Chapter 2 Brynn
brYNN
I stood at the edge of the coral-colored ocean, watching the gentle waves lap at my bare feet while memories of Zirc in the forefront of my mind. The chaos of the past few days—his disappearance, the frantic fleeing from the Purple Tribe—left me exhausted but unable to truly rest.
"Barefoot and pregnant," I murmured, resting my palm against my stomach. No visible bump yet, but the hunger pangs had intensified lately. I'd gone from barely stomaching alien food to craving it at all hours.
The three suns of Planet Manasty hung low in the sky, casting everything in a soft amber glow.
This momentary solitude was rare—my mates rarely let me out of their sight these days.
Mates, as in plural. When I get back, how do I explain that to my parents and friends?
Anyways, I savored the illusion of privacy, though I knew watchful eyes monitored me from a distance.
My thoughts drifted to Zirc. Where was he now? Had he discovered the truth about Roqs's new mate yet? The thought made my chest tighten. I'd seen how deeply they loved each other—childhood friends turned lovers. The revelation would devastate him.
I walked parallel to the shoreline, letting the warm water soothe my aching feet.
It seemed so strange that the manasties feared water when it felt this inviting.
Swimming would calm my nerves, but it would also trigger instant panic among my mates.
I'd learned that lesson the hard way when I'd first arrived.
A slight twinge in my lower back made me wince. The pregnancy symptoms were subtle but unmistakable. No morning sickness, thankfully, but my body was changing in ways I couldn't fully comprehend. How fast would this alien pregnancy progress? The uncertainty terrified me.
"They let you out?"
I shrieked and spun around, heart hammering against my ribs. "Oh, it's you," I gasped, recognizing the Captain of the Red Guard.
His eyes widened in alarm. "Ah, fuck," he smacked his palm against his face. "My apologies, Brynn. My life is now forfeit." Without waiting for my response, he vanished—literally disappeared in a blur of movement.
Almost instantly, Coone materialized before me, his golden-brown eyes scanning me for injury. Nim and Sim flanked me on either side, their purple fur nearly identical except for the subtle green streaks in Sim's.
"Who was it?" The growl came from behind me, deep and threatening. Roqs. Goosebumps bloomed across my body when Roqs pressed his back against mine. Unbidden, I felt a pinch in my heart when I thought about Roqs’ mate. I hoped Zirc hadn’t heard about it yet.
I wanted to be there for both of them when Zirc learned about Roqs's mate.
Goosebumps prickled across my skin as he pressed his back against mine. His new possessiveness had escalated since we'd left the Purple Tribe palace, his usual laid-back demeanor replaced by this hair-trigger intensity.
When Coone finished his inspection, he met my gaze and raised an eyebrow. The silent question hung between us - What's wrong with Roqs?
"Brynn?" Roqs pressed harder against me, his growl deepening. I noticed Nim and Sim exchange worried glances, their attention fixed on Roqs's head. The tension crackled between them like electricity.
"I'm fine. It's just Clitasoxd—"
"—The fuck!" Coone interrupted, tail lashing.
"—What did he want?" Nim and Sim demanded simultaneously, though I noticed Nim's voice carried more authority while Sim's held an undercurrent of anxiety.
Before I could answer, Roqs shifted away. I instinctively grabbed the end of his tail, halting his retreat. His muscles tensed beneath my fingers.
"Which way did he go?" he demanded, still not looking at me. His chest rumbled with a continuous growl that sent vibrations through my fingertips.
Nim's brow furrowed deeply while Sim tried to pull me gently away from Roqs. That small movement caused Roqs to freeze completely. We all held our breath, waiting.
After what felt like an eternity, Roqs's shoulders dropped slightly. I exhaled slowly. When he attempted to move away again, Coone called out.
"Wait. You need to tell us what's going on with you, Roqs." The unspoken accusation hung in the air - the violent energy simmering just beneath Roqs's surface was becoming impossible to ignore.
I studied him, noting how different he seemed from the calm, confident alpha I'd first met.
Back then, I hadn't even realized he was an alpha.
I'd assumed that role belonged to Zirc. Now, watching the rigid set of his shoulders and the constant twitch of his tail, I wondered if I was finally seeing the true alpha nature he'd kept carefully controlled.
"Don't. Move." Roqs's whisper was barely audible, but the command in it was unmistakable. "Fuck," he cursed loudly, his body going rigid.
"Brynn," Coone said softly. When I looked at him, he subtly directed my gaze toward Roqs with his eyes.
Oh.
OH.
I was subconsciously petting his tail. Oops.
It took me a moment to realize what was happening—I'd been absently stroking Roqs's tail. Instead of releasing it, I gripped it tighter, earning a sharp hiss from Roqs.
As one, Nim and Sim grabbed my arms. Nim's grip was firm and protective, while Sim's fingers trembled slightly against my skin. I knew what was about to happen—another testosterone-fueled brawl. Not today. Not around my unborn child.
"Enough!" I shouted, infusing the word with all my frustration.
They froze, even Roqs falling silent. I carefully released his tail, and he spun to face me with startling speed. I sidestepped, causing Nim and Sim to grab each other instead of me, effectively blocking Coone. Only Roqs managed to follow my movement, his eyes narrowed to slits.
