Rydak continued to marvel at how his life had changed. “You will always hold my heart, Lissi Jaard. This baby is another step toward rebuilding my family.”

“If it’s a female, I want to name her after your nonja. Aya Nabella Jaard.”

“Agreed.” It was the best gift. More than he expected. He removed the glove from his right hand in preparation for his favorite part when they were alone together. Rydak braced his palm on the rounded swell of her belly.

Silence. Blessed silence until a fierce thump rocked his palm. Lissi gasped and Rydak chuckled. “This is our son, Lis.”

“Daughter,” she denied immediately. Then smiled. “I do not really care. Do you?”

Rydak pressed the side of his face to her belly, enjoying the skin to skin contact and marveling at the lack of pain. “I do not care either. Healthy and whole is all I ask.”

***

Rydak held his breath as the new baby was placed in his bare hands. Impressions immediately flooded his brain. Happiness, hunger, discomfort. The feelings passed quickly, leaving behind minor pinches of pain.

Lissi noticed and reached for their son. “Rydak, I’m sorry. I did not think.”

He leaned away from her efforts to take the child, holding the warm bundle closer to his chest. “He is all that is love, Lissi. Relax.”

She hovered over his shoulder and Rydak was thankful that his Chosen understood. She didn’t make him feel less because their baby did not have his maman’s innate resistance to Rydak’s abilities. Every thought and sensation carried from the innocent mind to his but he tolerated the hurt as he’d tolerated his nonja’s demand for touch over the years. It was a small price to pay for such open love.

Rydak kissed the pink forehead and the swirls of blonde hair. “Your papan welcomes you, Boid Torkel Jaard.”

***

As the sun warmed her skin, the gentle breeze cooled it off. Stretched out on the grass, Lissi stroked her fingers through her brother’s long hair, the dark brown strands tangling about her fingers. He lay with his head in her lap and his very aura resonated with disappointment. Today marked Torkel’s seventh presentation and once again he’d been left on the sands unchosen.

Her heart hurt for him but he masked his sadness with the gentleness he always displayed when with her and the kids.

“What’s it like?” Torkel asked.

Lissa paused, her hands falling to her side. She knew what he asked and didn’t bother pretending. “It’s beautiful with the right person, Tor.”

“I’m happy for you Lissi.”

And he was. She knew it deep in her heart that her brother did not regret her finding love in the very process that continued to cause him pain. With Rydak she had the perfect match. The other half of herself.

Lissi’s gaze shifted to the man in a simple shirt and pants as he swung the little girl in a circle above his head. Aya squealed, a bright smile on her face to match that of her papan. Beside them patiently waiting a turn was their older son Boid. Rydak lowered Aya gently until she had her balance and swooped Boid into the air. Her son’s laughter spilled out, his chubby hands grasping at Rydak’s uncovered ones.

A smile crossed Lissi’s face, remembering her Chosen’s confession when she’d asked about his lack of gloves when touching them.

‘I like feeling what they feel. They’re full of so much love and happiness, Lis.’

“He loves you,” Torkel interrupted, watching the group as well.

Contentment filled her. Lissa never doubted Rydak’s feelings. “Yes, he does.”

Torkel sighed and sat up. “Tell Maman and Papan goodbye for me.”

To some the Unit Leader of the Jutaks based on Enotia was one of the best, an elite soldier without equal. To others he was the scary, bad Marenian because of his heritage. To Lissi he was just her big brother. She eyed his height and massive size. Really big.

“You won’t speak to maman yourself?” Shaya was a force to be reckoned with.

Her brother grimaced. “She will hold me longer and slide another plate of food in front of me.”

Lissi smothered a chuckle. Their maman treated him as if he was still the abandoned little baby she’d found in a field. “You will hear from Papan when she cries about it tonight.”

A smile flashed across Torkel’s face. If maman was fierce, papan was worst to any who upset his Chosen. Though no longer a part of the military, he could switch to deadly soldier in a heartbeat.

“I need to get back. We move into the new facility soon.” Torkel stretched his arms above his head, pulling the black uniform of the Jutak warriors taut over his massive chest. “You will keep Aya and Boid here longer to distract them and provide me proper cover.”

This time Lissi couldn’t help snickering. “You will owe me, brother.”

His brown eyes narrowed. “You are a menace.”