“You violated the Forbidden Cycle?” Shock filled T’rarchar’s voice.
“Of course not. I have claimed the child, but I am not the original father. And there’s something else.”
“What else could there be?”
“I just performed a scan. It appears that the child will be female. And that she will combine human and Yehrin characteristics.”
A stunned silence fell.
“You must bring the female here at once for further tests,” T’rarchar ordered as soon as he’d recovered from the shock.
He had anticipated that reaction. “She does not wish to come. Unless her safety is in jeopardy, I would prefer to accede to her wishes. She does not yet trust me.”
“Your L’chka does not trust you?”
“Not completely. She shows flashes of it, but she is human after all. Also, there is no one on the ship to test her. How long will it take to arrange for a female medic?”
“I had not considered that. I will send for one immediately and notify you when she arrives. Under those circumstances, I will agree to let you remain.” For now, remained unsaid.
“Thank you, Supreme Commander.” He hesitated. “And perhaps, it would be best to delay revealing the news until that time?”
T’rarchar sighed. “I agree. The matter must be handled delicately.”
“Thank you, Supreme Commander.”
T’rarchar’s voice hardened. “T’lan, who is the original father? He must be punished.”
“It is too late for that, sir. He is dead.”
“Did you kill him?”
“No, sir. He died in the explosion.”
“A scholar? Usually only warriors are that hot-blooded.”
He hesitated, reluctant to have to give T’rarchar the information. “I’m sorry, sir. It was S’ram.”
After a long silence, all T’rarchar said was, “That is…unfortunate.”
The brief statement did not convey the amount of pain that he knew T’rarchar must feel. S’ram was the son of his son.
“I’m afraid that is also not all.” Briefly, he conveyed the rest of S’ram’s transgressions. He hated to cause more pain for the older male but as Supreme Commander, he needed to be in possession of the facts. There was another long silence. He prepared to end the call when T’rarchar spoke again.
“Has it occurred to you that these incidents could be related to the explosion?”
“Yes, sir.” He had been forced to consider the possibility. “While I assume he was just young and foolish, he must have had… unsavory connections to access the Yeisati and the sekhmet. They may have been a bribe of some type. That same person may have encouraged him to appear in public and to attempt to claim a human. Could those actions have been intended to sow unrest?”
“I will have some discreet inquiries made about the smuggling. Make sure there is nothing else that your L’chka can tell us.” T’rarchar’s voice hardened. “And Commander T’lan, I am sure I do not have to tell you to keep her safe.”
“No, Supreme Commander.”
“Do you need additional men?”
He tried not to see the question as an insult, but a growl escaped his lips anyway. “No, sir.”
“Very well. I will keep you apprised of the investigation on this end.”
“Thank you, sir.”
The older man signed off. T’lan stared down at the communicator. Could his young kinsman have been involved in a plot to destroy the United Worlds building? It didn’t make sense. As a scholar, he would have wanted the mission to succeed. Yet, when he first interviewed M’lee, he had been suspicious of the source of the smuggled Yeisati. His attention had been distracted by the magnitude of S’ram’s other offenses against his female. He looked at M’lee sleeping peacefully in her bed and sighed. He would have to question her again.
Chapter Seven
Emily drifted slowly awake. At first, she felt pleasantly warm and sleepy but then the heated throbbing between her thighs penetrated. She reached down cautiously until her fingers touched swollen flesh. The memory of T’lan’s scan came rushing back and she sat up abruptly. She had never felt anything like that; had never been pushed so far or come so explosively. The edge of pain as her body was stretched open had only enhanced the pleasure. Orgasm aside, the knowledge that the baby was fine, relieved a tension she hadn’t even been willing to acknowledge.
“Did you sleep well, my L’chka?” T’lan appeared at the end of the bed. She jumped, hastily pulling the quilt up to cover her breasts. The sudden movement reminded her of her aching flesh.
