Lynn grinned. “No rest for the wicked.”
Coto chuckled, opening his arms. “I know what that means. Give him to me, second mother.”
The woman approached the bed and handed over their son. “I will cook a feast of all your favorite foods. I know today is important.” She fled.
Lynn leaned against Coto, peering at the miniature replica of the man she loved. “He’s just like you.”
“He has your hair color.”
“I meant about always having an appetite.”
He glanced at her breasts. “Always.”
“He wants milk. I know what you want and it’s not milk,” she teased. “I’m glad we have Arnia to help us. Your grandma is a lifesaver.”
“Not at this moment.”
Lynn laughed and took the baby. “I’ll feed him, then we’ll give him back to her. The morning isn’t over yet.”
Coto grinned. “It isn’t. I have a lot of things planned to do to you today.”
“You mean with me?”
He shook his head, amusement gleaming in his beautiful eyes. “No. To you.”
“I really love you.”
“I’m really going to love you. This one needs a brother or sister.”
Lynn turned her body, pressing her back against Coto’s chest and he snuggled her close. “At least our second child will be conceived on Zorn.”
“I kept you distracted from your fear of heights and traveling through space in a ship.”
“You most certainly did. Thank you.”
“For what?”
She turned her head, holding his gaze. “For capturing me on that riverbank and keeping me with you.”
“You did escape while I was sleeping.”
“But you found me and later talked me into making the best decision I ever made.”
“I was prepared to throw you over my shoulder and carry you back to our campsite if you said no. I couldn’t let you go. It would have destroyed my heart.”
“Mine too,” she admitted.
“Now we’re both whole and happy.”
“Yes, we are.”
Their son chose that moment to let out a tiny roar.
Lynn laughed. “He’s just like you, only not as loud when he’s frustrated.”
“Feed him so we can return him to my second mother. We have plans.”
“Yes, we do.”
Bridal Bonds
Leora Gonzales
Dedication
I was named after my grandmother, Leora, whom I miss deeply. I vividly remember getting sacks of tattered, moldy-smelling romance novels that she would buy at garage sales. She helped feed my hunger for books, something I will never forget.
Tina, you have become a close friend and I will never get bored talking to you. Your talent, life experience and generous heart make you an amazing woman. Plus, you get bonus points for putting up with Richard…that’s kind of a big deal.
Most importantly, I want to dedicate this to my husband. I was lucky enough to find a man who is super smart, loving, hilarious and also diabolical. When I said that I wanted to write but had no computer, I had no idea he was going to surprise me with a new laptop. There went my list of excuses. Touché, Richard. Touché.
Prologue
“My fellow Americans, negotiations have concluded with the Phaeton Warrior race. After speaking to their council of leaders, we have learned that the Phaeton race has been surviving by using cloning. Unfortunately the science that they have used has resulted in a low female birth rate. For their species to survive, they have been searching other planets for potential mates.
“The State Department has decided to initiate a ‘mate match’ for single female volunteers to apply for what we are referring to as the ‘Bridal Pact’. In exchange for these volunteers, we will be able to use the Phaetons’ medical advancements to save American lives. We will have access to a new fuel source that will all but eliminate our need for oil, both foreign and domestic. And we will also have the protection of their military from other species that may discover Earth.
“This is not a draft. It is completely voluntary. Women who apply will be compensated for filling out an application and signing the contract. We want to assure you that your safety and the safety of your sisters, daughters and friends will be our number-one concern. We are working on a profiling system with national dating sites and the Phaeton Council to make matches, similar to what many of you have used in the past to find companions. As of right now this is only open to women who fall within certain criteria but may be expanded after an initial trial period passes.
“Please keep an open mind and know that the safety of our citizens and country is our top priority. Women wishing to volunteer or get more information can contact their local Intake Centers, which will be listed by state following this news conference or found at bridal-pact-dot-state-department-dot-gov. This is an exciting time for our country and its people.”
Chapter One
Four weeks ago
Andi was in shock. Confusion consumed everything around her as the medical team approaching the shuttle scrambled to help the women who were losing blood. As the doctors started working frantically, docking bay security formed a blockade to stop the women’s husbands fighting their way toward their wounded brides.
She was safe. She was alive. She was on Squadron One.
The mantras kept running through her mind as she struggled to convince herself that their ordeal was over. She turned her attention to the women, both those standing and those on the ground receiving medical attention, and tears of relief as well as sadness and anger pricked her eyes.
Jumping when a hand landed on her shoulder, she was quickly pulled into a hug.
“Thank goodness you are all right,” Zane breathed into her hair. Squeezing her tightly, he rocked her, soothing her.
Their bridal match might not have turned out as either one of them had expected, but she did love Zane. Her almost-husband had become one of her closest friends, her only friend really, on the ship. Both of them had realized early on that marriage between them would be a mistake. Instead of feeling attraction, shortly after being matched the pair had felt as close as siblings. They joked, laughed and teased each other with zero sexual attraction between them.
