Knowing she enjoyed herself while he took this time finishing plans and preparing for Mwe’s arrival brought him peace. He hoped she would wake in time to meet with him. Later, he could spend some much-needed time with her before they ventured to Liskta to pick up their cubs from Masmi’s villa.
Glancing at her Favored, Zirene could already see improvements. Their coloring was fuller than it had been in the Cryopod, though it still seemed faded, like they were covered with white sand from the beach. He couldn’t see any of their appendages reforming and hoped those injuries weren’t permanent. Xylo’s fathers had stated they could regrow, but over a long time, and only if his sire hadn’t attacked them with poison, as well as his claws.
For their sake, Zirene prayed his sire hadn’t been so ruthless. He knew his clanbrothers wouldn’t feel like themselves while missing their appendages. They were already considered outsiders within their species, due to their strange coloring and unique characteristics—losing appendages would only make them stand out more. No matter what, he would find a way to support them through their transition.
The double doors of his office slid open with a hiss.
Zirene turned to see Kaede leading Oeta, Ryzen, Zyxel, and Celyze inside to stand before his desk.
“Have you two settled your differences?” He glanced between Kaede and Oeta, knowing they both had the best intentions for Selena and were trying to protect her in their own way. “Or do you need to fight it out in the yard?”
“I wouldn’t waste my time fighting her,” Kaede scoffed, crossing his arms. “She doesn’t fight fair, and I don’t want my mind wiped by her dearest father when he arrives.”
“As if you would last that long,” Oeta retorted, rolling her eyes. “Don’t complain about me not fighting fair when you have thousands of drones—and an Oetsae—at your beck and call.”
“That’s enough.” Zirene raised his paw to silence them. Kaede bickered with her more than with B and Q. “I believe Kaede already received a verbal lashing from both of us, and he’s made clear he has no intention of leaving Selena. She’s pregnant, he is the father, and the rest of our clan is in some healing trance. Now isn’t the time to argue. My clan needs protection and time to heal.”
“Why do they need protection?” Ryzen’s eyes scanned the room, and his emerald tattoos flared to life. “I thought this moon was safe.”
“It’s the safest location in the Aldawi empire and, perhaps, the galaxy.” Zirene gave him a wide, toothy grin as a warning. “Between the protection Kaede and his sisters provide, my Aldawi military forces, and the retired Circuli warriors, anyone who sets foot on this moon does not make it off alive unless I deem it so.”
“You forgot about me.” Oeta jerked her head up, purposely avoiding eye contact to show she wasn’t declaring a challenge. “I am just as dangerous.”
“That is correct, but your primary loyalty is to the CEG, not the Aldawi empire—”
“Correction, if I may, Sire.” Oeta rolled her head over, her long, fuchsia mohawk flopping to the side, exposing her neck to him. “You made me a Fab Five sister, and I fully accepted, knowing I would have to pick sides. While my father may be the Chamber Master, my loyalties lie with the Aldawi empire. Selena is the sister I’ve never had, and you sponsored me, allowing me to finish my late mother’s research when no one else offered. Loyalty is all you asked for, and I offer mine gladly. I will forever be in your debt.”
“Protection for my clan is what I ask in return,” Zirene announced to Oeta, scanning the outsiders. Each was uniquely dangerous. “If you seek to repay me, protect my clan, and whatever aid or funding you need is yours. Your mother’s research is important to my demi-human citizens and the rest of the CEG. The other territories were foolish—or perhaps afraid of a powerful female who is the daughter of the Assembly Chamber Master joining their ranks. I am not, for I see your potential.”
“Thank you, Sire.” She bowed her head. “My will is yours.”
“Report on Selena and our clan.”
“I supervised while Chyox and Usthu carried out her full examination. Xylo’s fathers offered their support, since they are curious about their son’s nestqueen. Her records show she is well. Her readings are healthy, even though her nutrition is lacking, which is normal for pregnant females as their bodies adjust to growing and supporting life.”
Oeta turned and stared at the live vidscreen covering the wall. She adjusted her wings. “Xylo’s and Odelm’s bodies have stabilized and begun healing, which you can track by their changing colors, and the princes’ bodies continue to recover. Euouae said it might be a few days before he’s comfortable removing them from their psychic construct. Still, once he does, they’ll be healthy enough to move independently without touching Selena during the day.”
“And the child?”
“Healthy and female.” She peered over her shoulder. “Congratulations. Your clan will be blessed with another daughter.”
Zirene faced Kaede, who was battling to keep his expression stoic. His lethal guard didn’t want to seem weak in front of others.
“Congratulations, clanbrother.” Zirene stood from his desk and approached the assassin, wrapping an arm around the shorter male. Kaede flinched at his sudden display of affection but didn’t step away. He turned him to face the vidscreen, focused on Selena sleeping between their clan. “We will both be sires of our mate’s offspring. Who would’ve thought the Fates held so much in store for us? I’ll let you do the honors of telling her.”
“How am I supposed to do that?” Kaede hissed, an ironic chuckle escaping him as he failed to hide his churning emotions. “There’s so much going on. I thought returning would mean we could finally relax, not”—he threw an arm toward the vidscreen—“this!”
“It wouldn’t be my place, nor anyone else’s, to tell her before you do.” Zirene shot a glare at the others in the room, finally facing Oeta. “Make sure everyone who knows about Selena’s condition is warned.”
“Yes, Sire.” She nodded, and her eyes grew unfocused like they did whenever she spoke telepathically.
Zirene squeezed Kaede’s arm, a gesture of support he and Royak shared often, and released him. “We will make it through this.”
“Of course, we will.” Kaede sighed, combing his hair back as he studied Zirene. “She’s worth it.”
“Yes, she is.” He nodded, hearing the underlying meaning of Kaede’s words. They had to prepare before news of her pregnancy—and the outsiders on Destima—spread across the CEG. “One day at a time.”
“You say that, but it seems every new day brings another challenge to deal with.”
