Chapter 38

Nikki woke with a start and sat up in bed, hastily looking around for some sign of her o’syn and husigos. Just as she was about to scramble out of bed to send a mind speech message to Xavier, the bedroom door opened.

In walked Xavier, carrying their three month old son, Jasen in his arms. As Nikki settled back on the bed, Xavier grinned at her and said, “We are going to have to find something for my mother to do, otherwise we may never see our son again.”

Nikki chuckled, “Didn’t want to let you take him, huh?”

Xavier shook his head as he sat down on the bed next to Nikki. He kissed his son’s forehead before handing him to her. Nikki pushed the shift that she wore down her shoulder, exposing one breast. Lifting her son in her arms, she guided him to his breakfast. As usual, Jasen didn’t waste time latching on to his meal.

Xavier removed his clothes before sliding into bed next to Nikki. Wrapping an arm around her back, he shifted her until she was resting comfortably against his chest. He leaned down and placed a kiss against her shoulder as he watched his son feed. Nikki smiled as Xavier lifted a hand to caress their son’s cheek, then let his fingers trail over her breast and up to her cheek.

Leaning close to her ear, he whispered, “Idi hawi verteh etno menosed eto prosewa-i teto thiwo eto esu kesi isti.”

Nikki tilted her head back to kiss her husigos on the cheek, “Idi hawi verteh etno menosed eto veho-i esu prosewa susa.”

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Kristine opened her eyes again and looked at Zachary who had just finished getting dressed. He was going to his morning meetings in lieu of Xavier who was more likely helping Nikki with their son. Usually that was the way it went lately.

Zachary would take the morning duties while Xavier and Nikki fed and spent the mornings with their son. Then Xavier would join Zachary for a bit as well as any others for midmorning duties. Then Zachary would return to his rooms for lunch and a bit of rest before he went off to work again.

It was in the afternoons that Kristine usually accompanied Zachary since it was already unspoken that the two of them were pretty much joined at the hip. It was during those times that Zachary taught Kristine more about his job and answered any questions she had about the kingdom and the way it functioned.

Kristine enjoyed every moment she had to learn about Zachary, his job, and his world. She also knew Zachary wanted her to know everything too. And Zachary was always proud of her when she helped him figure out any problems or dilemmas he had about anything. Zachary often commented that he liked the way her mind worked.

Of course, she knew that wasn’t the only thing he liked about her. He’d proven that time and time again in every aspect of their life together.

And they were together. She knew that. In fact, it had been a few months since she had been back to Zachary’s father’s home were her mother was still living. No one had complained about that, not even Amy. It already seemed natural for her to have simply moved into the rooms Zachary had in the castle since that was where he always seemed to be. And since Nikki lived there, it only seemed natural that Kristine was as close to her best friend as possible.

When both Xavier and Zachary were busy, Kristine was often with Nikki. Granted, most of that time Nikki was also working on something for the kingdom, but it had become a sort of communal effort. Nikki’s office had been made into a very comfortable place where Kristine, Nikki, Devnet, baby Jasen, and occasionally Evelyn could come together. So, the women could either be working on something for the kingdom or caring for baby Jasen.

It was definitely a group effort and Kristine knew that Jasen was going to grow up never wanting for love. She knew that because while he spent the mornings with his parents, he spent the afternoons with their group, and the evenings with his father’s group.

Zachary turned to look at her and smiled, “Going back to sleep?”

She shook her head and yawned, “No, I’m going to take a bath, then go meet Nikki for a bit of breakfast.”

He nodded, then growled softly when she stretched.

She chuckled, “What?

He walked over to the bed and leaned down to kiss her, “You are too beautiful, you know that?”

She blushed at his compliment and slid her fingers through his hair, “Yes well, you aren’t that bad looking either, dimo agalo.”

She noticed the way his pupils widened at her endearment. Suddenly he cleared his throat and moved away from her. She frowned as she watched him move over to his desk and begin to rummage around in one of the drawers. Just as she was about to ask what was wrong, he turned around and fixed her with a look of such longing it made her catch her breath.

Quietly, he made his way back to the bed and knelt besides it, looking up at her. Kristine leaned forward to look down at him as she whispered, “What is it?”

Zachary gave her a small smile as he said, “There’s something I need to ask you. I was waiting for the right time, but I don’t think there’s ever going to be a better time than now.”

Kristine arched her eyebrow, “What?”

Zachary sighed, “I’m hoping, I mean, I would be honored if you…” he paused as the words seemed to catch in his throat. “What I mean is, would you… would you do me the honor of marrying me?”

