Her hands flew to her mouth in disbelief as she stood shock still in his arms. “Barsork,” she let out in a small squeaky voice.

That was all she was able to get out before his lips brushed hers and all her fears dissipated. She cried as he held her tight and Jenny smiled from the other room.

“Guess your boyfriend’s back.” Jenny laughed. “It’s about time, maybe now you’ll stop moping around all day.”

“Oh my God, Barsork. I can’t believe you’re here. What happened? I didn’t hear anything and I thought…” Betty broke off unable to speak through her tears.

Barsork wiped them away softly and kissed her cheeks. He set her down gently on the bed and then turned to Jenny. “Do you mind?”

Jenny looked confused for several seconds and then quickly bustled around the room. “No, of course, of course. I’m sure you two have lots to talk about. I’ll just…I’ll just go somewhere else.” Jenny quickly left closing the door behind her and Betty laughed.

“Barsork, I’m so glad to see you.”

He pulled her tight once more. “King Barsork now actually.”

Betty pulled away quickly. “You did it then. You challenged your brother.”

“Challenged and won. I don’t think either of us quite believed it, nor did most of Xicret.”

Betty slid her hand into his. “I’m sorry that you had to do that.”

Barsork nodded. “As much of a monster as he was, he was still my brother. On Xicret he will be remembered as a king, but his rule could not be allowed to continue. I have left a good man in charge while I am gone. He will do well with the people. There are many changes to be made, and they will not be made over night, but enough of politics. I am here to see you.”

Betty smiled. “I have missed you so much, Barsork. I didn’t know if I would ever see you again, and my heart was sad.”

Barsork smiled and kissed her softly. “Betty, we must talk. I love you and I cannot leave your side again. If I must abdicate the throne of Xicret I will do so willingly and live here on Earth as a human with you.”

Betty smiled. “I do not believe that you will need to give up your throne, travel is easy for your kind, and there are many things we need to do together. I would like to spend some time here on Earth though. I want you to meet my parents, and my friends, and I have been working to bring down the abductors here on Earth as well.”

Barsork smiled. “I know. I received numerous reports of your successes, and I beamed with pride. I have put a price on the head of any who comes to Earth without direct permission from the king for now.

“If that does not stop the abductions, I have put a reward out for any abducted Earth women. I do not believe we will have long before the contacts dry up. Without Carzon, the auction house has no leader.

“There is still a great deal of damage and many women will have to be found. Also abductions are still occurring on other planets that I have not been able to put a stop to yet. I thought perhaps we could take a trip back to Wolfban and pick up your friends. I think they will be perfect for rescue missions.

Betty laughed. “I think that’s a great idea. I would like to spend a little time here on Earth because I want you to get to know my parents and also I will need your help at the clinic here on campus for a while. After that, I would like to go to Xicret with you and meet your people. I think by then they will be very happy to see you return.

“Anything you say, my Betty. What help will you be needing at the clinic?”

Betty smiled. “Oh just little stuff like lifting heavy boxes, picking up ice cream, small things like that.”

Barsork frowned not quite understanding, but at the moment all he wanted to do was look into her eyes. Something about her looked different, but he couldn’t quite tell what it was. “Betty, are you okay? Your eyes look strange.”

Betty smiled. “How do you mean strange?”

He shrugged. I don’t know they seem to have blue specs in them almost, but very faint.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it, Barsork.”

He smiled and pulled her close to him, wrapping his strong arms around her. “I can’t wait for you to see Xicret. The people are going to love you. There has not been a true bonding on our planet for a very long time, and the people are very interested to see you.”

Betty sighed contentedly. “I will be happy to meet them. I think that you will have a very big welcome home ceremony when you arrive.”

“Why is that?” Barsork asked mildly curious.

“I hear that children are a big deal on your planet, and I would imagine that the first son of the new king would be an even bigger deal.”

Barsork chuckled. “Yes, I suppose it would be…” Suddenly her words sank in and he turned her around to face him. “Betty, are you saying what I think your saying?”

Betty nodded slowly. “I can feel him, Barsork. He’s a great deal like you, fierce, but gentle. He will be a great king one day to follow in his father’s footsteps. He felt your presence when you came in, that’s why I almost fell. The sensation was overwhelming.”

Barsork laid his hands on Betty’s stomach. “A boy. You’re sure?”

Betty laughed. “Oh I’m sure alright. He will be the first Xicret born out of a bonding. I think he will have a lot of responsibilities on his small shoulders.”

Barsork pulled her to him, tears of joy running down his face. “I love you, Betty. You and our son.”

“I love you, Barsork. Three months here on Earth and then we head back to Xicret. The babies should be born there. After they’re born we will go to Wolfban and pick up the refugees. Then it will be time to shut that auction house down for good. I’ve thought of a much better use for the space.”

“Oh yeah, what idea is that? Wait…did you says babies?”

Betty laughed. “Oh did I forget to mention that your second son also lives inside me. They are twins, my love. Can you imagine, twins? As far as the idea I had, I thought perhaps we could turn the space into a safe haven for children from all over the galaxy.”

Barsork smiled and kissed her tenderly. “Twins!”

Betty laughed and then her face became pale. “Speaking of your wonderful new offspring, I believe I am going to be sick now.” With that she rushed off the bed and bent over the toilet. Barsork came behind her holding her hair and rubbing her neck softly all the while wearing a huge proud grin on his face.