“Will it hurt mommy?” Miki’s quivering voice has both males tensing.
“No baby it won’t hurt, I’ll show you.” She gives Callen a pointed look then lays down on the couch. “Why don’t you girls go stand by Grim?” With one last look at them she takes a deep breath and lets Callen put the educator over her eyes.
Grim watches his female, amazed at her bravery. She has every right to fight having the educator put back on, but for her children she does it.
The slightest touch against his leg has him glancing down to find Miki huddling. Her eyes, glued to her mother, as she seeks comfort and reassurance from him that everything would be all right. Carefully he puts a large hand on her tiny back. When she wraps her little arms around his thigh, he’s amazed, moments later Carly does the same.
He looks down at the auburn heads and realizes they trust him, because of Lisa. They trust him to protect them, comfort them, he can think of nothing he’s done to earn their trust and still they’ve given it to him. So has Lisa. He looks to her, so still on the couch, Callen speaking softly and he knows he will do whatever it takes not to disappoint them.
Lisa could have sworn the educator just went on when Callen carefully removes it. “How are you feeling?” He asks, watching her closely. Carefully sitting up, her eyes immediately search for her girls. Seeing them wrapped around Grim’s legs has her pausing.
“My Queen?” It isn’t until Grim frowns that Lisa realizes Callen is talking to her.
“Good, last time I got really dizzy.” Nodding Callen continues to watch her.
“That is because it was removed to soon. Do you know the function of the Serai?”
“To make sure you guys get laid.” Lisa shoots Luuken an annoyed look at the question. The thought of a Serai touching Grim angers her. She doesn’t care what they are.
“Excuse me?” Callen doesn’t understand her answer.
“They are an animate creature made from the sands of Creata.” Lisa sighs heavily. “They simulate Tornian females so that Tornian males can have sexual release since females are so scarce.”
“That is correct.” Callen nods relieved.
“They do a pretty lousy job of it too if you ask me.” Lisa goes on to say.
“What?” Callen’s checks turn purple.
“Did I just embarrass you Callen?” Lisa can’t help but be amused that this big warrior is embarrassed to talk about sex.
“I….” He looks to Grim for help only to find him fighting a smile.
“Trust me Callen, they may be okay if you find yourself with a Tornian female, but if you’re interested in one from Earth what they’ve taught you is pretty much useless.” Standing she gives him one last word of advice. “And to be honest your females are really screwed up.” She moves to Grim. “So girls, you ready to be able to tell these men what to do?”
“Yeah!” Both girls reply excitedly. Grim raises an eyebrow and she just shrugs, giving him an innocent smile.
“You want to do both at the same time?” Callen looks at her questioningly.
“Yes, they’ll be more relaxed that way.” Lisa informs him.
“I didn't bring a second educator.” He looks to Grim.
“Retrieve one and return. I want this done.” Grim orders. He wants to be able to talk to his girls, to listen to them.
“I still need to adapt the program.” Callen warns.
“I’ll have it adapted by the time you return.”
“Yes sire.”
The girls lay trustingly on the couch looking from their mother to Callen. “Who’s first?” Lisa asks.
“I’m the oldest, I always go first.” Carly speaks and Lisa smiles, her little warrior, she always went first, protecting her sister. Nodding, she gives her permission to Callen. After a few minutes, he puts one on Miki.
Thirty minutes later Carly is sitting up looking confused. “Are you okay baby?” Lisa drops to her knees concerned.
“Did you know Grim’s brother is the Emperor mommy?” She whispers letting them know the program worked.
“Yes baby, I did know that.” Carly give Grim a confused look.
“What does an Emperor do?” Grim throws his head back and laughs, a fully belly laugh that has Lisa smiling while Callen looks on astonished. The King doesn’t laugh!
“I’ve wondered that many times myself Carly. When you ask him, I want to be there.”
“Okay. Oh! I can understand you!” She claps her hands together excitedly.
“Yes you can.” Carly looks to Callen.
“Wake up Miki, now.” She orders. “I want to make sure she can talk to Grim too.”
“Just a little longer, little one.” He promises. Knowing Carly is going to argue Lisa takes her hand leading her away.
“Come on Carly let’s give Callen some space. Miki will be awake soon.”
“Promise mommy?” She shoots a worried look over her shoulder to her sister.
“I promise.”
“Mommy….” Minutes later Miki’s little voice calls to her.
“Right here baby.” Callen steps aside, letting Lisa take his place.
“Mommy, did you know Grim is a King.” Lisa has to smile. Her girls are as fascinated with Grim as she is.
“Yes baby I did know that.” Miki looks uncertainly from her to Grim then whispers in her ear. Fighting a laugh Lisa looks down at her. “Why don’t you ask him?”
“What do you want to know little one?” Grim asks enjoying the sparkle in Lisa's eye.
“Where you once a frog?” Lisa laughs at Grim’s lost expression.
“The frog turned into a Prince Miki, not a King.” Carly informs her sister with that superior tone that only older sisters can pull off.
“What’s the difference?” Miki counters and it’s Carly’s turn to look confused.
“A prince is the King’s son.” Lisa tells them ending the argument before it starts.