“Zane, I can’t believe it,” she mumbled against his leather-clad chest. “I can’t believe it.”
“If I had known where the escort was—” Zane started only to have her interrupt.
“There was no way you could have known.” The tears that had been threatening to fall from her eyes had begun stinging her lids.
“What happened?” Zane’s tone was soft as he rubbed her back.
“She will be debriefed soon.”
The loud voice startled both of them. Turning in unison, Andi still snuggled against Zane’s chest, they faced the man who spoke.
“Councilor Wheaton,” Zane addressed the man in front of them.
“Are you her husband?” Andi jerked her head at the unconscious woman in the big warrior’s arms.
“Yes, I am hers.” Hugging his wife closer, Wheaton nodded.
The love that the councilor had for his wife was obvious. Andi could read it plainly on his face and felt a pang in her heart. This was exactly what had been missing between her and Zane.
“She said you would find us.” The tears that she had struggled to hold in were now dripping down her cheeks.
“I will always find her,” Councilor Wheaton assured her, leaving no doubt he meant every word he said. “After you are examined at the med center, we will be asking you questions.”
“But—” Andi sputtered.
“It is not an option. You will need to give your account of the last six hours as well as to help identify the warriors involved in your abduction.”
The councilor’s tone left no room for argument. Unable to do anything more than nod, Andi hugged Zane closer.
“Do not worry. Once you are finished talking to them, I will make you some
pizza and we can watch your favorite movie,” Zane offered.
“Can you stay with me tonight?” Andi pleaded, rubbing her nose against the leather in front of it.
“Of course. We can even make pallets in the main room like we did when we first lived together.”
After their union had been dissolved, Andi had been assigned separate quarters by the Phaeton Council. The new living situation had ended their all-night movie marathons and pizza binges. Andi had been grateful when Zane still managed to arrange his lunches with her when his schedule permitted. They had kept their sibling-like bond strong regardless of her being scheduled to be sent home to Earth.
“Come on, let’s get to the medical center.” Zane tugged her along as he started walking.
The pair followed the group of warriors and their rescued brides. Ahead of them, the doctors were still treating the women as they all moved forward. From her training as a nurse on Earth, Andi assumed that meant they had stabilized the women enough to move them for further medical treatment.
As the group made its way to their destination, one of the women broke off and ran at Andi.
“Oomph.” The hug from Val caused the air to leave Andi’s lungs in a quick rush.
“Thank you!” Val blurted out. “The doctors said that without your help the brides wouldn’t have made it.”
“Just doing my job.” Andi gave her normal nurse’s response.
“Well, you still were amazing,” Val argued, hugging her yet again.
“Ummm…thanks.”
Andi hadn’t really done anything. By the time she had figured out the women needed medical attention, it had simply been a matter of making sure they didn’t choke when they were sick, keeping them calm and monitoring them as best she could. After the women had started bleeding, the other women had bunched up the bedsheets in their cell and tried to pack them around the brides. Her medical training had told her that it would do no good by that point. Three of the women were losing the babies they had been carrying.
“Val, we were told that there will be a debriefing. I am sure the council wants to speak to you as well,” Zane interrupted, obviously sensing Andi was uncomfortable with the attention being given to her.
Andi glanced around. The men who were waiting on their wives were now staring. Having been focused on their brides earlier, none of them had paid any attention to her. It was a completely different story now. All of them were focused on her as if she were a bug under a microscope.
“You are Andrea?” came a gruff voice from behind her.
Andi jumped and squeaked, having been unaware anyone was standing behind her and Zane. She forgot about Val as she turned. A large warrior stood in front of her with his shoulders hunched. His posture was one that someone would take on if they were about to charge forward, causing her to move even closer to her friend.
“Yes?” Andi’s answer came out as a question instead of an affirmative.
The man came forward quickly. His body moved at a speed she had not expected, given his large size. Zane stiffened beside her.
Andi turned slightly and closed her eyes. Bracing for an impact that never arrived, she was shocked when her hand was lifted and clutched in a strong grip. Breathing fast, she peeked open one eye.
The man was holding her hand up to his mouth. Fearing that he was about to take a chunk out of her skin, she started to pull away, when she felt him kiss her fist. Surprised by his action, she couldn’t help her mouth dropping open like a fish gasping for water.
The warrior, his shoulders hunched, curled around her. His embrace bumped a protesting Zane back a few feet. The newcomer leaned down and buried his face in her neck.
Breathing heavily, he whispered, “You saved her. You saved my Izzie.” His big body shook as if he were on the verge of crying or already doing so at that point.
Patting the gigantic man whose arms she was essentially dangling from, Andi searched for Zane.
Zane was standing still with an expression of complete shock on his face. She cleared her throat, trying to get his attention to her face. When he finally looked up at her, amazement on his features, she mouthed, “What the fuck?”
