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“What is it?” I asked with concern.
She took a deep breath. “I’ve kept this to myself until I was certain, but now I’m nearly positive that fever was no curse or bad omen.”
I stared at her in confusion. “Then what caused it?”
“Kate, I believe you’re pregnant,” Alya revealed. “Carrying Kian’s child - the first half-Surlon baby our village has seen.”
My mouth dropped open in shock. Pregnant? With Kian’s baby? It seemed impossible, yet suddenly made perfect sense. My human body violently rejecting the blending of two different species...no wonder the healers were baffled.
“Are you certain?” I whispered.
Alya nodded. “The timing fits. And I know the signs from my own pregnancies. You show all of them - fatigue, appetite changes, nausea.”
My hands drifted down to rest atop my still-flat belly as I processed this. Pregnant. With Kian’s half-alien child...
Fear gripped me for a moment. Would my human body be able to carry this baby safely? Would the village accept it?
Sensing my anxiety, Alya squeezed my shoulder reassuringly. “All will be well, Kate. The worst has passed. Your body adapted, and the rest of your pregnancy should be much easier.”
Comforted by her calm certainty, my fears began to recede. She was right - if I’d survived the harshest rejection, the pregnancy likely would progress normally now. And this baby would bind Kian and me together in a whole new way.
“Are you going to tell Kian now?” Alya asked gently.
I shook my head, a smile breaking through my anxiety. “Maybe I should wait until after the wedding. But perhaps I’ll tell him tonight.” The thought of sharing this joyful secret with Kian made my heart leap.
“He’ll be thrilled,” Alya said confidently. “Now, we must finish preparing you for the ceremony!”
As she helped me out of the wedding gown to continue our tasks, joy and wonder continued rising within me. Pregnant. Carrying new life. My illness had passed, leaving hope.
Chapter 16
Kate
In a beautiful sunset ceremony, Kian and I wed before the Surlon people as their sheriff and his alien bride. The villagers celebrated with raucous music, dancing, and feasts late into the night, welcoming me into their tribe through my marriage to Kian.
I could hardly believe this was real as I stood hand in hand with Kian under the darkening pink and purple sky. The air was filled with sounds of celebration - drums beating out lively rhythms, strings plucked in fast-paced songs, voices raised in ululating cheers. All around us, the Surlons danced and sang to bless our union. I never imagined I’d find a home and family on this rugged desert planet when my ship first crashed here.
Kian’s eyes met mine, full of warmth and love. He squeezed my hands gently. My heart swelled. I knew beyond any doubt that I’d made the right choice binding my fate to his. We turned to face the cheering villagers, raising our joined hands high. More cheers erupted, and flower petals rained down upon us.
As darkness fell, bonfires are lit, illuminating the village. The tantalizing smells of roasting meats and bubbling stews wafted through the air. I was ravenous, having barely eaten all day from wedding preparations. Kian led me by the hand to the long wooden tables laden with food. My mouth watered at the feast before us - juicy roasted three-headed ram, spicy vegetable stew overflowing with exotic vegetables, toasted cactus bread, and more.
Kian filled my plate with the choicest morsels. I dug in eagerly, savoring the rich flavors. Around us, Surlons feasted and made merry late into the night. Someone passed Kian and me each a cup of purple cactus wine. I took a sip, just one tiny sip, delighted by the sweet, fizzy taste. Kian grinned at my reaction.
Alya embraced me tightly. “Welcome to our family, sister,” she said. I was so grateful for her guidance and friendship since I arrived here. Vala stood beside her, smiling now too.
“Come, Kate, it’s time for your wedding dance!” Alya insisted, pulling me into the throng of dancing Surlons. I tried to mimic their graceful movements as best I could. Kian cut in, taking me in his strong arms. He gazed at me like I was the only woman in the universe as we danced.
“You’ve made me the happiest man on Surlon,” he murmured. I told him I’ve never been happier either. We kissed tenderly beneath the starry sky.
The celebration stretched late into the night until finally the guests began drifting home. Arm in arm, Kian walked me to the house we would now share as husband and wife. My heart fluttered with anticipation. Inside, I found the space adorned with flowers and candles, creating a romantic glow.
Kian embraced me tightly. “My beautiful wife,” he whispered before his mouth claimed mine. His hands caressed me tenderly. I fumbled to remove his tunic, my fingers made clumsy by desire. He lifted me effortlessly and laid me down upon our bed.
His cobalt eyes gazed into mine, radiating devotion. With slow reverence, he undressed me, his ridged fingers gliding over my skin.
My heart pounded. His hands caressed my curves, igniting sparks under my flesh. He pulled me close, his lips brushing mine with tender passion.
I melted into his embrace, drowning in the scent of sandalwood and stargazes. “My heart, my world, my everything,” he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.
