Authors: KD Jones
Ren caught the roommate remark. He knew that each suite had 15 females and there were 3 females to share each room. But he did not remember seeing 3 beds in Cassie’s bedroom. He directed his question to Dr. Morris but he kept his eyes on Cassie, “Why does she not have roommates Dr. Morris?”
“Um …” Dr. Morris looked worriedly at Cassie as she answered the best that she could, “I’m not sure of the details. I know that there were many women on board the transport ship that were a little resentful towards Cassie … it’s possible that the same thing may have happened here as well. I’m not sure …” Dr. Morris was interrupted by Ren when he addressed Cassie directly.
“Is that what happened Cassie? Were they resentful? Were they unkind to you?” Ren could not keep his anger from showing in his voice. How dare they treat his mate in this way! Had she been miserable this entire time while he remained clueless?
“It’s okay. Some of them have been good to me, bringing me meals when I was not feeling up to leaving the suite. It’s alright...” Cassie was blushing from the embarrassment of the situation. It was like being in Kindergarten and nobody wanted to play in the sandbox with her.
Ren turned to look at TarAK, “I want all the females in that suite marked for a return to Earth on the next available transport ship.”
“Yes Prime Leader.” TarAK answered readily. He was just as livid that the females treated Cassie as they have. He did not recall seeing any of this while giving them tours.
“No! Please Ren, don’t do that, I don’t want to be responsible for them being sent away. Just because they don’t like me? Besides, some of those women were starting to warm up to me. Please ….” Cassie had tears streaming down her face and she was shaking.
Ren couldn’t bear the tears. He moved closer and grabbed a tissue that Dr. Morris handed to him. He gently took her face in his large, warm hand as he wiped the tears from her beautiful green eyes with his other hand. “Shh... It’s going to be okay.” It took several more minutes for Cassie to get all the tears out and to finally stop shaking. But Ren kept comforting her as he helped with the tissues.
It was Dr. Morris who suggested a more reasonable resolution. “Perhaps Cassie could be moved to a different suite. I do not mind sharing a room with her myself. In fact, I would feel better if I was with her at night in case she needs immediate medical attention.”
Cassie smiled kindly at Dr. Morris, “Wouldn’t that be too much like taking your work home with you?” Both women laughed. Ren and TarAK shared a confused look between them.
“That is a very kind offer Dr. Morris. I want to move Cassie to the 8th floor. Would you mind moving there with her?” Ren asked. He ignored the shocked sound coming from TarAK. He could care less what he or anyone else thought. He wanted Cassie close to him.
The 8th floor was reserved entirely for the Prime family, which consisted of himself, his two brothers, his mother, his young female cousin, and his wayward uncle, whenever he showed up. They didn’t even take up a third of the floor so there was plenty of room for Cassie. He would ask his mother and cousin for help getting a suite ready, one that was closest to his.
Cassie looked at Ren and saw that he was completely serious. “I … don’t think …”
Ren didn’t give her a chance to refuse, “Dr. Morris, I am not sure how long it will take to get a suite ready. Will it be okay for Cassie to remain here until it is time?”
“Of course, I will be here monitoring her vitals for most of the day. Just let us know when you are ready for us to move and I will go to my suite to get my things.” Dr. Morris answered.
“Wait a minute here …” Cassie tried to interrupt but she was ignored.
“No need for that.” Ren told Dr. Morris. He then turned back to TarAK glad to have an excuse to get the male away from his mate. “TarAK, I will have someone contact you in the next 20 minutes to let you know which suite Cassie will be moved to. Please go to both Cassie’s and Dr. Morris’s current suites and see that their things are moved for them.” Ren was standing now getting ready to leave.
TarAK stood at attention, “It will be done Prime Leader.”
“Just let us know when the suite is ready and I will get a wheelchair for Cassie to be wheeled up in.” Dr. Morris answered.
“But I don’t need to be moved!” Cassie yelled to a now completely empty Medic Room. What the hell just happened? Does no one care about what she wants? She rubbed her rounded belly. “Don’t worry girls, where I go you both will go with me.”