“Oh….” The girls respond in unison.
Callen and Grim while confused are fascinated at the females’ conversation. They’ve never be exposed to a family of females before and that’s what they are a family.
“What do you say to Callen girls?” Lisa asks and turning as one, they chorus.
“Thank you Callen.”
“You are most welcome little ones.” He looks to Grim. “You have truly been blessed my King.”
“I think we all have Callen.” Crossing his arms, Grim finds himself smiling.
The rest of the day passes quickly with the girls comparing their newfound knowledge and Grim patiently answers their endless questions. He’s amazed with how their minds work. They look at things so differently than Tornians do, or is it just that their females? He finds he doesn’t what to leave when it’s time for him to adjust their course. Promising to be back shortly he leaves, securing the door.
“Alright girls, enough.” Lisa orders awhile later.
“But mommy!”
“No Carly until you try bocboc you can’t say it’s better than a pb&j, and Miki you can’t say a pb&j is better than a bocboc. Now it’s time for a shower, both of you, in.”
“Yes mommy.” They immediately agree but she knows they will continue their argument in the shower.
Oh the life of a single mother. Resting her head on the back of the couch she frowns, is that what she is now? A single mother? She has Grim. He agreed to accept and protect her girls. She now understands that makes him their father, or manno but what does it mean to him. Females are power to Tornians. Will he only care what having them will do for him, like Peter? Or will he truly come to love them as his own? Wanting only what’s best for them.
Shaking her head she knows only time will tell. Realizing its been quiet for too long, she heads for the cleansing room to see what trouble the girls have found. Pounding on the outer door stops her. Looking at the door, she considers what to do. She is on an alien ship with her daughters and Grim isn't here. He assured her his quarters were secure, that they were safe. Still she is
n’t taking any chances, not with her girls. She’s already pissed off one Tornian today. Decision made, she ignores the pounding. When the door suddenly opens, she spins around shocked as three large males fill the room.
“Get out!” She orders, trying her best to be intimidating.
“We are here to take you and your young females to a more appropriate protector.” The green one informs her.
“Excuse me?” Lisa exclaims disbelieving. “I’ve chosen my protector! Now get out!”
“You had not been properly guided at the time of your choice. You cannot be held to it. A fit male has been chosen for you and your offspring.” The green male grabs her arm.
“Don’t touch me!” She jerks away.
“Do not fight me small female. You don’t want to be harmed.”
“Mommy!” The three males freeze at the sight of the girls.
“Get back in the cleansing room girls!” Lisa orders blocking them from the males’ sight. “I’ll tell you one last time, and then I’m going to get mad. Get out!” When the leader grabs her again, she screams.
“Grim!” Driving her knee up into the green bastard’s groin, he immediately drops, releasing her. The roar that answers her scream causes the remaining males color to fade. Grim surges into the room followed by Callen and Veron. The rage on his face has even Lisa taking a step back.
“You dare to attack my females!” Grim grabs the closest one throwing him headfirst through the door and into the far wall, where he crumples to the floor. Before he can do the same to the remaining male, he drops to his knees, lowering his head.
“Sire, we were following Minor Luuken’s orders.”
“You think Luuken can order you to take my Queen! My offspring!” Grim leans down his voice lethal, if it were possible, the male would have turned white.
“Sire…” The male begins to tremble.
“Leave while you still breathe!” He turns to the male, lying were Lisa’s dropped him stepping over him he approaches her.
“Are you harmed?” His steely eyes race over her, zeroing in on the red slashes marring her arm.
“No.” She whispers, watching him cautiously.
“Mommy…..” Scared voices have Lisa quickly turning.
“I told you to go back inside! Grim will handle this.” With one last look over her shoulder, she pushes them into the cleansing room.
Grim crouches down, staring at the male cupping his balls. “You touched my Queen.” His voice cold as death.
“She was never properly guided.” He wheezes. “She has the right choose a fit male, one that can properly protect her and her young.”
“She protects herself and hers well, don’t you think Korin? Perhaps my Queen should train you.” His pride in Lisa is easily heard. “Why were you taking her to Luuken?” When he doesn’t respond quickly enough Korin finds what little breath he's regained, cut off by Grim’s hand wrapped around his throat.
Struggling he finds out who truly is the superior warrior. Grim releases him moments before he passes out.
“Why!” He roars.
“So she and her young can be properly educated!” He chokes out.
“Properly educated…” Grim pales at the thought of how Luuken would achieve this.
“Yes, Luuken believes you corrupted the programming, influencing the female's choice, so you would not lose your position as King.”
“Veron," Grim stands. "Korin will be charged for assaulting my Queen.”
“Sire?” Veron is as shocked as Korin.
“He broke into secured quarters, meaning to steal my Queen and offspring. He put hands on her, damaging her, he will be charged.”
“He states he was following Minor Luuken’s orders Sire. His Lord’s heir.” Veron reminds him.
“If Luuken concedes that then I will consider lesser charges.” The knowing look in Korin’s eye reveals he knows Luuken will never concede. It is a death sentence for a male to harm a female.
“Have him charged Captain!”
