Page 74 of Warrior's Captive
“I’m trying to decide whether to be impressed, or very, very angry,” he said.
She settled back into her pillow. “I think I managed these marks pretty well for being an alien and a beginner.”
He took a deep breath, exhaled, and waited a moment before speaking. “Vivian, they barely kept you from going into labor.”
“It would have been fine. It was a risk, I know. But the alternative wasn’t acceptable.”
Tai’ri closed his eyes, mouth tight, but when he opened them again a wry expression settled onto his face. “At least I know for certain that you like me now.”
Her lips curved. “See? Positive thinking. Do you think we’re both well enough to go home now?”
* * *
The answer was yes. After a flurry of last-minute exams and instructions, they were released from medical care with a warning not to get too comfortable—they expected her labor to begin again at any time.
They stepped outside under the bright sunshine, fliers whizzing by, and began walking towards one of the transportation hubs. There was a shimmer in the air and Vykhan appeared at her side, dressed in his flowing gray, his braid draped over one shoulder.
She glanced at Tai’ri, who looked at his commander but said nothing.
“Your bond is true,” Vykhan said, staring straight ahead as they walked. “And, you, Vivian—you’re stronger than I thought you would be.”
“Thank you,” she said politely. It was meant as a compliment, after all, even if it was slightly backhanded. She didn’t think that was his intent, however.
He fixed Tai’ri with a look. “I am informed Vivian’s time is nearing.”
Tai’ri tensed at her side. “You’re going to take me off active duty again.”
“You need to focus on your mate and child, Tai’ri.” Vykhan’s tone was gentle, for him. “Trust us to finish the hunt. She deserves a mate who is fully present. You will never get these days back.”
“My sister must have given you talking points.” He stopped, looked down at her. Vivian let him take her hands and waited patiently as the thoughts rolled through his eyes.
“I want to spend time with you,” he said finally. “Rubbing your feet and your belly and watching the child move and grow. Cook, shop, complete the nursery.”
“But?”
“I want to hunt down the people who hurt you. I want them dead.”
“You almost died, Tai’ri.” She loosened her hand from his grip, lifted it to cup his cheek. “Can’t your team take over the hunt for you for now? A few days?”
“You’ve done enough,” Vykhan added. “We can take it from here.”
Giving in, Tai’ri nodded. “Alright. But I want in on the final takedown.”
Vykhan smiled. “Agreed. Now go home. And stay there this time.”
26
A weeklater the pains began as fluttering cramps, almost as if her period was due. Vivian noted the discomfort and continued on with her day.
By late morning, considering the pains were steadily increasing in strength and frequency, she started to suspect that she might be in the early stages of labor.
Vivian set down her paintbrush as another cramp seized her lower groin. She exhaled through it, a little pleased at her forbearance.
She picked up her brush and resumed the delicate blue flowers she was painting over a white porcelain bowl. When it was done she would carefully smash it into pieces and then meld them back together again, highlighting the cracks with gold.
Setting the bowl aside, she stood, rubbing the small of her back, and thought about the small bag she’d packed for her stay at the birthing center. Everything was ready to go, especially since the center provided toiletries and any small comfort items typically requested.
Taking the lift down to the bedroom level, she walked slowly towards her room. Walking today had become more difficult as it felt like every muscle was involved in the pressure around her uterus.
