“Sorry!” Lauren laughed again, delightedly. She could already tell she was going to love her new cousins.
Kat smiled. “I think we’d better go now, Lauren. Got to feed the pregnant lady before she gets mean.”
“Bye.” Lauren gave them all a little wave. “I’ll be in touch.”
“Please do,” Olivia said, suddenly serious. “Sophie and I are so glad you’re home.”
“So am I,” Lauren said. “You have no idea how glad.”
Lauren’s mom nodded at the viewscreen. “Good night, girls. We’ll talk to you later.”
“Call us anytime,” Sophia said. As their images faded slowly to a small glowing dot in the middle of the viewscreen, Lauren could still hear them arguing good naturedly about pizza toppings.
“Aren’t they something?” Lauren’s mom smiled. “I swear your cousin Olivia is just like my little sister.” She turned to Detective Rast. “I think we can go now that we’ve informed the Kindred that Lauren is home safely, don’t you?”
He nodded and shifted uncomfortably. “Of course. And I want to apologize for my, uh, argument with that girl—Nadiah. She just rubs me the wrong way but it wasn’t very professional on my part.”
“You don’t think she’s right, do you? That Lauren is still in danger?” Abby’s voice was tight and she squeezed Lauren’s shoulder hard.
“I’ll be fine, Mom.” Lauren kissed her cheek and tugged her toward the door. “Now could we please get out of the HKR building and get home? I really do need to take care of some things.”
Her mom sighed as they walked out into the balmy Florida night. “You’ve only been home a day, honey. Why don’t you take it easy?”
“My business isn’t going to run itself,” Lauren said, lifting her chin. “It’s been sitting empty, making no money for over a month and you know what rent on the Circle is like.”
“I’ve taken care of the rent so don’t worry about that.” Her mom smiled reassuringly. “Seriously, Lauren, you’ve been through a very traumatic event. You should rest. You might even want to think about getting some therapy.”
“Your mother is right,” Detective Rast said seriously. “I have the name and number of a counselor who works with victims who have been kidnapped and, uh, abused.”
“I know what you’re implying but nothing like that happened to me,” Lauren snapped, frowning. “Xairn protected me and he never laid a finger on me.”
“And I’m going to be forever grateful to him for that,” her mom said softly. “But don’t pretend to yourself that this didn’t happen. It did.”
Lauren sighed. “I’m not trying to pretend it didn’t happen, Mom. But I can’t get over it if I wallow in self pity all day. I need to get on with my life. And as for getting counseling, you know baking is always the best therapy for me. Just let me make a few dozen cupcakes and I’ll feel like my old self again.”
Her mother sighed doubtfully. “All right, if you’re sure…”
“You have my card if you change your mind and want to talk to someone.” Detective Rast gave her a level look. “I really recommend it. But you have to do what you feel is right for you.”
“I’m going to,” Lauren said firmly. She yawned, not faking it this time. “And right now what feels right is going home to bed.”
“I’m sure you’re exhausted.” Detective Rast smiled. “I’m very glad you’re home safely, Lauren. Your mother was terribly worried.”
“Thank you, Detective.” Lauren’s mother smiled. “Just send your bill to my e-mail and I’ll see that you’re paid.”
He shook his head. “No charge.”
“But you spent so much time on finding Lauren,” her mom protested. “Of course I’ll pay you.”
Rast shook his head again. “I didn’t find her and bring her home myself. So no charge. I am very glad she’s home though.” He smiled grimly. “I wish all my missing persons cases turned out so neatly.”
Lauren’s mom started to protest again but he simply shook his head and said, “Good night,” before leaving.
“Wow,” Lauren murmured as they headed to their car, which was parked a few feet away. “Now there goes a guy with issues. Maybe he’s the one that needs therapy.”
“He certainly did seem to have a problem with Sophia’s friend,” her mom agreed, as they got into the car. She looked troubled. “I wish he wasn’t so proud and stubborn! He’s spent all his time and resources on your case for the past month. I really need to compensate him for his trouble.”
