“I’m taking you to see the ocean. I know it’s too cold to have a typical beach vacation, but I thought we could always go back in the spring or over the summer.”
Summer wrapped her arms around him. “You’re pretty wonderful, you know that?”
He grinned. “Feel free to tell me as often as you’d like.”
Summer laughed and kissed him before snuggling against him. “Thank you for everything, Vordro. If you hadn’t come into my life that day, I don’t know what would have happened to me.”
His heart ached at the thought of never getting to meet her. “I’m glad we don’t ever have to find out.”
She nodded and cuddled closer. No matter what it took, he was going to make sure she never regretted choosing him as her mate. He loved her, even if he wasn’t certain how to tell her just yet.
Chapter Nine
Summer woke the next morning feeling like she’d eaten something rotten. Nausea welled inside of her, and she rushed to the bathroom before becoming violently ill. Despite her pregnancy, she knew it was way too soon for morning sickness. She curled on the floor near the toilet, afraid to move too far away in case she became ill again. A shadow crept along the floor, and a moment later Vordro filled the doorway.
“Summer? Why are you on the floor?”
“Sick,” she croaked.
He leaned down and felt her forehead, letting loose a curse. “I’ll be right back.”
As she threw up again, she heard him on the phone in the next room. She hoped he was calling for anti-nausea medicine because she couldn’t remember ever feeling this miserable before. When she thought she was finished being sick for the moment, she crawled to the sink and pulled herself up. She rinsed out her mouth and stumbled back to the bed, collapsing as she reached it.
Strong arms wrapped around her and settled her back against the pillows. She wanted to cry but didn’t think she had the energy for it. Vordro left her for a moment, only to return with a cool, damp cloth. He placed it over her forehead and smoothed her hair back from her face. His gentle touch had her sighing contentedly.
The suite door opened and shut and she wondered who else had access to their room. When the doctor appeared in the bedroom doorway, Summer felt relieved. If anyone could make her feel better, she knew it was Gerig. He checked her over, taking her temperature and a blood sample. He studied his gadgets and made a humming noise.
“Is she going to be okay?” Vordro asked.
“She has a virus. I can treat it, but I don’t think I can knock it completely out. It will make her comfortable enough you could take her home, but I would advise that you postpone the rest of your trip.”
“No beach?” she asked weakly.
“No beach,” Gerig said. “You need rest, and while you could try to get that here, I think you’d rest better at home in your own bed. The trip back to your hometown is only a few hours. I can even give you something to sleep through it.”
Summer nodded. She’d been so excited about seeing the beach, but she didn’t want to do anything that would jeopardize her health, especially since she was pregnant. If the doctor thought she needed to go home, that was what she would do. Gerig went back to his lab to get the injection she would need, and while he was gone, Vordro began packing their things. After the doctor returned and gave her two injections, one to ease her illness and the other to make her rest, Vordro helped her get dressed, and then he began the task of loading their bags and her into the SUV to return home.
Despite the assurance she would rest during the long car ride, she was awake for most of it. Not coherent enough to carry on a conversation, but she did watch the scenery pass. When Vordro pulled into the driveway at home, Summer was ready to claim her bed. Or maybe the couch. She didn’t want to be isolated in the bedroom.
“Living room,” she said as Vordro carried her into the house. “I can lie on the couch.”
“You don’t want the bed?”
She shook her head.
“Very well.” Vordro eased her down onto the couch and went to fetch a pillow from the bedroom. Once Summer was comfortable, Vordro brushed a kiss against her brow. “I’m going to get some supplies, and I’ll be back soon. Gerig recommended soup and crackers for the next day or two for you.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Rest.”
Summer smiled and nodded.
She heard the door close behind Vordro, and she flicked on the TV, surfing through channels until she found a movie that looked interesting. She already felt a lot better than she had in the morning. Whatever Gerig had given her was working. She still felt a little feverish, but she was no longer burning up.
The doorbell rang a short while later, and Summer frowned. Vordro wouldn’t ring the bell, would he? She got up slowly and went to answer the door. As it swung open, her eye went wide, and her heart nearly stopped.
“There’s my pregnant slut of a daughter,” her father said as he pushed his way into the house.
“Daddy? What are you doing here? How did you find me?”
“All I had to do was tell that ditz who answered the phone at the Terran Station that I was looking for my daughter and she was more than happy to help me track you down. It’s bad enough you chose him over us, but now you’re carrying his brat too?”
Her father’s face was quickly turning purple in his rage.
“Daddy, I’m happy with Vordro. He treats me really well.”
He looked around the place, and she could almost see the dollar signs in his eyes. “Looks like you did well for yourself. Is that why you let that filthy alien touch you? So you can keep all these pretty things?”
“It’s not like that,” she protested.
“Don’t tell me you have feelings for that thing.”
“He’s not a thing! Daddy, I love Vordro. As soon as his council approves it, we’re going to be married.”
Her father lashed out, his hand cracking across her cheek. “What you’re going to do is pack your shit and come home. We’ll sell the baby when it’s born.”
