Page 53

The shefira darts out from behind a tent and runs in the direction of the cry. Moments later, she reappears as part of a small cluster of females, including Healer Sage and the mate of Healer Kyler. All five humans are crying, but yet there is joy spread across their faces as they walk together with their arms thrown over each other’s shoulders.

Iris approaches the fire. She too has tears in her eyes when she reaches us.

“Is everything okay?” Elodie asks softly.

Kala’s sivalla nods. “Zara’s pregnant. She just told the others.”

My mate gasps. “That’s wonderful.”

“Kyler and Eloise have already sent word to the Bohnari asking if he and Zara can travel to Bohna for the duration of the pregnancy. He doesn’t want to take any chances with the baby.”

“I’m sure everything will be fine, but I also don’t blame him for being cautious considering how long they’ve been trying,” Elodie says. “Sage told me it’s been over three years.”

Iris lays her hand over her chest and taps her fingers and makes a soft sound. “I know how difficult it’s been for them and how frustrated Zara gets. I’m so happy for them.”

Worry fills me. What if I am unable to give Elodie the kits she wishes for? Will she grow frustrated with me? Will she wish to take another mate? One who has a better chance of getting her with kit? Kala’s greatest fear was that Iris would not be able to give birth and that she would die in the process. Far too many females did so when the other Krijese took from them.

“Ortak.” I blink away the racing thoughts and focus my attention on Elodie, who has once again pressed herself against me and caresses my chest. “You were pretty far into your head just now. What put that look on your face?”

Iris is no longer standing with us. I am surprised I missed her departure. I hesitate to speak the truth, but decide it is best to know now. “I was thinking about what would happen if I was unable to give you a kit.”

Elodie strokes my cheek, and I lean into her touch. A rumble of pleasure vibrates through my chest at the softness of her hand against my flesh. “You’ve already given me a kit. Gannen is just as much my child as if I birthed him myself. If he’s the only one we have, then that just means I’ll have to spoil him a little bit more. I love you and I love him. That isn’t going to change. I promise.”

I breathe out a heavy sigh. “I do not know what I have done to deserve a mate as wonderful as you.”

“You’re a good person and an amazing father.” Elodie rises up and brushes her lips between my mouth claws.

“Thank you, sivalla.”

“You are most welcome. Now, how about we eat and then start moving my things into my new home?” she smiles up at me.

It is not easy, but I do my best to give her my own smile in return. Elodie blinks, and a bubbling laugh spills from her as she pats my chest. “Let’s keep working on that.”

If my poor attempts will bring her as much joy as this first one, then I will smile at her every turn.

Epilogue

Elodie

Life couldn’t be better. I finally stopped running and realized a long time ago I have everything I could ever want. The sounds of splashing water and children’s laughter fill the air. I glance out at the river, and my heart swells at the sight of Gannen and the others swimming and playing. My eldest son looks far different now than he did as a fourteen-year-old. While he’ll never be as tall or as broad as Sorin, he still tops nearly six and a half feet and outweighs me by a hundred pounds at least.

I lean back on the bench and cradle my belly. Ortak should return any minute from the hunt he left for this morning with Benham and Zedam. We’ve prospered over the last decade since the Krijese moved to the Tavikhi village. Our food stores have never been more full, and the entire planet is thriving. While three more ships from Earth have arrived during the past ten years, the last one was over four years ago. I suspect we won’t see any more. Which is probably a good thing given the fact the human settlement is overflowing its borders.

Zander and Kala have offered to extend the walls, but so far Gary and Adam have declined. They’re determined to take the least amount of help they can from the Tavikhi and Krijese no matter how much they need it. I’m glad I don’t have to worry about it.

“Momo, look.”

I focus my attention on the river as Bijou stands on Gannen’s shoulders and leaps off to dive head first into the water before resurfacing with a belly laugh. She meets my gaze as though making sure I saw her acrobatic move.

“Ten out of ten.” I applaud. “Excellent form.”

Her smile—one that is human in nature—is broad and bare her blunt teeth. Bijou is the only one of my children who inherited my facial features. Her brothers are the spitting image of Ortak. I stroke my belly once more in wonder. I love all my children equally, but a tiny part of me hopes this last one is another girl.

Jiasha makes her way out of the river with Meeko’s hand held tightly in her grasp. My youngest son adores his adopted cousin. Luckily, Kala and Iris’s daughter is equally smitten with him since he’s been her little shadow from the moment he could crawl.

“Momo, I’m tired.” He climbs onto the bench next to me and rests his head on my lap.

I stroke the dark brown hair that has the same texture as mine and not the floks of his brother and sister. “Rest then, my love.”