Kristine’s eyes went wide as she gasped. Zachary was asking her to…

“Yes!” she screamed as she threw herself off the bed and into his arms.

With a chuckle, Zachary landed on his back with Kristine straddling him and peppering his face with kisses. In between kisses, she kept repeating the word yes as if making sure he knew she didn’t have any doubts at all.

Taking her face in his hands, he looked into her eyes, “Are you sure, Kris? Knowing what and who I am. Are you…”

Kristine placed a finger over his lips. “Zachary, I know. I want to be with you, always. I love you.”

Zachary returned her smile as she lowered her lips to his and sealed her acceptance. All doubts he’d had about her ever being able to accept what he was disappeared with that kiss.

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Evelyn looked up and down the street before hesitantly knocking on the door. She waited for a few minutes before knocking again. Just as she was about to knock a third time, she heard hurried footsteps approaching behind the door. Suddenly the door swung open and a breathless Charles looked at her in surprise.

“Evelyn? What are you doing here this early in the morning?”

Evelyn looked up at him through her eyelashes, “Everyone is going to be busy today, so I thought I’d come and catch you before you got busy too.”

Charles gave her a confused look, but said nothing.

Evelyn shifted from foot to foot. “Could I come in?”

Charles straightened and hastily stepped back, “Oh, sorry. Please, come in.”

Evelyn moved past him into his house and walked towards his living area.

Charles shut the door and followed Evelyn into the room. “So, I guess you won’t be busy today?” he asked.

Evelyn turned to look at him, “That depends.”

Charles tilted his head, “On what?”

Evelyn looked at him for a moment before she moved over to him. She placed a hand on his chest and looked up into his eyes.

“On you,” she whispered.

Charles smiled and lifted a hand to caress her cheek, “Oh Evelyn, what I wouldn’t give to love you freely.”

Evelyn rose on her tiptoes and brushed her lips against his, “You can, Charles.”

His own lips moved against hers before accepting her invitation and pressing them together. He slid his arm around her waist, holding her to him as he kissed her. When she slid her arms around his shoulders and parted her lips, he deepened the kiss. A small moan escaped her throat when his tongue caressed hers.

As they pulled away for much needed air, Evelyn took Charles hand in hers and began to lead him out of the living area. Charles knew exactly where she was leading him and planted his feet, refusing to move.

When Evelyn turned to him with a protest on her lips he said, “We can’t Ev. Not like this.”

“Why not? I give it to you freely. They can’t touch you if I consented to this.”

Her eyes begged him to give in, but he shook his head. “I won’t Evelyn. You mean too much to me to do this.”

“But I love you! And I know you love me!”

Charles nodded, “I know.” With a soft sigh, he slid his hands over her arms and said, “I do love you, but I want this to be at a time when we don’t have to worry about what others will say. Please, just be patient. A little more time and we may be able to talk to the King and Queen about this.”

“Charles, Nikki has told me that…”

“I know, Evelyn. You told me that, but I think we should wait until their son is a little older and Xavier has a firm hold on the kingdom. Just in case there is a disagreement between your father and Xavier, we don’t want to cause dissention in the kingdom.”

Evelyn’s lips trembled, “And if Xavier decides to betroth me to someone else?”

Charles gave her a smile as he caressed her cheek, “You already told me they know about us. And I have it on the Queen’s assurance that she won’t allow that to happen. Neither will Xavier.”

Evelyn closed her eyes with a sigh. Turning her head to kiss his palm, she whispered, “You’re right. I know you’re right.”

As she opened her eyes to look at Charles again, he took her hand in his and led her back into the living room. “Come on, why don’t you get comfortable on the couch and I’ll make us some lunch.”

Evelyn grinned, “Would you mind if I started a fire in the fireplace? I’d like to sit in front of it, a warm picnic of sorts.”

He chuckled before leaning to kiss her again. When he broke away he answered, “Whatever you wish, my lady.”

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Serena rolled over on her side and looked at the sleeping man next to her. A smile spread over her face as she blinked the sleep out of her eyes. She loved looking at Kegan when he slept because that was when he was the most relaxed. Granted, he was often relaxed in her presence, but this was unguarded.

In sleep, there were no worries. Gone were the furrowed lines and stern countenance he often wore when doing his duties as second to the Weapons Master. While working, Kegan was nothing but serious and his demeanor was such that those who weren’t close to him found him a little intimidating and unapproachable.

