C.L. Scholey - Zuri's Zargonnii Warrior (Unearthly World # 2) (20 page)

“The Tonan was handsome until he murdered six human men in front of me.” Zuri spat the words.

“The Tonan renegades are filthy beasts. I would never murder a human male or female. I swear it.”

“You stole me from Kobe.”

“I saved you.”

For a moment they regarded one another curiously. The Castian went and perched beside her. The bed dipped with his weight and Zuri scooted away. When he reached to touch her she smacked his hand but his fingers grazed her skin. Zuri felt the soothing sensation immediately; it had the same effect as Kobe’s crooning. He was trying to calm her.

“I didn’t need saving.”

Her tone was firm but controlled. In an instant, she realized the Castian was different from the Tonan.

“The Zargonnii used you to save their own females, they put you at risk. You were curled up on the ground, shivering, I could smell your fear.”

To Zuri, he sounded desperate to make her see things from his point of view. She supposed she
had
looked pretty pathetic. Once again, he touched her. Zuri felt the wetness seep into her veins and she relaxed further. His body secreted some type of hormone. The feeling was pleasant, but not enough to sway her thoughts.

“I volunteered to help the Zargonnii females. Kobe is a warrior under Citun’s command. Citun has a mother and sister we saved in there. Kobe will come for me. He said the Castians and Zargonnii don’t battle, but they’ll make an exception.”

He looked disappointed. “My name is Roam. What’s yours?”

“Zuri.”

Roam got up and began pacing. Zuri watched him for a moment. For a second, he stopped and the look in his eyes was enough to make Zuri pin her body into the corner of the bed. His shoulders then drooped, and he looked ashamed. He approached her hesitantly; when he sat on the bed, he stayed away from her.

“We were returning from Earth when we spotted the Zargonnii headed in the direction of the Gorgano. We wondered if they had learned of humans on the planet and decided to see for ourselves. When we realized they were only there on a mission to save female Zargonnii we decided to offer aid. Then I saw you. You—needed—saving.”

“You heard Kobe and the others call to me, you’re not being truthful.”

“A Castian can’t lie.”

“Then you’re omitting something. What is left of Earth?”

“Not much.”

“There was something left.”

“A human female. I found her inside a cave, frozen, starved. She died in my arms.”

“Your hopes of saving me can’t save her. Or your feelings of failure.”

“I know. But I had hoped to change your mind. I hoped I had saved you.”

Zuri moved closer. “Roam, you are nothing like a Tonan. The woman died; it wasn’t your fault.”

Roam gave her a half smile. “It will be interesting to see what your babe looks like.”

Zuri was openmouthed. He knew? “How?” she stammered. How the hell did other beings guess before she was positive?

“To a Castian, scent is everything. I can sense a little presence. Since I’m positive
I’m
not pregnant it has to be you.”

A frantic bellowing as the door slid open had Zuri scrambling to her feet.

“Roam, damn it. Her mate is aboard Citun’s vessel; he’s erupted and is threatening to wage war. This female is his.”

“I know, Rask. Tell him he can calm down. Zargonniis know a Castian warrior would never harm a female.”

“He knows that. He’s livid you will mate with her.”

Roam looked affronted. “I would never force a female.” His face then went red.

“Bring her to the deck. I’ll make sure to tell the Zargonnii that this was just a misunderstanding.” Rask turned and within seconds his shield was up and Zuri watched in amazement as he leapt over the balcony.

“This Kobe must care a great deal for you if he’s willing to take on a Castian army,” Roam said.

“He cares enough to take on a cyron army.”

“Now, that’s just crazy.”

Zuri smiled, she knew it was crazy; she also knew it was true.

Chapter 13

“I went crazy when I lost you.” Kobe had her in his arms the second the black hole opened onto the ship. Only Zuri came through as was commanded. Citun wasn’t positive he could control Kobe’s rage.

“I’m guessing you could bust a cyron’s balls.” Zuri smiled at his confused look. “You may not have maternal instincts, but you obviously have
killer
mate instincts. You had the Castians shitting bricks.”

