“No one here will hurt you,” he said, scanning the little café for any potential danger. They received some curious looks from those at nearby tables, but he knew none of them posed a threat.
“They aren’t scaring me,” she said. “And I’m used to people staring.”
Rena had opted to sit next to him, with Beren taking the outside seat in the booth so that she was shielded by his body. Perhaps that’s what drew everyone’s attention? The other couples sat across from one another, unless they had children with them. He usually garnered a few looks when he was out, but nothing like this. Were they that surprised he’d found someone?
Jennifer and Siril entered the café and the female smiled broadly when she saw him. She whispered something in Siril’s ear, then they headed in Beren’s direction. He’d wanted them to meet his mate, but had hoped to have a little more time. He didn’t know if Rena was ready to plunged into his small inner circle of friends, but it seemed they didn’t have a choice. Maybe they should have had dinner at home.
“Beren, it’s so good to see you,” Jennifer said. She elbowed Siril.
“Yes, wonderful to see you,” he said with a hint of a smirk.
Jennifer rolled her eyes and elbowed her mate again. “Stop being a smartass. You knew what I meant.”
Beren normally would have stood to greet his friends, but Rena had pressed herself closer to him.
“Jennifer. Siril. I’d like you to meet my mate, Rena,” Beren said, motioning to the nervous female at his side. “She’s not known much kindness, especially from males, so don’t be offended if she seems a little skittish.”
Jennifer slid into the booth across from them and gave Rena a soft smile. “Hi, Rena. I’m so glad that Beren found you.”
Siril sat next to his mate. “Rena, welcome to Zelthrane-3.”
Rena remained quiet, but Beren could tell she was intrigued by his friends. Though she clung to him, she kept glancing their way.
“Siril is the warrior I mentioned before,” Beren said. “And I consider him a friend. Jennifer is his mate. How is it the two of you are out without the little one?”
“Wareck is with Jacie and Barimere,” Jennifer said.
“Our son is nearly five,” Siril said. “Jennifer didn’t think she could have children, so he’s our miracle baby.”
“We’re going to have a baby,” Rena said in her soft voice.
“That’s fantastic,” Jennifer said. “Congratulations.”
“Are we that frightening?” Siril asked. “I know my eyes can be a little scary, but I promise we don’t bite.”
“Frightening?” Rena asked.
Beren had a feeling he knew what Siril meant. And since he couldn’t see, he didn’t know about Rena’s scarring, or her damaged throat.
“Rena had her vocal cords burned when she was a slave. They were trying to silence her, so she can only speak at a whisper. She doesn’t mean to offend anyone,” Beren said.
Siril winced. “My apologies, Rena. I was unaware of what had happened to you. The council convened without me the day your mating was discussed. It wasn’t my intention to make you feel awkward.”
“It’s all right,” Rena said. “Beren said your sight was taken from you during a mission. What you can’t see is that my throat and face are badly scarred. I’m actually scarred pretty much everywhere.”
“Scars add character,” Siril said with a smile.
Beren relaxed when Rena smiled back and the tension seemed to ease from her. His friends joined them for dinner and he was thankful that his mate seemed to get along well with Jennifer. Though both Siril and Jennifer were quite a bit older than Rena, he knew that they would make good friends once Rena opened up to them. Jennifer had a tendency to mother the younger females on Zelthrane-3, and he had no doubt she’d try to do the same with Rena. Since Rena didn’t remember her mother, that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.
By the time the meal ended, he could tell that Rena was growing tired. Jennifer told Rena to come by anytime she liked, and promised to take his mate shopping soon. Siril and Jennifer left, and Rena sagged against Beren for a moment.
“Are you all right?” he asked softly. “It’s been a long day, and I’m sure you’re a bit overwhelmed.”
“I’m fine,” Rena said. “Just a little tired I guess. Your friends were nice.”
“Let’s go home. We can call it a night, and then tomorrow I’ll show you around. There’s quite a bit to do here now that we have so many human females. They’ve brought a lot to our world.”
