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Olivia

OLIVIA SIX WEEKS LATER

The apartment was the cleanest it had been since Nala was born. Fresh flowers filled vases, pillows had been fluffed by staff, and delectable foods would soon fill the dining table.

What was supposed to be a simple evening with Trex and Grace turned into something more. She was now calling it a housewarming party, although Orin and I had been living together for a couple of cycles.

“You don’t have to do this.” I insisted. “It’s unnecessary, really.”

Grace waved her hands. “Please allow me to do this. It means a lot to me. You and Orin are happy. Who wouldn't want to meet Nala? Babies are a big deal here. Even if she is human. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy a housewarming party? It will be fun.”

“The guys don’t even know what a housewarming party is.” When I mentioned it to Orin, he didn’t understand why there would be a party to warm our house. I giggled, recalling the adorable look on my mate’s face when I mentioned it.

He’d become a doting father to Nala and was even more attentive to my needs now than ever.

We had not had intercourse since the baby was born, but that didn’t stop us from pleasuring one another in other ways. Orin had become an expert in knowing his way around my body. I couldn’t wait to resume our sex life in full again. Especially now that I didn’t have an enormous belly in the way.

Since Grace’s pregnancy began showing, she’d been nesting like crazy and part of that process was helping me with anything she could. It was nice having her help out with Nala, and she enjoyed being an aunt.

“Do you want me to invite your kitchen friend?” Grace asked, tapping something into the electronic tablet she was holding.

My brows pinched. “Clor? I haven’t spoken to him in ages. Not since he came by to congratulate me and Orin on the birth of Nala. I don’t know if Orin would be happy about him being here, but....”

Grace sighed. “Fine, I’ll check with Orin. I am sure it will be okay. You should know Orin’s asked me to invite his sister, Latza and her mate.”

There was a knot of anxiety at the thought of finally meeting Orin’s sister. She’d sent along packages for me and the baby and Orin reassured me she was excited to meet me, but still. She was his only family and her opinion of me mattered to me.

“Okay,” I said.

Grace grinned at me. “I’ve spoken to her. She’s quite nice. I can see why you were jealous of her. She is beautiful.”

“Thanks for that,” I said wryly.

My friend shrugged and a sheepish expression crossed her face, as if the realization of what she had said had just dawned on her. She reached over and squeezed my hand. “So are you, of course.”

I shook my head. “I’m not really, but it’s fine.”

Just then, Orin entered the apartment, accompanied by Trex. Our mates smiled at us as they strolled over to the table.

Orin kissed the top of my head and smoothed my hair.

“Tell Grace we don’t need a housewarming party,” I said, angling my head to look up at him.

His brows lifted. “Why not? I’m curious about this human custom. And besides, Latza and her mate are coming. She can’t wait to meet you.” He finished with a smile.

“Traitor,” I teased, pouting.

Trex chose that moment to pipe up. “I’m also curious about this house party. It’s not a custom here to celebrate moving into new accommodations.”

“It looks like I’m outvoted.” I eyed Grace. “Don’t throw me a baby shower, though. It’s too late for that.... I mean it.”

Grace laughed.

Our mate’s looked at us, stunned.

Trex piped. “What is this baby shower? Is there to be an audience at the offsprings first cleansing? Will our youngling require this?”

It was my turn to laugh as Grace responded. “It’s a party to celebrate the birth of a baby. There is no showering involved. I promise.” She looked up at her mate with a sly grin.

The intensity of Trex's stare at Grace sent a wave of heat through the air. It was apparent they were engaged in a secret telepathic conversation. To avoid feeling awkward, I shifted my focus elsewhere.

Orin gave me a sympathetic look. “An offspring party is unnecessary.”

Grace’s hands went up. “Fine. I wasn’t going to throw a baby shower for Olivia, anyway. But I might for my own.” She patted her small baby bump.

Trex leaned down and kissed Grace on the cheek. “Our younglings will have anything they desire...just like my Queen.” She beamed at Trex and they once again got lost in each other’s gaze and began to kiss.

Orin and I shared a grin and waited for them to rejoin us.

They stopped kissing and looked at us unabashedly.

Grace picked up her tablet. “We’ll see you after the last meal.

” Trex put his arm around her and the pair left the apartment.

Orin held me and we kissed. “Do we have time for a nap while Nala is resting?” he grinned.

I nodded and took his hand to pull him to the bedroom.

THE DOOR CHIMED, AND Orin answered. It was Clor stopping by to deliver a gift. I was glad that Orin didn’t make things difficult and instead accepted it with grace. He didn’t invite Clor to stay and visit, however.

I waltzed over to the door and slid an arm around Orin’s waist.

“Is it true that more humans have arrived?” Clor asked from the doorway.

I cast a quick glance at Orin, then answered, grinning. “Yes. Many will be staying at the palace.”

Clor’s face lit up.

“You may be lucky and find your mate among them,” I said.

