by Nini Church
Instead of confronting him, telling him off, yelling or screaming – she gave him space to figure out what went wrong. Fuck.
This was the biggest cluster fuck he had ever stepped in. Inexperienced with a true female of worth and unwilling to admit it – he didn’t know what to do. Hands digging through his hair, it staggered him to consider he may have damaged their relationship.
His flaccid cock flopped around, not unhappy, nor were his balls. He was fucking satisfied to his core. Abe did that.
Crawling off the bed, cock shrivelling like never before, he went for a shower. Hot water streaming over sore muscles, he considered what to say, how to apologize... Fuck.
Man he was more than flat-footed this time. A lot more than a little caught out. Yeah, his ass was naked in the wind with his Calvin Klein’s – when he wore them which wasn’t often – on his head lookin’ like Abe mated the biggest asshole ever.
A fucking raw greenhorn when it came to his female. Jericho had enough sense to know it was time to get his shit together fast. It hurt him deeply when she asked if she was enough for him. Jericho knew he didn’t deserve Abe.
Even if he had changed their relationship, he’d still wait on the sidelines for any bone or scrap she tossed him. Cause now she owned everything, lock, stock and swollen barrel with a couple of hard balls on the side along with his heart.
His life, his children, his future – hell he had always known deep inside, under his skin, that Abe was his everything.
All.
Everything.
He’d been in a lot of situations during a long eventful life, but nothing like this. Jericho let his mind wander back to the beginning.
Abe had summoned him.
He didn’t dare question why Destiny gave Abe that boon at birth, but was grateful it was him that she summoned. A small gift from Destiny or the universe, Jericho didn’t care which.
A smile came easily when he remembered how Abe fit smoothly into his world, fit with his team, with Matty, Fifi and Elron. She lit up all their lives with her spunk, her ability to laugh in the face of the devil and tragedy, to face mommy dearest with the truth and openly love her father no matter what.
No doubt about it, Abe took him by storm.
The sex. Outta this fucking world. There were no charts to top when they came together.
Hands. Fucking. Down.
This was it for him – had been from the moment he touched her.
He needed Abe.
Forever.
Decisions made, he pulled on a black t-shirt and a pair of blue jeans just to mix it up and went looking for her.
An inch below the neck and across the middle of his back it was stamped with penal lettering – Property of Abe.
Buried in pillows deep in one corner of the couch, Abe worried. When Jericho didn’t appear, she questioned everything. How could she feel so much and him so little? Sure, he spoke all the right words, but the three she wanted to hear. So many years spent on her own that she automatically built a fantasy to fill the holes reality left behind.
More pitiful and now she was pregnant. Tears swarmed up, rolling out, but she swiped them away. Now wasn’t the time for pity, she’d have that party later on her own.
It was stunning to consider she wasn’t enough for Jericho. He didn’t deny it. Tried to brush her off with his too much thinking routine. As a female she didn’t have a lot of sexual experience or know how. For him, that was the difference between easy pleasure, knowing pleasure and her fumbling around. She’d discovered a few of his sweet spots, but it obviously wasn’t enough.
Hands cupped over her lower belly and eyes closing, she wondered what it would be like.
A baby!
Imagine that.
Abe hid deeply within herself as she burrowed deeper into the couch and a soft snore slipped out.
After a quick search, Jericho stormed into the kitchen, his face a dark thundercloud of impatience. “Caleb get your fucking ass up here now,” he barked, storming back and forth. “Reno, you’re gonna stay on her like white on rice. You reading me?”
Reno recognized Jericho's mood and simply nodded, eyes glued to the words on his t-shirt.
Zulu rushed into the kitchen all messed up – T-shirt on backwards and belt hanging. Matty snuck in behind him, one hand curling around his waist. She peeked around Zulu’s arm. “Jer, what’s up?”
Reno answered, “He can't find Abe."
Jericho glared at his second in command.
A snort escaped Conn then a heathen chuckle, long and low, driving it home. “Seems to be a pattern. Us Scot’s we’d put bells on her, tae keep track like.”
