****
He knew the moment she woke, because the twinge of pain she experienced reached him through their bond. He grabbed the pain reliever his doctor had approved for his pregnant mate and walked the short distance to his bedroom.
“Relax, my Queen, the doctor gave me something to help you with the pain,” Phelan said as he stood in the doorway with a glass of lavender liquid.
“Queen,” she mouthed before shaking her head.
“How did you know I was awake?”
“I sensed you were in pain,” Phelan said. “The bond between us insures we’ll always know if the other is in danger among other things.”
“I know we talked about this before, but right now my mind is a jumbled mess.”
“Take this. It’ll make you feel better.”
“But the baby.”
“It’s safe.” He assured as he held the glass up to her lips and helped her drink it down.
He set the empty cup on the dresser next to him when she finished, and he slid beneath the covers beside her. The distress evident in her stiff countenance pierced his heart like an arrow. He hated to see her like this, so out of her element.
“We have a lot to talk about,” she whispered. Her eyes cast down as her fingers fiddled with the sheets.
“I know about your father,” he said as her eyes shot up to meet his. “I saw it when we completed the link.”
“You’re not mad?” she asked.
“At you? No.”
“H-how can you say that after what he did to your family and countless other people?” Her head lowered as the sense of shame spilled over into her voice.
“Tavel has taken enough from me. I won’t let him have this, too.”
His jaw clenched as he thought of the rogue alien. He wanted to watch the life ebb from his eyes as he chocked him to death. Upon capture, he would be handled according to the old laws. Treason was punishable by death, and the crimes he’d committed against humanity were so perverse it turned his stomach. To alter the genetic make up for a living being was unforgiveable. How many more were out there? What exactly had he done to them?
“What will the others say?”
“Others?” he said as he blinked. All thoughts of ways to dismember Tavel were pushed to the background as he focused in on his mate.
“The Shar. I’m sure my father is public enemy number one—”
“We’re not sure he’s actually your father yet, and you’re their Queen; it’s all they need to know.”
“But if someone finds out–”
“Zasha, the Shar will not question my choice,” he said.
He removed his arm from her shoulder and cupped the side of her face with his hands as he turned to face her. His gentle kisses peppered her lips until the tension eased from her body and she began to respond. When they came up for air, he spoke.
“You and this baby are my top priority; everything else is secondary.”
He did his best to convey love and reassurance through their link as he held her gaze. “Okay?” he asked.
Her head gave a short nod of agreement. “Okay,” said Zasha.
“I know our start was unconventional, but this has become more than some biological response. You’re witty, intelligent, and strong. Any man would be lucky to have you, and I’m glad your mine.” He paused as his stomach clenched. “I love you, Zasha Johnson.”
Her bottom lip quivered, and tears glimmered in her eyes before they rolled down her cheeks.