Lake, Ciara - Xihirah [Xihiran Shifters 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) (22 page)

This magnificent, fierce, and gorgeous male was all hers and she was safely home. “My love, I have to go and take care of some pressing issues. I hate to leave you. I promise we will have uninterrupted time together soon.”

“I understand. I think I’ll spend some time with your sister Kalinda. I owe her a lot for noticing that I was gone.”

“She loves you and was so distraught when she found you were taken.”

“So, are you going to meet with the Council? I guess I should let Mia stand in for me right now.”

“That’s best.” Kael smiled and gently pushed her hair back from her face. “I’m going to meet with Vitalion’s legal representatives from Kriton. I’ll keep you updated.”

“Do they know of Vitalion’s connection with Tomron and the Realmist?”

“No, not that I know of, but I’ll surely be informing them.” Kael frowned. “Clitax Tomron is still harassing us via vid-com communications. He’s demanding compliance or threatening great harm to you and the other Xihirian royal females. The idiot is still acting as if he has you hostage. No one except Medtor Fanstal, our family, Mia, and of course the soldiers knows that you are safely returned.”

“Wonder what happened to the man who escaped?”

“Well perhaps he has not reported in to Tomron. He probably cleared out to stay alive.” Kael pulled her into his lap. “Saleeya, please stay here in the family wing. Be sure to always be careful and let the guards know where you’re going. I want to be sure you stay out of sight. If they don’t know we have you, that’s best.”

Saleeya nodded. “I feel bad that I can’t do my job as Communication Specialist.”

“Saleeya, things are way past that now.” Kael gently caressed her head as she lay against his shoulder.

“This peace talk meeting isn’t going to happen, is it?”

“No, I’m afraid not. As we thought, no one can negotiate with terrorists. They’re not reasonable, and they’re insane.”

“Well, be careful. I’ll stay out of trouble and out of sight,” Saleeya promised him. She realized that she was indeed a challenge to Kael’s Alpha Prime male personality. He was trying hard to change some of his ways for her. Therefore, she willingly allowed Kael to kiss and fuck her into submission and obedience. Besides, it felt great. He literally had worn her out. She was too tired to worry about the goings on outside of their suite. Deciding to rest and save up for a repeat performance of their sex play that moonrise, she resigned herself to do exactly what he asked. Anyway, the great pleasure he’d given her in the shower truly made her his slave. Saleeya smiled with the warm memory. “He can’t know I’m his obedient servant,” Saleeya whispered to herself.

Chapter Thirteen

After dressing, Saleeya hurried out of Kael’s chambers, their chamber, to visit with Carlista, the new babies, and Kael’s sisters. She had not told Kael that she somewhat feared being in the suite without him. She no longer trusted the openness of the Palace and worried for everyone’s safety, especially the babies’. Kliven had ordered increased security around the Palace and the Palace grounds. They had doubled and tripled guards and patrols. Never had the royal family been this concerned regarding the safety of the family in their home. Saleeya had expressed worry to Kael that her parents may have heard something concerning and that she needed to contact them. Kael had promised her that she could call her parents soon to make sure they were okay and not worried over anything. Saleeya would introduce them to Kael and tell them that there was going to be a Joining Ceremony. Daydreaming, Saleeya nearly ran into bouncy Kalinda.

“Hello, Saleeya, I missed you so much. I was so scared for you. I thought Kael was going to kill everyone in his way.” Kalinda stopped her flow of words and hugged Saleeya tight. “We were all so worried about you. Especially me, I noticed you were missing first and ran to tell Father and Kael.”

“I know. Kael told me. Thanks so much.” Saleeya hugged the happy child.

“I knew that Kael would find you. He and Father can do anything,” the lovely child announced proudly.

“I believe that.” Saleeya smiled brightly. “It’s a good thing he can.”

“Mother is waiting to see you. I want to introduce you to our new siblings. They haven’t yet decided on names. There’s going to be a public blessing ceremony as soon as Mother is ready.” Kalinda led the way down the hallway to her mother’s suite.

