Standing on the second-floor balcony, Zoey gazed out over the alien jungle she’d grown so fond of over the last several months. Towering trees with leaves in varying shades of green, purple, and pink stretched on as far as she could see, broken only by jutting, rocky peaks, the nearest of which hosted a waterfall that cooled the air with its mist. It was refreshing even if the heat didn’t bother her like it used to. Back on Earth, temperatures like these would’ve been hell for her. But Ren’s nyros had changed much of that for her.

It had forced her body to adapt, to compensate for heat and cold, for fluctuations in air pressure and oxygen levels, to heal rapidly from wounds — and that was only the start. Though it wasn’t easy for her to harness yet, she could also tap into the nyros to perform feats of strength and speed like Ren could.

But it was the most unexpected change that had proven the most welcome.

Zoey smiled as she looked down, cradling her rounded stomach as her baby stirred inside.

It shouldn’t have been possible. Ren had told her that they were two different species, that there could be no offspring between them, and he’d been right. But neither of them had ever imagined she’d be filled with nyros that would allow her body to adapt to almost anything — including, apparently, his seed.

Ren’s reaction had been comically enthusiastic. In his shock and excitement, he’d managed to break the chair he’d been sitting in, but he had shrugged it off like it had never happened when he dropped to his knees and held her hips reverently between his hands, staring up her in wonder.

He came up behind her now, leaning down to rest his chin on her shoulder as he encircled her middle with all four arms.

“How are my kun’ia and child this morning?” he asked.

Zoey covered his lower hands with her own and turned her head to kiss him. “Good. He’s very active this morning.”

“Restless to be out in the world. The Halvari asked if we will offer him to be trained as a warrior in the Khorzar.”

Zoey frowned. “Not even born yet and they’re already asking me to give him up.”

Ren soothed her with another kiss and smiled. “For those born into it, as I was — and my family for generations before me — it is tradition. Our child is of rare blood, to have two parents whose bodies accepted the nyros. But I already told them no.”

Her eyes widened, and she turned to face him without breaking his embrace. “You did? Why?”

She’d gone before a huge crowd of aligarii when Ren had presented her to them as his mate; the Halvari had been at the forefront, and they’d been the ones who held the power to bless or deny his claim. To say they were an intimidating bunch would’ve been an understatement — they were all built like Ren, but their faces had held none of the softness he’d shown her. They were the leaders of their people, and they projected only strength and stoicism.

After they’d legitimized Ren’s claims and welcomed him as a returned hero, they’d shown her great kindness and gratitude, praising her for her role in bringing him home, but she’d never forget how nervous she’d been when facing them that first time.

To know that Ren stood up to them and defied tradition a second time warmed her heart.

“Because our child will have strength of heart and spirit before he ever knows anything of war. If he chooses that path, let it be his choice when he is older. Those who choose the Khorzar of their own will are looked at with great honor for their selflessness. I will not send him down that road, and I will not have him taken from your arms.”

Tears blurred her vision. “Do you have any idea how much I love you?”

“Hmm.” He hooked her chin with a finger and turned her face slightly, studying her features. “I’m not sure. Perhaps you will have to show me, after we make our trip to the city.”

“Or,” Zoey said, placing her hands on his bare chest, “I could show you now. I’m feeling particularly affectionate, at the moment.”

A slow grin spread across his lips, the one that always lit a fire low in her belly. “And…what of our appointment with the veringan clothiers?” he asked as he drew her body against his, voice growing husky.

“You know you’re not supposed to deny a pregnant woman’s desires.” She slid her hands over his shoulders, lacing her fingers behind his neck and drawing his head down. “They can wait. Your kun’ia cannot.”

Rendash groaned, his lower palms squeezing her backside. She felt his hardness against her abdomen.

“Perhaps I can fulfill your desire, little human, if you promise to let me select a few new articles of clothing for you to wear when we are home…”

“I promise,” she said, smiling against his lips.

Zoey shrieked with laughter as he picked her up, strode back inside their room, and laid her down upon their bed.

“And your kun’ia desires a taste of your nectar,” he declared, lifting her skirts and lowering his head between her thighs.

It wasn’t long before her laughter gave way to pleasured moans.