Chapter 27

Kristine’s eyes went wide when she saw who it was that accompanied Zachary. Trailing behind Zachary were Nikki and Xavier both wearing huge smiles. Xavier was being the protective husband with his arm around Nikki’s shoulders, keeping her tucked into his side.

However, when Kristine let out a squeal of delight, Nikki broke away from her husband’s side and ran to meet Kristine halfway. As soon as they came together, they hugged fiercely and began talking excitedly.

Zachary and Xavier gave each other amused grins before Zachary moved in to interrupt.

“Hey! I know you haven’t really seen Nikki in a while, but what about me?” he asked with arms wide.

Kristine giggled, “Hi, Zach.” She rose to her tiptoes to plant a quick kiss on his lips before turning back to Nikki.

Before she could say anything, Zachary interrupted again. “Aw come on. Is that all I get?” he pouted.

Nikki giggled this time, “Kris, give Zach a proper hello before he has a fit. I can wait until we get to the barn. We’ll have our girl time there while the boys go for a walk.”

Kristine laughed, “Sure.” Before she slid into Zachary’s arms, she turned to smile at Xavier, “Hey X. How are you?”

“Great.”

“Been treating my best friend right?”

Xavier blushed, “Um, I certainly hope so.”

Nikki chuckled, “He’s been wonderful, Kris. I’ll tell you more when we’re in the barn.”

“Okay, chica.” she replied as she fell into step next to Zachary. Nikki and Xavier were in the lead and once more he had his arm around her shoulders. Kristine couldn’t help but grin at the way Xavier seemed so protective of Nikki and the way the two of them were so affectionate with each other. It was plain for anyone to see how much they adored each other.

Then again, Zachary was extremely affectionate with her too. Currently, his arm was around her waist, his fingers hooked into the loop of her jeans. When she turned to smile up at him, he grinned and leaned in to kiss her lips. Somehow they managed to get in a good kiss without stumbling too much.

When they made it to the barn, Xavier and Nikki went inside so that Xavier could make sure Nikki was going to be comfortable while Kristine stayed outside with Zachary.

“So, going for a walk huh?” she asked.

“Yep.” he replied, before wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close.

She giggled as his lips met hers. It soon turned into a moan as he deepened the kiss. Her arms slid around his shoulders and she leaned even closer to him. She really loved the way he slid his tongue against hers. It always sent chills down her spine.

Zachary finally pulled away when air became necessary and placed his forehead against hers.

Breathing hard, he said, “Od’yia I miss you.”

She smiled shyly, “You saw me yesterday.”

“I know, but that was only for a little while. Wish I could really spend time with you. Lots more time.”

She sighed, “I know Zach. I’m sure we’ll have lots of time to spend together once I graduate. At least that’s a week away now.”

He nodded as he caressed her cheek. “Good.” He leaned in to kiss her again, enjoying her taste until Xavier came out of the barn.

Xavier cleared his throat, “Ready to go, Zach?”

Slowly Zachary pulled away from Kristine. He gave her a smile and said, “We’ll be back when you and Nikki are done, then I’ll spend a little time with you before going home, okay?”

“Okay.” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before going into the barn to chat with Nikki.

The boys waited until she was inside and the door closed before they began their sweep of the surrounding area. They were going to make their way to the park to see if they could find any clues of what the gang was up to.

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As Kristine made herself comfortable next to Nikki, her best friend asked, “So, the last day of school is next Friday huh?”

Kristine nodded, “Yep. But the graduation ceremony isn’t going to be held until Tuesday.”

“Oh.” Liz frowned. “Are you going?”

Kristine sighed, “I think so. Mom and Dad are kind of excited about it.”

Nikki rolled her eyes, “I thought you didn’t want to go. You always said you never cared about it.”

Kristine nodded, “Yeah.”

“So, don’t go then. And come with Zach back to our world.”

Kristine quirked an eyebrow at that, “What? Has he recruited you into begging me to go with him?”

Nikki sighed, “Kris. He really didn’t have to beg. I agree with him. It’s dangerous for you up here. Every day that you remain here is more dangerous.” She slid her hand into Kristine’s. “Zach has been keeping us informed about what’s going on with your parents and the gang. So, if the summons went out today, don’t you think the gang is already preparing to retaliate?”

Kristine nodded, “Yeah, I told my parents that.”

“Then you can understand why we all think it’d be safer for you to come with us.”

