Page 24

Olivia

I HAD JUST FINISHED contacting the kitchen to arrange our dinner for the evening, as Orin would be arriving soon. The anticipation I felt every day while waiting for Orin to visit had me trembling with excitement.

The past eight rotations or days, had been the most amazing time of my life.

Each evening, Orin arrived at my apartment with a bouquet or a gift, accompanied by a loving smile on his face.

The gift selection from my handsome warrior was both thoughtful and puzzling. I was surprised to receive fabulous fabrics that could be transformed into stunning dresses.

When I’d mentioned my lack of sewing skills, he informed me that his sister was a seamstress and would like to meet me. That she’d offered to make me whatever clothing I needed. I looked forward to meeting her and her mate Vrek, at some point.

Besides the fabrics, his generous presents included an array of pretty items, such as precious stones and one-of-a-kind handmade pieces of art. I had been moved by the thoughtfulness behind every gift.

Orin was way more affectionate than I expected, and it was refreshing. I could tell he enjoyed being with me as much as I did him. But more than that, he listened and paid attention to what I said, and what I liked. I’d never had someone pay so much attention to me.

My muscles ached from our late-night activities. But it didn’t bother me at all. Our nights were about giving each other pleasure. Something Orin excelled at.

When we were together, it was only us and he made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the Universe.

In addition, our talks had been amazing, and we had been sharing stories about our lives. I couldn’t help but smile, overwhelmed with delight by his newfound openness. It was clear he was as comfortable with me as I was with him.

Our strong bond made it feel as though we’d known one another for a lifetime already. The experience of getting to know Orin had been nothing short of magical, and my heart overflowed with happiness as I realized that he truly was the perfect person for me.

He made me feel safe and happy when I was with him, and my confidence had never been higher. I’d always seen Orin as the strong silent type, who never smiled. Now he smiled almost constantly when we were together.

ORIN’S ARRIVAL WAS announced by the familiar chirping sound of the door, and I smoothed my hair in anticipation. I pressed my hands to my lower back as it twinged, while I sat down on a cushion I’d placed on the dining room chair.

I wasn’t prepared for the challenge of walking to the door. Baby was due any time now, and I was exhausted most days.

“Come in, it’s not locked.”

The door slid open with a soft hiss, and I tilted my head to greet him with a smile.

Inside the apartment, Orin stood with a small, fragrant bouquet in his hands.

“Why is your door unlocked? It is not safe.” There was a hint of annoyance in his voice, and I noticed he looked more stressed than usual.

I shook my head. “The palace is secure. There are guards everywhere. Plus, I already knew it was you.” Despite his excessive protectiveness, I continued to smile.

He gave me a solemn look. “Alaran males take the safety and protection of their K’sha very serious.”

“So you’ve said...several times.” I couldn’t help smirking.

He stepped closer and laid the bouquet on the table, and I noticed his eyes were filled with genuine concern. “You must promise me you will be more careful, even if you think me unreasonable in my request.”

“I promise I will lock my door.” I pushed myself to stand, and hugged him. His arms wrapped around me and I peered up at him. “And you are never unreasonable. I know you are just trying to keep me safe.”

Orin tilted my face with his hand under my chin and delivered a passionate and exhilarating kiss. My heart raced as we continued to make-out for several minutes until I thought we weren’t going to get to eat our dinner.

Not that I was complaining. I loved when Orin touched me. I loved everything about him.

My life had changed so much that I often found myself stopping to reflect on how lucky I was. It seemed too good to be true. But I had found someone who loved me for me.

Orin’s gaze locked onto me, and a smile spread across his face when he saw the joy reflected on mine.

He kissed me on the nose before taking a seat at the table. “I would have brought you a gift, but I did not have time to leave the palace. King Trex was in talks all day with leaders from various Alliance planets.”

It was nice to see him without a gift box this time. His thoughtful gestures, though unnecessary, melted my heart.

“You don’t have to bring gifts and flowers every visit. Seeing you is gift enough.” I gave him a spontaneous kiss on the cheek. “You’ve got me. I’m yours. All I want is your love and affection. Not gifts.” I moved to take a seat next to him.

Orin gave me a look that matched my own happiness that we were together. But I also sensed he was worried about something.

“How was your day?” I asked as we both began to put some of the various foods on our plates. It occurred to me that we were much like a happily married couple and I grinned to myself.

“I couldn’t wait to see you...like every day.” He responded.

His words made me happy because I felt the same way.

Orin placed his hands on either side of his plate and looked at me with his lips thinned into a line.

I put the serving spoon down and tilted my head. “What? What’s wrong?”

His eyes shone with uncertainty. “There is something I want to talk about.... it concerns your safety here at the palace.”

My body tensed, but I didn’t speak. I stared at him, trying to push away the panic that threatened to settle in.

“There are some problems in the outer provinces with Krilex ships being seen. And there is news of more conflicts in our airspace. A human colony was attacked.”

His words were making me more nervous by the second. This wasn’t what I was expecting him to talk to me about. Finally, things were going well, and I wanted life to be a constant state of bliss.

“What happened at the colony?”