Serena knew that was what made him a great warrior, just like his father. Jules was the same way, always serious and extremely good at letting any enemies know he meant business. However, when Amy came around, he was like a whole other being. Even Kegan could see the way Jules’ eyes softened and the way his voice suddenly seemed smoother and more lilting.

It was the same with Kegan. Serena had seen him in action a few times over the last few months. She had seen the look in his eyes and the way he carried himself when he was working. But the moment his eyes rested on her, she saw the way they softened. She heard the way his voice lightened and the change in his body language.

Those were only physical changes, there for everyone to see. The changes that weren’t visible were only for her to see. It was when their connection would come flaring to life when he let it. While working, Kegan dampened down their connection so that it wouldn’t disrupt either of them. It was something that Xavier had taught him to do.

Xavier had learned it the hard way since there was no one around to teach him or Nikki about being ulhi’maos, but Xavier had willingly taught Kegan what he had learned. Kegan in turn had taught Serena, even though Serena had often told him that she knew what it felt like to fight and kill since she had to do that in the arena.

None of that mattered to Kegan. He knew she was strong enough to defend herself, but she was his ulhi’maos and that alone made him want to do nothing but protect her. Both of them knew it was instinctual. It was because they were both Wahani and that was just their nature. The males always protected their mates no matter how strong their mates were.

And they were mates. Ulhi’maos. She’d known that the moment she’d opened her eyes and looked into his, but both of them had known she wasn’t in any condition to complete the connection. She had been amazed at the restraint Kegan had shown in waiting for her to heal before connecting with her.

Luckily, she had healed quickly, like most Wahani did. Still, Kegan allowed her to make the first move. She’d been staying in the extra bedroom at his father’s home at that point. So, little by little, she and Kegan began to get to know each other and opened the connection between the two of them.

It was that connection that allowed them to really get to know each other. She knew Kegan had taken what they were in stride. She was the one that had been a little hesitant, but no more.  Now, she loved the way it seemed like second nature to always feel him inside of her head. It comforted her to know he was always there, just a thought away. Never one to back down from a new challenge, she was constantly learning all about being an ulhi’maos and about her mate.

Now, months later, she knew him much better. She knew how he loved to laugh and constantly make others laugh. She knew he liked the friendly banter between him and Xavier about being ulhi’maos. She knew he loved to tease others, but never meant any harm by it.

Kegan always tried to lighten the mood if it got too serious and he felt as if someone’s spirits needed to be lifted. She really liked that about him. How he was always trying to keep everyone’s spirits lightened. But sometimes, the others didn’t get that. Most especially Xavier, who always seemed to be on the defensive when it came to Nikki and their son.

Still, Xavier would quickly get over it and soon he was right there joking along with Kegan. Serena had a feeling it was because Kegan was now the only other one who knew exactly what Xavier was going through as a male ulhi’maos.

Kegan stirred besides her and moved closer to her, sliding his arm around her waist and pulling her to his body. Without opening his eyes, he buried his face against her neck and spoke in her mind.

What are you doing up so early, dimo agalo?

She chuckled, Kegan, it’s early afternoon!

Kegan lifted his head at that and blinked the sleep from his eyes. Looking towards the window, he saw the light shining through the sides and grinned.

“Oops.”

Serena laughed at that. “Oops? That’s all you have to say? Oops?”

He turned to look at her and pouted, “Hey! I wasn’t the one who kept us up until the crack of dawn now, was I?”

She stared at him for a moment before she lowered her lids and licked her lips. “Hm, and wouldn’t you know, I’m still hungry.”

Kegan growled when he saw her eyes turn orange. Lowering his lips to hers he said, “Well, I guess that explains why you are up.”

She gave an impatient growl until his lips met hers. As their tongues began to duel, she rolled them over until she was on top.

Serena was glad that her mate didn’t have a problem with her being the dominant one on occasion. That was the one thing Kegan had never had to be patient about. Once Serena was comfortable with their being ulhi’maos, she never seemed to hesitate when it came to pouncing on and mating with her soul mate.

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Amy stood in the kitchen trying to figure out what to make for dinner. She had several things on the table, but was still wondering what she should do for tonight. She would have to hurry, Jules would be home soon and she didn’t want him to have to wait long for his supper.

She walked over to the basin to wash a few vegetables when she looked out of the window and saw Jules making his way down the street towards the house. She smiled and returned his wave when he saw her in the window before moving to open the front door.

“Hi,” she said as he came up to her.

