Yet here I was, snuggled up against Xylo’s side with my head resting on the blanket over his chest and my arm thrown over him. Lifting my head to peek, I saw none of his vines wrapped around my blanket—as I had every other morning. Instead, there were three violet tentacles in their place. And underneath my blanket, I felt another wrapped around my ribcage, beneath my breasts. Its cool, rubbery weight felt amazing, offsetting the warmth around me. I became hyperaware of the tentacle rubbing against my skin, each small movement sliding slickly against the underside of my breasts, making me shiver.
Odelm must have felt my movement in his sleep because he turned, pressing against my back as he wrapped his arm around me. His hand slid down to caress my pregnant belly through the blanket. His slow, heavy breaths on the back of my neck confirmed he was still asleep.
I laid as still as possible and let my mind wander, enjoying the quiet moment of solitude.
It was hard to believe only a few days ago I’d woken up on theDestiny, yet here I was snuggled between two gorgeous and caring alien males. My nestmates. It would seem like a dream, except I’d had plenty of experience with those in my dreamscape, and I could tell the difference.
Thoughts about my dreamscape broughthimback to mind. I’d been so busy, I hadn’t taken a moment to consider the implications of his being Aldawi. What was so important he still needed to keep his identity a secret? What did he look like? Who was he? And how would he really feel about me bringing another male—make that two males—with me? Sure, he’d said he accepted Xylo and said he would accept any others I may want—as long as none were Aldawi. But would he really? Could he?
I still felt conflicted about him. I’d thought I knew everything about his character. We had spent time for so many years—practically my entire life—but knowing he had intentionally impregnated me without my consent? That unsettled me. I would’ve never considered him capable of such a thing. Perhaps I had been naïve? What were his real plans for me—and for our children?
No... cubs.
It was time I acknowledged that’s what they were. I’d been avoiding it, but they were Aldawi, which meant the proper term was cubs.
I sighed.
So, what was his end game?
I hated not knowing. It meant I didn’t know how to prepare.
A horrible thought occurred to me. Was it possible Kaede had, in reality, been hired to ensure my safe delivery to a new—if gilded—prison?
Kaede seemed to genuinely care about my wellbeing. Last night, I’d seen a fragility in him I hadn’t before. When he’d removed his visor, I’d been able to see his raw, conflicted emotions. I felt like I was finally seeing the real Kaede, instead of the mask he presented to the world—literally. He used the visor to keep the world at a distance as well as to create a mysterious persona that helped him do his job. To project confidence and dominance so no one would think to challenge him.
Without a doubt, he was intelligent and highly capable—or he would never be able to manage all the tech he did—but I wondered if he put so much focus into his work simply to gain respect and fit in. He certainly—
I jerked, emitting a loud gasp, wincing as a sharp pain hit my lower rib.
Both males jerked awake at my sudden movement and untangled themselves, looking at me with worry. Xylo lowered me carefully to the mattress as Odelm nervously backed away from me, staring at my stomach.
I hissed as the pain struck once more.
“Selena. What is wrong? What is happening?” Xylo asked frantically as he tugged my blanket down.
Lifting my shirt, I placed my hands on my stomach and locked scared eyes with his. “I felt a sharp pain under my ribs. Twice now. Is it my cubs? Are they all right?”
Xylo smiled in relief. “Everything is fine Selena. It seems your cubs have finally decided to wake up and get active. Right on time. I was hoping yours would be similar to a normal Aldawi gestation period.”
“Is she going to be all right?” Odelm inquired, still looking worried.
A flutter rolled across my stomach.
“Yes. I would have been more worried if Selena’s cubs had not become active soon. They will only become more activeas they grow and start running out of room. Her stomach will get much larger. As she gets closer to her delivery date, she will need more rest and food. It will take a greater toll on her smaller frame. It is fortunate we set up a schedule last night to assist her.”
“You’re saying my stomach is going to get a lot larger?” I asked in disbelief, looking down at my hands framing my stomach. It already stuck out past my average breasts. I’d never thought I would ever be this large and couldn’t picture becoming larger still.
“Do not push yourself too hard during your daily swimming lessons with Odelm, but the exercise will be good for you. It will keep you fit while supporting your body, despite the extra weight. Even if you do everything I say, I am not positive how your body will react to your advanced pregnancy. You have been altered radically, so I just do not know. It is all just best scientific hypotheses at this point.”
My stomach rippled again, and I smiled.
“Can I feel them?” Odelm whispered, approaching with caution.
I looked up at him in shock. “Of course!”
Grabbing his wrist, I placed his hand over my stomach.
“I don’t know why you’re asking. It’s not like you had a problem cuddling up against me this morning,” I smirked up at him.
