The warriors exchanged a grim stare before T’chok shook his head and returned to his medical duties. “Did you arrange to dispose of the bodies from tonight?”
“Not yet. I am tempted to let them rot where they lie, but that will do nothing to calm the town if this was in fact more than an isolated incident. Have T’yarmaa remove them. Have another squad placed on standby. It may be that those humans were the problem, and things will be quieter now.”
“You still intend to stay here?”
“M’lee accepted my claim tonight.” Despite the events of the evening, a warm glow of pride filled him.
“So I gathered,” T’chok said dryly.
“I do not wish to repay her for that honor by turning around and removing her from a place where she is content. If the unrest continues, I will have no choice. But perhaps the source of the disease has been cut out.”
T’chok nodded but did not comment. T’lan suspected that the other warrior considered him weak to be so concerned over his L’chka’s happiness, but not only did he wish for his child to be at ease with a content mother, he wished that for her sake as well. He rubbed his chest, his hearts aching.
“And there is another reason. Once we return to the ship, the ability of humans to breed will no longer be conjecture, but fact. I wish to delay that knowledge as long as possible.”
“Very well. Do you wish to leave the physical wall in place?” T’chok asked.
“No. The monitors will alert us to any activity, and I wish the domicile to appear as normal as possible.”
“Yes, Commander.” The older male held up a last instrument. “I need to cauterize this last wound.”
Fuck. No matter how impervious to pain a warrior was, the fire from the tube hurt.
T’chok raised an eyebrow. “Shall I ask M’lee to come back and hold your hand?”
“No. And thank you for getting her to leave. Warrior’s code?” He arched a brow.
T’chok shrugged. “I told you I had been studying the literature that appeals to human females.”
“Just as well,” he said and managed to restrain his roar as T’chok placed the heated instrument against his side.
As soon as the pain faded, he pushed to his feet. “I am going to bed. I will return to take my watch.”
“No, Commander. Your L’chka has issued strict orders that you are to remain in her bed for the entire night.”
He opened his mouth to argue, but T’chok beat him to it.
“T’lan, you have been on half sleep for weeks, you are injured, and your L’chka has just accepted your claim. You are entitled to one night of rest. We will keep watch.”
“Very well.” In truth, the thought of an entire night in M’lee’s bed tempted him. “Good night, old friend.”
As he passed through the front room, T’renan started to glare at him but his eyes widened as he took in the damage that covered T’lan’s body.
“Are you well, Commander?”
“I am fine. I will not be relieving you tonight.”
“No, Commander.”
“T’chok will inform you of the events of the evening. Be alert.”
“Yes, Commander.” The young officer gave the correct responses but T’lan could see that the events of the evening had disturbed him.
“I know you will, T’renan. My L’chka’s safety will be in good hands.”
Finally, T’renan’s stiff posture eased slightly. “Thank you, Commander.”
At the bottom of the stairs, T’lan hesitated. Normally, he would have returned to the vessel to cleanse himself as he usually did while M’lee slept. Tonight, he was not willing to leave her. With a sigh, he decided to use her small bathing place in order to wash. Several bumped heads and quiet curses later, he was at last able to slip into M’lee’s bed. She blinked sleepily and snuggled into his side. The feel of her lush curves instantly raised his desire, but she would not be ready for another mating so soon. Sternly ignoring his arousal, he pulled her closer and slept.
Her screams woke him two hours later. T’lan jolted awake, already reaching for his weapons, before he realized that M’lee was still asleep, body thrashing as horrible sounds emerged from her mouth. The bedroom door crashed open, one warrior going high, the other low, both with weapons drawn.
“She is dreaming,” he said as he sat up and pulled her into his lap. She fought wildly, but he wrapped her tightly in his arms before looking to the males at the entrance. “Thank you for your diligence, but please leave us now.”
They nodded and retreated, T’renan hesitating a fraction of a second longer before he closed the door. M’lee had quieted now but water leaked from under her lashes. He stroked her hair and whispered soothing words.
“Be calm, M’lee. All is well.” He repeated the words until she appeared peaceful once more. He was about to lay her down again when her eyes popped open.
“T’lan? I had this terrible dream.”
“Do not worry, my L’chka. You are safe with me.”
“I saw all these bodies—torn apart, bleeding,” she whispered.
“Do not think of it again.”
“But… It didn’t feel like a dream.” She pushed against him and he helped her sit up but didn’t allow her to leave his lap. “They were at the park. And I knew some of their faces.”
He had hoped to shield her from the violence, but apparently, he hadn’t been quick enough to prevent her from seeing the carnage he had left in his wake. Uncertain whether or not to confirm her suspicions, he waited as she sorted through her memories. At last she raised her eyes to his.
“It was real, wasn’t it?” she asked quietly.
“Yes. Those males hurt you. They would have done worse if I had not stopped them.”
“But—but like that?” She reached out and placed her hand next to his shoulder wound. “I know they hurt you but—”
“I am not concerned about these wounds,” he interrupted impatiently. “They are nothing. However, I will never let any harm come to you or our child. They threatened you both.”