“Send him a check,” Lauren suggested. She yawned again. “Look, Mom, I really need to get home. I left Xairn there all alone and this is his first time on Earth.”
Her mother looked at her doubtfully as she started the car. “Are you sure you want him to stay with you, honey? I mean, I could rent him a hotel room…”
“Mom!” Lauren frowned at her. “I’m a grown woman.”
“I know, I know.” Her mother sighed as she made the turn toward Saint Armand’s Circle. Luckily the Sarasota Human/Kindred relations building wasn’t too far from Lauren’s efficiency condo so they didn’t have far to drive. “I mean, he’s very handsome but he’s so big, honey. And he looks so, I don’t know…forbidding.”
Lauren wondered what her mother would say if she could see Xairn in his pre-DNA altered state. Though she kind of missed his striking red-on-black eyes, she was glad he didn’t have them now. “Mom, Xairn would never hurt me,” she said firmly. “And believe me, he’s had plenty of chances. He protected me from the AllFather and saved my life over and over. He left his home and renounced his entire race to come stay with me. I love him.”
“I can see that you do, honey. It’s just that I almost lost you—I did lose you. And I couldn’t bear to lose you again.” Her mom pulled up to the condo and parked beside Lauren’s car. The Kindred Ship Xairn had used to bring them back had turned into a small silver car which was parked around the back.
“You won’t lose me.” Lauren leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I promise you that. I’m staying right here where I belong from now on.”
“I hope so.” Her mom looked troubled. “I’ll walk you to the door.”
Lauren laughed. “Mom, it’s three feet. But okay, if you want to.”
“I do.” They both got out and her mother took her by the arm protectively.
“Fine, Mom.” Lauren was pretty sure she just wanted another chance to check out Xairn, whom she’d only gotten to meet briefly before Detective Rast had called them to the HKR building. But if it made her feel better, Lauren supposed she couldn’t blame her. Her mom was actually showing great restraint considering the circumstances; Lauren didn’t mind showing off Xairn one more time if it put her mind at ease.
“You know, the manger told me unit 12B is empty right now,” her mom said, pressing her arm. “It’s a lot bigger than this little place and it has two bedrooms. I could come by tomorrow and help you move in.”
“Mom.” Lauren gave her mother a look of exasperated affection. “It’s bad enough that I’m mooching off you by living in a complex you own without taking the nicest condo in the place! Besides, I like my little efficiency. It’s cozy.”
“But is it really big enough for two people?”
“It’s fine,” Lauren assured her. “And don’t worry, Xairn packs light. In fact, he literally came with only the clothes on his back. I need to take him shopping tomorrow and get him some Earth clothes.” She smiled at her mom. “You can come too, if you want. It’ll give you a chance to get to know him better and we can do lunch.”
“I’d like that.” Her mother squeezed her arm. “And, honey, don’t be mad at me for saying this but if you ever feel the least bit unsafe, just call me, okay? The place I’m staying is only a few miles down the road and I’ll be here in a heartbeat. I mean, I know you like this guy but let’s not forget he was basically the one who kidnapped you in the first place.”
“No he wasn’t.” Lauren frowned. “His father did. Mom, how many times do I have to tel
l you Xairn won’t hurt me?”
“I know you think that. But—”
“Your daughter has nothing to fear from me.” Xairn was suddenly standing there, his arms crossed over his chest. He was so big that his shoulders filled the entire doorway. Lit from behind as he was, he looked like a monstrous shadowy figure emerging into the night.
Lauren bit her lip. Her mom was right—he really did look kind of threatening. Not that she felt threatened at all—she had perfect trust in Xairn. But she wished he looked a little less scary for her mom’s sake. She felt her mom stiffen beside her and for a moment she drew Lauren close. “Hello,” she said clearly, looking at Xairn. “I’m sorry if you heard that but I can’t help being worried about my baby. Especially after what she went through.”
“Of course you’re worried, Mom,” Lauren said. “But please try not to be. If anything I’m safer with Xairn in the house. Can you imagine anyone being stupid enough to try anything with him around?”