“Hey,” he replied as he kissed her cheek and moved inside, closing the door behind him. “You haven’t started dinner yet, have you?”

She shook her head, “No, why?”

He smiled, “They want us to go to the castle and have dinner with them.”

“Really? Anything special?”

Jules shrugged, “It’s nothing formal, really. Xavier said it’s just going to be him, Nikki, Zach, Kris, you, and me. Devnet and Marcus are baby sitting Jasen and all the others are busy with their own things.” He paused a moment before adding, “I can send a message if you don’t want to go.”

Amy shook her head, “No, that’s fine, we’ll go. I couldn’t decide what to make for dinner anyway.” She chuckled. “Okay, so I guess we don’t have to dress up then?”

Jules wiggled his eyebrows, “Hon, you don’t have to dress up to look good for me. You always are.”

She laughed, “You are too good, you know that?” She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him close before pulling away and leading him to the bedroom.

“You going to bathe before we leave?” she asked.

“Yes, don’t think I can enjoy the meal smelling like I just came from sparring with some soldiers.”

“Oh, Jules! You were just sparring with them? But you don‘t smell that bad!” she replied with a smile.

“I know, but it’ll make me feel better. And I do want to look presentable at least,” he chuckled.

Amy nodded and watched as he began to undress. He stopped midway and looked at her with a smile, “You going to just stand there?”

She grinned, “Sorry, the thought is tempting.” She let out a sigh, “Okay, going to get changed now.”

Jules grabbed her around her waist and pulled her close, his lips locking with hers. Moments later, they pulled away and he smiled at the way she was breathing hard.

Placing his forehead against hers he spoke in a husky voice, “We’ll continue that when we get home from dinner.”

Amy nodded, “Yes,” she breathed. “Most definitely.”

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Dinner had gone smoothly. Kristine and Nikki were the first two in the room, but Xavier and Zachary had joined them as soon as they had changed clothes. It had been about fifteen more minutes before Jules and Amy had shown up.

As soon as Amy had walked through the door, Kristine had gone to her side and hugged her. The two of them had quickly assessed each other, inquiring as to their well-being before Nikki asked everyone to take their seats at the table.

When everyone was seated, the meal was brought out and they all set about eating and talking. The conversation was kept light, everyone just catching up with everyone else. Everyone there knew that it was just a dinner shared among family and friends, no work or business was to be discussed.

Soon, the meal was done and now they were all laughing and talking over dessert. Nikki leaned over and whispered something to Kristine who nodded and turned to whisper to Zachary. Zachary turned to Nikki and gave her a nod.

Nikki cleared her throat and spoke, “Everyone, if you would…”

She waited until the talking had died down before she smiled and turned towards Zachary. “I believe Zach has an announcement to make.”

Xavier turned to look at his wife, who simply smiled and squeezed his hand under the table. When she sent him the unspoken, he asked her and she said yes, he turned to grin at Zachary.

Zachary stood up and swallowed. He let his eyes wander over those at the table before he spoke. “I just wanted to let you all know that this morning, I asked Kris to marry me.” He turned to look at her with a smile, “And she accepted.”

Amy’s eyes went wide and she gasped. Zachary had asked Kristine to…

“Oh my God!” she screamed. All eyes turned to her as she launched herself out of her chair and moved around the table to take her daughter into her arms. Everyone sat there with smiles on their faces as they watched mother and daughter hugging each other with tears on their cheeks.

Amy finally let go of Kristine and turned to Zachary, wrapping her arms around him and squeezing the life out of him. Zachary clearly didn’t mind as he stood there with a smile on his face.

“Oh you dear boy! I knew you would one of these days! And my daughter was still clueless about your feelings, wasn’t she?” she laughed at the expression on Zachary’s face. “I knew it! Well, congratulations! I know you’ll take good care of her.”

Zachary gave her a sheepish grin, “Thanks, Amy.”

Amy nodded and turned to Kristine again. “I’m glad, Kristine. I’m glad he makes you happy.”

Kristine hugged her mom back and whispered, “I’m glad too mom. That you and I are both happy now.”

As Amy pulled away from Kristine with a nod, the others began to move in. Soon, everyone else was congratulating and celebrating another happy union.

Translations
o'syn - son
husigos - husband
idi hawi verteh etno memosed eto prosewa-i teto thiwo eto esu kesi isti - I will never get tired of watching the two of you like this
idi hawi verteh etno memosed eto veho-i esu prosewa susa - I will never get tired of having you watch us
dimo agalo - my love
ulhi'maos - soul mate