She cradled her stomach protectively. “No. I’m not going with you, and you can’t have my baby.”
He slapped her again, her cheek throbbing from the blow.
“You’re going to pack your shit, and you’re going to come with me. Otherwise, I’m going to put a bullet in that alien of yours.”
Summer fought back a sob and tried to back away. Her father reached out and grabbed a handful of her hair, and started dragging her toward the doorway. They’d barely cleared the front porch before a roar made her ears ring.
Her father was ripped away from her and Summer fell to her knees, the world spinning. As she tried to focus, she heard the sounds of flesh hitting flesh. As her vision steadied, she saw Vordro attacking her father, blow after blow. The hateful man tried to fight back, but he was no match for the Terran warrior.
When her father hit the ground and spat blood out at Vordro’s feet, her alien sneered down at him.
“I was going to find a way to deal with you peacefully, but it seems you want to do things the hard way. Now, instead of a nice job in a town far from here, you’re going to spend your days in a small cell. Since your crime is against my future mate and the mother of my child, it won’t be human authorities who hold you.”
Her father paled.
“Summer,” Vordro said. “Go back in the house. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
She nodded slowly and went back inside, but she waited just inside the door, peering through a crack to see what would happen next. Vordro made a call, but she couldn’t hear what was said. About fifteen minutes later, two large, black SUVs pulled up, and four Terran warriors got out. They hauled her father to his feet and stuffed him in the back of one of the vehicles. Words were said, but she couldn’t read lips and couldn’t hear. When Vordro shook their hands and headed up the porch steps, she scurried back away from the door.
He closed and locked it before turning to face her. “The first thing we
’re going to do is put some ice on your cheek. Then you’re going to tell me how your father knew you were pregnant.”
She paled a little, knowing he would be furious that she called her aunt. She’d honestly thought the woman wouldn’t betray her, though. It stung that her family hadn’t thought to protect her or her unborn child. Were they all completely rotten? If she’d hoped she could have a close relationship with her aunt, it was dashed now. There was no way she’d ever trust her with anything ever again. Same for her mother.
Vordro placed the ice pack against her cheek and she winced from the pain. Hopefully, it wouldn’t bruise. He pulled out a kitchen chair and motioned for her to sit; then he took the one next to her, turning their chairs to face one another. He looked disappointed in her, and it broke her heart.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I never thought she’d tell my dad.”
“Who did you tell, Summer?”
“My aunt. She’d seemed so supportive when I left; I thought she’d be happy for me. I made her swear not to tell my dad, but it seems I can’t trust anyone in my family.” Tears filled her eyes. “I was just so excited, and I wanted to share the news with someone.”
He wiped her tears away and tipped her chin up. “I’m not mad, Summer. Well, that’s not entirely true. I’m furious that you were put in harm’s way, but I understand why you told your aunt.”
“I’m sorry, Vordro. You know I’d never do anything to hurt this baby. I didn’t mean for this to happen.” She sniffled. “What’s going to happen to my dad?”
“He’s going to be held at a facility run by my people and charged with a hate crime. He’ll be questioned to determine how he learned of the pregnancy, and then those in charge will decide if the rest of your family needs to be picked up. There’s a chance your mother and aunt will be arrested as well.”
She nodded, feeling heartbroken.
“I trusted her,” she said softly.
“And she betrayed your trust. I’m sorry, Summer. I know that family is important to you, but soon we’ll have a family of our own.”
She rubbed her belly. “How do I tell our child that their grandparents didn’t want them? How do I say that their grandfather wanted to sell them to the highest bidder?”
“You don’t.” He took her hand. “We tell them that neither of us has a family, and we smother them with as much love as we can. Just because our baby won’t have grandparents doesn’t mean it will be loved any less.”
“Does this mean your council is going to be angry and not let us get married?” she asked. “Now that they know my family is a threat, will they think I’m not good enough for you?”
Vordro kissed her softly. “You are more than good enough for me. And once the matter of your family is settled, they won’t have a reason to say no. If they’re locked away, they won’t be able to harm the baby, or any other children we may have.”
She smiled a little. “You want more children?”
“Last I counted, we had at least three bedrooms to fill. If you’re up for it.”
“I think I’d like that. I hated being an only child. I think our baby should have lots of siblings.”
“Lots?” He chuckled. “Sounds like we might need a bigger house.”
“I don’t care where we live, as long as we’re together.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here when your father came by. And I’m sorry I got mad at you. What happened isn’t your fault. You can’t help the fact your dad is an asshole.”
She snickered.
“Let me unload the car, and I’ll fix you something to eat, and then we can snuggle and watch movies until you feel better. I picked up two soups from a local deli, one for now and one for later, and I got a box of crackers at the store.”
“Sounds good.” She smiled. “I think I’m up to eating at the table. I’ll just sit here while you unload, and then we can eat together.”
Vordro kissed her again. “I’ll be quick.”