Her mother took another look at Xairn’s massive shape and gave a shaky laugh. “No, I guess not.”
“There you go, then.” Lauren squeezed her arm reassuringly. “Can I go now?”
“Just one more thing. Come here.” Her mom pulled her into a warm hug and held her close. “Oh sweetheart, I was so worried about you. I know you’re home safe now but just give me a little time to believe it. I was so afraid I’d never see you again.”
“I was afraid of that too.” Lauren was surprised to feel tears pricking at her eyelids. “But I’m back now. Back to stay, I promise.”
Her mom sniffed and Lauren realized she was crying a little too. “I thought about you, Mom,” she admitted in a low voice. “It was all that kept me going until I started to get to know Xairn.”
“I love you, honey.” Lauren’s mom gave her a kiss on the cheek and then on the forehead. “So very, very much. Don’t ever forget it.”
“I won’t.” Lauren sighed as her mom finally let go. “We’ll see you tomorrow.”
“All right. But I have one more thing to say.” Wiping her eyes, Lauren’s mom straightened her shoulders and marched up to stand toe-to-toe with Xairn. She was a good foot and a half shorter than him so the effect was kind of like a Pomeranian confronting a Pit-bull, but Abby Jakes wasn’t one to back down. “You take good care of my baby girl,” she said clearly, staring him in the eyes. “I appreciate you bringing her home safe but I still don’t know you well enough to trust you completely. Don’t make me regret leaving her here with you tonight.”
“Mom!” Lauren was horrified but to her surprise, Xairn didn’t give back an angry retort. Instead he bowed deeply from the waist. When he straightened up, he looked at her mother seriously.
“Please believe me when I say I would rather die than harm your daughter,” he said in a low voice. “I vow to you that I will protect her with my life.”
“Well!” Lauren’s mom seemed surprised at his response. “Um, thank you very much Mr. Xairn.”
Lauren stifled a smile. “It’s just Xairn, mom. His people don’t have last names.” Walking up the steps, she took Xairn by the arm. His big body was tense—his muscles as tight and hard as iron. Was something wrong? Was he offended by her mom’s lack of trust? “We’ll see you tomorrow,” she told her mother firmly.
“All right.” Reluctantly, her mother nodded. “I love you.”
“Love you too.” Lauren smiled at her and nudged Xairn toward the door. “Come on—let’s get inside before the mosquitoes eat us alive.”
He looked around alertly. “You have carnivorous beasts near this residence? Should I get a weapon?”
Lauren laughed. “No, silly—mosquitoes are just bugs. They don’t hurt when they bite but they leave itchy red welts on your skin. So let’s go.”
“Very well.” He nodded once more to her mother. “I bid you goodnight, mother of Lauren.”
Her mother smiled faintly. “You can call me Abby, I suppose.”
“Abby, then,” Xairn said. “Good night. And please don’t have any more fear for your daughter.”
“I’ll try not to.” Lauren’s mom still sounded worried but at least she was headed for her car. “Good night.”
“Good night.” Lauren waved at her. She waited until her mom had started the car and then tugged Xairn back into the condo and closed the door.
She was finally back home but she had a feeling it was going to be a long, long time before things really got back to normal.
Chapter Twenty
“Your mother does not trust me.” Xairn crossed his arms over his chest and looked down at the simple white tile flooring.
Lauren’s living space was small but attractively arranged. It had high ceilings and the walls were painted a pale, sunny yellow that made the space seem larger than it was. There was a small living area set off by a short blue couch, as one first stepped in the door. Diagonally across from the couch was a bed that looked to be a little smaller than the one they’d shared in Slk’s guest suite. Facing the bed and separated by a small archway was a tiny food prep area.
The bathroom, which was at the far end of the living area, was the only room separated from the rest of the space by a door. Everything else was contained in one small area. Lauren had told him the arrangement was called an efficiency apartment. It was smaller than the bare metal rooms Xairn had kept aboard the Fathership, but warmer too. In fact, he liked it—or thought he would once he got used to it.