“I’m so excited to see the new babies, too. And really, Kalinda, thank you for helping to rescue me,” Saleeya sincerely expressed to Kalinda and hugged her again. “Saleeya, Kael told me you’re free all sunrise to relax and have fun. I want to take you to the observation room and the pools. We’ll go swimming. It’s so fun. I go almost every day. Let’s go see Mother and the new babies first.”

“Kalinda, did you say swimming in a pool, a pool with clear, beautiful water?” Saleeya happily shouted after Kalinda, “I thought your showers were special and now I hear you have swimming pools?” Saleeya caught up to Kalinda. They knocked on Carlista’s door.

“Come in.” Kaie answered the door in a hushed tone. “The babies are sleeping. Mother fed them. They drifted off to sleep. Come and see their beautiful faces.” Kaie led Saleeya to two sweet bundles wrapped in soft, white blankets. They were so beautiful, with rosy skin. Their heads were full of dark hair. They reminded her of Kael. It all made Saleeya dream of how it would be to have Kael’s child and to hold it in her arms.

“Oh, they’re adorable. When they wake can I hold them?” Saleeya cooed softly.

“Of course, you’re their sister,” Carlista said from the sofa where she rested. Saleeya carefully sat down next to Kael’s mother.

“Carlista, you look wonderful. It’s hard to believe you’ve just given birth.” Saleeya gently placed her hand on Carlista’s knee.

“Xihirian females recover quickly. All Xihirian shifters heal fast,” Carlista explained. “Saleeya, we have much to plan. Yours and Kael’s Joining Ceremony and the babies’ blessing ceremony. I need you to tell me whom you wish to attend so we can issue royal invitations. Of course, your parents will attend and participate. We’ll go shopping for gowns and jewelry. The female mate traditionally is showered with wonderful gifts. Kael will see that you are well supplied.” Carlista’s face was animated with happiness. “I love joining ceremonies. I enjoy planning them. I hope you don’t mind my help?” Carlista suddenly sobered.

“Of course I don’t mind your planning. I need your help. I have no idea of what’s required. I appreciate you. You know better the customs of Xihirah and your royal family.” Saleeya felt giddy talking about a ceremony for her and Kael.

“I’m from Earth. Joining Ceremonies are much like our weddings,” Carlista explained to Saleeya.

“Yes, I’m familiar with wedding.” Saleeya smiled.

“Well, here there’s a formal part and a celebration party, too. Just like a wedding. It’ll be fabulous. I had a lovely one.” Carlista’s eyes moistened with tears of happiness. “After the party, you and Kael will leave to go enjoy each other in private. That’s the best part.” Carlista giggled sweetly. Kalinda was beaming with joy and excitement.

“Mother, can I help plan? Can I have a new, beautiful gown too? May I participate in the ceremony this time? I’m old enough.” Kalinda danced around the room with excitement.

“Kalinda, you’ll have to ask Saleeya and Kael,” her mother informed her.

“Yes, Kalinda you’re my special sister. I’m sure Kael will be happy to have you participate.” Saleeya smiled into Kalinda’s happy face.

“Mother, I want to take Saleeya to show her our observatory and the pools,” Kalinda begged her mother.

“Yes, my little, sweet girl, go now. Have fun. I’ll rest while the babies are resting.” Carlista shut her eyes and relaxed back into the sofa.

“Come on, Saleeya, let’s go swim or wade in the pools. You’ll love them.” Kalinda took Saleeya’s hand and led her out of her mother’s room.

“I don’t have anything to wear to go swimming.” Saleeya paused and pulled back on Kalinda’s hand.

“We have something for you to wear. Come, let’s go before Kael comes to get you and stops our fun.”

* * * *

Kael sat impatiently through meeting after meeting. He was not concentrating on the meetings. He needed and wanted to be with Saleeya instead of at these stupid meetings. Kael’s mind wandered all over the place as he sat in one of the endless Council meetings. Kael worried that Clitax Tomron was becoming crazier and crazier with his threats. Kael worried that he had not told Saleeya that she carried their child. He felt guilt that he had forgotten to take the preventive measures he had told her he would when he returned from their time together at the relaxation house. He would have to tell her soon, but he was waiting for Saleeya to see his mother’s new baby girl and boy, hold them and Kalista’s baby boy in her arms. He hoped it would make her feel a longing for her own baby, as many females did. Kaie was nicely rounded from the babe she carried, and perhaps Saleeya would long for that as well. His father was having the old nursery restored and prepared for all the family babies. That should excite Saleeya, Kael thought. Perhaps Mariel would bloom soon. He knew his brother was busy trying. Kael smiled to himself. He realized that he no longer felt jealous toward Klayvin. He hated that he had.

