Chapter 39
The father holding his baby for the first time brought me to tears. The mother, Kulyka, snuggled against him as he purred, one arm around her, the other holding the newborn close.
Arrazyl’s physician had examined the two and stated they were healthy and well, if needing a lot of comfort, before we’d brought them here to the village.
Strong hands gripped my waist and the delicious scent of Arrazyl swirled around me as he stepped in behind me. “Perhaps that will be us in a couple of years.”
I leaned back against him. “You would make a good father.”
“Together we would raise good children.” He kissed the top of my head. “My Allikara.”
“We should go.” I said. The family needed time alone together. Already the male was fussing over Kulyka, doting on her and purring so hard his entire body trembled with it.
Arrazyl took my hand and we left them.
At the planetside jumper, Kyvar lounged in the doorway, one leg drawn up and the other dangling. He smirked when he saw us.
“Where’s Luuciyn?” Arrazyl asked.
“He’s otherwise occupied.”
In this small village? I wondered what business he had.
Arrazyl groaned. “He couldn’t wait until he got back to his own territory?”
Kyvar twitched a wing, “she was pretty.”
Oh. That was what he was busy with.
“We should just leave him. Knowing you males we’ll be waiting well into the evening.” I teased.
Arrazyl smirked, “I never hear any complaints.”
I flushed as Kyvar laughed.
Clearing my throat, I changed the subject while both males chuckled at my expense. “When is Luuciyn going home?” I hadn’t had a chance to properly thank him, and I was hoping that Thyra would help me plan a dinner in his honor.
“Likely after he’s been through a dozen of the females who’ve missed him.” Kyvar drawled.
I rolled my eyes.
“He’ll stay for the rest of the week. He will join me in ruling a judgement against Ihyl and Jzulyk. As Allikara I would have you join us, but you are a key witness in both cases.”
“I understand.” It wasn’t something I looked forward to.
“What are you all standing around for?” Luuciyn sauntered over with a satisfied tilt to his lips, his eyes glittering with mischief.
“Waiting for your cock to grow soft.” Kyvar deadpanned.
“Then you’re going to be waiting indefinitely.” Luuciyn answered smoothly.
Arrazyl pressed his hand to the small of my back as I tried to look anywhere but the males while my face flamed anew. “Let’s go home. And you two quit your crass conversation in front of my mate.”
Luuciyn grinned at me and winked. Impossible male.
We boarded and the autopilot was set for home.
At home Thyra was snuggled against Jaron’s side on the balcony and they both turned, smiling, when we joined them. Thyra hugged Luuciyn and properly introduced him to Jaron.
“There must be something to these humans, they’ve managed to seduce you all.” Luuciyn said, sliding into a chair while Vuldrex served him from a massive tray of alcohol.
“They’re quite special.” Arrazyl said, wrapping an arm around my waist.
“Vorazyr.” A male I wasn’t familiar with waited at the balcony doors until Arrazyl gestured for him to come out.
“Captain Pythel.” Arrazyl greeted.
“A concern has come up.” The captain glanced around.
“You can speak in front of those present.” Arrazyl said.
“Ihyl broke out and injured the guard assigned to him. He has disappeared. I have warriors searching for him and have alerted warriors patrolling other parts of the territory. From the injured guard’s account I have reason to believe that there was someone helping Ihyl, but haven’t found out who it was. ”
Arrazyl’s eyes darkened with the news. “I will speak to the guard. Jzulyk?”
“I have two warriors guarding him and they’re on alert.”
“I will let Zyroth know to capture him if Ihyl winds up in his territory. Keep the search going, though I don’t think we’ll find him.” he said grimly. “Also, for the time being assign one of our more discreet warriors to each of the humans.”
I shared a look with Jaron.
Arrazyl came to me and cupped my face, looking at me as though we were the only ones on the balcony, the only ones in the world. “I won’t allow anything more to happen to you. You’re safe, my love.”
I placed my hand over his own. “I know. I love you and if that means we have to work through hard things, then so be it.”
He kissed me.
When we pulled apart I noticed everyone had disappeared. Arrazyl flashed a breathtakingly handsome smile, “do you know what this means?”
“What?” my voice was breathy.
He spun me around and leaned me over the railing. My heart sped up and I clenched my thighs as my body responded to him. He leaned over me and whispered into my ear. “It means that you can scream my name as I dominate your cunt.”
Wetness trickled onto my thighs at his words. “Don’t make me wait, male.” I teased, grinding my ass back against him.
He growled and pushed my pants down.
A day after we returned, Thyra helped me to plan a special dinner for Luuciyn, replete with female traditional dancers for part of the entertainment. I’d expressed worry about female objectification for which I had to explain to Thyra about strip clubs on Earth and she nearly collapsed laughing.
“This is traditional dance, while they wear sensual clothing they’re highly respected for representing our cultural heritage.” she said when she caught her breath.
We decided it would occur the evening after the judgement, since Luuciyn would be leaving the next day.
The final judging of Jzulyk came around, and it was decided he would be banished from the territory because while he hadn’t hurt us physically, he had gone against his Vorazyr and had demonstrated great hostility.
It wasn’t enough for execution, but enough that he was not allowed to live in this territory ever again.
And after the judgement was published so the other Vorazyr knew, he wouldn’t get a job with rank ever again.
Afterward we surprised Luuciyn with the dinner, thanking him for his help.
The dinner was filled with fun and laughter and reunion with friends for Luuciyn.
Worries faded as we spent the time together.
Joy and calm enveloped me. There would be trials ahead, but we would get through them. Of that I had no doubt.
“Jaron was just telling me about some ideas he has to spread awareness on your planets.” Thyra said with a proud smile at my brother.
“Maybe this will be the first step to establishing peace between our species.” I said.
“No.” Arrazyl held my gaze, “the first step was us.”
Six months later
I rushed into Arrazyl’s office, waving my tablet. He greeted me with a smile. “Allikara.” He purred, sliding his hands around my waist and cupping my ass.
“Not now, I have to show you this.” I held the ultrathin clear tablet out and tapped to bring up the subject of my excitement. Arrazyl took the tablet and watched it while I all but bounced on my toes.
“Jaron did it.” I finally said when he remained silent. “He got the information distributed to all news outlets and on social media. People are raging right now. His message about how important the upcoming elections are for the future of our species is getting heard.”
Arrazyl put the tablet down onto his desk quietly. I studied him. Was he unhappy about this? That didn’t seem likely.
Cupping my face in his hands, he lowered his forehead to mine. “I also have news. One of my investigators believes that there is only a section of the Consortium government that is even aware of this offshoot of the military and what they’re doing. There is hope, my Allikara.”
I hugged him. Enveloped in his embrace with his wings cocooning me against him, I had all the hope for the future that I needed.
Because he would be beside me. Always.