Kristine nodded again, “I know Nikki. But think about it. If I just go with you now, my parents are going to come to the same conclusion they did about you. The gang captured me and killed me. I don’t want them to think that. I don’t want them to feel that pain.”

Nikki sighed, “Well, unless we can come up…”

Kristine interrupted, “I have. Remember when I said I wanted to travel after I graduate? Well, that’s what I’m going to tell my parents. But I’m not really going to see the world, or rather, I’m going to see Zach’s world.”

Nikki grinned, “That’s a good idea.”

Kristine nodded, “This way, they know I’m still alive and I can come back and visit when I want to.”

“Wow! That’s really good!”

Kristine smiled, “Glad you think so. See, I have a brain too.”

Nikki laughed, “Yes you do. I’m proud of you Kris.” She leaned in and gave her a hug.

“Thanks, chica.”

Nikki sighed as she sat back, “I do miss having you there though. I mean, Evelyn and Devnet are really wonderful, but they’re still my new family now. You have been my family and my best friend for my whole life, and well, there’s just so much I want to share with you.”

Kristine chuckled, “Oh come on. You have a little sister again. You have a wise, caring mother and you have a doting, overprotective husband. On top of all that, you are also steeped in the duties that come with being a queen. How could you possibly be missing me?”

Nikki rolled her eyes, “Oh please! I can’t have ice cream talks with Evelyn about significant others because Xavier’s her brother. I can’t hang out and goof off with Devnet. And there are things I’d rather share with my girl friend rather than with my husband. Including griping about him and some of the duties I have to deal with! So, yeah, I miss you!”

Kristine blinked and after a pause, she said, “Ooookay, when you put it that way.”

Nikki huffed, “Kris, there are so many things happening now, I just wish you were there to share it with me. Sometimes it’s just because I think you’d understand why I’m feeling that way more than the others since they aren’t human.”

Kristine frowned, “That bad huh?”

“Well, it’s not bad, just different and sometimes it’s hard to explain it to them or make them understand because they were never human.”

Kristine slid her arm around Nikki’s shoulders and hugged her closer, “Well, I’m right here chica, so talk to me.”

Nikki sighed and looked Kristine in the eyes, “I’m pregnant.”

Kristine stared at her for a few moments, letting Nikki’s bold announcement sink in. As soon as the shock wore off, she bolted to her feet and exclaimed, “What?”

Nikki nodded, “I’m pregnant.”

“How can you be?” she squeaked.

Nikki sighed, “Well, that’s what happens when a man and woman…”

Kristine growled, “I know how babies are made Nikki! I’m asking how is that possible? And so soon!”

“Apparently the wahani are extremely fertile. And since Xavier and I are ulhi’maos, it’s doubly so. Xavier knew the moment I conceived and I knew it too because I’m connected to him.”

Granted, she was stretching the truth a bit, but she wasn’t ready to tell Kristine that she was no longer human. She didn’t think Kristine was going to take that too well, especially since she knew Kristine wasn’t too fond of the wahani look. She was also hesitant to tell Kristine about the new powers she had and the real truth about the pregnancy. She was certain Kristine would not be thrilled about the fact that Nikki went into heat for her husband often and that it would only get worse.

Kristine’s eyes were wide, “You knew the moment you conceived!”

Nikki nodded, “Yep. The evening after the wedding night.”

Kristine whistled, “Man, he doesn’t waste any time does he?”

“It’s not his fault Kris, he was as surprised as I was.”

Kristine nodded and remained silent for a moment. Her eyes were on Nikki the entire time.

Suddenly, she smiled. “Well, I should have known something was up.”

“What do you mean?”

She laughed, “For starters, Xavier seemed to be more protective of you than usual. And well, looking at you now, I can see that healthy glow all pregnant women get.”

Nikki rolled her eyes, “Right.”

Kristine sat down next to Nikki and asked seriously, “How do you feel about this?”

Nikki smiled, “I’m happy. So is Xavier. We both want this and I can’t wait to be a mother. It makes it easier to have Devnet there to coach me, but most of all, I’m glad I have my husband at my side through all of this.” She squeezed Kristine’s hand, “I could wish you were there sharing this with me too. I know you’d be the best aunt.”

Kristine laughed, “Oh I would so spoil that kid if I had the chance!” As she hugged Nikki, she added, “Well, since you are happy, then congratulations chica. You know I’ll be there for you soon.”