Chapter 6
The women from Earth took up 5 floors of the Prime Building. Cassie was originally assigned to the 5th floor. The 7th floor was reserved for more important people like those with close ties with the EWG. And everyone knew that the 8th floor was reserved for the Prime family. Those on the 7th and 8th floors shared a separate lift, noted in royal blue colors. There were security stations at the lifts at all times. You were not allowed to step on the blue lift without a special clearance.
The clearance turned out to be another implant that was placed under the skin on the palm of Cassie’s hand. It didn’t hurt at all. But it felt strange. She wondered how many more implants she would get. Would she have to get upgrades in a few years?
When it was finally time to be moved to the 8th floor, Cassie was ready to go. She didn’t want to see the boring walls of the Medic Wing again until it was time to give birth. TarAK had come back to help transport her. Dr. Morris was able to find a wheelchair for her, even though she didn’t need one. As they reached the blue lift, she was surprised to find Ren waiting for them. He smiled that smile that women found sexy and she felt a thrill go through her.
“How are you feeling?” He asked Cassie.
“I’m fine. I don’t need this chair.” She made an attempt to stand up but was stopped by Ren when he put his large hands on her shoulders and gently pushed her back down. She looked up into those dark blue eyes that were very close to her.
“This is more for us than you. We need to make sure you get there safely. Okay?” Ren was told that human females responded better when they were asked instead of told.
Cassie said, “Okay” and settled back into the chair.
Ren smiled at Cassie and stood up straight. He acknowledged TarAK with a curt nod. TarAK responded in turn with a brisk, “Prime Leader”. Men were so strange Cassie thought to herself.
They all loaded into the blue lift. As the doors were closing a woman yelled out to hold the lift for her. One of the security guys held it until the woman rushed into the lift. She thanked the security people and then turned to face the others in the lift. Her face lit up at the sight of Ren.
“Oh RendEL! I am so excited about our dinner tonight. I had to look everywhere until I found a new outfit that I know you are just going to love.” Erica Rowe’s bubbly perky annoying voice grated on Cassie’s nerves.
Ren didn’t respond to Erica but checked to see how Cassie was doing. Cassie looked really pale and had a frown between her eyebrows. Having the other female present made it uncomfortable in the small tight lift. Ren noticed that TarAK was smiling smugly at his dilemma. He was going to have a talk with Kyd about re-assigning TarAK.
Erica finally noticed that there were other people on the lift besides Ren. Cassie especially caught her attention. “I think you are on the wrong lift sweetie.” She told Cassie with a fake sugary voice.
Cassie was going to ignore the nosy woman, but Ren answered her instead. “Actually, Miss Tomlin is relocating to a higher floor.”
Erica tried to appear sincere but it didn’t come across that way, “How fantastic for you! I live on the 7th floor too. Perhaps we will see each other around.”
Cassie thought to herself that she would hang out with Erica Rowe when hell froze over, or as the Katierans would say, 'when the fires of Kitana froze over'. She didn’t have time to respond because the doors opened on the 7th floor. Erica stepped out, turned back around to say goodbye to Ren, and looked confused as she noticed that Cassie did not get off the lift.
It was Dr. Morris who smiled tightly and said, “We’re both moving to the 8th floor, but perhaps we will still see you around.” And the look on Erica’s surgically perfected face was priceless.
The ride up to the 8th floor was done in silence. Ren didn’t know what he should do. He wasn’t with Erica, but he obviously needed to explain things to her. He hadn’t been interested in the female at all. He had agreed to this evening’s plans with her without thinking it through. Maybe he should go ahead and see her at Evening Meal as planned and explain that there would be no more sharing meals for them now or ever.
All Ren wanted to do was lock himself in a bedroom with Cassie and mate her the way his ancestors used to do. They would be there for days and when they finally came out of their mating bed, they would celebrate with family and friends. Yeah, he didn’t think Cassie would go for that right now.
The two Katieran women that had greeted Ren and Commander KydEL when they first arrived on Katiera stood on the outside of an open door of the new suite. Ren introduced them as his mother, Prima SandELa, and his young cousin, Prima ArieELa. Cassie was nervous. They were both tall and beautiful. With bronzed skin and dark eyes. She could see a few silver streaks in the older woman’s hair and thought it only added to her attractiveness. Cassie felt like a pale ghost with bright, frizzy, red hair compared to them. What would they think of her?
