“Never?” Gracie asked sniffing loudly.
Kordon shook his head solemnly. “Never. And, I have never claimed another.”
“Never, never?” Gracie asked searching Kordon’s dark, blue eyes.
“Never, never.” Kordon replied groaning as he felt Gracie moving restlessly under him.
“Kordon?” Gracie asked softly.
“Yes.” Kordon groaned again as he ran his lips along her neck.
“I need to go potty.” Gracie giggled. “It seems the bigger the baby gets the more I have to go.”
Kordon bit back a chuckle of resignation. Shaking his head, he moaned as he pulled away from her and sat up. “You are going to kill me, Gracie.”
Gracie sat up and brushed a kiss across Kordon’s lips, before replying. “If you ever look at another woman, including Mohan, I probably will.”
Kordon fell back against the bed laughing as Gracie scrambled out and headed towards the bathroom. He leaned back enjoying the view of her ass before giving up with a loud growl and following her. They could make love in the bathing stall.
Several hours later, Gracie was hugging a tearful Mohan and promising they were still best friends. It took a while but both men finally just pulled the women apart and loaded them into their respective transports. Saffron grinned when he saw Kordon carrying a protesting Gracie on board.
“Being difficult?” Saffron asked as Kordon strapped Gracie into the seat behind his.
“You have no idea.” Kordon said ducking his head as Gracie swung at it.
Saffron just laughed as he received permission for take-off. “Better you than me, brother.
Gracie leaned forward just enough to thump Saffron on the back of his head. “I heard that, you rat.
Kordon laughed as Saffron begged forgiveness. Soon, he would have Gracie in his home. He already made plans to have his parents, namely his mother, come and spend time with them. He wanted Gracie to feel at home on his world. He also worried about her. Toolas told him it was important for Gracie to get plenty of rest during her pregnancy. She was worried about Gracie being so tired. She also reminded Kordon that Gracie was much smaller than him and the baby appeared to be growing rapidly. She recommended Gracie seeing a healer as soon as possible. Kordon already spoke to his mother about finding one close to their home.
The journey to Zion would take two days. There was only a small bunk that folded down on the transport for sleeping and they would take turns. Gracie was used to sleeping in small spaces. She couldn’t help but laugh when Kordon growled in frustration at realizing there was absolutely no way they could sleep together unless she was on top of him. He finally gave in when he saw Gracie’s head drooping about ten hours into the flight.
Two days later, Gracie got her first look at Zion. She could feel Kordon’s pride in his home world when he talked of it but she never expected to see anything so beautiful. Huge mountains graced the horizon and large colorful birds fly over head. Gracie turned in a circle as she walked down the platform watching as a large flock flew overhead. She brought one hand up to shade her eyes as she looked over the green trees where they landed.
In the distance, she could see a magnificent series of waterfalls flowing off the cliffs into the ocean. The landing area was situated on a lower-level cliff. It was the size of probably a dozen or so football fields back home. Kordon and Saffron both grinned at Gracie’s wide-eyed expression of awe.
“Come, we have transportation waiting for us.” Kordon said softly cupping Gracie’s elbow in his hand.
“What about our stuff?” Gracie asked anxiously. She forgot all about it.
“It will be taken care of.” Kordon assured her. “I wish to show you our home.”
Gracie looked up as several transports flew over. It was all so different from Earth. Or, at least the Earth she remembered. She wondered if Earth was like this now. Gracie eyes widened as she realized there were homes built into the side of the cliffs. Beautiful arched doorways with large terraces lined the cliffs.
“Where do you live?” Gracie asked suddenly feeling a little overwhelmed.
“We live outside of the city but not too far to commute. Our home is located along the cliffs. We will take a transport known as a glider to it. They are designed for traveling back and forth and landing in small spaces.” Kordon said.
“I hate to leave but I promised father I would take a look at some of his Kippins tonight. A few of them have been sick and he wants to make sure they are on the mend.” Saffron said. “Gracie, welcome to Zion. May you find happiness on our world.” Saffron said formerly before bowing and pressing a kiss to her hand.
“Thank you, Saffron.” Gracie said giving him a hug and a kiss. “For everything.”
“I will inform our parents you are home. Perhaps you can bring Gracie over for dinner after she has settled in.” Saffron said. “Until later, brother.”
“Until later.” Kordon said with a smile. “Come, Gracie. Our transportation is over here.”
Kordon led Gracie across the tarmac and through a series of paths before coming out in front of a long, silver transport. An older man hurried around and opened the door for them. Once they were seated comfortably inside, he moved around to the other side and slid in behind what looked like a console. Within minutes, they were lifting off vertically then moving forward.
“How goes it, Josef?” Kordon asked.
He reached over to hold Gracie’s hand as she looked out the windows. While the outside of the glider looked like it was solid silver, the top portion was actually clear when you were inside looking out. It was almost like a two-way mirror Gracie saw once when she was exploring one of the abandoned buildings in New York.
