Meredith's Pride [Galactic Nuptials 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour ManLove) (13 page)

Mer blushed and cuddled the small child to his chest. “They just like me because they know I’m a sucker, and they can get away with murder when I’m watching them.” Jacy crawled up his leg and patted his cheek.

“What in the world is going on in here?” Athaw strolled into the room, an ugly scowl on her face. “The cubs need to be rebonding with their mothers.” She reached toward Mer with her arms outstretched. “Give me the baby.”

Taima morphed into his beast and growled, spitting, his hair standing on end.

“What the hell?” Delsin took a step closer, biting back a laugh.

Athaw clenched her jaw, the vein in her forehead throbbing visibly. She moved closer, pointing her finger at the small cub. “Change back right now.”

Taima growled again, reaching out with his clawed paw, swiping at her hand.

Hula laughed. “I don’t think he likes you, Athaw. He’s protecting his sister.”

Mer rubbed behind the small cub’s ears. “Come on, Taima. Change back for me.” Immediately the small ball of fur morphed into his human skin, cuddling his cheek against Mer’s hand.

“Oh my Goddess.” Misko dropped into a chair. “They’ve bonded with Mer.”

Delsin looked at the incredulous faces of the pride’s females and laughed inwardly.
This will make it easier for them to accept him as the alpha’s mate. They know the cubs don’t trust just anyone.
He glanced at Athaw and froze. The look on her face was pure rage. He could hear her rushing loud breaths as her chest heaved. With a quick, decisive stride she left the room.
I’m going to have to keep my eye on her. She’s trouble, just looking for a place to explode.

“Hey, everybody.” Knoton stood in the doorway. “Dinner’s ready. Hakan went to call the Arridians in.”

Delsin moved toward the door. “Let’s move to the dining room. I had Hakan put blankets and pillows on the floor for the babies to play while we eat.” He stood back and let the women move from the room. When Mer walked past him, he slipped his arm around his waist and planted a kiss on the top of his head. “I’m looking forward to spending time with you later,” he whispered into his ear. He frowned when Mer smiled and moved away, following the women into the dining room.

Everyone had taken a seat when the Arridians walked in, followed by Hakan. They took their seats and the cubs began to fret, their whimpers soon turning into full-fledged cries. Misko and Hula got up and went to the babies, cuddling them in an effort to get them quiet.

“What’s wrong with the little ones?” asked Knoton.

Mer glanced at the Arridian guards and sighed. “They might be feeling a little tense around people they don’t know.” He pushed back his chair, walked to the corner, and dropped down onto the blanket. Immediately the cubs quieted, moving close to his small frame. He wrapped his arms around the toddlers, letting them bury their faces against his skin.

“They feel safe with him.” Delsin watched for a moment and then walked over and knelt down. “Do you want to bring them to the table?”

Mer shook his head. “They’d be even more uncomfortable to put them closer to the Arridians. I’ll just sit here with them. I’m not really hungry anyway. I’ll still be able to listen in, and the kids will be quiet.”

“But I want you to—”

“I’m staying here, Delsin. Go eat your dinner, and I’ll entertain the babies.”

Delsin stood and sighed. He returned to the table to find Athaw had taken the seat Mer had vacated. For a moment he considered ordering her to move and then glanced at the Arridians. They were watching him closely and he didn’t want stories of their personal problems making their way back to Zintssar. Rubbing the bridge of his nose with two fingers, he took his seat and smiled.

Things are working out well, brother. Look how the women have paired off with the men. I think we’ll be celebrating other matings besides ours before long.

Delsin glanced around the table. Knoton had moved his chair closer to Misko and was currently whispering in her ear. Hakan was filling Hula’s plate and gazing at her lovingly. Delsin nodded at Etu and turned to the Arridians. “We can never thank you enough for the assistance you gave in helping us to recover our mate. We’re in your debt, and if you ever need us, all you have to do is ask.”