Nikki hugged her back, “Thanks, Kris. I was hoping you’d understand.”

“Oh Nikki. Of course I do. You know I’d support you in whatever you decide.”

Nikki nodded.

Kristine grinned, “Now, you also said you missed me because you wanted to gripe about Xavier and your duties. So, tell me, what is he doing that’s getting on your nerves?”

Nikki rolled her eyes, “Od’yia! Did you know that if he had his way, I’d be tied to the bed until after I gave birth to our baby!”

Kristine pretended to be shocked as she gasped, “No!”

Nikki frowned at her, “Kristine!”

She grinned, “What? It’s Xavier! He was protective of you from the first! Everyone knows that.”

“What? No he wasn’t.”

“Yes he was, you just didn’t see it because you were too busy shutting everyone out at first, then you were too busy trying to get into his pants.”

“Kris!” Nikki exclaimed, but started giggling when she realized Kristine was right.

Kristine joined her in laughter for a while, until Nikki caught her breath and asked her how things were going in the human world. Kristine told Nikki all about the talks she’d had with her parents, how things were progressing with the court dates and even that her parents thought Nikki was officially killed by the gang.

While Nikki knew there wasn’t anything to be done about it, she was sad that things had to go down the way they did. And she wished that Kristine’s parents weren’t using that as the reason to strike out against the gang.

Kristine didn’t let Nikki dwell on that for long since she was now pregnant. Soon she began telling Nikki stories about her school days and shared the most recent gossip with Nikki. Before long, the two of them were giggling again at the antics of their high school and its inhabitants.

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Zachary frowned as he and Xavier made their way back to the barn. They had been in and around the park for the last two hours trying to find something, anything that would give them a clue as to the gang’s whereabouts.

They had started in the middle of the park and made their way outwards in ever-widening circles. They’d even searched for five miles out of the park in every direction and still came up empty handed.

Xavier glanced at his best friend, sensing his agitation. “At least it doesn’t seem like they’ve been near the park at all, Zach. That’s good news because it means they haven’t been near Kristine and her parents.”

Zachary growled, “It still doesn’t make me feel any better. She’s been attacked before. I know it’s going to happen again because of what her parents are doing.”

Xavier nodded, “True, but she’s got Teether’s tooth and hopefully Nikki will convince her to come with us. If not, we’ll just have to trust that she’ll be careful and use the tooth as soon as she feels like she’s in danger.”

“I’d feel better if she went with us.”

Xavier reached out and squeezed his friend’s shoulder in sympathy, “I know you will.”

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When Nikki looked towards the barn doors with that special smile on her face, Kristine huffed, “I swear, I don’t know why you complain about him when you are just as bad.”

Nikki sheepishly grinned at her best friend, “What? He’s just asking if it’s safe to come inside.”

“Right. And I knew he was talking to you because your whole face lit up the way it only does when he talks to you or comes near you. It’s written all over you, you really love that man.”

Nikki giggled, “Yes, yes I do. I can’t help it Kris. He’s just so good to me.”

Kristine laughed, “I’m not gonna be cruel and tell you that I don’t want to hear you complain about him then. You can complain all you want, but you have to take my ribbing too.”

Nikki nodded, “Okay, so long as I can continue ribbing you.”

“Deal.”

The boys walked in as the two girls giggled.

“Are we interrupting?” asked Zachary.

Kristine shook her head, “Nope, we knew you were coming.” She said as she winked at Nikki.

As Nikki got up and slid into Xavier’s side, Zachary took her place on the haystack.

“Ready to go home, li’ho?” asked Xavier.

Nikki nodded before turning to look at her best friend, “It was good to see you, Kris.”

Kristine stood and gave Nikki a hug, “It was good to see you too Nikki! I’ll see you in a week okay?”

Nikki nodded.

Kristine turned to Xavier and gave him a hug too, “Congratulations, X. I can’t wait to be an aunt and spoil the kid.”

Xavier laughed as he hugged her back, “Thanks, Kris. Take care of yourself, okay? We want you to be there to spoil our kid too.”

“Will do.”

Nikki and Kristine hugged once more before Xavier and Zachary accompanied Nikki to the portal. Xavier went in first and Zachary helped Nikki down after Xavier. Once they were gone, Zachary closed the portal and returned to Kristine’s side.

