Hope for the Alien Warrior (Treasured By the Alien #12)

Chapter 20

Luxor tucked the blanket around Nina, his tail gently smoothing her hair as she clutched her doll. Her dark eyes fluttered closed, exhausted from playing with him and Krestar. The sight of her peaceful face filled his chest with warmth.

He’d dreaded meeting another Cire warrior, especially one bonded to Felicity’s friend. His past cast long shadows. But Krestar had clasped his arm in the traditional greeting, black eyes evaluating but not judging. Throughout the afternoon, they’d shared knowing looks as their human mates caught up, understanding passing between them without words.

When Nina had demanded they play her favorite game, Krestar had joined in without hesitation. Together they’d acted out an elaborate adventure, complete with sound effects that had the little girl giggling. Seeing another Cire warrior set aside his dignity to entertain a child had eased something tight in his chest.

“More story?” Nina mumbled, fighting sleep.

“Tomorrow, little one.” He kissed her forehead. “Rest now.”

She was already asleep by the time he straightened. He paused in the doorway, watching her. The day had shown him a future he’d barely dared to imagine—not only family but acceptance, belonging. He smiled at his daughter and went to join his mate.

He’d expected to find her in bed waiting for him, but instead the doors to the garden were open. He stepped through and lost the ability to speak.

She stood bathed in silvery light, her curves adorned only with intricate silk ropes that crossed her body in delicate patterns. The blue cords hugged her breasts and hips, accentuating rather than concealing. The blood rushed to his cock so fast he felt dizzy.

Her dark hair tumbled loose over her shoulders, and her blue eyes sparkled with a mixture of boldness and vulnerability that made his chest ache. She held out a hand, and he could see the faint tremble.

“Do you approve?”

“I love it.” He closed the distance between them, unable to resist touching the soft skin between two of the silk bands. She shivered and leaned into his hand, her nipples pearling. “What made you think of this?”

“The way you look when you’re checking my harness. The way you talk about my underwear binding me.”

“I liked the idea of binding you.” His voice thickened. “To show you belong to me.”

Her breath caught as his tail curled possessively around her waist, drawing her closer. The warmth of her skin against his sent electricity down his spine. She’d planned this gift with such care.

She reached for him, her knuckles brushing against his hard shaft. “And do you want to bind me?”

His control snapped. His hands shook as he quickly stripped off his clothes. He was desperate to claim her, to make her his in every way. Her eyes heated as his cock sprang free, the small glistening beads beginning to appear on the surface. Her small pink tongue darted out to moisten her lips and he almost spilled his seed right there.

He reached for her, but she danced away, laughing.

“First you have to catch me.”

She darted into the main garden and he froze for a moment, shocked at her boldness. Then his lips curved. He had always enjoyed a chase.

He followed her, admiring the way her body moved beneath the blue silk cords. They accentuated each bounce of her full breasts and her luscious ass, the fabric brushing her skin in a tantalizing tease.

“Come here, t’davi. I want to admire my present.”

She gave him an inviting smile over her shoulder but kept evading him. He stalked her through the flower beds, letting her stay ahead of him until she turned and ran for a small wooden arbor. His tail snagged her waist and pulled her to a halt.

“Caught you.”

“Maybe I wanted to be caught.”

She was panting, her breasts rising and falling, and the sight sent heat straight to his shaft. He lifted her into his arms, his tail supporting her as she wrapped her legs around his waist. The head of his cock pressed against her hot, slick entrance and she wiggled eagerly. He groaned and slid home, her hot, wet channel enveloping him as she moaned in his arms. He braced her against the arbor, thrusting up into her with long, steady strokes, her breasts bouncing in the silk with each plunge.

Her head fell back as he increased his pace, her legs gripping his waist. Every drive of his hips brought him deeper, her body welcoming him with liquid warmth. His tail tightened around her waist, keeping her in place as his mouth found her breast, biting gently on the stiff peak and then soothing it with his tongue.

“More,” she cried, and he could feel her channel beginning to quiver.

He angled her hips higher, the head of his cock finding the sensitive spot inside her. She whimpered and her fingers clamped down on his shoulders. One more stroke, and she convulsed, shuddering around him. His knot expanded and he exploded, his seed pouring into her with an endless flow as she cried out his name. Her fingers stroked the back of his neck, each touch of her hand sending fresh pleasure coursing through his veins.

When their bodies finally relaxed, he lifted his head, still buried deep within her. He’d planned to take her to bed and worship every inch of her body, but the swing under the arbor would do nicely for now. The night was warm, the moonlight soft. The moons cast a gentle glow over her flushed skin. He traced idle patterns along her spine, savoring the quiet contentment of holding his mate.

When his knot finally released her, she shifted in his arms, sitting back so she could see his face. Something in her expression made his heart skip a beat.

“I have something to tell you.” Her fingers played across his chest. “I wasn’t sure at first, but Miraj confirmed it just before we left.”

His tail tightened reflexively around her waist. “What is it?”

“I’m pregnant.” She bit her lip, watching his reaction. “We’re going to have a baby.”

He went completely still, his mind struggling to process her words. A baby. Another child. His hand trembled as he splayed protectively over her still-flat stomach.

“You are certain?”

“Very.”

“Hrebec told me it was possible,” he said slowly. “But I do not think I really believed it.”

“I know. It’s one thing to know that Cire and humans are genetically compatible, but it’s another to actually experience it.” Her eyes crinkled. “At least we already have some practice with Nina.”

“You are well? You are safe?”

“Miraj assured me that I’m fine. She also said that the medical staff on Trevelor would provide the best of care.”

Joy crashed through him like a wave, followed by fierce protectiveness. He gathered her close, wrapping his tail carefully around her stomach. His chest ached with wonder. His mate, carrying his child. A family beyond his wildest imaginings. He had to swallow before he could speak.

“I love you,” he whispered hoarsely. “Both of you.”

Later that night he lay awake in bed, her sleeping body curled against him. His hand drifted to her stomach again, imagining their child. Their child. The concept still stunned him.

He’d spent years believing his choices had condemned him to a solitary existence. The betrayal, prison, the fighting rings—all of it had carved a shell around him that he’d thought impenetrable. Then Felicity crashed into his life with her compassion and strength, followed by Nina with her quiet trust. They’d torn down his walls without even trying.

The next six months passed in a happy blur of preparing their home, watching her belly grow, and cherishing every moment with his growing family. Nina proved an enthusiastic big sister-to-be, talking to the baby and helping choose items for the nursery.

Then came the day Felicity grabbed his arm during breakfast, her face tightening with the first contraction. Hours later, exhausted but radiant, she placed their newborn son in his arms.

He stared down at the tiny face. Green-tinted skin, so pale it was almost translucent. A dusting of dark hair. Tiny fingers that wrapped around his much larger one with surprising strength. His throat closed up as overwhelming love washed through him.

He’d thought himself complete with Felicity and Nina, hadn’t believed more happiness was possible. But holding his son, watching Felicity smile tiredly up at them while Nina peered at her new brother in wonder, he realized there was always room for more happiness. For more love.