Chapter 19

CHAPTER NINETEEN

T hree months later…

Felicity gazed out at the stars streaking past the viewport, Nina curled up asleep in her lap. The little girl’s doll, now well-loved and slightly worn, dangled from her small fingers. Three months of helping the Elorans find and settle into their new home had exhausted them all, but it had been worth it.

“Thinking deep thoughts?” Luxor’s tail brushed her shoulder as he adjusted their course.

“Just happy.” She traced her fingers lightly over his tail, smiling when it flexed beneath her hand. “The Elorans are safe, Carla and Zythrak found each other, and now we get to see Lauren.”

He’d sent a message letting her friend know that they were returning, and she couldn’t wait to see her.

His eyes softened as he looked at her.

“I hope your friend approves of me.”

“She will.” She leaned over and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “How could she not? You’ve given us everything.”

Nina stirred in her sleep, mumbling “Dada” as she clutched her doll tighter. His expression melted at the word—it still affected him every time she used it.

“We will reach Trevelor tomorrow.” He programmed the autopilot. “We should move her to bed.”

She stood carefully, cradling Nina against her chest. The little girl had grown in the past months, but she still fit perfectly in her arms. Together they walked to their cabin, now permanently modified to accommodate their small family.

As she tucked Nina in, her hand drifted to her stomach. Soon they’d need to tell their daughter she was going to be a big sister. The thought filled her with warmth—their unconventional family was growing in the most wonderful way.

I’ll have to tell Luxor too , she thought as he wrapped his arms around her from behind, his tail curling protectively around her waist. She knew how much he would worry and she’d decided to wait until they reached Trevelor so that the other Cire warriors with human mates could help reassure him.

“I never imagined I could be this fortunate,” he said quietly.

She leaned back against his chest, watching Nina sleep.

“We all are. And now we get to share our happiness with Lauren.”

They landed on Trevelor the next day. It was as pretty as she remembered and she looked around eagerly as Luxor drove the small hover vehicle he’d rented into the town. The two and three story buildings were in a variety of colors and styles. The Trevelorians tended to prefer houses purchased on short stilts that reminded her of birdhouses. Lush gardens surrounded most of the buildings and the temperate climate meant that most of them had wide openings between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

“Where are we going?” she asked as he passed a long low building and started up into the hills behind it.

“I told you. It is a surprise.”

“‘Prize,” Nina repeated solemnly, and she shook her head, smiling. There was no use questioning either of them when they were in this mood. Nina had proven to be as stubborn as Luxor.

He finally stopped in front of a pretty cottage painted pale pink. Flowering vines covered the walls and a garden wrapped around three sides, bursting with plants in every color imaginable, filling the air with their scent. Nina immediately darted off to inspect the flowers. It was a beautiful location, looking down over the town, with the landing field visible in the distance.

“What do you think?” he asked anxiously.

“I think it’s beautiful, but I don’t understand. Why are we here? Is this Lauren’s house?”

“No, t’davi. It is ours. I purchased it.” His eyes held a mix of pride and uncertainty. “While we were helping the Elorans settle, I asked Hrebec to contact an agent here. I wanted us to have a real home.”

Tears welled in her eyes as she took in the details—the wide windows, the covered porch perfect for watching sunsets, the small swing hanging from a tree.

“But what about the ship?”

He shrugged.

“We will still have the ship. I am sure we will want to visit Zythrak and Carla and Miraj. And there are other places that I would like to share with both of you, but this way we will always have a home to return to. As long as this is what you want?”

“I do want it. Very much.”

He gave a sigh of relief and pulled her closer.

“There is something else. The hospital is expanding their staff, and they are very interested in talking to you. Your work with the Elorans could be very useful. It is entirely your decision,” he added quickly. “I just wanted you to know the option was available.”

“I love the idea,” she said truthfully. “A home and a job? You’ve thought of everything.”

“You deserve it all.” His tail tightened around her waist. “Both of you do.”

“Room.” Nina reappeared, tugging demandingly on his leg, and he laughed.

“All right, little one. Let us go and look at your room.”

The house was as charming inside as it was outside. It wasn’t large but the rooms were spacious and they had high ceilings and wide windows to let the sunlight flood in. Only a few pieces of furniture were scattered about, but they could add more over time. Nina’s room was already fit for a princess with pink walls and a pretty canopied bed. They left her happily showing the room to her doll while he took her to their bedroom.

Tucked away at the back of the house, it opened onto a small private garden. The only furniture was a huge bed, but they didn’t need anything else, especially since the suite also included a bathroom with an equally large tub. When she opened the closet door, he’d even managed to have their clothes transferred from the ship. Including a small, decorative box she’d brought from the Outer Rim. She eyed it thoughtfully, then turned to him with a smile.

“This is perfect,” she said happily.

“I am glad that you approve. We can stay here tonight if you would like.”

“I would definitely like.” She reached for his tail, drawing it teasingly through her fingers as his eyes heated. “Do you think we have time to initiate the bed before our daughter comes looking for us?”

“I doubt it, but I would like to try.”

The sound of the front door chime interrupted him and he sighed. “I should see who that is.”

“I’ll go,” she offered. “You go and check on Nina.”

She hurried back to the front door, her steps faltering as she recognized one of the two people standing on her new doorstep.

“Lauren…”

“Felicity!”