“Yes King Grim.” Veron bows, before pulling Korin up off the floor, forcing him out of the room.
“Callen.”
“Yes my King.”
“I want a detailed report, from the moment Lisa was brought on board until I took her to retrieve our offspring. Include all visuals and support material. Include a copy of the unedited recording of the command center.”
“It will be done sire.” Callen’s eyes are serious when they meet Grim. “This is a direct attack against you my King.”
“Yes. I need to know what else Luuken is planning Callen.”
“Yes my King.” Callen hesitates.
“What?” Grim demands.
“Do you truly think Luuken would have harmed her? If he had completed the program?”
“Yes, I do.” His jaw clenches at the thought.
“I will get you what you need to protect your females my King.” With a quick bow, he leaves.
“Mommy what’s happening out there?” The fear in Miki’s eyes breaks Lisa’s heart. She always tried to be honest with her girls, it was necessary with Mark’s illness. Still they are just children. They’ve literally entered an alien world and if she wants them safe, there are things they need to know.
“There are some men, males, that don’t want us to stay with Grim. They think he will hurt us.”
“But he wouldn’t do that mommy!” The strength of Miki’s conviction surprises Lisa.
“No baby he wouldn’t.” She agrees.
“Then why?” Carly demands.
“Because of the way he looks baby. There are Tornians that believe because of his scars he shouldn’t be allowed to have a family, that he can’t protect them.”
“But that’s silly mommy. He stopped Uncle Peter. He stopped those men.” Carly gives her a confused look.
“Yes baby, I didn’t say they were right, just that they think they are.”
“Can they take us away from Grim mommy?” Two sets fear-filled eyes look at her.
“No babies, Grim will protect us.” Kneeling, she hugs them and prays she’s not lying. "Now you two were supposed to be getting ready for bed, so in the shower and I’ll go see how long until supper.”
“Yes mommy.”
Chapter Four
Grim sits at his desk, staring at his clenched fists in rage. Luuken tried to take his females. Does he realize what he’s done...does his father? Is Bertos behind this? He needs to get his females to Luda, get them to where they will be protected, by those loyal to him.
“Grim.” He looks up startled, not having heard Lisa enter the room.
“How are the girls?” He moves towards her, trying to judge what she’s thinking. “How are you?
“We’re okay, the girls didn’t see much.” She looks up at him. “What’s going on Grim? How did they open the door? You said it was secured.”
“There is an emergency override. I never considered… it’s been deactivated. There will also be guards posted outside the door at all times. No one will be allowed in our quarters without permission again, I vow this to you my Lisa.” He reaches out, stopping just short of touching her.
“Who?” He sees the understanding in her eyes.
“Luuken.” He watches her take a deep breath.
“I’ve made an enemy.” She whispers.
“He was an enemy before you.” He carefully tips her face up so her eyes meet his. “He will never get close to you and the girls again. My vow Lisa.” His thumb gently caresses her jaw until finally she nods.
“The girls are getting ready for bed. They need to eat first.”
“I’ve sent for food. Lisa….”
“This wasn’t your fault Grim.” Somehow, she’d known he’d blame himself. Those Tornian ideas about what makes a male ‘fit’.
“I should have considered the override.” Grim berates himself.
“It’s a safety feature isn’t it?” She asks.
“Yes.” He nods.
“Then the code sh
ould have been secure. You had no reason to think it wasn’t. It’s Luuken’s dishonor, not yours.”
“You are too forgiving Lisa.” She shakes her head in denial.
“No Grim, I’m not. The truth is that while they scared the crap out of me, no one was hurt. You stopped them before they could.”
“You were hurt!” While Grim’s rage returns with a vengeance, his touch is gentle on her marred arm.
“It looks worse than it is and I believe that green male is hurting worse me.”
“You are hurting! I’ll notify a healer.” Grabbing his arm, she stops him from rushing away.
“I’m fine Grim." She reassures him. "It’s a figure of speech. I’m not hurting but the green guy is.”
“Korin.”
“What?”
“His name is Korin.” Grim informs.
“You know him.” She sees the resignation in his eyes when he nods.
“When I first became King of Luda, Korin's father sent him to me for his warrior training. He wanted him trained by a superior warrior. After I was injured he sent to Bertos, Luuken’s father.”
“I’m sorry.” He sees she truly is but doesn't understand why.
“Why would you be sorry?” He quizzes.
“You care about him and when you needed him, he abandoned you.”
“He had no choice. He was under his father’s authority, he had to leave.” Grim tries to get her to understand.
“He’s not now.” Lisa isn’t nearly as forgiving for what she sees as Korin’s betrayal of Grim.
“He has a younger brother that is still under Bertos’ authority. Bertos is known for keeping his warriors by using their brothers.”
“He’s blackmailing him?”
“I do not understand this term but some will hinder a young warrior’s training if a brother were to leave his trainer’s house.”
“You do this?” She can’t keep the shock from of her voice.
“Never! Once a warrior completes his training and obligation he has earned the right to go where he wishes.”
"Obligation?"
"In return for being trained a Warrior commits himself to his trainer for five years. After that, he is free to offer his services to whoever he wishes."