Kristine noticed the frown Rath wore. She knew exactly what he was going to say even before he did, “So, you’re going to stay?”

Kristine nodded, “Yes. I told Nikki my plan and she thinks it’s good Zach. The last day of school is next Friday. After that, I’ll tell my parents that I’m going to travel, like I originally wanted to. That way, they’ll think I’m somewhere out there safe and alive. But I’m really going with you, to your world. It also allows me to be able to come back here from time to time to check up on them or visit them.”

Zachary sighed as he sat down on the haystack.

Kristine sat next to him and slid her hand into his, “It’s only about eight more days Zach.”

He turned to look at her, “That’s eternity for me.”

She smiled as she caressed his cheek, “I love you too, Zach.”

As he smiled at her confession, she leaned in and kissed him. Zachary didn’t hesitate to pull her closer to him. When she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and deepened the kiss, he gently pushed her down until she was laying on the haystack.

Sliding his body over hers, he pressed her down with his weight and slid a hand down her side. He let his fingers brush the side of her breast over her shirt and was pleased with the way she leaned into his touch. He kissed his way from the corner of her mouth, across her jaw to her ear, and down her neck. As he nipped at the skin just above her pulse, he felt her hands slide down his back as she moaned his name.

Kristine slid one leg up his before wrapping it slightly around his leg and arching her body up to rub against his. She moved one hand from his back around to the front and lifted his shirt. Her fingers skimmed over the smooth flesh of his chest, leaving a trail of goose bumps.

Zachary lifted up slightly to look down at Kristine as his breath became shorter. He could hear his heart thundering in his ears. “Kris…”

“I know Zach. But I want to feel you. Can’t we just feel each other? I need to feel you.” He groaned at her plea and the look in her eyes wasn’t helping. With a hesitant nod, he lowered his lips to hers again.

Kristine immediately opened her mouth to him, teasing his tongue into her mouth with her own. As their kiss continued, she slid her hands over his chest again, lifting the shirt up as she went.

Zachary left her lips long enough to allow her to remove his shirt, then he went back to tasting her. He knew he was playing with fire, but he couldn’t help it. He loved the way Kristine’s hands felt on his skin. The way she explored his chest, shoulders, and back.

Her mouth left his and made it’s way along his neck and shoulder. She nibbled her way over his collar bone as he lifted himself up on his elbows to give her better access. Her hands slid down his chest again and made their way to the front of his pants.

When he felt her fingers push past the edge and graze against the hairs just beneath his navel, he let out a gasp. “Kris, are you sure?”

“Yes,” she mumbled against his chest, “I want to do this for you. Will you let me?”

He swallowed.

“Zach, I want you to touch me too. Please?” As she asked, she took his hand and guided it to her jeans.

That was all it took for him to lose his hesitancy. As she removed her hand and began to loosen the front of his pants, he began to undo her jeans. Their lips met once again as their hands slid past pants and underwear to touch intimate skin. Kristine arched once more as she felt Zachary’s fingers graze her folds.

Zachary moaned into her mouth at the feel of her slickness. He couldn’t believe he was touching her this way. Most of all, he couldn’t believe the way she responded to him. As his fingers delved deeper, caressing her bundle of nerves he felt the answering wetness begin to coat them.

Kristine widened her legs, allowing him better access. She slid her hand deeper into his pants and cupped him. The moment her hand closed around his flesh, he growled and pushed himself into her hand. Kristine began to pump his flesh, but as he slid his fingers inside of her, she gasped and arched up into his touch.

Zachary removed his mouth from hers and made his way down her chest. Pushing her shirt up with his free hand, he tugged her pink lace bra out of the way and groaned at the sight of her breast.

“Leijha’mi,” he whispered just before he took the beckoning peak into his mouth.

Kristine let go of him and buried her hands in his hair, holding him to her. As his fingers began to pump inside of her, he teased her nipple with his tongue. Soon he moved to the other nipple, sucking and teasing that one just like he had the first.

Kristine clung to him as he picked up the pace with his fingers and mouth. Then when he added pressure to her clit with his thumb, she gave a small cry as her first orgasm shuddered through her.

Zachary couldn’t help but lift his head to watch her, even as his fingers continued to move against her, prolonging her pleasure. He didn’t stop until he’d wrung the last shudder from her and she’d leaned back against the haystack with a sigh.

Opening her eyes she looked up at him and smiled. “Wow.” she whispered.