The corners of his lips turned down. “Some human females were taken by the enemy. Many more have been rescued and are being brought to Alara for safety.”

I shuddered hearing about the abductions.

Sensing my fear, Orin reached out and took one of my hands, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Perhaps I should not have told you. It is only that I promised I would always be honest with you.”

I forced a smile, concealing the turmoil brewing inside me. I was happy he was telling me the truth. I just wished it was not such bad news.

“Are we in danger here? In the city, I mean?”

He gazed at me for a moment before responding. “It’s possible...yes.” He continued to hold my hands. “And I may be called to fight.”

I gasped. “You can’t! You’re Trex’s guard...And he promised Grace he wouldn’t have to leave the planet to fight. His place is to remain here, safe, as King.”

I’d felt reassured that both Trex and Orin would not have to fight or be in danger regardless of what happened with the enemy aliens. I guess I’d been lying to myself. He was a warrior, and I had to remember that.

The corner of Orin’s mouth curved up as if he was expecting my argument.

“We aren’t leaving the planet, my love. The fight may come to us.

If I am helping protect Alara and our King, it means you will have to be guarded by someone else.

Here at the palace.” His expression hardened.

“I don’t like it. I should be the one here protecting you.

..but until the Krilex and the Voletti are dealt with, all Alaran warriors are expected to protect the planet. ”

I swallowed unsure I could handle it if anything happened to him. “Do you really think the Krilex will attack?”

He frowned and glanced at his plate while he responded. “Right now, we have to be ready for anything.” When he made eye contact again, he smiled. “I will do whatever I must, to ensure you are safe.”

I nodded because there wasn’t much I could say. His sense of duty was strong, and I had to trust that if he left to fight, he would come home to me in one piece.

His voice was gentle when he spoke again. “We’ve talked about what will happen when you give birth...you know I want to be there with you?”

Biting my lip, I responded. “I want you with me. It’s important to me you be there.”

He grinned, and I started to feel better.

“Well, I was also thinking it might be better if I stay here with you....in the suite. I want to be available whenever you need me. Day or night.”

“What about your job?” I asked, bubbling with excitement at what he was asking.

He chuckled. “I am still the King’s personal guard but my time is flexible. He and I have spoken about my duty to him and my duty to my K’sha.”

I raised my brows. “Duty?”

“I am your fated mate. It is my duty to see you are protected, provided for, and cared for. I never want you to be unhappy.”

“You want us to live together? Here?” I couldn’t help the beaming smile on my face. Because of course I wanted that. The thought of snuggling up with him every night filled me with joy.

He cast a shy glance downward before reestablishing eye contact with me. “Yes. If you are comfortable with it?”

I managed to push myself out of my chair to plant kisses all over his face. “Yes. Please.” I whispered every word in between kisses.

He laughed. “I want to keep you safe as well as happy and satisfied, my mate.”

My loins began to ache upon hearing his words. “You keep me very satisfied and happy, in every way.”

The baby chose that moment to kick, and I dropped my hands to my belly and rubbed slow circles. Orin’s attention was drawn to the little foot sticking out from my stomach. My pregnancy had captivated him, and he constantly asked questions about it.

The sight of my child’s foot left him speechless, and his mouth dropped in awe. “Is... the youngling... does it hurt?”

I grinned. “Sometimes. He seems to respond to my voice.” I glanced at my mate to see a look of astonishment on his face, and it touched my heart.

Orin laid his palm on my belly. His massive hand covered my stomach.

The baby shifted inside me and Orin pushed his chair back, moving to kneel on the floor in front of me. He held my bump with both hands this time, and his face lit up when the baby kicked again.

His gaze changed. I saw and felt his excitement as he stared off into the distance. His eyes took on the faraway look, reminiscent of his telepathic exchanges with other Alarans.

He spoke in a gentle whisper as if he didn’t want to frighten my baby. “Are you able to communicate with her telepathically?” He looked up at me with wide, innocent eyes.

My breath caught in my throat. “Her?”

His revelation hit me, leaving me stunned. Although Rekna had offered to reveal the baby’s gender, I had wanted to keep it as a delightful surprise. This was the first time Orin felt the baby kick with his own hands.

“She is female is she not?” Orin’s voice carried a no-nonsense, matter-of-fact tone.

“I don’t know. Aside from my new connection with you, I’m not telepathic,” I teased, raising an eyebrow, “but thanks for spoiling the surprise.” I giggled.

Rising to his feet, he wore a sheepish grin.

I stroked his arm, beaming at him. “Are you sure that my baby will be a girl? How can you know? She’s not telepathic either.”

It was funny to think he knew the sex of my baby before I did.

He led me to my chair. When I sat a wide grin formed on his lips. “Yes, I am sure she is female. I can hear her thoughts. She is happy.”

My heart felt hundreds of pounds lighter.

“Really? After everything that’s happened, she is happy?” I sighed as tears rimmed my eyes. It was a miracle she had survived with all we had gone through.

“Thank you.” I choked.

He leaned down and his hand went to my belly. “I am looking forward to being with you for the birth of this youngling.”

My heart felt so full. It felt as if I was in a dream. One I never wanted to wake from.