“And I thank you for protecting us.” Biting her lip, she looked away, obviously troubled. “But it was so… violent. Couldn’t you have shot them with your ray thingy?”
“They would have been just as dead.” He placed a finger over her mouth as she started to protest. “Dead, M’lee. This was not a situation where I could simply send them to sleep. What kind of a warrior would I be if I allowed a threat to you or our child to live?”
Still looking unsettled, she curved a hand around her stomach. He placed his hand next to hers, delighted when he felt a small flutter beneath their joined hands.
“I will always protect you,” he vowed.
“I know, T’lan. I just wish…”
“Wish what, my L’chka?” Alarm raced through T’lan. Had the violence been too much for her? Did she wish another mate, a human mate? He would never give her up, but he did not want her to regret their bond.
“Nothing.” She shook her head. “Let’s get some sleep. You need your rest.”
After studying her face once more, he laid her down and curled around her. She did not protest but her body remained stiff until she finally drifted off to sleep. Twice more during the night she cried out and awakened. Instead of screaming, low moans emerged from her lips as more water streaked down her cheeks. Both times, T’lan simply pulled her tighter and stroked her soft curls until she went back to sleep. Afterwards, he laid awake, his hearts hurting for his little female.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Emily awoke the next morning, as exhausted as if she hadn’t slept at all. Nightmare and memory blended together leaving her terrified and unsure how much of what she saw in her dreams was real. The visions had haunted her all night long—a head separated from a body, eyes still wide open; another body with his spine bent backwards; blood pouring from a shoulder missing an arm. And worst of all, a vision of T’lan with a savage grin on his face swinging his blade, blood arcing out from the meta
l. It seemed impossible that the ferocious figure in her head could be the same person who was curled so protectively around her body. She could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest behind her back, and on any other morning, she would have been delighted. She didn’t like waking up by herself every morning and had dreamed of a time when they would have a leisurely morning in bed together. Be careful what you wish for.
Moving slowly so that she wouldn’t wake him, she turned her head until she could see his face. Stern, alien, and so unexpectedly beloved. The gash under his horn had already started to close but the vivid mark across his face only highlighted the warrior aspect of his features. He opened his eyes, the green and gold striations vivid in the early morning light. His eyes warmed as he looked at her, the pupils expanding into ovals. His cock stiffened against her bottom.
“Good morning, my L’chka,” he whispered. “I enjoy waking up to you.”
Feelings in an uproar, her lips trembled. He bent his head to kiss her, but she turned her face away.
“I’m still sore.” It was true enough, but she knew that she was also using it as an excuse.
“I only wish to kiss you.”
“But it never stops there, does it?” She tried for a joking tone, but it fell miserably flat.
T’lan gently rolled her onto her back and leaned down to study her face. “What worries you, little one?”
Tears sprang to her eyes and she dashed them away impatiently. “I swear all I ever do anymore is cry.”
“You are with child. The literature said it is to be expected. And you had a hard night.” He traced a finger along her forehead where she had been injured. She bit back an incredulous retort at the understatement. “But I think that something more concerns you. Do you regret accepting my claim?”
“N-no.” When they were alone like this, when he treated her so tenderly, how could she?
“I am glad, for I will never let you go,” he vowed. A flash of the fierce warrior crossed his face.
She gasped and he dropped his head and took advantage of her open mouth with a slow, sweet kiss. As always, she caught fire with his touch, instinctively trying to move closer. His body responded just as eagerly but he retained enough control to bring the kiss to a conclusion before it escalated any further. They were both breathless when he raised his head.
“As you say, it never stops there.” He smiled, gave her a quick peck on her lips, and climbed out of bed. “Stay in bed and rest, M’lee.”
“What about you?” Despite her conflicted feelings, she couldn’t help but admire the way his muscles flexed as he drew on his pants, grimacing a little as he forced his half-erect shaft into place. The wounds that covered his chest and torso had also started to heal but the damage was still extensive enough to make her wince. “You need to rest as well.”
“I had a fine night of sleep with my L’chka in my arms. I must return to duty.”
“Do you think… Do you think there will be trouble today?”
“I do not know. The rebellious ones may have been in the group last night and everything could be calm now that they have been eliminated.”
Eliminated. He said it so coldly. A wave of nausea swept over her.
“Let’s hope so,” she managed to say. Closing her eyes, she didn’t watch as he finished dressing and left the room.
Despite her weariness, she couldn’t face the empty bed. She dragged herself up and pulled on the first pair of maternity shorts and top she could find. Without bothering to do more than splash her face with cold water and brush her teeth, she went downstairs. Tren stood at the bottom and watched her, but he didn’t say anything, and she avoided his gaze. Instead, she knocked quietly on her grandmother’s door.
“Come in.”
Gran was sitting up in bed reading the newspaper, a cup of tea by her side. She peered over her glasses at Emily as Tribs jumped up and chirped at her.
