow my soul found yours. Amada suggested I make, what did she call it? Oh yeah, a sexy connection with you. I thought we could only connect our thoughts and feelings.”

  “How is this even possible? I’ve never heard of any branded couple doing what we’re doing right now. It’s as if you’re here. I can feel your skin.”

  “I don’t know. Maybe it’s because humans are more open and passionate. We’re able to make a deeper connection, because we enjoy the experience. Right now we’re using the purest form of energy in the universe.”