Matty winced, wishing Conn would shut it. “Jericho, I guarantee she’s here. Where’s Fifi? Maybe Abe is with her.”
Sheepishly, Jericho admitted, “Uh, her and El are…takin’ some personal time.”
She slid in front of Zulu, brown eyes big, hands on hips, Matty asked quietly, “Tell me you didn't bust in on them.”
Jericho hung his head, chin dipping way past the Property of Abe on his t-shirt.
Matty grinned, rolled her eyes and kept it shut.
Reno shook his head. If anyone had timing, it was Abe. Loud and fucking clear. He struggled mightily to stop his roar of laughter, but his voice squeaked anyway. “She’s probably napping.”
Cal, screens flashing across his roid, topped the back stairs, reporting in. “Boss, Abe’s on the couch, great room, north corner. Heat signature indicates she’s asleep.” His hazel eyes lingered over the penal lettering on Jericho's t-shirt. It was so fucking true that he grinned wildly.
A billowing breath of sheer relief erupted from Jericho. “I’m gonna fucking microchip her, man. Set up a fucking tracking system. True.”
Eagerly and seriously, Caleb nodded. Several times. "I'll look into it, might be a good idea."
Conn lost it then, snorting laughter ripping out.
Reno bent over as he bellowed, “Yeah, my man. You wanna try explaining that one to Abe.”
Once again the fool and with no reason why that he could see, Jericho went into the great room and knelt beside the couch.
A fool in love.
They all laughed at him, but there was love too.
Abe never stopped mixing it up for him. Ever. For so long now, he had held his breath, waiting for a few moments of peace and quiet to let go and just be with Abe. She brought out so many truths in him. Too many centuries he had denied it was even possible, had heard of others who had found their mates – but never once believed it could happen to him.
He thought of their unborn babe and his parents flared to mind. Loving, kind, giving and always there. A wonderful life from very long ago.
Had he changed too much to go back?
Turning his mind to the past, he recalled very clearly starting anew, a virgin king after his parent’s disappeared. Flat footed and out there in a big way, but willing to learn. Truly it was the same for him now – he was a virgin parent waiting to happen. Only Abe gave him that. He grinned, hearing Abe’s words – Pay off could be big.
Without a shadow of doubt in any part of him, Jericho long ago accepted that one moment in time when he’d taken Abe into his arms.
She had summoned him.
Him.
Out of the entire universe, her summons had called only to him.
It was then, looking down at Abe snuggled deeply into the couch, when his chin brushed his t-shirt. The bottom hem fisted in one hand, Jericho pulled it down. Hoarsely, he chuckled as his throat tightened and emotions welled up. Property of Abe.
It was the truth.
Gently he kissed her cheek, nuzzled her hair, calling to her softly, but when she woke her emerald eyes were anxious and clouded with worry.
"You're my everything, mate. More than enough for me. I don't even deserve you." Then he soothed her with the words she wanted to hear. “I love you, myn lykyng, forever. I love you with all my heart.”
CHAPTER 25
Ab
e along with Matty and Fifi had her first doctor’s appointment. On Skype.
“Dr. Aili McFeerson here.” Her thick Scots brogue wasn't as heavy as others in her family.
They introduced themselves and chatted back and forth for a few minutes.
“Any special requests at this time?” Aili suspected there would be a few with the baby mama being who she was.
Abe nodded immediately. “Yes, we don’t want to know the sex, only if he or she is healthy. We’ve decided it’s important enough to insist on unless there are complications.”
“Hey, from your file, Abe, I can tell you’re a healthy mother. It’s natural to worry a little. This is a new experience for you. Don’t let worry get away from you though and if it does, call me. Anxiety can be caused by a lot of different issues.” Aili took a moment to make notes before adding, “I give my word that as long as you and the wee one are healthy I'll not reveal the sex.”
“Thanks. Maybe you don’t know, but this is a big surprise for the Jinn and we want to experience that surprise too.”
“Agreed.” Dr. Aili McFeerson, located in Aberfoyle, Scotland, was cousin to Conn. An outbreak of chicken pocks at the small race clinic she ran kept her from any direct contact with her newest patient, Abe Sullivan. A Queen. Queen of the Jinn and mated to the best looking male in any universe.