He gave her a gentle smile. “You liked it?” he quietly asked.

“Oh yeah.” she chuckled. She sat up and pushed him down, “Your turn.”

As he lay on his back, he said, “Kris, you don’t…”

“I know, but I want to.” Without another word, she tugged his pants down his hips.

He lifted them to help her until she’d slid them down to his thighs. Then she leaned in and kissed his lips as she curled her fingers around his flesh. Her tongue tasted his mouth as she picked up the speed of her pumping. She could feel the way he grew harder and thicker in her hand.

He moaned into her mouth as her thumb swirled around the head of his cock, then moaned again as she kissed her way down his chest. As she licked and nibbled his skin, he slid his hands into her hair, enjoying the way it felt against his fingers and his chest.

Kristine licked a nipple before she nipped then sucked it into her mouth. Zachary tightened his hold on her head as her hand gripped him harder. When she moved to the other nipple and gave it the same attention as the first, she took her free hand and slid it over his sack.

Zachary couldn’t believe it when he felt her begin to massage his sack, even as she continued to tighten her hold on his cock and pump harder. Unable to hold back, he lifted his hips shamelessly pumping himself in her hand.

Her mouth still licked and nibbled it’s way over and down his chest. Just as she reached his navel and slid her tongue inside, he cried out, “Kris!”

Kristine lifted her head to watch him come even as she continued to pump him. She did it until the last of his orgasm had passed and he’d collapsed against the haystack.

She moved over to his side and leaned down. Grinning as she watched him trying to catch his breath. “You liked it?” she asked, mimicking his earlier words.

“Oh yeah.” he said, also mimicking hers.

With a giggle, she leaned down and kissed him again. When she pulled away Zachary sighed, “Sorry, I think I made a mess.”

Kristine chuckled, “It’s okay, there’s some tissue in the first aid kit in the closet here.”

Zachary smiled as he watched her make her way to the closet at the front of the barn while straightening her clothes. Even in her disheveled state, she was the prettiest thing he’d ever seen.

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Xavier lay on his back with his arms folded behind his head. He was in bed watching his wife sitting in a chair brushing her hair before bed. He loved watching Nikki no matter what she was doing, but there was something special about watching her performing her routine before bed.

As she slid the brush through her hair, he noticed how shiny it was. He knew without a doubt that it would be soft and silky to touch. When she was done she laid the brush down on the desk and stood up. She smiled when she saw him staring at her.

“Enjoying yourself?” she asked.

He grinned and lifted the covers for her to join him, “Not really. I’d enjoy myself more if you were in here with me.”

Nikki chuckled as she slid into bed next to her husband. She leaned in to kiss his cheek as he slid his arm around her. He pulled her into his embrace as she settled herself against him.

Sighing, she closed her eyes and slid her hand up his chest. “Idi agalo esu,” she whispered.

He kissed the top of her head, “Idi agalo esu alsis.”

They lay in silence for a while before Xavier spoke up again, “So, Kris wouldn’t come with us?”

Nikki shook her head, “She’s going to stay until next Friday for her last day of school. Then she’s telling her parents that she’s going to travel the world when she’s really coming here.”

After a pause, Xavier said, “Makes sense. Then her parents will know she’s still alive and she can visit them when she wants.”

“Yes.”

“How’d she take the news?”

“She was surprised we could know so soon at first. But then I think she realized it’s you and me and our connection.” She laughed as she continued, “Then she said she should have known that’s why you were so overprotective and I was glowing.”

“Overprotective? Can you blame me for wanting to protect my mate?”

“I’m not blaming you.”

“No, but I know you complained about it.”

She giggled, “Okay, maybe I did, but I wouldn’t change how you are for anything.”

He held her tighter, “Nikki?”

“I said I wouldn’t change you. I didn’t say I’d do what you want me to.”

He growled, “You are so stubborn.”

“Yes, but you love me this way.”

He sighed, “I do.” He leaned down and kissed her lips, “Promise me you won’t ever do anything to put yourself in danger, dimo agalo. Promise me you will be very careful in taking care of yourself and the baby.”

“I’poskpro.”

He smiled as he sealed their lips together once more, ending their conversation for the night.

Translations
od'yia - god
ulhi'maos - soul mate
li'ho - honey
leijha'mi - beautiful
idi agalo esu - I love you
idi agalo esu alsis - I love you too
dimo agalo -  my love
i'poskpro - promise