“Oh my dear, it is such a pleasure to finally meet you. Ren has gone on and on about you.” Prima SandELa didn’t shake Cassie’s outstretched hand, but, bent down to embrace Cassie in a warm, motherly hug. It brought tears to Cassie’s eyes as she realized just how much she missed her own mother and her grandmother.
Her voice cracked as she said, “Prima SandELa, it is a great honor to meet you.”
“You are just too sweet.” SandELa said to her and Cassie knew that she meant it.
Ren’s cousin greeted her next, “I hear you’re having twins. WOW!”
“AriELa.” Ren moaned.
Cassie laughed and answered, “Yes I am, twin girls.”
Ren realized he wasn’t going to get to have Cassie to himself. He decided to go speak with some of the council members regarding the recent negotiations with the neighboring Kiljorn Nation. He gave his apologies and excused himself. He frowned when Cassie still refused to look at him.
SandELa squeezed Cassie’s hand and told her, “Ren has another surprise for you inside. Come on.” She led the way into the suite.
Cassie looked around and was stunned. Her other suite was large for 15 women to share, but this suite was enormous! Luxurious! She was running out of adverbs to describe it all.
SandELa smiled proudly as she looked around the suite. “I think it turned out lovely considering the short notice.”
“I am sorry for causing so much trouble.” Cassie told her with a worried look.
“Oh no dear, it was not trouble at all. It was therapeutic for me in a way.” SandELa said.
“Therapeutic?” Cassie asked as she finally got out of the wheelchair and stretched her legs.
“Yes. You see, this used to be our family suite many years ago. After the boys moved out and I lost my mate KrendEL, I didn’t have the heart to continue living here. ” SandELa became quiet as past memories temporarily consumed her. She blinked back a few tears.
“This must be hard for you. I don’t have to stay here if it is going to upset you.” Cassie turned a light shade of pink. Why would Ren put his mother through this heartache?
SandELa went to Cassie and patted her gently on her upper back. “It’s okay. I have nothing but fond memories of this place and I hope that you will as well. Let me show you to your bedroom. You must be tired.”
As soon as the bedroom door was opened a voice shouted out, “It’s about damn time! I’m been holed up in this room for nearly 30 minutes waiting on your pregnant ass to show up!”
Cassie laughed as she practically tackled her best friend who stood just inside the room. “Jax! What are you doing here?”
Jaxon hugged Cassie careful not to bump her very large stomach. She pulled away and looked her friend over from head to toe. “I am here to keep an eye on you missy.”
SandELa and AriELa stood at the doorway watching the two human females. The older woman leaned over and questioned the younger woman in a low voice, “Missy? I thought her name was Cassie.” The young woman shrugged.
Dr. Morris who was standing behind them in the hallway laughed. “It’s an informal name for a girl or young miss. Jaxon means it like a little nickname.” She looked at the two friends who now sat on Cassie’s bed totally submerged in their own conversation. She suggested to the Katieran women, “How about we let them get caught up while you two show me the rest of the suite.”
“I thought you were housed with the other members of your team from Earth?” Cassie asked Jaxon.
“I was, but you must have done the Prime right because he went to bat with the Commander and won. I kind of eavesdropped a little on their discussion.” She saw Cassie’s look of reproach. “What? They weren’t real quiet about it.”
Cassie shook her head, “It’s just rude.
“Whatever prissy pants. The point is that the Commander did not want me to stay here with you. Your lover boy told him, and I quote, ‘I’m the Prime Leader … I Lead … YOU follow’, so here I am.” She smiled broadly enjoying the fact that the high and mighty Commander was put in his place. About damn time.
“He is NOT my lover boy. But, I am grateful for all he and his family have done for me. Is it just you, me and Dr. Morris staying here?” Cassie looked around at her huge bedroom. It was twice the size of her little apartment on Earth. Wow just wow.
“Yep. Cool huh? Plus, I hear you have your own guard who will be around during the day. Is it that hunky guy that came by with your things earlier?” Jaxon licked her lips as she looked out the bedroom door for the man in question.
“I’m not sure who came by earlier. TarAK, the liaison I had when I first got here, was assigned to me. I don’t need a guard though.” Cassie was still frustrated over the whole situation.