Beren stood and held out a hand for Rena. He helped her stand and wrapped an arm around her waist. When he turned, he froze, his body going stiff as he stared at his father. Xerol gave him a dismissive look, but turned his attention toward Rena. The coldness in his eyes didn’t bode well for Beren’s mate. Xerol came closer, stopping within arm’s reach.
“So this is the mate you’ve claimed?” Xerol asked. “I guess it would take someone as scarred and imperfect as you to accept the way you look.”
Rena straightened at his side and stared down her nose at Xerol.
“Beren is perfect. He’s kind, sweet, loyal… he’s protected me, given me a home. For the first time since I was taken from Vaaden, I’m loved. And… we’re starting a family.”
Xerol looked mildly surprised, his gaze jerking back toward Beren. “You’re going to have a child? My grandchild?”
“Yes,” Beren said tightly. “Don’t worry. Rena and I won’t be visiting you, so you won’t have to look at our scarred faces.”
“Your son is a hero,” Rena said in her soft voice. “He’s sacrificed so you and others wouldn’t have to. Instead of feeling shame for the scars he bears, you should feel pride in what he’s done. He’s a warrior through and through. And unlike you, he shows compassion for others.”
Beren smiled down at his sweet mate. She’d never spoken so forcefully to anyone since he’d met her. Maybe she was finally finding some confidence. And the fact that she’d decided to stand up to someone in his defense left him feeling warm inside. No one had ever done that for as long as he could remember. He knew he had the support of his friends, but no one had ever told his father off.
“Did you mate a mouse?” Xerol asked. “She won’t even speak at a normal level.”
“Rena was badly abused as a slave. She’s unable to speak any louder because they wanted to silence her when she screamed in pain,” Beren said. “My mate has suffered greatly, and I would appreciate it if you could show her some respect.”
Xerol looked at Rena once more, his gaze softening a little. “They hurt you?”
She nodded. “My scars are from my owners and extend across most of my body. From the time I was sold into slavery, no one was kind to me. Then my owner gave me to Ryx as a consolation prize. He asked Beren to keep me safe.”
“You claimed a mate meant for another?” Xerol asked. “You took a female from your commander?”
“No,” Beren said. “Ryx wasn’t going to claim her.”
Rena swayed and Beren tightened his grip, then swung her up into his arms.
“What’s wrong with her?” Xerol asked.
“She’s overly tired. It’s been a long and stressful day for Rena. She needs some rest.”
Beren stepped past his father, but the male placed a hand on his shoulder to halt his progress.
“I have always been proud of your accomplishments, Beren. I’m sorry if I viewed your scars as imperfections. I worried that no female would ever want you, and that our family line would die out. If I ever hurt you, then I’m sorry,” Xerol said.
Beren glanced at his father and gave him a brief nod before carrying his mate home. His father’s last words rang in his head. They were probably the nicest thing he’d said to Beren in a long time, and he knew he had his sweet mate to thank for it. She’d made Xerol stop and think about his words and actions, made him realize the sacrifices Beren had made for the Zelthranite people. He’d known she was a fighter, but
it seemed she was his champion as well. “I love you, Rena.”
“I love you too.” She kissed his cheek.
When Beren reached the walkway to his home, he stopped and stared at the males gathered on his front step. Borgoz was there, along with another councilman, and a male he didn’t recognize. The male’s coloring was close to Rena’s, but a slightly more golden hue, and his hair was a deep brown. When he focused on Beren, the male’s eyes were a soft gold.
Rena gasped and struggled to get down, so Beren released her. She ran toward the male and flung herself into his arms. Beren felt a tightening in his chest as he watched the two embrace.
“I thought I’d never see you again,” Rena said as Beren approached. “I missed you, Father.”
“I missed you too, my Rena. I’ve been so worried about you,” the male said, touching her face lightly. “My heart broke when you disappeared.”
“Perhaps we could take this inside?” Borgoz suggested. “Kryon has traveled a great distance and I’m sure he’d rather be reunited with his daughter away from prying eyes.”