“She’s just worried about me.” Lauren sat down on the side of the bed. As soon as they reached her living space she had changed into much more form fitting clothes than the garment Xairn had bought her in O’ah—jeans and a t-shirt, she called them. All Xairn knew was that the tight bottoms clung to her rounded ass and the soft, thin material of the top stretched across her full breasts in a most distracting way.
“She has a right to be worried,” he murmured, trying not to see how the outlines of her nipples were faintly visible through the shirt.
“She’ll be fine once I’ve been back home awhile.” She patted the spot beside her. “Come here.”
Xairn looked at her warily. “Why?”
Lauren sighed. “Because I want you beside me—near me. I love you, Xairn. People who love each other show it by being close and touching.”
He frowned and settled carefully on the bed beside her. “You mean the way you and your mother were holding each other?”
“Exactly.” Lauren scooted closer to him until she was leaning against his arm. She looked up at him. “You really never had anyone hug you?”
Xairn looked down at his hands. “I…I had a nursemaid for a little while—just until I was able to fend for myself. Then my father took me from her. She used to hold me on her lap when I was very small.” He shook his head. “But there’s been no once since then. Not until you.”
“Oh Xairn honey, how sad.” Lauren pressed closer to him. “Come here and let me hug you.”
Awkwardly, Xairn lifted his arm and let her press against his side. He felt the softness of her body and smelled the warm scent of her skin—the scent that marked her as his. Gods, she felt good! Too good. “Lauren?” he said hesitantly but she only pressed closer.
“Put your arms around me and hold me close,” she directed. Feeling helpless to disobey, Xairn did as she said. When he was holding her soft, warm body against his own Lauren sighed contentedly. “See, isn’t this nice? It’s good to be close. Warm. Comforting.”
There were other words Xairn would have used to describe the sensation of her body pressed against his but ‘nice, warm, and comforting’ were not it. He’d been feeling strangely melancholy as he watched the interaction between Lauren and her mother but now his body came to life in another way. His secondary shaft stiffened in his flight pants and his skin prickled with pleasure and desire at her touch. Strangest of all, for some reason his eyes felt hot—just as they had when he was enraged and defending her back on O’ah.
What’s happening to me? Am I going to
lose control? He shifted uncomfortably on the bed and Lauren shifted with him. Somehow they wound up lying on the bed instead of sitting on it, with her draped over his left side.
“Mmm.” Lauren snuggled closer. Her breasts pressed against the side of his chest and her knee brushed casually against the hard ridge of his shaft.
Xairn stiffened but tried not to move. Clearly this was something Lauren wanted—to hold and be held by the one she loved. But Gods, how hard it was to fight his natural impulse to flip her over, tear off her clothes and take her! His fingers itched to cup her breasts and pinch her nipples and his shaft throbbed to be inside her, filling her sweet wet cunt with his cum—marking her, bonding her.
I could tie her hands above her head with my belt—stretch her out to fully appreciate her beautiful body. Could tease her for hours until I finally took her. I want to hear her moaning my name as I fuck her, as I mark her as mine forever…No! He had to get hold of himself! Taking a deep breath, Xairn fought for control.
“Relax,” Lauren murmured, her warm breath tickling his ear. “You’re tight as a wire, baby. Don’t you like snuggling with me?”
“It’s very stimulating, this…snuggling,” Xairn admitted in a strangled voice.
“Well, it’s supposed to be relaxing.” Humming contentedly, she slipped a hand into his shirt to stroke his chest. Her fingertips slid, cool and ticklish, over the raised letters of the brand the Judge of the Market had put on him. Xairn jumped. “I’m sorry.” She looked up at him. “Does this still hurt?”
“No,” he said stiffly. “I am a fast healer.”
“Your eyes…” She bit her lip. “For a minute they went back to their old color.”
“Did they?” He shrugged. His eyes felt hot again in their sockets and he wondered if that had anything to do with it. “Don’t worry,” he told Lauren, who still looked concerned. “It wasn’t because it hurt when you touched me.”
“It was hard for me to watch them do it,” she whispered. “To know you were being hurt for my sake and there was nothing I could do about it.”