The crewmen were looking at her with wonder in their expressions. She shrugged. “I used to live here.”
One of them said, “That would explain it, and it is definitely a stirring description.”
“Um, thanks. Part of my change was being infected by a poet.”
The crew laughed.
They crossed the early-morning waves, and the vessel got bigger.
The zodiac was tied off when they reached the yacht. Moira looked at the crew on the vessel and said, “Permission to come aboard?”
The man grinned. “Permission granted.” He held out his hand and helped her up and out of the vessel, with the crew supporting her arms and a hand on her back.
Eden asked, “Do we have to ask?”
The crew shook their heads. “No, once asked for one vessel’s inhabitants, it just indicates you aren’t pirates, not that you would want to take on the owner of this vessel.”
The ladies were all helped up and then climbed a stairway. The crew escorted them up to the top deck, where a very cute family scene was taking place. A woman, who was definitely pregnant, was sitting and leaning against her alpha while another alpha was sitting and typing on a laptop.
The woman struggled to her feet when they arrived. “Hey! Welcome. I am Aeryn, my pillow is Sokar, and that is Loken. He’s game testing right now and very focused.”
Moira smiled. “I am Moira, this is Rache and Eden. Thanks for volunteering to transport us to Wonder.”
Aeryn stroked her belly. “We have finally collected the last of our furniture for our place on Breakridge, so it was literally on the way. Despite what Sokar wants, I am not giving birth on this ship. My child is going to have a country of origin, not justnear the creepy islandornext to the big reef.”
Sokar snorted and got up. “Creepy island?”
“Dude, all the stones on you are highly toxic. That is creepy.”
He sighed. “I suck the poison off for you.”
“Yes, and it tastes like grapes, but the modern era needs an actual country of origin. This little monster gets every advantage.” She patted her belly.
Eden said softly, “You wanted to get pregnant?”
Aeryn looked at her curiously. “I did, and the guys are making sure I don’t regret my decision. That is taking a lot of work. Mood swings are hellish.”
Eden blinked. “Right.”
Rache and Moira went to stroke Eden’s shoulders and hands.
Aeryn looked at them. “What am I missing?”
To Moira’s surprise, Eden said, “I have been used as a forced breeder for the last seven years. Six live births. Five of them were Elite, and one was to a family who actually wanted the baby. My brother sold myservices.”
Aeryn blinked. “Oh. Fuck. Does this bother you?”
“No. I can offer you some tips for support and movement practice, as well as exercises to help delivery.”
“Oh, well, in that case, sit by me. We are underway and should be there in mid-afternoon.”
Eden nodded. “My approach isn’t romantic and is very clinical. I realize you have a lot of information to draw on, so ask for anything, and I will be honest with you.”
Moira went to show Rache the open view as they began picking up speed.
“Do you think Eden will be all right?” Rache said softly.
“I think she will be fine. She is sharing with honesty and without duress. I think she needs to be able to talk about it. All of her births were successful, so that helps.”