Summer slumped at the table, feeling drained after the battle with her dad. She’d have never believed he could harm a child, but now she knew differently. What kind of monsters had raised her? How could anyone want to sell or destroy her child just because it was different? Summer loved her baby already and knew that Vordro did as well. As much as she would have loved her family’s support, she would just have to learn to live without it. Not that they’d ever supported her much to begin with. Truthfully, she’d usually done all of the supporting.
Vordro returned carrying a bag from the deli and a sack from the grocery store. He put the box of crackers on the table and set some soup in front of her, with a plastic spoon. Her mouth watered when she saw his massive sandwich, but she wasn’t about to take any chances on getting sick again because she tried to eat something too heavy too soon.
The soup was tasty, even if she would have preferred a sandwich. By the time she was finished Vordro had not only eaten all of his meal but had tidied the kitchen. Summer threw away the container and spoon, then got a bottle of water from the fridge to carry into the living room. It didn’t take her long to select a movie, and she got comfortable while she waited for Vordro. He came in a few minutes later wearing a T-shirt and athletic pants.
“I’ve noticed you wear your black leather pants everywhere we go,” she said.
“It’s typical garb for someone of my station.”
“But you aren’t on your world anymore. Wouldn’t you be more comfortable in jeans? You could even wear those pants out in public.”
He frowned and studied the pants he was wearing. “There’s something wrong with my leather pants?”
“No! I just… I would think they weren’t all that comfortable.”
“I suppose it depends on what you’re used to. I’ve grown up wearing them, and on my world, you either wear the leather pants or something similar to what the Chief Councilor was wearing, just not in white. That is reserved for his station.”
“I wasn’t trying to change you,” she said. “I just thought you might be more comfortable in something else.”
He smiled at her. “I’m fine, Summer. But maybe one day I’ll try those jeans you mentioned. Several of my kind wear them, and I admit they have more give to them than my leather. But the leather protects me if I get into a fight at the station.”
“I understand.”
“Now, what are we watching?” he asked.
“A comedy. I thought after today’s events we could both use a laugh.”
Vordro curled his arm around her and brought her closer. “A comedy sounds like a fine choice.”
Chapter Ten
Over the next week, Vordro received news that all of Summer’s family had been arrested and charged. They would be held for a minimum of twenty years, and when they were released, they wouldn’t be allowed to live in the same state as his family. The news had been bittersweet for Summer. He knew she’d held out hope that her mother and aunt had been innocent. He didn’t understand how people who were so rotten could have raised someone so wonderful.
While he hated that she would lose her family, he was glad that Earth valued his people enough to bend the rules. With so many Terrans settling on the little blue planet, it was guaranteed that his people and their allies would protect Earth if an intergalactic battle ever arose. He didn’t see that happening, but he wasn’t going to deny that he liked the extra perks.
“Is everything in place?” Vordro asked Krelor.
“The park near the station has been reserved for you, and my mate helped with decorations. We set it up to look like a fancy barbecue so your future mate wouldn’t be suspicious. You don’t think she knows what’s coming?” Krelor asked.
“We haven’t discussed our relationship since asking for the council’s permission to become mated. She knows they were waiting for news of her family before making a decision, but I lied to her and said I didn’t have an answer yet.”
Krelor’s eyebrows went up. “You lied to her?”
“I didn
’t want to ruin the surprise. After everything Summer has been through, she deserves to have a special day. You arranged for Larimar to be present?”
Krelor nodded. “He’ll be there, along with several guards. Rorval and I asked for the day off so we could celebrate with you as friends and not have to guard the councilman.”
“And your mates will be there? I know Summer wants to meet them.”
“Rachel and Jenny will both be present.”
“Excellent. I’m picking up the ring on the way home, and then I’ll shower, and change. I bought a new outfit for the occasion. Summer asked why I always wear leather, so I thought I’d try the jeans I’ve seen you wear when you aren’t working.”
Krelor smiled. “You’re going to love them.”
“If I don’t leave now, I’ll be late to my own party. Tell Rachel I appreciate all of her help.”
Krelor nodded and slapped him on the back. Vordro left the Terran Station and stopped by a jeweler on the way home. He’d already ordered a ring for Summer, but it hadn’t been ready before his shift had started. If it wasn’t ready now, he didn’t know what he’d do. He couldn’t very well have a mating ceremony without a ring. Well, he could, but he’d learned that human women liked having a ring to wear when they were married.
The shop owner smiled in greeting as he stepped inside, the bell overhead jingling. “Mr. Vordro, welcome back.”
“Is it ready?” he asked.
The man nodded and reached under the counter, producing a small, black velvet box. He snapped the lid open for Vordro to take a look. He had to admit, the ring was rather stunning. He’d chosen an amethyst for the center stone, to match his eyes, and two blue topaz stones on the sides to match hers. The ring was white gold with a scrolling design weaving around the stones.
“It’s perfect,” Vordro said.
“I hope your intended loves the ring. If she’s unhappy with it, bring it back, and I’ll see what I can do.”
Vordro thanked the man and left the shop. The ring felt like it was burning through his pocket on the way home and when he entered the house, he went straight to the bedroom, calling out to Summer on his way.
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