“We’ll work on it,” Beren said.
“Sign language?” Rena asked.
“A language with the hands,” Borgoz said. “My mate can barely hear and my daughter is completely deaf. Everyone on Zelthrane-3 has learned sign language so they can communicate with my females.”
Rena was a little in awe that an entire population would do something like that just to communicate with two people. Even if they were the Chief Councilor’s family, on Vaaden no one would have thought to do such a thing. Maybe being on this planet wouldn’t be so bad. Vaaden females tended to be cold and calculating, but Rena wondered if maybe the females on this world were completely different.
“Medical can obtain Rena’s measurements when they do a scan. I’ll request some clothing to be selected and sent to your home. I’m sure she doesn’t own much,” Borgoz said. “I’ve never known slaves to be allowed very many items, if any.”
“Thank you, Chief Councilor,” Beren said. “Rena has a few things we purchased on Lero Prime, but it’s nowhere near enough. Any assistance would be appreciated. I’m sure she’ll feel a little overwhelmed until she adjusts to how things work here.”
“I’ll put the word out that you’ve taken a mate,” Borgoz said. “I’m sure the mated females will want to welcome Rena. If they overwhelm her, just do that scowling thing that tends to send people running.”
“I’m not sure Rena is ready for something like that,” Beren said. “She’s been alone for so long. Maybe we should ease her into things? Maybe I could set up a dinner with Jennifer and Siril. It would give her a female to talk to, but she wouldn’t be bombarded with countless females showing up on our doorstep.”
“If that’s what you think is best,” Borgoz said. “You know your mate better than the rest of us. But you can’t keep her hidden away forever. And she’s going to come into contact with your father sooner or later. Xerlo isn’t going to wait long to meet his son’s mate, and you know how he can be.”
What was wrong with Beren’s father? The way they spoke, it made the male sound like a monster, or at least someone to be feared. Borgoz’s words had almost sounded like a warning, at least to Rena, and now she was even more nervous than before. What if Beren’s father didn’t like her? If he disapproved, would Beren rethink claiming her as his mate?
They walked for what felt like forever. The clinic was a good distance from where the Pryxus had landed, and they had to travel through the heart of the city. Beren glared at anyone who dared to stare at Rena too long. She was grateful to have such a fearsome warrior by her side. She couldn’t read anything on any of the buildings. While her translator did help with spoken languages, she’d have to learn how to read whatever language they used on this world. They stepped through some glass doors and a male in a white coat was leaning against a counter. He smiled warmly at her.
“Welcome to Zelthrane-3. My name is Banchek and I’m one of the doctors who runs this clinic. Will you permit me to do an exam?” he asked her.
She glanced at Beren, then nodded. If Beren wasn’t on the defensive, then she figured she could trust the male. Just because he was a healer didn’t mean anything, not after what Rena had witnessed during her time as a slave. Some became healers because it was their passion or their calling, others were just good at it and didn’t much care for their profession. She wasn’t certain which category Banchek fell into, but he seemed like the type who truly enjoyed what he did. There was an easy manner to him as they followed him down a hall and into an exam room.
“Rena, if you’ll please sit on the examination table, I’d like to start by taking some blood samples. I promise I’ll be gentle and if I ever hurt you, please tell me immediately,” Banchek said.
“All right,” Rena agreed.
He frowned at her a moment and slowly reached out to touch her. His fingers brushed over the scarring along her throat. There was a deep look of concentration on his face, and she wondered if maybe he could reverse the damage? She’d never thought it possible, but what if it was?
Banchek stepped away and returned with some vials and a really sharp needle. Rena swallowed hard, not having fond memories of having her blood drawn. When the slavers had first gotten their hands on her, she’d been strapped down while a doctor looked her over. She was poked and prodded, and when her virginity was checked, she’d thought she would die of embarrassment. But she’d made it through it all, and now she was faced with a different type of examination.
Banchek was gentle, or as gentle as someone armed with a sharp object can be, and he collected several vials of her blood. He set them aside, then checked her over, not lingering on any one area for too long, and he never touched her anywhere inappropriate.
“I need you to step over to the chair,” Banchek said, motioning to a strange looking seat along the wall.
Rena hopped down off the table and walked over to the chair and sat. Banchek pressed a few buttons and this weird green light scanned over her. He ran another one with a blue light, then did a third. She didn’t understand what he was doing or if he was searching for something in particular. The doctor made some notes on some type of electronic device and then escorted her back over to the exam table.
“Is something wrong?” Beren asked.
“I guess that depends,” Banchek said. “How do the two of you feel about being parents?”
Beren stepped closer and took her hand. “Are you saying we’re going to be parents sometime soon?”
Banchek smiled. “Well, not too soon. But yes, Rena is pregnant. If my readings are correct, then she’s about one week pregnant.”
Rena flushed, realizing that meant it had happened while they were on Lero Prime. They hadn’t been able to keep their hands off one another while they’d waited for the Pryxus to come for them. Not that they’d slowed down much since being picked up. Despite Beren claiming he didn’t want his shipmates to hear them, they’d found ways to be intimate even on board the Pryxus.