The leader of the Arridians bowed his head. “It was our pleasure, Alpha.”

“Okay, everyone.” Knoton walked in carrying several dishes of food. “Don’t be shy, just dig in.”

Delsin looked up and started when he felt Athaw’s hand on his thigh. He turned to look at her and growled softly. She grinned slyly and pulled her hand away, letting it slide across his thigh and digging in her nails.

What the hell is going on, Brother?

Etu, I’m trying hard not to kill Athaw in front of our guests, but it’s getting harder to ignore her.

Etu chuckled in his head
. I hope it’s not getting “harder” to ignore her.

Delsin choked, covering a laugh.
Not to worry. Nothing at all is hard with her near.
He glanced over at Mer and felt his breath catch. From his place on the floor he could see clearly under the table, and his eyes seemed glued to Delsin’s legs.
He saw Athaw’s hand on my thigh.
He tried to give his mate a reassuring smile, but he could see the sadness in the small man’s eyes and feel the desolation rolling off him in waves.
I can’t let him continue to suffer. Etu, I’m going to claim Mer tonight. Are you in or not?

I was ready to take him without you, Brother. As soon as our guests leave and the pride is settled in their rooms, we can claim him.

Agreed. I’ll meet you at his door, and we’ll go in together. I want this settled before we leave for Linnaeus. I’m ready to go home.

Mer seethed inwardly as he watched Athaw paw Delsin.
He doesn’t seem to mind. He’s been smiling and talking to her like all is well. If he’s decided he wants her skanky ass, then there really is no reason for me to stay here. If Etu wanted to mate with me, he’d have done it earlier. I don’t have any place here now.

“I bet you’re anxious for a break.” Misko bent and picked up Yuma. “It was really nice of you to take care of the cubs while we had dinner.”

Mer took a deep breath and looked up at the young woman’s kind eyes. “It was my pleasure. I really enjoy being with the little tykes.”

“I can tell they really love you.” She bit her lip and glanced over toward the table where the others were getting to their feet, and then back at Mer. “If you wouldn’t mind a little advice…”

Mer cocked his head and studied her for a moment. “Sure. What is it?”

“Don’t take everything at face value. To know the truth of any situation, you have to delve deeper. Don’t just automatically trust your eyes. Sometimes things aren’t as they seem.” She gave him a small smile, touched his shoulder, and then grabbed Jacy by the hand and walked away.

After Misko walked away, Mer stood and helped Nodin to his feet. He watched as the toddler made his way to his mother, laughing up at her open arms. She scooped him up, nodded at Mer, and then hurried from the room. Sighing, Mer held Keme over his shoulder and took Taima’s hand. He walked them out onto the front porch for some fresh air. There, in the darkness, he relaxed, breathing in deeply.

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

Mer flinched at the sound of Athaw’s voice. He felt Taima move closer, his little arms sliding around Mer’s leg. “I’m sorry. Did you need something?”

Athaw walked around to stand next to the porch railing. She narrowed her eyes and gave him a small smile. “I just wanted to tell you how much I admire how you handle the cubs. They obviously love you, and you’re very good with them. We’re all so grateful that you took such good care of them.”

Mer frowned, and hugged Keme closer when she started to fret. “That’s okay. It was my pleasure. They’re great little kids.”

She took a step closer and lowered her voice, laying one hand on Mer’s arm. “I’ve discussed it with Delsin, and he agrees that the cubs would suffer if they lost you now. We want you to stay on like a nanny to these babies, plus any future ones that he and I might have. We can guarantee you’ll always have a place in our home.”

Mer blinked back tears and turned away from her triumphant expression.
They want me to be an employee.

Athaw leaned back, and looked up at the sky. “It’s a shame they made the mistake when they sent for you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Hakan explained that Delsin had given him the picture out of Galactic Nuptial’s catalog, but didn’t see where it said you were a male. He said your long brown hair made you look like an attractive young woman. He was pretty shocked when you got off the shuttle.”