Citun laughed. “I don’t know what a brick is, but I bet that would be uncomfortable. It’s nice to have you back where you belong. I also find it interesting I no longer seem to be allergic to you.” He eyed her up and down.

Zuri went red, but agreed it was good to be back with the Zargonnii. “The females?” she asked.

“Safe, on a lower level of the ship. My warriors and the females are feeling a tad uncomfortable. None of the females has ever been on a space vessel with their males, and two others are also related to the warriors. One is also a mother and sister. It’s bittersweet. But I admit it will be nice to visit with my mother, if I can stand my sister’s stench that is.”

Zuri groaned. In a way, it was a revelation and she grew concerned. What if she gave birth to a girl then had a son, how could they cohabitate. She then realized her worries could prove endless. She would have to take each day at a time. Then she felt a measure of hope surge. Zane had a son, Draven, half-brother to Luna; he didn’t seem repulsed by his sister. Perhaps like it was with the growing for battle mode, the females and males got the repulsing smell toward their siblings from their mothers. Wryly, she thought Kobe would get a kick out of that, him and his fragrance war.

“Citun you need to develop the Castian way of transportation, at least for humans,” Zuri said.

“What thrill is there to simply walking through a hole?” Citun asked.

“Honestly, I can do without the enthusiastic ‘weee,’” was her sarcastic reply.

Kobe crushed her tighter to his chest. “It’s time to go home.”

“I agree,” said Citun, then bellowed: “Let’s get this ship home, warriors.”

* * * *

It was good to be back, to be home. The word home was so long in coming it made Zuri cry. She had been worried for her human friends, but soon discovered her fears were unjustified. The human men had been set free to wander and gather in the meeting place with everyone else. Leo and Cash were no longer captives. The meeting place was where warriors and their male offspring gathered to play games, spar, talk, laugh. For now Zuri went along, knowing no one would dare harm her. It didn’t stop the males’ curiosity, even with Kobe growling at them. Her bald skin was an oddity.

She didn’t mind a warrior’s warm hand roaming her soft skin; they were always gentle and courteous. Zuri was surprised with the warriors; she had thought Kobe was a fluke. All of the warriors, whether they agreed with having humans as mates or not, were very respectful. Females and males may not cohabitate, but they did care for one another. When the female Zargonnii parted, it was with warm embraces, soft crooning. With Zuri’s help, they had communicated throughout the trip with sons and brothers. Citun didn’t appear so full of himself when he melted against his mommy. The idea made Zuri chuckle. They did love one another in their own way.

The little ones at the meeting hall were the most curious, and Zuri always had a double handful of children following her when the males came together, which was often. Miniature versions of their fathers, they were adorable. She often found Cash and Leo racing after three young males who were in their charge.

Leo was loved, in a different way. His warrior wanted to mate with Zargonnii females. The Holiday would soon be approaching, and the warrior needed Leo’s help caring for his two sons. Leo loved the Zargonnii male offspring; he loved being part of their lives. It showed on his happy face which had filled out again from the care and safety he received. Belonging, after he had joked his way through life. The warriors were responsible; after all, they thought he was small. Leo loved the idea of being considered fragile at his portly size. The Zargonnii boys he cared for in return were hell on wheels, but all loved him in their own way.

Cash was often seen chasing his warrior partner’s son who was born during the last Holiday. The child was huge and Zuri was amazed at how young he was. Cash had his hands full. Zargonnii male children were into everything and learned young how to spar. His sour temperament was kept to a minimum; he didn’t have time to be surly.

The place where the human males were first kept was opened as an addition to the meeting place. Numerous caverns from inside branched out to underground tunnels, leading to each separate home. After Zuri and Kobe had eaten, Kobe took her hand and laughingly shooed off the last of the curious children.

