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I nodded. “There’s no doubt. It’s why I was so sick before, but my body has adjusted. The child and I are both healthy. We made a baby, Kian.”
“A baby,” he breathed, wonder in his tone. He placed a hand over my still-flat belly, his palm warm against my skin.
“Our baby,” I affirmed, covering his hand with my own.
“Our child.” Emotion thickened his voice. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the galaxy.”
“And you’ve made me the happiest woman,” I whispered.
We shared a smile, joy and excitement and love passing between us. The future we’d build together was no longer abstract, but tangible in the new life we’d created.
Our child. The thought filled me with warmth and wonder. The adventure was just beginning.
***
The next morning I awoke curled in Kian’s arms, beams of sunlight streaming through the windows. Last night felt almost like a dream, but the betrothal necklace around my neck confirmed it was real. I watched Kian sleeping peacefully beside me. My husband. This stoic, duty-bound man who once viewed me with such suspicion was now my partner in life.
I slipped from bed to stoke up the cooking fire. Soon, the rich aroma of simmering coffee filled the air - an Earth luxury I’d sorely missed, but one that Kian was able to get from a trader as a wedding present for me. The scent roused Kian. He joined me by the fire, kissing my neck tenderly.
“Something smells delicious,” he remarked. I poured us both mugs of coffee. Kian sampled it cautiously. His eyes widened in surprise. “This is wonderful!” he proclaimed. I just laughed, thrilled to share something from my culture with him too. We sat close together, sipping our coffee and talking softly about plans for the future stretching out before us.
A new chapter of my life on Surlon had begun. I knew there would be challenges ahead, but with Kian by my side, I felt ready to face anything. His love and the welcoming embrace of the Surlon people had given me the home I never expected to find out here among the stars.
After breakfast, we walked hand in hand to the village center where Kian had sheriff duties to attend to and I had my own tasks.
“Until tonight, my love,” Kian said, kissing me goodbye. I watched him stride off, my heart full. Then I made my way toward Alya’s dwelling. She insisted I still have much to learn about managing a Surlon household before I was left to my own devices.
Chapter 17
Kate
I awoke to the pale light of dawn filtering through the windows of the dwelling I now shared with Kian as his mate. Beside me, my husband remained sound asleep, his muscular blue arm draped heavily over my waist. I smiled and nestled closer, cherishing these quiet moments alone together before the village stirred to life.
In the two months since our wedding, I had been adjusting to my new role as Kian’s wife and integrating into the tight-knit Surlon community. As an outsider, there were many customs I still struggled to grasp, but I was determined to embrace this new path. Especially now that I carried Kian’s child within me.
I gently extricated myself from under Kian’s arm, taking care not to wake him. He needed his rest after long days working to keep the village safe. As sheriff, he bore heavy responsibilities, and I did not wish to be a burden. Silently, I dressed and tidied up from last night’s meal.
Just then, a soft knock sounded at the door. I opened it to find Alya, a basket of herbs and salves in her hands.
“I’ve brought some tinctures to help maintain your health and the babe’s,” she said warmly.
I thanked her and invited her inside. Among Surlon women, pregnancy was treated with great care and solemnity. I was expected to spend my days resting, eating only the most nutritious foods, and avoiding strenuous activity that might endanger the child. It chafed against my normally adventurous spirit, but I understood it was tradition.
Alya instructed me to drink a bitter herbal concoction, assuring me it would give the baby strength. I forced it down, fighting back a grimace at the taste. Kian was heading out for the day’s work, and he stifled a chuckle as I choked the elixir down.
Though I appreciated Alya’s attentiveness, at times I felt coddled like a child. I knew it came from a place of love, but I yearned for the freedom of my old life traveling the stars. With effort, I swallowed my restlessness and resigned myself to this new path. If this was my duty as Kian’s mate, I would embrace it fully. But I longed to do something as simple as go for a walk outside the village boundaries. Just a little exploring…
After Alya left, I passed the morning hours puttering around the dwelling, tidying items and preparing a hearty lunch for Kian and myself. I hummed an old Surlon folk tune as I worked, reminding myself to visit Vala soon for a lesson on traditional music. She had been teaching me the basics, and I wished to show her how I’d practiced.
The day stretched on at a sluggish pace. I kept busy with minor tasks, but my usual restless energy left me antsy. Several times I glanced out the window at the village center, watching the Surlon men saddling their siroccos for the hunt. My fingers itched to take up the reins and ride out with them, as I’d done on so many adventures. But I knew such rigorous activity was forbidden in my condition.
With a resigned sigh, I retreated back inside and settled down to mend Kian’s worn shirt. I smiled softly, caressing the fabric, picturing him wearing it. However confining this new life was, being Kian’s mate filled me with joy. I cherished our deep bond and could not wait to welcome our child.
As dusk approached, Kian returned home exhausted from his duties. I greeted him with a fierce embrace, savoring his earthy, masculine scent.
“How are you feeling?” he asked, cupping my cheek tenderly. His eyes radiated concern.
“Well enough,” I replied. “Though going slowly drives me crazy sometimes.”