“And the other results?” Beren asked.
“She doesn’t seem to have any illnesses and didn’t pick up any strange diseases. Aside from the damage to her throat, she’s in perfect health. I can see signs of malnourishment, but I know you’ve been taking care of her so that will work itself out over time. Just make sure she gets regular meals and plenty of rest.”
Beren looked at Rena, then focused on the doctor again. “Can you reverse what those monsters did to her?”
“No. I had hoped that I could, but they didn’t just sever her vocal cords. They burned them with some sort of laser. It’s actually a miracle she can speak at all. They’re still connected enough that she can talk, but the burns were so severe that she’ll never speak above a whisper. I’d be worried that if I try to repair the damage, I’d only make things worse,” Banchek said. “And some voice is better than no voice.”
“It’s all right, Beren,” Rena said. “I’ve been this way long enough to be used to it. Others look at me oddly, but as long as you don’t care…”
“I love you just as you are,” Beren assured her.
“I’m going to give you a vitamin injection,” Banchek said. “It will help with the pregnancy. You should probably come in once a week so I can give you another. As much as you’ve suffered, your body may not have the strength to carry the baby full-term unless I give you a little bit of a boost. I don’t foresee any problems as long as you receive regular medical care, but even a female who has led a nearly perfect life can still have complications. Better to err on the side of caution.”
“I’ll do anything to make sure my baby is healthy and safe,” Rena said.
“I’ll give Beren a list of foods you should eat at least once per day. They will give you some nutrients that you’ve likely been lacking. It’s actually rather astonishing that you’re as healthy as you are. I don’t know how you managed to survive through everything they did to you, but I’m glad that you’re here with us, and that you found your way to Beren,” Banchek said.
; Rena smiled, agreeing with him completely. Beren was the best thing that had ever happened to her. While she was still nervous about starting her life on a new world, she knew that with Beren by her side she would be safe. As he’d said, he loved her, and she knew he’d take care of her. If he was half as patient with their child as he was with her, then he was going to be a truly amazing father.
“I’ll bring her back next week,” Beren said. “You can do more scans if you need to, and give her another injection then. Right now, I’d like to take her home.”
Banchek nodded. “I’m sure she’s anxious to see where she’ll be living. Let me know if you need anything.”
Beren thanked him and ushered Rena back outside. People still stopped and stared as they passed, but Rena tried not to pay them any attention. She clung to him, as he led her through the main city. It was larger than she’d thought it might be, and the thought of being able to explore on her own was both exciting and frightening. They made their way into an area with large homes and Beren started up the walkway of one of the most beautiful houses she’d ever seen.
“You live here?” she asked.
“No. We live here,” Beren said. “Welcome to your new home, Rena. You can change anything you don’t like.”
When Rena stepped inside, her eyes went wide as she stared at everything. Her home on Vaaden had been nice, but Beren’s wealth seemed to rival that of her father’s. She didn’t understand how a warrior could have such a beautiful, large home.
“Do you like it?” Beren asked.
“It’s lovely,” Rena said. “Beren… you said you were a warrior. How can you afford all this?”
“I have a special skill set that my council has called upon in the past. It paid well, and since I’m single, I decided to invest in a home and furnishings that a mate might enjoy. Then I worried I’d never find one. I’ve mostly been saving my funds over the years. My needs are simple and I’ve gotten by on little.”
“Special skills?” Rena asked.
Beren shrugged. “I excel at certain things. Despite my scars, I’m good at hand-to-hand combat, among other things. Once Siril retired, the council began coming to me for special missions.”
“Who’s Siril?” Rena asked.
“One of the greatest warriors our world has ever known. On his last mission, he was blinded. He was asked to join the council five years ago.”
“And so you decided to take on the dangerous missions when he couldn’t?” Rena asked. “Are you going to keep doing that?”
“No. I’ll ask the council to limit my missions now that I have a mate, and we’re going to have a child. There are plenty of young single warriors who will step into the role. Those seeking glory and fortune.”
“I don’t want you to change for me, Beren. If you love what you do, you should keep doing it.”
Beren leaned down and kissed her softly. “What I want is standing right here with me. I want you and our baby. I’ve given my people twenty years of my life, and while I don’t regret any of it, it’s time that I focused on my family now that I have one.”
Rena wondered if she should ask about Beren’s father. If the male was going to stop by at some point, she’d like to be prepared. She wanted Beren’s father to like her. The last thing she wanted was to come between father and son. It sounded like there was some tension between Beren and his father already, and Rena worried that she’d only add to it.
“When do I get to meet the rest of your family?” she asked. A father had been mentioned, but what about his mother? Did he have a brother or sister?
“Hopefully, you won’t have to meet my father for a while. It’s just the two of us, but he’s not a nice male. He’s not accepting of those he deems as less than perfect. I’m worried that he’ll be rude to you because of your scars.”
“Beren, everyone we passed stared at me because of my scars. I know that I’m not pretty anymore. It’s a little unnerving to have so many people watch me, but their whispered words can’t hurt me.”