The tunnel to Kobe’s home was heated; as was the human males, it was the only other tunnel to stay warm. The tunnel lit as they walked and darkened behind them. A massive foot-thick door swung inward when Kobe threw his shoulder against it. It creaked then swung slowly inward; they were immediately mauled by a large pet toff. Caff was a bundle of blue-black fur and teeth. At first, Zuri was terrified of it; the creature resembled a bear. The way the toff played with Kobe was horrifying. It bit him and jumped on him. It seemed out of control. Kobe was quick to teach the toff it was not to play with Zuri in the same fashion. Thankfully, the pet was bright and quick to learn. It was deadly loyal.

After a proper greeting with the animal, Zuri went to stand by the window. Outside was a winter wonderland. The pastel lights of the sky were darkening as night was settling. Drifts of snow piled in the corners of the backyard against a twenty-foot high fence. The interior was warmed by a twelve-foot wide, five-foot tall hearth. Everything inside was soft and warm reminding Zuri of the blue berry pod. She was comfortable. For a second she thought she saw a snow drift move. More movement outside caught Zuri’s attention. She wasn’t mistaken.

“Kobe something is out there.”

Growling Kobe didn’t hesitate, he jumped through the window, followed closely by Caff. It gave way like Jell-O, not shattering. The window would only let in her and Kobe and the animal; it was programmed that way. Zuri watched with trepidation as she saw Kobe struggling with a monstrous thing. It was apparent he was dragging whatever it was. He disappeared for a moment from her view. When he came in he was smiling and covered in snow.

“What is it?” Zuri demanded.

“A cyron.”

“What?” She squealed.

“Don’t panic, it’s dead. It was a gift from my mother. I guess she figured you needed more security. Citun had planned a hunting party to get me another, guess my mother beat him to it. I know what I’ll be doing tomorrow. I’ll have Atin help me if you don’t mind watching Mrac; he’s still small enough to get lost in a snow drift.”

Zuri relaxed. “You realize once this baby is born, Unna will be around more often. At least I hope she will. She has to be the most interesting mother-in-law in the entire world.”

Kobe stopped dead in his tracks. “
What?”

“Mother-in-law. In my culture they joke the only good in-laws are dead in-laws. I lucked out.”

“No, I mean what baby?”

“When you were on duty Citun came by with Band who asked me a number of questions about humans. I kinda hinted I had a few concerns and he was really interested. He asked to examine me, I didn’t see the harm, he is your healer and Citun remained a respectful distance. I asked Band if he would know; your mother told me she thought I was carrying when we first met. I guess Band and Finn are friends, and Finn told him what to look for. Band is positive I’m carrying.”

“You never said anything.” Kobe flopped into the nearest chair, he appeared dumbfounded.

“I didn’t know for certain. I’ve never been pregnant, Kobe. The timing was wrong. The planet was wrong, the whole damned jungle was wrong...shit everything was wrong at the time. It’s not wrong now. You brought me home. Thank you for that. My home died and I never belonged after that. I belong now, with you. I have family again.”

Zuri moved forward to join him; she loved the overstuffed furry furniture. She went and sat in his lap. Kobe had given Zuri a beautiful warm wrap to wear. He said the pelt was made form a zuna.
Whatever the hell that was.
The hide was soft as silk and kept her warm from her underarms to her feet. As well as the moccasin slippers she had made.

Zuri opened her wrap and placed Kobe’s hand on her rounded belly. The telltale bump should have been a dead giveaway to Zuri, but she had harbored mixed feelings. She wanted a baby, she wanted Kobe’s baby, but would it be a boy or a girl? What did the future have in store for mixed children? There were some warriors on both continents who didn’t like the idea of humans and Zargonnii mating. They were adamant it was wrong. Was there any place in the universe where ‘live and let live’ was precedent?

The fire crackled and popped. For a while Kobe remained silent. Zuri let him digest the information. She didn’t blame him for not noticing; after all, he had never seen a pregnant female. He wouldn’t know what one looked like. After a few moments his hand slid around in circles. Zuri’s tummy gurgled and he snatched his hand away.