“Good. I look forward to serving them.” He waved goodbye moments later, his step a little lighter than before.

“He deserves to be happy. I hope he meets his K’sha among the new humans,” I said as we walked over to sit down.

Orin grunted. “There will be thousands of males wishing the same thing.”

“If it’s meant to be, it will be.” I shrugged, then leaned my head against Orin’s shoulder.

Cuddled together on the sofa I peered at him. “I hope your sister likes me,” I said, changing the subject.

He touched my hair, stroking it. “She will love you, just as I do, my mate.”

Leaning back, I looked at Orin, my handsome warrior. “I know the two of you are close, and I don’t want her to be angry that I took you away from her.”

Orin took my hand in one of his and covered it with the other. “You took me from no one. She is happy I have found my K’sha. And I suspect she and her mate are relieved to have their privacy again.” He gave me a grin that told me he was sincere.

Since he claimed me and our bond was solidified, I could hear his thoughts when he left them unguarded or sent me messages. We also sensed one another’s emotions now more than ever. I loved my life with Orin. Every second of it.

He leaned down and kissed my forehead. “Our bond is stronger than any I share with my sister. The mate bond is unlike all others. And I will always protect you.”

I grinned. “I know you will, my love.”

TREX AND GRACE ARRIVED first, followed shortly after by Orin’s sister and her mate, Vrek.

She was just as beautiful as Orin was handsome, and their resemblance confirmed their relation. I was surprised I hadn’t noticed it the first time I saw her. It might have saved me some tears if I had.

She hugged me, something I hadn’t expected. Yet it made me feel relaxed immediately. It felt as if we’d been friends for years.

“It is good to meet my brother’s K’sha. Welcome to our tiny family.” She bowed her head and offered me a wrapped package.

“Thank you. I’m also glad to meet you,” I said, trying not to feel insignificant next to the tall, lithe female.

Her lush dark-brown hair was plaited and showed off her pointed ears and high cheekbones.

Orin was chatting to Latza’s mate with his arm around my shoulder. I could feel pride emanating from him.

His sister pointed to the package I was holding as we continued to stand just inside our apartment door. “If you like the fabric, I am happy to sew some clothing for you and the new youngling. Speaking of which, where is she? May I meet her?” She grinned from ear to ear.

Thankfully Nala had slept quite a bit during the day, so I didn’t mind waking her to meet her new Aunt.

“Of course.... she’s resting, but I will get her. Thank you for the gift. Orin mentioned you are a seamstress. I can’t sew for the life of me.”

Latza’s eyes rounded and I chuckled, waving my hand. “It’s a human expression.”

Orin grinned. “You will get used to them,” he said, rubbing my back.

His sister smiled. “I’d be honored to make you anything you like.”

When everyone was seated in the main room, I went to get Nala from her crib.

She fussed until I passed her to her aunt Latza who gazed at her, besotted.

“Vrek and I are pleased to welcome you, Nala.” She looked over at me.

“She is beautiful and precious. It warms my heart to know Alara will be enriched by younglings once more.”

I smiled. It was clear she didn’t mind that Nala wasn’t Alaran.

She must have read my expression because she added.

“I understand she is human, but she is still family. And you are my new sister.” She gave me the warmest smile.

“Anytime you want someone to look after her, just ask. I would love to spend time with her.”

Grace chose that moment to pipe. “It looks like you won’t lack for babysitters.” She looked at me and I grinned.

“It’s great.” I laughed.

Latza’s joy was evident as she sat taller, speaking to Nala before looking over at me. “You should drop in with Nala and visit us at our home.”

“I’d like that.”

Orin interrupted, his voice deep and growly. “She won’t be going anywhere without me escorting her and Nala. And only when it is safe.”

“Things are much calmer out there now, with new technology in place to monitor for cloaked ships. You told me no one has tried to enter our airspace for weeks,” I said to Orin.

He knew I spoke the truth, but his protectiveness prevailed. “I will take you to visit my sister. You have only to ask.”

I kissed his cheek. “Thanks.”

Orin’s sister rolled her eyes. “Little brother, I would never put your K’sha in danger.” She made a face and looked at me and smiled. “If you don’t mind, I would love to visit and help you with the youngling?”

I caught Grace smiling from the corner of my eye. “I’d like that,” I responded.

The males began to chat to one another while Grace, Latza, and I turned our conversation to clothing, Alaran food, and cooking.

It turned out she loved to cook as well.

I heard my name and turned my head when Orin said, “Vrek is asking when we’re having our bonding ceremony?”

We hadn’t discussed it, but now is as good a time as any. “We will set a date soon. Now that the baby is born.” I mentioned looking at Vrek then glancing at Orin for confirmation and he nodded.

Latza’s voice was filled with joy. “You must let me make your clothing for the ceremony. I have just the thing.”

“I’d like that. Thank you.” My new family was beyond what I could have imagined.

My life with Orin was my true happily ever after.