It took everything in his power to shadowstep to his Nova and basked in her light. After a long day, all he wanted to do was to fulfill the promises they had made to each other earlier in the day—but there were more pressing matters.
He needed answers—and the only one he could trust at the moment that would give them to him unfiltered was keeping something from him. He could tell by how he hadn’t made eye contact with him and how cagey his replies were.
Two familiar forms materialized beside them—his Nova’s golden Euouae and Kaede’s teal REI. They both exposed their necks; even though it was impossible for him to discipline them, Zirene appreciated the gesture.
It showed respect.
“No,” Vowels replied. “She would still have the heat part of her estrus, but I’ve planned out how I will prevent any eggs from becoming fertilized. By doing it the way I’ve planned, it will not hinder her connection with her Circuli males, and they would be able to mate once a month unless she has other plans.”
“You are referring to giving them her Bahzyl,” Kaede replied, turning around to face the Oetsae. “Even though she’s capable of using it, I don’t believe she should overdo it. Circuli weren’t built to mate every month, and whenever their nestqueen cycled, it was every three to five years—and even then, not every nestmate was chosen. So we don’t need her to strain them.”
“She won’t,” Euouae replied. “My host may be in her prime, but she is self-aware. Her mental connections with her nestmates will always keep her in check, especially since she’s always trying to ensure that all of her mates are content. Selena may love being with her clan, but she isn’t always sexual in nature. Not all the time. My host receives more from simple displays of affection and spending quality time with her mates than constantly attempting to reproduce.
“After she delivers, a part of my prevention plan is to signal her Circuli mates when it’s time to reproduce. By using their mating spores inside her body, I can potentially tell their bodies that she is in a constant state of estrus, which may make their bodies prepare themselves every few days.”
“That should be enough,” Zirene replied, unable to believe that they were having a secret meeting about reproduction and the people it was about weren’t even there. “If anything, I believe Kaede and I are capable of keeping her body entertained until they are ready.”
“Are you capable of sending those signals now, even if she’s pregnant?” Kaede asked, flicking his gaze toward him. “You weren’t on theDestiny,but Selena’s sexual drive seemed as if it were always on. I know you believe we may be able to handle it, but she will potentially be pregnant for nine months. Are we going to be able to last that long?”
“We are going to have to,” Zirene replied. “Or have her nestmates pleasure her with their mouths.”
“The main concern I have is if it’s healthy,” Kaede said, glancing between the Oetsae. “We shouldn’t add any more stress to her Circuli mates if we can help it.”
“It’s healthy,” REI replied, nodding. “But it wouldn’t be something I would do until her Favoreds’ limbs have returned. It would take a lot of resources for them to keep preparing themselves to mate.”
“I agree,” Kaede said, crossing his arms. “That’s why I was concerned.”
“The faster we can get those two appendages back, the better,” Zirene added, frowning. “For both Selena and her Favored. I know she beats herself upevery time she sees the damage that was done.”
“Is there something we should worry about?” Zirene stared at Kaede, challenging him to attempt to lie to him. “Something I should worry about?”
“Let me recheck the maps.” Kaede held up his hand to halt her as REI nodded in reply. Then, dropping his hand, he closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh.
“What is it?” Zirene demanded, hating the waiting dramatics from his clanbrother. Perhaps he should assign Q to Selena. At least the male knew when to keep his beak shut when it came to things.
“The Cosmic Soul had a vision,” Kaede hedged, locking his slit neon eyes with his. “Death. Betrayal. Heartache. Someone close will betray you.”
“And he can’t see who?” Zirene demanded, looking in the direction where he knew the pavilion was. “How do we know if it’s an old prediction or not? My sire has already done all of that.”
“Unfortunately, no, he can’t,” Kaede said. “He could only read what they say and not ask them questions. Frustrating, I know, but that’s why I’ve been missing a lot. I’ve been working on upgrading my drones and producing more in hopes to figure out who the culprit is.”
“I want everyone on high alert,” Zirene ordered. “Engage the Fab Five, get tracking on our cubs, and by the Stars, make sure no one messes with my Beacon. We finally got her home.”
“I’m already on it,” Kaede replied, nodding at REI. “We are going to be prepared this time.”
“You are not allowed to leave her side,” Zirene growled. “I don’t care if you have to hide in a tree to give her the illusion that she has privacy, but I’m not taking chances when it comes to her. Not anymore.”
“And the others?”
“Were they able to keep your pregnancy secret?” Zirene asked, crossing his arms as he raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, they did.”
“Then tell them,” Zirene replied. “I know they will never betray their nestqueen. It’s instinctual to them to be her protector. So much so, they are willing to sacrifice themselves to do so.
“Whatever you do, I know she hates secrets, but don’t tell Selena until we’ve gathered our cubs. I don’t need her to be more stressed and end up accidentally harming her unborn daughter. Especially not after what happened with her Favored.”
“We can’t afford to lose this baby,” Kaede agreed. “Not only will it destroy her, but it will do the same to all of us.”