"You will all listen to me," I said, crossing my arms over my chest. The coral sand shifted beneath my feet as I planted them firmly. "Nothing happened. You," I pointed at Roqs, "need to stop pining about your mate and Zirc and regretting things. Start thinking about our next steps."
Roqs visibly flinched at the mention of his mate, guilt flashing across his features before he masked it with anger. "I wasn't pining—"
"You and you," I cut him off, pointing to Nim and Sim. "Stop acting like I'm made of glass. I'm pregnant, not helpless."
"We only care—" they began in unison, though Nim straightened his shoulders defensively while Sim's ears flattened with concern.
Coone smoothly slipped between the twins, batting his golden eyelashes at me. "And what about me?" he smirked, though I noticed his hands trembled slightly before he tucked them behind his back.
"And you," I pointed at him, softening despite myself, "are going to give me a massage. My back is killing me from all this drama."
The others stared at me, clearly caught off guard. Coone's playful smirk widened into a genuine smile, though something vulnerable flickered in his eyes.
"Your wish is my command," he said with an exaggerated bow that didn't quite hide the relief in his voice.
Roqs took a deep breath, his gaze locked on mine with an intensity that made me shiver.
For a moment, I glimpsed the conflict raging behind those eyes—possessiveness warring with guilt, anger with uncertainty.
Without a word, he turned and walked away, his tail twitching with barely contained emotion.
"Should we be worried about him?" I asked, watching his retreating form against the amber backdrop of the triple sunset.
Coone placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, his usual playfulness momentarily replaced by genuine concern. "He's struggling, Brynn. Finding his mate while loving Zirc..." He sighed, a rare moment of seriousness. "It's tearing him apart."
"But why is he so aggressive toward me?" I pressed, wincing as another twinge shot through my lower back.
"Your pregnancy," Nim explained, his analytical mind clearly processing the situation. "It's triggering protective instincts in all of us, but for an alpha like Roqs—"
"—it's overwhelming," Sim finished, his voice softer than his brother's. "Especially with Zirc gone. He feels responsible for both of you now."
A small patrol ship buzzed overhead, its engines disrupting the peaceful sound of waves. We all tensed, watching as it passed without slowing.
"Purple Tribe scouts," Nim muttered, eyes tracking the vessel until it disappeared. "They're increasing patrols along the coastline."
"We should head inside," Sim added, nervously scanning the horizon. "It's not safe to stay exposed for long."
As we turned toward our temporary shelter, a strange shape in the distant water caught my eye—something metallic briefly breaking the surface before disappearing beneath the waves. A chill ran down my spine that had nothing to do with the evening breeze.
"Did you see that?" I asked, pointing toward the spot.
Coone squinted in the direction I indicated. "See what?"
I hesitated, suddenly uncertain. "Nothing, I guess. Just shadows."
"Come on," Coone said, gently guiding me toward the dwelling. "Let's get you that massage before Roqs comes back and decides I'm too close to you." His tone was light, but his eyes remained alert, scanning our surroundings.
I allowed Coone to lead me inside, but my thoughts remained with Roqs's strange behavior.
Coone’s hot breath on my neck sent shivers down my spine as he led me to the room.
The wooden doors opened with a dramatic swing, revealing a luxurious chamber.
My breath was taken away by the sight—carved wood and shimmering fabrics with a breathtaking view of the coral sea.
The bed was a mountain of pillows that smelled like a heavenly blend of salt and flowers.
Nim and Sim appeared behind me, their deep voices like an embrace, and I felt the heat of their bodies close by. Their alien pheromones were almost overwhelming. Coone didn’t waste any time. He undid my tunic with skilled fingers, his touch making me feel brandished.
“Let’s see that beautiful body,” he purred, making my knees weak.
I teased him, “I thought you promised a massage?”
My modesty was long gone, and I helped Coone strip me naked. My hands shook as I lifted my arms, and he took his time unveiling every inch of my skin. I stood before them, feeling exposed with my small bump, but Coone’s gentle touch reassured me.
“You’re stunning, Brynn,” he growled, kneeling before me and removing my leggings. “And you’re all mine.”
I shivered at his words, as he brushed my legs with soft fur. “Lie down and let me show you what my hands can do,” he said, straddling my thighs.
I obeyed, my body humming with anticipation. Coone’s movements were sinfully slow, like a delicious torture. He massaged my neck, tracing every contour, making me squirm and moan. He moved below my breasts, his fingers dancing on my skin, while his tail teased my core.
I begged, “Coone, please...”
“Not yet, baby,” he purred, keeping me on the edge. “I want to hear you scream.”
Coone had me right where he wanted. His skilled fingers worked their magic, and his tail teased my aching parts. I was soaked, my clit throbbing. Nim and Sim joined him, their hands on my breasts, their rough touches sending shocks through my body.
Coone continued his relentless assault on my clit, and I felt the orgasm building. “Come for us, Brynn!” he urged.
I did. I came hard, crying out their names as pleasure ripped through me. But they weren’t finished. Nim and Sim undressed, their muscular bodies making my mouth water. Coone looked smug, and I craved their touch.