T’lan’s eyes narrowed. “Are you in pain? I have sent for some healing gel.”
“I’m fine.” Too embarrassed to look at him, she pulled the quilt around her and attempted to stand up. Her bladder was demanding her attention. Her legs were none too steady, but he grasped her by the elbow before they had a chance to crumple.
“I will carry you.”
“No, you won’t. I just need to use the bathroom.”
His eyes heated. “You wish to bathe? I will bathe you.”
“No. There are other needs as well.” She lost patience. “I need to pee, dammit.” At his blank look, she blushed and added. “Urinate?”
“Very well.”
“Thank you for your permission,” she muttered sarcastically, but she couldn’t help but be grateful for his hand under her elbow as she took the first few shaky steps. By the time they reached the door of her room, her legs were working properly. He made her wait as he ducked through the doorway and checked the landing, although she had no idea what he expected to find. She slipped past him into the bathroom and started to close the door. An enormous hand stopped it.
“What are you doing?” she demanded.
“You will not leave my sight.”
“Are you kidding? I am not going to pee in front of you!”
“Why not? There is no shame in your bodily functions. Every part of you is beautiful to me.”
That was actually kind of sweet, but no. “I don’t care. You are not watching me pee.”
They eventually compromised on her leaving the door open while he stood outside the door, facing away from the room. Cautiously hitching up the quilt, she checked to make sure he wasn’t watching as she sat down. She sighed as the pressure on her bladder eased but then winced when she wiped. Maybe some of that healing stuff would be a good idea. As she brushed her teeth, her stomach growled, and she was pleasantly surprised to realize that she was hungry rather than nauseous.
“What was that noise?” T’lan loomed in the doorway.
“It was my stomach. I’m hungry.”
“You hunger? Forgive me, my L’chka. I will take better care of you.”
He looked so concerned that she bit her lip to hide her grin and waved a causal hand. “Don’t worry, big guy. I can take care of myself.”
“You no longer have to take care of yourself. It is my honor to take care of you now.”
After the fear and uncertainty of the past few weeks, his words made her feel unexpectedly safe. She gave him a shaky smile and changed the subject.
“What does that mean anyway? Your honor? T’chok and T’renan said the same thing.”
“T’chok and T’renan said that?” he roared. Any brief impression she might have entertained about his sweetness disappeared as he transformed into a Yehrin warrior. All of his muscles hardened, and he seemed to actually grow in size. He no longer scared her, exactly, but he was more than a little intimidating.
“They said it was their honor to guard me,” she said cautiously. “Is that bad?”
He paused, but finally nodded and seemed to relax slightly. “That is acceptable.”
“Good. I don’t suppose there is any chance you’re going to leave me alone while I dress?”
His eyes narrowed, and she sighed. “No, I didn’t think so.”
Once again, he stood facing away from her. This time he was just inside the room. Keeping one eye on him, she hastily
slipped on a pair of panties under the quilt. The soft material pressing against her swollen flesh sent an unexpected quiver of desire through her pussy. T’lan started to turn his head, but she ignored him and quickly pulled on a long cream skirt with tiny blue flowers. The new lace bra she had just bought already seemed tight on her sensitive breasts, but it would have to do. A pale blue tee with a scooped neck and cream ballet flats completed her ensemble. Trying to ignore the large figure in the door, she ran her fingers through her curls, brushed on a quick coat of mascara, and swept pale pink lip gloss across her mouth.
“I’m ready.”
He gave her a long slow look but didn’t say anything. She felt a little annoyed and was startled to realize that she had expected him to compliment her. Sniffing, she started to sweep past him. He caught her by the arm.
“Little one, these are very attractive coverings, but they only make me want to tear them off of you so there is nothing to hide your luscious breasts or ripe little cunt from my eyes. I wish to keep you here where only I can gaze upon you.”