Beren nodded and opened the front door. Rena beamed at him as she passed, holding her father’s hand. Either she’d forgotten the male was not really her parent, or it didn’t really matter to her. He had raised her after all, so he’d been her father in all ways that counted. Beren still had a bad feeling about the male, though. It was suspicious a human child had been given to a Vaaden male.
“You must be the warrior who has claimed my daughter,” Kryon said, as he addressed Beren. “Your Chief Councilor tells me you are a fierce warrior and a champion of your people.”
“I do what’s necessary to keep Zelthrane-3 safe,” Beren said.
“And you’ll keep my daughter safe?” Kryon asked.
“I love Rena. I would kill anyone who dared to harm her or our child.”
Kryon looked down at his daughter in surprise. “You’re carrying his child?”
Rena blushed and nodded.
“Why did you raise Rena?” Beren asked. “She’s human, and humans on your world are slaves. So what is she to you?”
“Worried I’m going to hurt her?” Kryon asked. “Good. I hope you’re just as suspicious of everyone who comes into contact with her.”
Beren waited.
“As you know, we keep slaves on Vaaden. Females. And we tend to prefer the females from Earth. I’ve had the same slave for nearly twenty years. When Cicily was brought to my world, she wept often and spoke of a child she’d left behind. Katerina. I had some of my warriors find this child and bring her to me. I shortened her name to Rena and raised her as my own, to give her mother peace of mind.”
“My mother’s a slave?” Rena asked, looking horrified.
“Not anymore,” Kryon said. “I claimed your mother as my mate three years ago. Being able to claim a slave as a mate is still relatively new on Vaaden, and I waited to make sure they wouldn’t rescind the ruling. What you don’t know is that you have two half-siblings. A brother and a sister. They lived with your mother in the slave quarters until I moved them into my home.”
“My siblings were slaves?” Rena asked.
“No, but I kept them away from you. I wasn’t certain how you would react, and I didn’t want to upset you. I love you, Rena. I have raised you as my own, and you are the daughter of my heart. I never wanted to hurt you in any way,” Kryon said.
“How old are they?” Rena asked.
“Your brother is fifteen and your sister is thirteen. They’re curious about you, but I left them at home with your mother. I wasn’t sure what type of reception I would get when I came here, and I didn’t want to endanger them.”
“Rena’s family will always be welcome in our home,” Beren said.
“Since it seems there will be no blood spilled, we’ll take our leave,” Borgoz said, motioning to the other councilman. “You know where to find us should you need anything.”
As they left, Beren watched Kryon hug Rena again. She smiled as her father held her. It seemed Beren had been wrong about the male, and his intentions had been honorable. For Rena, he would make an effort to get along with her family. If having them around made her happy, then he would gladly welcome them into their home.
“Why don’t the two of you sit and get reacquainted?” Beren asked. “I’ll get some refreshments.”
Kryon waved a hand. “I’m fine. But my daughter looks tired.”
“I had suggested we make an early night of it,” Beren said. “She’s had a long day. The doctor said plenty of rest, gave me a list of foods for her, and said she needs vitamin injections weekly to ensure she and the baby remain healthy during the pregnancy.”
“Your mother won’t believe that she’s going to be a grandmother,” Kryon said. “Whenever it’s convenient for the two of you, I’ll bring her and my other children for a visit. If you’d prefer to wait until the baby is born, I’m sure they’ll understand. We’ll do whatever is best for you.”
“I want to see my mother and meet my brother and sister,” Rena said. “Couldn’t someone bring them here? I don’t want you to leave yet.”
Kryon smiled and hugged Rena again. “I’ll stay as long as you’d like.”
“If your council would permit warriors from my world to land on Vaaden, I’m sure my commander and crew would be honored to escort Rena’s family here. I can assure you that Ryx would protect them with his life,” Beren said.
“Ryx is a good male,” Rena said. “He’s honorable and kind.”
Kryon nodded. “I’ll get word to the Prime Minister.”
“They just returned today,” Beren said. “Give them a few days to relax, and then I’m certain they will be honored to retrieve Rena’s mother and siblings. My home is large enough for all of you, if you’d like to stay with us.”