Mer buried his face in Keme’s shoulder.
Could it be true?
He thought back to the shock on Hakan’s face when they met on Earth.

“You don’t have to give me an answer right away, but we’ll need one in the morning. We’re returning to our home, and if you don’t want the job, the Arridians have agreed to take you back to Kilara so you can get the shuttle back to Earth. There’s one in just four days’ time.” She straightened and moved toward the door. “I guess I’d better get inside. Delsin will be wondering where I am.”

Mer shuddered, taking a deep breath before trying to move. He took the children back to their room and quickly got them into their beds. Kissing them good-night, he left and went in search of Hakan. He found him in the kitchen. “Hey, man.”

“Hello, Mer. What can I do for you?”

Mer shrugged. “Nothing, really. I was just thinking about our meeting. It must have been a real shock for you when I turned out to be a man instead of the woman you were expecting.”

Hakan gave a slow laugh and sagged against the wall. “Yes, it was quite a shock at first, and then I just figured Delsin knew what he wanted. You should have seen his face when I was explaining after we got here. I thought he’d explode.”

Mer smiled, laughed at all the appropriate places, but his heart was breaking. In the short time he’d been with the shape-shifters, he’d grown to love them, and now he’d have to give them up. They hadn’t wanted a male mate at all.

“Mer, may I speak with you?”

Mer turned and nodded at Hula. “Of course. What can I do for you?”

“I just wanted to thank you for taking such good care of my son. I’ll always be grateful he had someone showing him love and affection while I was away.”

“It was my pleasure, dear lady. If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to go and talk with the Arridians. I’m fascinated with their culture, and I’d like to know more about them.” Without waiting for her reply, Mer walked off. He approached the tall Arridian that appeared to be guarding the door.

“Do you want something, human?”

“One of the women said you’d be willing to let me go with you when you leave for Kilara so I can get a shuttle back to Earth.”

The man was quiet for a moment. “Yes, that is acceptable. We will be leaving in approximately one hour. Can you be ready?”

The heavy pressure in Mer’s chest made it difficult to breathe. “Yes, I’ll be at your shuttle in less than an hour.”

“If you’re uncomfortable traveling at night through the forest, you can meet me outside in a half hour and I will escort you.”

Mer thought back to his trip through the forest and quickly nodded his head. “I’ll be there.” He turned and started down the hall, stopping when he spotted Delsin headed his way.

“There you are. I’ve been looking for you. Is everything okay?”

“Sure, I’m just tired and thought I’d go lie down.”

Delsin smiled and winked. “It’s a good thing. You’re going to need your strength. We’re all heading home in the morning. I want to get the cubs back as soon as possible. It’s easier to protect them on our own planet.”

“I understand.”
He’s already talking like I’ve accepted their nanny position.
He looked up at Delsin, memorizing his face. Taking a deep breath he smiled. “I’m very happy for you, that you defeated your enemy and found your family.”

Delsin’s head tilted to the side, his brows drawing together, and then he smiled. “Family is everything.” He kissed Mer’s forehead. “I’ll see you later.”

Mer nodded, walked down the hall to his room, and went inside. He packed a small bag, leaving everything else. He didn’t know how large the shuttle was, so he just took enough for a few days. The rest didn’t matter. He closed up his bag and sneaked out the side door, being careful to avoid everyone in the house. The Arridian was waiting for him at the edge of the forest. He nodded at the tall, silent man and followed him into the trees.

* * * *

Delsin followed the Arridians to the door. “Travel safe, my friends. Tell Zintssar I will contact him when we’re safely back on Linnaeus.” He watched as they disappeared into the forest and then turned back to say good night to his pride.

“Wait,” Knoton said. “We wish to speak with you, Alpha.”

“What is it?”

Knoton took Misko’s hand and pulled her forward. “I formally want to ask your permission to mate with Misko.”

Hakan moved near, dragging a blushing Hula behind him. “I wish to formally ask your permission to mate with Hula.”