Did warriors cry? From what was happening on her shoulder, she could attest that yes, warriors did indeed cry. The other men in the room must have noticed how uncomfortable she was, because she was soon being lowered to her feet.
Two large men were clapping the man on the shoulders. As if he were waking up, he shook his head and bowed shortly to her.
“My friends call me Andi,” she said awkwardly, unsure how to deal with the big warrior.
“I apologize if I scared you.” His voice hoarse with grief, he lifted red eyes to meet hers. “I am just so grateful for what you were able to do for my Izzie. You will always have my help if needed. Just ask.” The vow was given with another short bow before he allowed himself to be led into the med center by the other warriors.
Both his companions bowed to her, indicating that they felt the same.
“This would be a moment where ‘holy shit’ is appropriate, isn’t it?” Zane’s amused voice said from her side.
“Yeah. Holy shit. Did you see that dude pick me up as if I weigh nothing?”
“Hey! I can pick you up too!” Zane argued, obviously needing to defend his manhood and muscles.
“Sure ya can,” she said in a voice filled with doubt, teasing him.
“Andrea.” The voice that interrupted their bantering caused Zane to immediately assume a more formal posture, his hands going behind his waist, spine straight and eyes forward.
“Yeah?” Pissed at the constant attention, Andi propped her hands on her hips.
“I am Councilor Kaine.” Nodding to her once, the man turned his attention to Zane. “You are dismissed, Officer.”
“But he’s—”
“He can escort you to your quarters once we are finished with debriefing.” Kaine’s voice left no room for argument.
“Yes sir,” Zane answered, bowing stiffly. Turning back to Andi, he ordered, “Stay in the med center until I can come and get you.”
“Yes sir,” Andi mocked, breaking up her annoyance with a smile.
She’d turned around, ready to get this whole debriefing thing done with, when she noticed Councilor Kaine had been watching them closely.
“What?” Her patience and manners were out the window. The day had been too fucking long for her to pretend to be nice anymore.
“I am curious.” He tilted his head at her, studying her intently.
“About?”
“I am curious as to why your union was dissolved,” he explained. “It is obvious you care about each other. In fact, when we told Zane that you and the other brides were missing, he became frantic.”
“Nah, we never would have made it.”
At his questioning gaze, she elaborated, “We’re like brother and sister.”
Nodding as if he had finally understood their situation, he held out his arm for her to take.
“We will get your account of what happened in this room. I am sorry we will be unable to leave the medical center to do this. We are needed there until we receive word on the prognosis of the injured females. As soon as we are finished, I will have you escorted to your apartments. We still must continue on our way to our planet, so there will be a delay in your being able to go home. I have requested that we only dock for a few short weeks on Phaeton so we can start the journey to Earth’s orbit as soon as possible.”
“We will be at the planet in one week?” she asked.
“Yes, after refueling and transferring supplies, we will again lift off. I am estimating that it will take three weeks max until we will be fully charged for another journey. I do apologize for the delay, but it is unavoidable. You will have some time to explore and relax while there. Once we leave Phaeton, we will arrive within shuttling distance in approximately three weeks. After that, you will be escorted home as soon as we are able to.”
Following Kaine, she w
alked into the main med center room. Andi could hear the doctors in the first exam room working above a prone figure.
“Let’s get this over,” she said with a tired sigh.
The day couldn’t end soon enough.
Chapter Two
Sitting at a round table, Andi drummed her fingers on its surface, staring at the men in front of her. When she had entered the room with Kaine, she had expected it to be empty. Instead, another council member was seated at a table, tapping on a tablet in front of him.
“This is Councilor Hudson.”
The warrior nodded once to her before Kaine continued speaking. “He will be witness to your account. We have ascertained that your abduction was planned and carried out by the Verge,” he explained. “The Verge used to be a part of Phaeton society, and our split was amicable for the most part. No attacks had been made prior to this and we are unsure if they have planned any further attacks. We are hoping that you can answer some of the council’s questions.”
“I don’t get it. These guys aren’t part of Phaeton, but they used to be your friends, so they were hanging out on the ship?” Her confusion was obvious.
“They were more than our friends. They were our brothers and fellow council members. When they defected, we believed for all intents and purposes that it would be a peaceful split and we would deal with them as we do any other alien race with whom we trade. Today’s plot was carried out by men whom we believed to be still loyal to Phaeton. What happened has opened many of our eyes to the lengths that this group would go to to destroy us. We also have to accept that more traitors could be amongst the crew. I can speak no further on this subject… Please start at the beginning.” His voice sounded weary.
“Well…I guess I should start with this morning.” Andi cleared her throat. “This morning, I received a message that I would be escorted to fill out the final paperwork to dissolve the contract between Zane and me.” She paused for a moment, shrugging. “I thought that we had already finished the forms but the man on the message said it was a council requirement so I didn’t question it. I called Zane and told him that I had more papers to fill out and just waited for them to show up.” She cleared her throat again and searched the room. “Do you mind if I have some water? My throat is hurting a little.”