“Everything is well, My Lord. Your living quarters have been prepared as you requested. Your personal effects should be there shortly. The staff has been informed of your new status and that you have brought home a mate. I wish you and your mate great happiness, My Lord.”
“My Lord?” Gracie asked turning to look briefly at Kordon before letting her gaze move back to the landscape far below them.
“I am Lord Kordon Jeke. I am a member of the High Council. As such, I review the laws, make determinations on what is best for Zion, and if necessary, act upon those decisions to enforce them.” Kordon said. “You will be called Lady Gracie Jones-Jeke.”
“Will…will we be getting married or anything?” Gracie asked hesitantly as she didn’t understand the laws of Zion for such things.
“I have already petition to claim you to our clan council. They unanimously approved. Now that we have returned, there will be a ceremony acknowledging my claim on you.” Kordon explained before hastily adding. “…And your claim on me, of course.”
“Of course.” Gracie said with a grin. “What is that?”
Kordon leaned over to see what Gracie was pointing at. He saw several warriors riding on some of the war beasts they used for patrolling the more mountainous regions. The war beasts were very hardy, strong, and could scale almost vertically when necessary. He raised them at one of his homes further up in the mountains.
“They are war beasts. That is the only name they have ever been called because that is what they are used for. I have several large herds. They are the safest and easiest way to get around the mountains that cover our world. They can cover terrain few other creatures can cover.”
“What are they doing?” Gracie asked curiously watching as they moved single file up a path until the trees covered them.
“They are probably going on patrol. Our world is a world of warriors. All males train from a young age to be strong.” Kordon explained.
Gracie shivered at the thought of young boys training to fight. She had seen enough fighting and death to last her a lifetime. Her hand went to her stomach protectively. Would their son be expected to learn to fight as well? One part of Gracie felt it would be a good thing while the other part argued that fighting should never be the answer. She let her finger move to the scar on h
er shoulder. Closing her eyes, she felt the slight raised pucker of skin where Toolas couldn’t quite heal it without leaving the scar. Regret and sorrow swept through her as she realized that there would always be a need for warriors.
Gracie’s eyes opened when she felt Kordon’s hand on her cheek. “You are unwell?” He asked concerned.
Gracie smiled back and pressed a soft kiss into his palm. “I’m fine. Just a little nervous.” She replied.
Kordon’s eyes softened as he gazed down at her. “If you get overwhelmed, frightened, or have any questions you must let me know. I will always be here for you. We will take this as slow as you need.”
Gracie shook her head with a soft laugh and murmured. “And to think I thought you were going to squish me when we first met.” Gracie leaned against Kordon. “I’m glad you didn’t.”
Kordon tightened his arm around her pulling her into the safety of his body. “I seem to remember squishing you later and you quite enjoying it. I know I did.” Kordon whispered in her ear.
Gracie blushed when she heard Josef smother a chuckle. “You are so bad.” She said pressing her burning face into his neck and kissing it.
The rest of the ride was done in silence as Gracie took in the beauty of Kordon’s world. She knew she had a lot to learn but as she leaned back in his arms, she didn’t feel quite so scared anymore.
Chapter 22
Cumin System: Rim-Spaceport
“You have news.” The dark cloaked figure asked softly.
The man sitting across from him made sure he kept the dark cloaked figure and those of his guards in his view. “You have the credits?” The dim light in the back of the bar caused the deep scars along the man’s forehead and cheek to look even darker.
A gloved hand dropped a bag on the table. “One hundred thousand credits. You will receive another hundred thousand on delivery of the package.”
Krac looked at the cloaked figure. He knew who the man was, Altren Proctor. The man was a feeble Earthling whose greed would either get him killed or elected to the coveted position of Supreme Chancellor of Earth. Personally, Krac could care less as long as he got the credits. He almost didn’t take the job but the idea of kidnapping the former Grand Admiral’s mate off his home planet of Zion under his nose was too much of a temptation. He liked impossible challenges.
“You didn’t tell me the female was expecting a child.” Krac said leaning back in his seat. “That will cost you extra. I don’t normally take females, much less pregnant ones. You just ask for trouble when you do that.”
“I don’t care what you normally do. I want the female. I will take care of the child she is carrying. You bring her to me. That is what you are being paid to do.” Proctor hissed out in frustration.
“Fine. Add another fifty thousand credits and I will have her to you in ten days. It will take time to get her and get her to a safe location to transfer her to you.” Krac said. “I’ll give you the location where to pick her up once I have her.”
Krac didn’t say anything else. He simply stood up and picked up the bag shoving it into his pocket. He walked over to the bar, wrapped his arm around one of the barmaids giving her a huge kiss before melting into the darkness.