They fell into each other’s arms, both of them crying and laughing and talking at once. She barely noticed when Lauren’s mate turned to greet Luxor.

“Let us leave the females to their reunion,” Luxor said, smiling at her.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she whispered to her friend.

“Me too. I have so much to tell you.” Lauren’s voice was just as choked. They clung together for another long moment, then finally parted. “This is my mate, Krestar. And our daughter. I named her Felicity.”

More tears streamed down her cheeks as she stared at the tiny infant cradled in Krestar’s arms.

“You named her after me?”

“Of course I did.” Lauren grinned at her. “But we call her Fliss.”

“Oh that’s perfect. Can I hold her?”

Krestar hesitated for a fraction of a second before he handed the baby to her.

“She is very small and fragile,” he said sternly, and Lauren laughed.

“I’d be willing to bet that Felicity had held more babies than you have.”

“She has not held our child.”

“I’ll be very careful,” she promised, smiling down at the tiny face. The baby had Lauren’s nose and a dusting of dark hair. “She’s perfect.”

Krestar’s face softened a fraction.

“Yes, she is.”

Nina chose that moment to come flying into the room.

“Mama, Mama.” She skidded to a halt, staring at the baby. “Who dat?”

“This is Fliss. She’s your Auntie Lauren’s little girl.”

She bent down so Nina could look at the baby, half-expecting Krestar to object, but he only smiled at her daughter.

“This is our daughter, Nina,” Luxor explained.

“I’s three,” Nina said cheerfully and she smiled at her.

“Not quite, but soon.”

“Fliss party?”

“I think that means she wants you to bring Fliss to her birthday party.”

“We’d love to come,” Lauren said at once.

“Why don’t we go and sit down? At least…”

She gave Luxor an uncertain look and he smiled at her.

“There are chairs on the patio behind the house.”

They followed him out into the back garden, then she and Lauren sank into the comfortable garden chairs while Krestar and Luxor followed Nina to the other side of the garden, their postures rigid and formal as they exchanged polite conversation.

“They’re like two cats sizing each other up,” Lauren whispered, and she had to stifle a laugh.

Nina tugged at Luxor’s tail—something only she could get away with.

“Play chase!”

“Nina, we have guests?—”

“Please?” She turned to Krestar. “Play too.”

Krestar’s stern expression cracked as Nina gazed up at him with those big dark eyes.

“I suppose one game would not hurt.”

“That’s my girl,” she murmured as Nina darted between the two males, her giggles floating on the breeze.

Luxor moved first, his competitive nature showing as he tried to catch her. But Nina was quick, ducking under his reaching arms and racing toward Krestar. The other male’s tail swished in amusement as he joined in, making exaggerated grabs that always just missed.

“I never thought I’d see a Cire warrior playing chase,” Lauren said softly. “But look at them.”

Both males were grinning now, their earlier stiffness forgotten as they chased the squealing child around the garden. Nina’s doll bounced in her arms as she wove between them, occasionally hiding behind the flowering bushes only to dart out again.

Happiness filled her as she watched. This was what she’d dreamed of—a home filled with love and laughter, where even formal Cire warriors could let down their guard and play. It seemed almost surreal after everything they’d been through.

“Did you ever imagine we’d end up here?” she asked thoughtfully. “When we were walking home that night…”

Lauren shifted the baby, her expression softening.

“Never. I thought my life was over when they took us.” She glanced at Krestar, who had just scooped up a squealing Nina. “Now I wake up every morning next to someone who cherishes me, with this perfect little one. I’m grateful every single day.”

“Even though we’re light years from Earth?”

“Earth feels like a distant dream now.” Lauren’s voice dropped. “Remember John? How he made you feel like you weren’t enough?”

Her gaze drifted to Luxor, who caught her eye and flashed that special smile he reserved just for her. Her heart fluttered.

“You know I’d almost forgotten. It’s like he was someone from another lifetime.”

“Because he is. Look at us now—we found males who worship the ground we walk on, who accept us completely.” Lauren’s eyes grew misty. “Who would’ve thought being kidnapped would lead to this?”

The baby stirred, making tiny mewling sounds. Lauren rocked her gently, humming under her breath. Felicity reached over to stroke the infant’s downy head, marveling at how their paths had diverged and reconnected.

Luxor had arranged for a small selection of groceries and they picnicked on cold meat and fruit and tea and talked until the sun began to set. At last Krestar rose to his feet.

“It is time for our daughter to go to bed,” he said firmly.

Lauren made a face but rose to join him. She accompanied them to the door, hugging Lauren one more time.

“Lunch tomorrow?”

“I wouldn’t miss it. We have months of catching up to do.”

After their friends left, Nina tugged at Luxor’s tail. “Story?”

“Bath first.” His tail curled around her small waist, lifting her up as she giggled. “Then one story, little one. Which shall it be?”

“Princess!” Nina snuggled into his arms, and her heart melted at the sight. She brushed Nina’s hair back and kissed her forehead.

“Good night, sweetheart.” She smiled up at her mate. “Remember, one story. Don’t let her talk you into more.”

His eyes gleamed. “Would I let her do that?”

“Every single night.” She poked his chest. “Don’t be long. I have something special planned.”

His tail brushed teasingly across her ass before the two of them disappeared down the hallway.

She smiled, heading to their bedroom to prepare her surprise. After everything they’d been through, after finding this perfect little family she never knew she wanted, her heart felt full enough to burst.