She gulped and her nipples hardened at the same time. She had wanted a compliment and got full on stalker instead—and she didn’t find it as disturbing as she should have. Fortunately, her stomach growled again before she decided on a response. He shook his head.
“But first I must feed you.”
He bent over and she hastily stepped back. “I’m perfectly capable of walking down the stairs by myself.” His arm was already behind her, and she knew he was going to ignore her. “T’lan, listen to me. It’s not good for the baby if you carry me everywhere.”
That made him pause so she added quickly, “I need exercise to make sure my muscles are strong enough to handle giving birth.”
“You are sure about this?”
“Yes. Haven’t you ever been around anyone who was pregnant?”
She thought she had begun reading his expressions with a fair degree of accuracy, but she couldn’t read this one at all. Ducking his head, he checked the upstairs landing, then started backwards down the stairs.
“What are you doing?” She frowned down at him. “You’re going to fall.”
“Do not insult me. I am a warrior. I will not fall.” He frowned at her long skirt. “But you are human. You may fall. This way I will catch you.”
“Just because I’m human doesn’t mean I’m going to fall down the stairs.” They stared at each other before she threw up her hands. “Fine. See if I care when you break your silly neck.”
T’lan’s lips twisted. “I am touched by your concern, my L’chka.” He preceded her down the stairs, never more than a step away.
At the entrance to the living room, T’chok had resumed his post, although Tribs seemed to have deserted him. When T’lan paused at the bottom of the stairs to take Emily’s hand, the older warrior put his fist to his chest and bowed his head. T’lan nodded and T’chok followed them through into the kitchen. Gran stood at the counter making a huge pile of sandwiches while T’renan watched every movement. Tribs watched her just as intently, waiting for a morsel to slip.
“Oh, that looks good.” Emily’s stomach protested again. “I’m starving.”
All three men growled, and she sighed.
“It’s a figure of speech. I’m just hungry, not actually starving.”
“You must provide adequate nutrition for M’lee,” T’lan told her grandmother sternly.
“I’m trying,” Gran said tartly. “She would be having soup to go with these sandwiches if you people weren’t afraid of the stove.”
“Afraid?” His expression hardened. “A warrior is never afraid.”
T’chok stepped forward and a discussion in Yehrin ensued. Emily rolled her eyes and sat down. Tribs abandoned his post and whisked over to her chair. She settled him in her lap while Gran handed her a plate and a sandwich. Sliced turkey on buttered homemade bread had never tasted so good. Suddenly ravenous, she moaned happily as she devoured her sandwich. She was wiping her mouth when she realized that a hush had fallen over the kitchen and she looked up to find everyone staring at her. Her cheeks turned pink.
“That was really good, Gran. Can I have another one?”
“Of course, sweetie.” After handing Emily her second sandwich, she looked around at the three warriors. “Do you gentleman want a sandwich?”
“Not take M’lee food,” T’renan burst out.
“That’s very sweet but Gran made plenty. Actually—” her stomach rolled. “—I think one is enough.”
Sweat beaded her brow as she fought to keep the nausea under control. It finally subsided and she relaxed, only to find everyone staring at her again. “Guys, you have to stop doing that. I’m fine. T’lan, you told me so yourself.”
“I did. The scans were within normal parameters and the child is definitely healthy. But I worry for you. We will go see this doctor of yours.”
Emily started to protest by her grandmother interrupted. “Emily, I think you should go. The commander said you wouldn’t be in any trouble and I would feel much better if you went.”
“Fine,” she huffed.
“Are you still hungry?” T’lan asked.
“No.” She cast a rueful glance at the uneaten second sandwich. The bout of nausea had destroyed her appetite.
“Then we will go now.”
“Wait a minute. Aren’t you going to have anything to eat?”
“It is not important.”
“Yes, it is. You haven’t eaten and I’m sure these poor men haven’t eaten.” She waved a hand at the other two warriors, both of whom looked startled. “We’re not going anywhere until all of you have lunch.”