Aili had read the particulars in Abe’s file. Matty was trained in CPR and EMT. Fifi, also a medic of sorts, was experienced after tending wounded warriors for many years now as a member of Jericho’s team. There was another at the compound, a male with EMT skills, and Matty promised to keep him in the loop.
Abe, what a strange name – it didn’t fit the beautiful female. Ethereal, very natural and not an ounce of make-up on in the middle of the day. The Queen wore jeans, a t-shirt with a fluffy sweater overtop and no shoes. Blonde hair, long and curly, was bundled on top of her head. A stunning beauty and if Abe was genuine, she didn’t have a clue. That was refreshing in a female.
Aili couldn’t say the same – she was often obsessed with shoes and outfits. Sadly, she admitted – it was from sheer boredom. With no life of her own and coming from a family of five brothers and countless male cousins there wasn’t much room for any kind of play time. Aili craved more. So much more.
Matty carried out basic procedures – checking Abe’s blood pressure, heart rate and reflexes. Then she moved on to blood and urine samples and finally pulled the ultrasound machine into place next to Abe. The new equipment was possible through Jericho’s gift to the infirmary.
The new ultrasound machine linked directly to Aili's laptop five thousand miles away.
As the paddle ran over Abe’s rounded belly, thick gel warming, Matty called out, “Hey, the monitor on the ultrasound isn’t working!”
“Yeah, it does," Aili replied. "I've switched it off for now just in case the sex of the babe is evident. Can you move the paddle higher up to her breast bone?” Aili studied the image – glimpsing a shadow.
Hmmm. “Now take it right across her belly to her pubis...her pubic bone.”
Matty and Fifi kept glancing at one another over Abe’s head. Was something wrong? They were uneasy that there weren’t any images.
“Okay. Everything looks excellent.” Aili’s intent was to show them the best image of the babe curled on one side, fists up in front. On the ultrasound monitor appeared a blown up image of what looked like a gray blob.
With an infra-red dot outlining the babe, Aili gave them something to focus on. She stayed away from the second shadow, hidden by the babe in front. No sign of a protruding sexual organ showed, but Aili had a sense this was a male babe who was protecting his female counterpart hiding behind him.
Abe Sullivan was a twin. A twin who didn't realize it might be two babes she carried instead of one. As surprises went it was a biggie and Aili wouldn’t mention it unless she had to.
Printers whirred at both locations – the babe's first ultrasound picture.
“Prognosis is excellent. Abe, you’re healthy and so is the wee one. You're well into this trimester so make sure you follow the instructions I’ll be sending. Lots of milk, exercise and please take the herbal mixture once a day.”
“Will do.” Abe glowed, not able to tear her eyes away from the black and white blob on the monitor. A paper copy in her hands now, she tilted it, shifted it sideways. No mistaking those fists, right out in front. A smile broke out as she held the photo to her chest.
“Doctor?” Fifi needed the finer details. “When can we expect you?”
Matty nodded agreement. “Jericho wants you here for the last trimester.” She wanted the doctor here too. Sure, she had delivered a baby or two in her time – or at least watched it being done. Much better if Aili was right here with them.
“Let me explain. My apologies that I didn’t mention this sooner. Most pregnancies can range from 7 to 15 months on average for most races. Jinn babies are different. They carry to term much quicker. You’re already in what could be considered the beginning of the fifth month for a regular term pregnancy.”
Fi’s mouth rounded into an O. “When is she due?”
“Due date is approximately 5 to 6 weeks away.”
Matty blurted desperately, “When can you get here?”
“Hopefully in the next two weeks. The King has requested I go into quarantine for 48 hours before entering the compound.”
“Is that necessary?” Abe looked worried.
“Indeed. Chicken pocks are contagious. The germ stays alive longer than most. You will all receive boosters against it, at least those who need it. A lot of adults of the races don’t, but it infects most children easily.”
