CHAPTER ONE
Selena
If someone told me that in seventeen days, I would be free from the Yaarkins hold, have two males dedicated to me, and give birth to three cubs, I would tell them they were delusional.
The last few days were a blur—an exhausted and happy blur. It was hard to believe I brought life into the universe just eight hours ago.
Who knew being a new mother of three newborns was so much work?
I was glad to have both of my nestmates, Master Scholar Xylo and Musician Odelm, to aid me in feeding and cleaning the cubs. They were supportive throughout the whole process. It made my heart flutter when I watched them interact with the cubs when they thought I wasn’t looking. I knew in my gut, they would be good co-fathers and was glad to have them in my life.
Xylo explained the labor and delivery of the cubs was the most excitement they’d had on the ship the last five years. No one wanted to miss out on anything historical or monumental,so everyone made sure we had a few extra hands helping us.
Breastfeeding the cubs was interesting for them to witness because their species didn’t have any interactions with their newborns, and it surprised them how natural it was for my body to provide for all three cubs. Once Circuli offspring were born, they were automatically placed into hatcheries in which they grew unaided, surrounded by other hatchlings until they were a year old. If they could survive on their own, they were deemed worthy to enter society.
“Are you well?” Xylo whispered.
Pulling my attention from the Docking Bay’s doors, I took in my mates’ worried expressions.
A heavy sigh escaped me. “I’m as fine as I can be. It’s more like I’m worried about what will happen once those doors open.”
Xylo stepped closer and brushed my long silver hair behind my shoulders as his teal eyes searched mine.
“Please tell me if you feel anything—whether it is pain, discomfort, or exhaustion. I know your body is able to self-heal quickly, but you need to take into consideration that you just delivered earlier today. If you start to feel unwell, let us know, so we can make sure you are all taken care of.”
“I promise. I will let you know if I start to feel any changes, but I don’t want to seem weak or fragile in front of them since this is their first impression of me.”
Odelm stepped closer and wrapped an arm around me.
“You are brave. You’re a new mother who just delivered three cubs and should be recovering in the comforts of your cabin. Instead, you’re here prepared to face your future. Remember, no matter what happens, Xylo and I are proud to be your nestmates and would never leave you.”
Grabbing Xylo’s hand, I leaned into Odelm’s embrace, sandwiching myself between them. I closed my eyes, soakingin the feeling of being surrounded by my clan—my nestmates and my cubs.
Opening my eyes, I leaned forward and gently grabbed Xylo’s face with both of my hands, feeling his cool, scaled skin as I tried to put all of my appreciation, love, and thankfulness into a gentle kiss on his fuzzy lips.
“Thank you both for taking care of our clan.” His lidded eyes watched me as I turned toward Odelm, whose gaze traced my body as I reached for him. Knowing what I wanted, he closed his eyes and met me halfway as I poured the same feelings into his sweet kiss.
I dropped my hands from his face and leaned into his side, observing my clan.
The cubs were still peacefully asleep in each of their slings, oblivious to what was happening around them.
Moments like this made me believe that everything would be all right. Surrounded by those who loved me, they gave me the strength to believe I could accomplish anything.
The Circuli colony ship,Destiny, was docked in the Aldawi sector of the CEG Headquarters Space Station, and we were waiting for permission to board.
I surveyed those surrounding us as we waited patiently for the doors to open. The three healers were nearby, talking with each other. Prince V’dim and Prince Z’fir stood by the docking bay doors, briefing their security staff, tense and wary expressions on their faces.
My gaze fell on the one male who had been avoiding me ever since he left my side. Not once had he checked up on the status of the cubs or me. I didn’t care if he was embarrassed about what happened between us. It hurt; that one moment seemed to have ruined our friendship. Perhaps I was right in thinking his duty would always trump everything else.
Kaede lifted his head from his armband as if he felt my gaze. I looked away, not wanting to deal with him before wemet the welcome party. If he wanted to clear whatever was between us, he would already have done so. I didn’t need to embarrass myself by becoming emotional over him.
“The welcome party is here. It is time,” Kaede announced.
I addressed my nestmates. “No matter what happens, know I love you both. I want to thank you for everything.”
Xylo placed both of his hands on my shoulders and locked his pupilless teal eyes with mine. “Stop thinking negatively. The Aldawi rulers are fair. You have nothing to worry about. We will go wherever you go.”
“It’s time to get in formation,” K’dyth announced.