“You worry about my warriors?” T’lan frowned. The expression caused his horns to lower and she had to bite her lip to keep from uttering a scared squeak.
“Yes, I do,” she said defiantly.
“This is why it is our honor to guard her,” said T’chok.
“Very well. We will eat these sandwiches.” T’lan made it sound like he would prefer torture, however, after the first cautious bites, the pile of sandwiches disappeared quickly. The warriors took turns eating, and if Emily had to look away from the sight of their sharp teeth tearing into the meat, she was still satisfied that they were fed. She occupied herself with feeding Tribs bits of her uneaten sandwich. His teeth were quite sharp as well, but he had never so much as nicked her.
“We will go now,” T’lan ordered, as soon as the men finished.
Emily picked at the crumbs on her plate, still unenthusiastic about the idea. “We should call first and make an appointment. Make sure he has time to see me.”
“He will see you.”
She supposed he would if she showed up with her entourage. Speaking of which… “Um. Are we all going?”
“No. T’chok and T’renan will stay here and secure the domicile.” He nodded to Gran. “You may come.”
“Unless Emily wants me, I think I will stay here and oversee the securing of my domicile.”
“That’s fine, Gran. You stay here.”
“We will go now.” T’lan was beginning to sound impatient. “Where is this doctor?”
“It’s only a few blocks away. But...” Her voice trailed off. Her grandmother’s house was in the older part of town, tucked in a quiet neighborhood behind the small downtown where the doctor’s office was located. Normally, Emily wouldn’t have hesitated to walk, but the thought of a Yehrin warrior striding along her local streets, never mind showing up on Main Street, made her pale. No one talked openly about the Yehrin, but the whispers she had heard weren’t positive. Would anyone be foolish enough to try and make trouble, and what would T’lan do if they did? The news might be censored but the Supreme Commander had released a few videos showing how quickly and ruthlessly the Yehrin would crush any hint of trouble. She had a sudden terrible picture of the quiet streets of Elmwood strewn with dead bodies.
“Maybe it would be better if we went after dark? Since you’re Yehrin, the curfew doesn’
t apply to you. Dr. Gaston lives over his office so he wouldn’t be out after dark. I can just call him and ask him to stay a little later.”
She started for the phone but T’lan caught her arm and pulled her in front of him. “M’lee. We will not wait until tonight. Why are you worried?”
“I’m not worried.”
“Yes, you are.” He leaned down until he was looking directly into her face. The striations of green and gold in his dark eyes were almost hypnotic.
“What if someone tries to hurt you?” she blurted out. “No one in this town has ever seen a warrior in person before and they might make a mistake.”
“You think I cannot defend you?” He drew back, obviously offended.
“I’m not worried about me, I’m worried about you! We don’t need to take the risk.”
“There is no risk,” he said confidently. “I will destroy anyone who attempts to harm you.”
She gave him a horrified stare. “I don’t want that, either. I don’t want anyone to get hurt.”
“You are too soft-hearted, little one.” He bent down and brushed his lips across her forehead. “We will go now, and I will not kill anyone unless they try to harm you.”
One look at his implacable face, and Emily knew that was the only concession she was going to get. At least it was something.
Chapter Eight
T’lan walked briskly along the sidewalk—a little too briskly for Emily. He was a battleship cutting through the water, and she was a small tugboat bobbing in his wake. Although he never hesitated or showed any concern, he constantly scanned the deserted street, one hand on his belt and the other clasping Emily’s.
“Slow down,” she panted finally, pulling on his hand. Admittedly, she wanted to keep their public appearance as brief as possible, but his legs were twice as long as hers and she simply couldn’t keep up. He stopped and looked down in surprise.
“Is this walk too difficult? I would be honored to carry you, but you said you needed to strengthen your muscles.”
“Not that much,” she muttered. So, she wasn’t in the greatest shape. She also didn’t have ridiculously long legs, which meant she took three steps for every one of his.
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