“I don’t want to overwhelm Rena,” Kryon said. “Your Chief Councilor has offered me lodgings at his home. I’m going to accept his offer. His daughter seems close in age to my other children. Perhaps they’ll become friends.”
Beren smiled. “Their daughter is quite a handful.”
Kryon kissed Rena on the forehead and hugged her once more. “Rest, my daughter. I’ll stay with you for as long as you like, and we’ll have plenty of time to visit with one another. Now that I’ve found you again, I will never be far away.”
“I wish you could live here,” Rena said.
Kryon and Beren shared a look. With the trauma Rena had suffered, Beren had no doubt if she requested that her family be permitted to live on Zelthrane-3, the council would likely grant her wish. But would Kryon give up his council position on Vaaden to move here? The male seemed to be considering it judging by the look in his eyes.
“I’ll return in the morning,” Kryon said.
Beren saw Kryon out and then returned to Rena. She looked ready to collapse, so he carried her to the bedroom. After removing their clothes, he helped Rena into bed, then slid in beside her. He gathered her close, and breathed in her scent as she sighed in contentment.
“Sleep, my mate.”
Rena murmured something and Beren looked down to see she’d already fallen asleep. He smiled and kissed her brow before closing his eyes as well. He didn’t know how things would play out, but his Rena was safe, she was loved, and for the first time in years, Beren’s father had spoken to him kindly. Perhaps things were going to be different than he’d imagined. He’d worried about the motives of Rena’s father, and worried how his own father would react to his mate. But neither scenario had ended the way he’d thought it would.
Their family was growing, and Beren was more content than he’d ever been before. And he knew it was thanks to the small female in his arms, and the child growing in her womb.
Epilogue
Six months later
Rena tried to get comfortable in the chair near the community pool. Her brother and sister were swimming and splashing one another, with Charlotte and Borgoz’s daughter, Arabella, joining in. Jennifer and Siril were
also present with their son, Wareck, and Jacie and Barimere had arrived with their brood. Rena smiled as she watched her friends and her family enjoy a beautiful day, and she rubbed her swollen belly.
“Everything all right?” Beren asked as he claimed the seat next to her.
“I’m fine. Just watching everyone have fun.”
Beren adjusted the umbrella to protect Rena’s pale skin, then kissed her cheek. “Is our daughter giving you trouble today?”
“I’m a little nauseated but not as much as I have been lately.” Rena rubbed her belly again. “Clara seems to be doing just fine.”
Young Jenny climbed out of the pool and came toward their table, a smile on her cute face. Rena had never met anyone with Down Syndrome before, but the sweet girl was enchanting, and everyone fell under her spell. As Jenny claimed the seat across from Rena, a boy hesitantly approached her.
“Jenny,” the boy said quietly. “Would you like to…”
Before he could finish Fyro rushed over, a fierce scowl on his face. “Jenny is just fine without you, Marimor.”
The boy gulped and skittered away. Rena tried not to laugh, enjoying the protective way Fyro acted toward Jenny. She knew that Jacie worried about what would happen as the children grew older, but Rena had a feeling that everything would work out just fine. Fyro looked at Jenny the way Beren looked at her. And anyone who could love that fiercely would do whatever was best for their mate.
“That wasn’t nice, Fyro,” Jenny scolded.
“He’s not good for you, Jenny,” Fyro said. “Come on. Let’s go swim some more.”
He reached out and took Jenny’s hand, leading her away. Rena smiled as she watched them.
“He’s very protective,” Beren said.
“He loves her.”
Beren gave her a startled look. “He’s seventeen and she’s eleven. How could he love a child?”
“Just trust me, Beren. One day, he’s going to claim her as his mate, and I promise he won’t let anyone stand in his way. I don’t think he loves her romantically right now, not with their age difference, but he definitely loves her. The way he watches her, protects her… it’s going to evolve over time, and one day he’ll make her his.”
Rena and the Alien Warrior (Intergalactic Brides Book 16) Page 11