“Kael, are you listening?” His father questioned him, interrupting his deep thinking.

“No, Father, I’m sorry. I was deep in thought. What have I missed?” Kael honestly apologized to his father.

“As we agreed, I announced that Saleeya has been returned and that there will be a Joining Ceremony and blessing for the babies. It seems many of the Council members will be staying for the festivities. The Council has selected a tribunal to hear Vitalion’s charges. The Kriton legal representative has withdrawn his services and is returning to Kriton. The Kriton government is ashamed by Vitalion’s association with Tomron and the Realmist Faction,” Kliven informed his son of all he missed. “Why don’t you go and take care of what other business you have today. That way you can return sooner to your mate. You’re not listening to any of these meetings. I’ll continue here without you,” his father offered.

“Thank you, Father. That’s very generous of you.”

Before he could return to his mate, Kael had to meet with his top security officers. His father had already tightened up security, but Kael wanted to make sure it was without flaw. He would never again allow his mate or any of his family to be hurt or stolen from their home. He blamed himself for what had happened. He had not protected his mate. All he could see was her half-naked, unconscious body wrapped in that tent. The thought made him shudder with dread at what might have happened. He had failed. That could never happen again. His family had to be safe in their home. Kael reached his father’s offices and met Thyson. “Thyson, call a meeting with the members of Palace Security. We need to discuss what has happened and how it won’t ever happen again.”

“Yes, Kael, but first I need to update you on the Tomron situation. He has threatened to kill Saleeya outright in his last transmission. He claims that not even you can prevent her death.” Thyson detailed Tomron’s most recent ranting.

“He must not know of her escape and return home.” Kael clicked his fingers on the desktop. “It seems he suspects something. His entire demeanor changed. Now he is even more hostile. He’s threatening to kill her outright here in the Palace right under our noses and bring you to your knees, covered in her blood. Those are his exact sickening words. He definitely has a death wish for himself.” Thyson shook his head. “I want to rip him apart every time I look at him.”

“Where’s Saleeya now?”

“Kalinda and Saleeya are up in the observatory swimming in the pools. I have four guards watching them. I have guards all over the family wing. Mother has two guards outside her room and a med nurse with her and the babies. Everyone is under heightened, guarded protection,” Thyson quickly assured Kael.

Kael worked for two more hours in his father’s office communicating with his Elite Military Force and finishing the Palace security meetings. The Kriton Spaceship that Vitalion had arrived on had returned to the Xihirian Spaceport. Kriton had bestowed the vessel upon the Xihirian government as a payment for the damaged docking gear and other inconveniences to the Xihirian government because of Vitalion and Manntree’s treason.

The Kriton government offered their most sincere apologies for the crimes against Saleeya. They were truly apologetic regarding their traitorous leader, and had already placed a new Minister temporarily in control. Soon they would inform their world publically of what had transpired here on Xihirah. The Kriton legal representative had contacted Saleeya’s parents, informed them that all was well with their beloved daughter, and invited them to Xihirah to be honored guests at a special event. The Kriton government did not give the Stayvels details as to why they were invited to Xihirah. They only arranged for the Stayvels to travel to Xihirah on the next luxury spaceship to leave Kriton for Xihirah.

As the day continued, Kael grew more tired and anxious to see his beloved mate. “Thyson, let’s return to our mates and see to our evening meals. I know Kalista is missing you. We need to check on Mother and see our new siblings too.” Kael waved Thyson in the direction of the door.

“Kael, after all this time, your mate is still at the pools. The guards say she’s like a child, so playful. She’s so delighted with the pools. She’s like Kalinda. She seems to have never seen water such as our pools. It seems she won’t leave the pools. The guards believe that even Kalinda is getting tired and hungry.” Thyson bent over laughing.