Down in the command center, Jericho’s left fist slammed into the wall. Repeatedly. Knuckles bloody and fist still pumped deadly tight, Marklon didn’t move a muscle for fear of drawing Jericho’s wrath.
There wasn’t anyone alive that didn’t know not to mess with Jericho’s mate. His female. As King, he wielded enormous power, could call to hand an army of thousands, all faithful and willing to die for whatever their King chose to fight for. Honor and family were his namesakes and his father before him and so on. Any question to his honor or family cranked his anger.
As Lead to the Council of Nine, Lon accepted his duty to bring the bad news to Jericho. “The Council of Nine orders your mate, Annabelle Evergreen Sullivan, Queen of the Jinn, and an animal – a Kodiak bear I believe he is – to answer their summons.”
Grunting, Jericho barked, “Refused.”
Lon didn’t say a word, but bowed to the big Jinn.
Jericho nodded. “Lon, Abe won’t be going before your Council. She’s my Queen and by Jinn law answers to no one but her King." He took a deep breath and settled a bit. "Bear isn't on the table. Ever. And, if anyone wants to push that they’ll be bringing Giaa and Metatron into the mix. Trust me, that there is true trouble. What the fuck is your Council up to?”
“Tess’ family want answers. Without a body or proof of death – Tess' estate stays as it is. They'll have to wait years before she can be declared dead. Abe was the last one with her. She’s their only lead. I beg your forgiveness, but if she won’t appear at Council then I must speak with her.”
“You’re not hearing me, man.”
“Indeed, I certainly am. I would be right where you are too if I were in your shoes." Lon dearly wanted to step back, but held his position. "You fucking well know there’s protocol. Give them some answers.”
Jericho shrugged off Lon’s demand. “Abe was pretty beat up. A lot of damage was done to her face, her shoulder was dislocated and Tess used her chains to shred Abe’s legs. A hundred and twenty pound female against a Demon like Tess doesn’t point the finger at Abe.”
Jericho refrained from revealing they’d taken pictures of Abe’s injuries. At first he’d refused, but when Cal and Reno pointed out the Council might come into play on this and the evidence of Abe’s horrific wounds pointed to Tess’ guilt, Jericho had given in.
Lon knew he had to push Jericho – even if only a little. "With all due respect, Abe fried that fucker Amadan with one touch. Folks think it’s possible she may have done the same with Tess. If we could find out where she took Abe or if Abe remembers…this whole mess can be put to fucking bed. You can’t deny the rumors. They’ve been rampant for weeks now. The Council needs to speak to Abe face to face. It’s the only way.”
Jericho strode to the already damaged wall and turning back to Lon, he roared, "Refused." This time he drove his right fist into the triple layer drywall, drilling into it so fast it sounded like a jackhammer.
No one moved to stop Jericho or try to pull him back. When it came to Abe, everyone knew the rules – and when they didn't it lit a fuse in Jericho that could burn slowly or hot and fast. He was the deadliest Jinn walking – King or not.
Cal cleared his throat. “Uh, boss,” he shouted over Jericho’s jackhammering. “Boss, got Reed Stetson on the line. Says he needs to talk to you.”
Fist clenched in mid-drive, Jericho stilled before whipping around.
Cal tossed him the cell phone.
Hands bloody, the cell slipped between Jericho’s fingers and smashed – screen first – on the floor.
Zulu grabbed a towel, throwing it at Jericho.
Cal hustled up another cell and switched Reed’s call to the new line.
Jericho barked. “What do you need?” He listened for a long time. “Agreed. I do. We have. Good, get on it.” He ended the call and turned dark purple eyes on Lon.
Again, the big lumberjack of a male wanted to step back or casually shift to the side, but refused to do so. Showing any kind of weakness was a bad move. Jericho might tear out his throat in less than a second if he took one wrong step.
"Tell Council we’ll be ready in the next 24 hours and not before. Take off now, Lon.”
“Agreed.” Lon left quickly, wanting this fiasco over with. The other Council members had tied his hands with their demands to speak to Abe in person, but he had achieved his goal. Once and for all, rumors of Tess’ death would be squashed – then she could slowly rot in hell. At least Lon hoped so.