Proctor raised his hand and one of his guards moved forward. “Is he marked?” Proctor asked.
“Yes, sir.” The guard replied. “You will know where he is at all times.”
“Very good.” Proctor said rising. “I want you to tell the men to follow him. The moment he has the girl, kill him.”
“Yes, sir.” The guard replied before he moved back to follow.
Gracie was sick the next morning. It seemed she was not over the occasional bouts of morning sickness. Kordon held her and wiped her face before helping her up. Afterwards, Josef’s mate, Helin, prepared her a simple breakfast and a hot tea that soothed her stomach.
“I have to go into the city to meet with some of the council. My mother is coming to welcome you and help you settle in. I hoped to put it off for a few more days but several issues have come up that demand my attention. Josep and Helin will be here if you need anything.” Kordon said tenderly.
Gracie smiled. “I’ll be okay. I think if I could survive three years alone on a moon I can handle a few hours here.” Gracie said with a wave at the luxurious surroundings.
Kordon gave Gracie a brief tour of their home yesterday afternoon after they arrived. The glider landed on the balcony overlooking the cliffs and ocean on the south side. A large courtyard complete with a fountain filled by one of the small waterfalls coming out of the rock face led to the entrance. Polished stone floors and a brightly lit foyer greeted her as she walked through. The rooms were naturally formed caverns in the cliffs. The rock was white with a mineral that would glow when hit by small shafts of light which was filter through a mirroring system throughout the home.
Kordon told Gracie each room was connected through a series of tunnels. Some were natural while others he had excavated. Additional rooms could be added but at this time he was happy to keep it rather small. Gracie shook her head at his idea of small. There were eighteen rooms total. There were five bedrooms, six baths, a formal dining room, an informal dining room, the kitchen, a library, a private family area, a greeting area for guests, and his office. In addition, there were two gardens; an upper garden near the forest at the top of the cliff which was for their private use and the lower garden which they passed through before entering the house.
Gracie watched as Kordon left the house in the glider. He insisted Josef stay. “Is there anything I can get for you, My Lady?” Josef asked politely.
“What? Oh, no thank you. I’m fine. I think if it is alright with you and Helin, I’ll just do some exploring. Kordon gave me a tour of his home last night but I have to admit I was so tired I don’t remember much.” Gracie said with a smile.
“Might I remind you this is now your home, My Lady.” Josef responded. “Helin and I are most happy to be of assistance if you need us.”
Gracie smiled and shook her head. “Thank you. I’ll let you know.”
Josef bowed and left through one of the many passageways. Gracie wondered if she should ask for a map until she was familiar with where everything was but then chuckled as she remembered how fast she learned how to navigate the subway tunnels under New York. No, she would figure it out.
Gracie spent the rest of the morning exploring each room. Beautiful carvings were etched into the walls of many passages. She loved touching them and wondering who did the delicate artwork. By early afternoon, she found herself in the upper garden. She understood why Kordon insisted it was for his private use. A natural fence of rock wrapped around it keeping the thicker forest from encroaching. A large, clear pool of water bubbled up out of the stone. Gracie dipped her fingers in the clear liquid and was surprised to find it was warm. Flowers grew everywhere in all different colors, sizes, and shapes. Small and medium size statues of warriors, war beasts, and other animals decorated the garden. In one corner, there was an open gazebo with a double lounge chair, a small table, and two additional chairs. Gracie was surprised when she rounded the path and saw an older woman pouring a hot liquid into two cups. There were several covered dishes set on the small table, as well.
“I was hoping you would find this spot soon.” The woman’s beautifully accented voice called out. “Come, you must be famished. You have been exploring for quite some time.”
Gracie looked at the woman curiously as she walked towards her. “Hi, I’m Gracie. Kordon’s not here right now but he should be back later.” Gracie said as she climbed the two short steps up to the gazebo.
The woman turned and smiled gently. “I know. You would not believe what I had to do to get my son out of here. I had to bribe his father into making up an excuse.”
“Your son? You are Kordon’s mom?” Gracie asked suddenly nervous. She ran her hand down over the front of her shirt and pants.
“Yes. I am Cora.” Cora turned to look at Gracie. “And you a
re the tiny warrior who captured my son’s heart.” She said walking up to Gracie and taking both her hands in her own. “I am very pleased to meet you, my daughter.”
Gracie’s eyes filled with tears as she stared up into the same dark blue eyes of Kordon. “He has your eyes.” Gracie whispered softly.
Cora laughed and pulled Gracie into her arms for a big hug. “Yes, he does and his father’s temperament. Come, sit and relax. I must mention to him about keeping information from me. Kordon did not mention you were with child. He merely asked that I find a healer familiar with a human’s anatomy. I must remind him that not all healers are the same.”
Gracie laughed. “I know exactly what you mean. He often forgets to tell me important stuff.”