Chapter Thirty-Six
“It’s too early to do a pregnancy test without blood work,” Abbie reluctantly informed Mallory. “But if Zaureth says you’re pregnant, you can bet the farm that you are.”
Mallory’s heart swelled with happiness. “How is it even possible to tell if someone is expecting by simply touching their hand?”
“Zaureth is special,” Abbie admitted. “He holds a power that is foreign to me. But it exists. I’ve seen it firsthand.”
“This is all just so incredible.” Mallory made her way over to sit in the chair across from Abbie. “Before this all started, I never would have dreamed that something this unbelievable truly existed. Yet here we are, mated to two of them. I keep thinking I’m going to wake up and find it was all a dream.”
“It is a dream, Mallory. The dream of a lifetime.” Abbie’s gaze suddenly flicked to the television. “Turn that up.”
Mallory snatched up the remote and pressed the volume button in time to hear Vice President Pratt announce his temporary seat as president of the United States.
“The trial is set to begin sometime in the next two weeks, to determine the fate of President Rueben Howell. Until then, I will be acting in his stead. Further investigation into the Incola cover-up is underway. The troops will be pulled from the gulf until we can secure a meeting with the Bracadyte king. It’s peace that I seek. There’s been enough bloodshed on both sides. It’s time to put an end to what I feel is an unnecessary war.”
“I don’t know how to thank you,” Abbie declared, tears filling her beautiful hazel eyes. “If not for you, none of this would be happening.”
Mallory grew uncomfortable with the praise. “Vaulcron deserves most of the credit. He’s the one that contacted me, insisting I interview him. This was his plan all along.”
A soft knock sounded on the door. Mallory stood and trailed over to open the door. “Hello?”
A young native girl wearing a maid’s uniform stood next to Amy. “I found her lost in the hall. She asked me to guide her to your room.”
“Thank you,” Mallory murmured, reaching out to take hold of Amy’s hand. “She’s my sister.”
“Has anyone seen Zaureth?” Amy immediately asked, allowing Mallory to guide her into the room.
Mallory led her to the closest chair and helped her sit. “I’m sure Vaulcron is with him. He left to go find Zaureth about an hour ago.”
A look of relief settled on Amy’s face.
Mallory knelt down next to her chair. “You’ve become quite close with Zaureth, haven’t you?”
“Yes. He’s the only one doesn’t pity me. Not to mention he has more patience than anyone I’ve ever known.”
“Amy, honey? Zaureth is a healer. He plays a very important role in the Bracadyte world. He can’t spend every waking hour with you. Do you understand?”
“Don’t treat me like a child, Mallory. If I’m smothering him, I’ll back off.”
Pride filled Mallory’s chest at how much her sister had matured over the past five years. She’d grown into a responsible young woman. “I didn’t say you were smothering him. I’m just giving you some sisterly advice.”
Amy smiled and tilted her head to the side. “Hello, Abbigail. How are you today?”
Mallory grinned at Abbie’s stunned expression.
“How did you know I was here?” Abbie asked in an awed tone.
“I recognized your scent. You always smell so clean with a hint of floral.”
Abbie laughed. “That was the best compliment I’ve had all day.”
The door opened, and a grim-faced Vaulcron slipped inside.
“What’s wrong?” Mallory questioned, reaching up to touch his face.
“Zaureth is gone.”
Amy turned her face toward Vaulcron. She remained perfectly still, no emotion evident in her voice. “What do you mean he is gone?”
Vaulcron recited the details of his talk with Oz, ending with his conversation with Zaureth and the healer’s need to be left alone.
Amy paled, but otherwise remained calm. She slowly got to her feet and felt her way to the door.
Mallory rushed to her side. “Where are you going?”
“To my room. I have the beginnings of a headache, and I’d like to lie down for a bit.”
“I’ll walk you there,” Mallory offered, opening the door.
Amy shook her head. “That won’t be necessary. I know my way back now. I’m six doors down on the left.”
Kissing Mallory on the cheek, Amy stepped out into the hall, dragging her hand down the wall as a guide.
Mallory waited until she safely entered her room before closing the door to find Vaulcron pacing along the foot of the bed.
Abbie stood and rounded the coffee table. “I’ll give you some privacy.”
“Talk to me,” Mallory beseeched him once the door shut behind Abbie.
Vaulcron paused and sat on the foot of the bed, pulling Mallory in between his knees. He was tall enough that their faces were level with each other. “This behavior Zaureth is exhibiting is not like him. I have known him since he was a babe.”
“I thought he was older than you?”
Vaulcron shook his head. “He was born during my tenth summer.”
Mallory ran a hand down his hair. “In human terms, please.”
“I am ten years his senior.”
Shocked, Mallory slowed her hand on its downward trek. “He’s only thirty?”
At Vaulcron’s nod, she continued stroking his long hair. “I would have never guessed him so young. His hair has white streaks along his temples.”
“The discoloration began once he came into his powers. Even I am not privy to what all he is capable of.”
“You mean his healing abilities?”
“Among other things,” Vaulcron revealed. “But to what extent, I do not know.”
“Wow,” Mallory breathed, sliding her hand down to cup his cheek. “I’m sure he’ll be back as soon as he works through his issues, Vaulcron. He doesn’t strike me as the type to abandon his people.”
“I hope you are right, my love,” he murmured, snaking a hand around her waist. “I will attempt to speak with him again on the morrow. In the meantime, I would very much like to be inside my mate.”
Mallory’s eyes grew heavy with desire. She pressed her body against him and rested her mouth next to his ear. “I want you to take me in every way possible. And then take me some more.”
The feel of his erection growing between their bodies was her undoing. She shrugged out of her robe and pushed him back onto the bed, following him down. “Vaulcron…”