He cupped her cheek. “That’s because you’re the strongest female I know. I’m the luckiest male in all the galaxies because you’re mine.”
“How is it such a fierce warrior can be so sweet to me? I’ve seen the way the other males act around you, as if they’re both afraid of you and yet they admire you. But with me… it’s like you’re a different person.”
“Would you prefer that I scowl at you like I do everyone else?” Beren asked.
She smiled a little. “No. I like the sweet and tender side of you. And I like that I’m the only one who gets to see it. Makes me feel special.”
“You are special, Rena. Never doubt that.”
He kissed her, softly and slowly. Rena melted against him, her arms going around his waist. She could feel the bulge in his pants and knew that he wanted her as much as she wanted him. A thrill of excitement filled her as she thought of making love with her mate in her new home for the first time. Beren deepened the kiss and began walking her backward until she bumped into a table. He cupped her ass with his hands and lifted her, setting on down on the edge.
“Beren,” she murmured against his lips. “Here?”
“Here,” he said.
He removed her top and then worked her leggings down her thighs. When she was bare, he spread her thighs and fell to his knees in front of her. Rena’s heart hammered and she wondered what he was doing. He’d never stared between her legs before and as he leaned in closer, Rena fought the urge to slam her legs closed.
“Beren, what…”
“If you don’t like this, I’ll stop. But I want to try something,” Beren said. “Do you trust me?”
“Of course,” Rena said.
Beren gave her a lopsided smile and then moved in closer. As his breath fanned across her pussy, Rena felt her stomach clench. He wasn’t really going to put his face there was he? As his tongue flicked out to taste her, Rena cried out in shock, but it soon turned to pleasure. Beren’s lips were soft against her as he licked, sucked, and teased her. A warmth started spreading through her and soon she felt like she was flying. The pleasure was intense as it rolled through her, and she trembled under his touch.
“Beren, I…”
“I will give you anything you want,” Beren said. “Do you want to come again?”
“I want you to get undressed,” she said.
Beren rose to his feet and removed his clothes. His cock was hard and already dripped pre-cum. He stroked his shaft as his heated gaze scanned her body. Rena wondered if they were going to try something else new. While she’d been a slave, and had seen males slaking their lust with other slaves, none of those males had been interested in the female’s pleasure. But Beren liked making her come.
“Is my sweet mate ready for more?” Beren asked.
“Make love to me, Beren.”
“Do you want it nice and slow?”
“I want you to not hold back,” she said.
Beren reached for her, his hands sliding up her legs and spreading them farther. Rena tingled where Beren touched her. She felt his cock brush against her, and then he was thrusting deep. She cried out at the spike of pleasure, and it only intensified as Beren drove into her again and again. Rena reached up to cup her breasts and pinched her nipples. As Beren took her harder, and faster, she reached between them, her fingers brushing over her hard clit. It felt like sparks were shooting through her as she cried out, spiraling out of control as her climax left her breathless. Beren groaned as he came inside her. Still he was hard, and she could feel him throbbing inside her pussy. No sooner had her heart began to slow, then Beren started thrusting again.
“Mine,” he said with a hint of growl to his voice.
Rena came three more times before Beren finally pulled away. Their mingled release coated her thighs and she winced a little as she sat up. She was sore, but in the best of ways. And if Beren wanted to make love to her all day and all night, she wouldn’t stop him. She loved the connection she felt when he ma
de love to her.
“Let’s get cleaned up,” Beren said. “Then I’ll take somewhere special. You have to be hungry.”
“Somewhere special?”
“You’re originally from Earth, and we have a café here that serves Earth food. I thought you might like to try it. Maybe it will help you remember part of your past.”
“I think I’d like that.”
She kissed him softly, then Beren lifted her into his arms and carried her through their home and into their bedroom. She marveled at the beauty of the space as Beren went into the connecting bathroom and started the cleansing unit. She didn’t know that she deserved Beren, but she loved him. She hoped that would be enough. If his people rejected her, if his father didn’t like her, she worried that he might come to regret claiming her as his mate.
Rena made her way into the bathroom and ran her hands up and down Beren’s bare back. “I love you.”
He smiled at her over his shoulder. “And I love you.”
Every time he said the words, she warmed inside and happiness bubbled up. But despite the way Beren made her feel, she couldn’t help but worry that something bad was going to happen. After all she’d been through, it seemed too easy that she’d found love and happiness. Rena tried to tell herself that she was worrying over nothing, that everything would be fine. But there was a little voice in the back of her mind saying are you sure?
Only time would tell if her worries were unfounded, and until then, she would enjoy every moment she had with Beren.
Chapter Eight
Beren could tell something was bothering his mate, but Rena wouldn’t open up to him. He hated that there was a hint of fear in her eyes. It was his job to keep her safe, but how could he do that if he didn’t know what had her so scared? He didn’t think she doubted his feelings for her. And she’d seemed almost in awe of their home, so he didn’t think she was displeased with it. Could it be the males surrounding them? He knew she still feared most males, even though none on his world would harm her.
Rena and the Alien Warrior (Intergalactic Brides Book 16) Page 10