When her grandmother had moved downstairs, she had turned the former living room into a cozy bedroom with an eclectic collection of furniture. Assorted flower prints covered almost every surface, vying for dominance, but somehow everything melded into a harmonious whole.
“Good morning, sweetie. How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine.” Restlessly, she wandered over to the bureau to look at the collection of photos in flowered, beaded, sequined, and heavily carved metal frames. Her attention snagged on a picture of her grandfather in his uniform and she remembered what Gran had told her about war changing a man. Could he have performed such a ruthless act?
Moving over to the window, she looked out onto a grey morning. Even the weather fit her mood with a soft mist turning everything damp. She paced back to her grandmother’s side but didn’t sit when she patted the covers invitingly.
“What on earth is wrong with you, child? You’re more nervous than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.”
“I know, Gran. I’m sorry.”
Her grandmother shot another look at her and patted the covers again. “Sit.”
Emily collapsed on the bed. Tribs immediately jumped into her lap and she ran her fingers through his soft fur.
“Now, tell me what’s going on,” Gran ordered.
“Do you know what happened last night?”
“Yes, when T’chok brought me my tea and paper, he told me that there had been an attack.”
“T’chok brought you the newspaper and a cup of tea? Gran, they aren’t our servants.”
“They’re living in my house. Besides, he volunteered.”
Emily gave her a skeptical look which the older woman ignored.
“I was shocked when he told me that you and T’lan were attacked.” Her grandmother’s eyes snapped angrily. "If I could just get my hands on those bastards.”
“I don’t think you can anymore. T’lan killed them all.” She heard her voice shaking.
Her grandmother’s face paled, but then she nodded determinedly. “I’m sure he didn’t have a choice—if they were foolish enough to attack you, they got what they deserved.”
“But it was so brutal, Gran.” She covered her face as the image of the slain men reappeared in her mind. “And I think... I think one of them was Mitch.”
She heard her grandmother’s breath catch.
“I don’t know that I’m surprised,” she finally admitted. “I thought he was a little too crazy about you.”
“Too crazy to accept the fact that I might prefer an alien to him.”
“Is he the reason you’re so upset? I didn’t think you liked him at all,” she asked.
“I didn’t—but I’ve known him most of my life. We went to school together. Part of me knows that T’lan was protecting me and the baby. Then I see the bodies again.” Her fingers twisted in the quilt. “Gran, I honestly think I love him, but I have no idea how to handle this. It just shows how different we are. I’m not even sure if the Yehrin love the way that we do.”
“They might not. But, sweetie, I’ve seen him with you and it’s obvious that that boy would do anything for you.” Only her grandmother would refer to a seven-foot-tall alien warrior as a boy.
“But is it for me, or for the baby? The baby seems so important to him.”
“I don’t get the impression he’s thinking about the baby when you two start canoodling,” she said dryly.
Emily blushed but waved a dismissive hand. “That’s just lust.”
“In my experience, real passion—the kind I think you two share—requires feelings as well as lust. I know you have them—is it so hard to think that he has them, too?”
“No. When he looks at me, I believe he cares.”
“I know you’re confused, and it probably doesn’t help that your hormones are going crazy, but why don’t you try having faith in that belief?”
“You’re right.” She reached over and kissed Gran’s petal-soft cheek. “I’ll try.”
However, as the morning wore on, it became clear that she was not succeeding. She only picked at
her breakfast until T’lan gently but firmly reminded her that she was eating for two and she needed to keep up her strength. She managed to choke down a small portion, but her nausea was back, and she had to drink two cups of ginger tea before her stomach would settle.
Despite the intermittent rain and T’lan’s injuries, he and T’chok went out in the backyard to train as always. She usually enjoyed watching them, but as soon as T’lan drew his sword, the horrible memories came flooding back, and she had to turn away. She left the kitchen to avoid seeing them through the back windows. T’renan was on guard duty at the front, but she didn’t have the heart to start their usual one-sided conversation, and he kept slanting her concerned looks. After she sighed for about the fortieth time, her grandmother stopped mending, took her firmly by the hand and led her into the downstairs bedroom. She gave Emily a cup of hot chocolate, turned on a Disney movie, covered her with a quilt, and left her with Tribs tucked against her side.
Emily tried to work up some resentment to being treated like a child, but instead she felt comforted, and relaxed enough to take a long nap. When she joined the others for lunch, she was actually able to give T’lan a tentative smile and saw the flash of relief on his face. Lunch was mostly silent but not uncomfortable.
“I think I should go to the diner,” Gran announced as they finished the meal.
“We just finished eating.” Emily gave her grandmother a concerned look.
“I am well aware of that. But you know the diner is a hotbed of gossip. I can find out if anyone is still stirring up trouble.”
“No,” T’lan ordered.
“Oh, for goodness’ sake. They’re not going to bother me. I’m a harmless old woman.” Her grandmother literally rolled her eyes, and Emily had to suppress a giggle. “And it’s been quiet all morning, hasn’t it? I just want to make sure that the worst of it has blown over.”
“It is too soon. If we pass another peaceful night or two, I will consider it.”
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