One month later

Kathy wiped the back of her shaking hand across her mouth, breathing hard, then flushed the toilet. This was twice in one day. She blinked her eyes, refusing to cry.

“Ms. Strong, are you okay?” Jane Brown, the court reporter asked, her grandmotherly voice full of concern.

Kathy straightened her jacket and tossed her head back. “Yes, I’m fine.”

But she was far from fine. Ever since she’d been home, she’d gone back to ordinary and had been miserable. She missed Ysam, his smile, his possessiveness, his tiger-eyes. How could she have told the man she loved she’d kill him if he ever touched or spoke to her again?

What a fool she’d been. Her hurt and anger had overcome her better judgment, but she couldn’t focus on the biggest mistake of her life, Kathy came out of the stall with her attorney face on. “It must have been something I ate.” Kathy bent over the sink and rinsed her mouth.

Jane rubbed her back. “My dear, you’re talking to a woman who has had six children. How far along are you?”

“I’m not pregnant,” she said sharply.

Jane’s blue eyes twinkled. “I can see it in your eyes. A pregnant woman’s skin always glows. And yours is beaming.” She frowned. “If you don’t trust me, then you need to see a doctor. You need to start thinking about what’s best for the baby.”

Kathy walked out in front of her. “I am not pregnant.” As if saying she wasn’t pregnant made it true.

Jane clicked her tongue.

Kathy returned to court and apologized, then continued defending her client, accused of stealing his girlfriend’s car. But her mind was elsewhere.

Throughout the rest of the hearing, she’d had to endure Jane’s scowl and looking at her as if she was the evil incarnate. She couldn’t help but wonder what the silver-haired woman would think if she knew the father was an alien shape-shifter.

She shut her briefcase then left the courtroom and went straight to the drug store to buy a pregnancy test. Her throat ran dry as she played the scene over and over in her head of telling him she’d never wanted to see or have him touch her again. She even promised to kill him. Unfortunately, Ysam had kept his word and stayed away from her.

When she got home, she ripped open the pregnancy test. Her heart beating nervously, she paced back and forth, wearing a hole in her bathroom floor, waiting for the longest three minutes to end. She grabbed the stick and groaned.

Positivepositivepositivepositive.

She sat on the toilet seat and rested her hand on her elbows. Tears swelled in her eyes and fell on her knees. Not only was she not ready for a baby, but especially not a dragon baby.

After her jaunt in outer-space, she’d engrossed herself in cases, working twelve to fourteen hour days. She’d shut out Agnes and Frank, blaming them for being co-conspirators.

“I can’t do this alone.”

Agnes had gone to Zalara and Kathy hadn’t even told her good-bye. But she’d left Frank a telicator.

Kathy tossed her suit and blouse onto the floor then changed into her sweats. Swallowing back her pride, she called Frank.

He answered immediately.

“Kathy?”

“Frank,” her voice choked.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m…I’m pregnant.”

Silence answered her announcement.

She gripped the phone tight. “Say something.”

“Ysam’s?”

“Yes. Frank, I’m so scared. I don’t know what to do. I didn’t know who else to call.”

“How far along are you?”

“A month. What if this pregnancy is different than for a human?” She put her hand on her stomach. “I…I…need help. Could…you…call Agnes?”

“I could, but I’ve got a better idea.”

A heavy emptiness weighed heavily on her chest. She bit her lip. “What?”

“How about if I call Ysam?”

She swallowed, not able to speak. “I don’t know.” A tear slid down her cheek. “He probably never wants to see me again.”

“He’s never left you.”

Her breath bottled up in her chest. She frowned. “What?”

“Taog offered him a position on the Orion, but he turned it down.”

She sagged against the chair, her eyes unable to focus. “He did? But that was his dream. Why?”

“Because he wanted to try the ordinary. He’s here on Earth.”

Her pulse sped up and she sat straighter. “And he’s stayed away from me?”

Frank laughed. “You were pretty clear that if you saw him again, he’d be a dead dragon.”

“I know,” she said quietly. Heat flamed over her cheeks and her heart beat rapidly. “Where is he?”

Frank blurted, “He’s working at O’Toole’s as a bartender.”

Kathy touched her pulsing throat. “You’re kidding?”

“No, I’m not,” he said in his best don’t-mess-with-me FBI voice.

Kathy hesitated and twirled the string on her sweat pants tightly around her finger. ”Do you think he wants to see me?”

“Kathy, a man wouldn’t give up his dreams for a woman unless he truly loved her.” His voice softened, reminding her of her father’s when he was trying to give her advice.

“No, no, of course not.” Her voice faded as his words sunk into her stubborn brain.

She put her cellular phone down and bit her thumb. Her stomach swirled uneasily, and she closed her eyes. Ysam had given up his dream for her. Who was she kidding? He’d given up his world for her. She’d never heard of any man who had done this. At least not in her world.

He was extraordinary.

She made a decision and jumped off the chair. Within minutes, she showered and was in her car driving to O’Toole’s. Should she apologize or plead or tell him about the baby? All of them seemed desperate and pathetic.

She pulled into the crowded parking lot and rested her forehead on the steering wheel. She hadn’t even asked Frank when Ysam was working and was too chicken to call him, but here she was leaving her pride and hurt behind. This wasn’t just about her. She had a little life inside her, alien or human, the child was hers. And she didn’t want to do this alone.

She threw open the double glass door and quickly glanced at the bar. A small table was opened, and she slipped in the chair. Her stomach swirled again, and she licked the sweat off her trembling upper lip. God, she wished she could have a drink.

A blond female bartender pulled levers to fill up pilsner glasses. Another man was pouring wine into glasses, but no sign of Ysam.

A waiter strolled over. “Hi, can I get you something to drink?”

“Just water. Ah, um, is…Ysam working tonight? He’s a bartender.”

“No, Monday’s his day off. I’ll be back with your water.”

She tilted her chin down and left. Her plan had been a dumb one. She headed for her car.

“May I have this dance?”

The familiar husky voice made her heart skip a beat. She whirled around to see Ysam with his arm stretched out. He watched warily with his tiger-eyes.

“You’re here.”

“I never left.” He took a step toward her. “I love you. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He hung his head. “I should have told you about Daidhl.” His voice cracked.

He was so lost. He’d risked his life repeatedly on Sutois and then sacrificed everything for her. She was the selfish one, living in her grief. Lisa was gone. All her pent up anger dissipated and she let go. Her pulse raced, rising the her body temperature.

“Stop. I know.” She ran into his arms and hugged him tightly, inhaling his spicy scent, never wanting to lose him. “I’ve missed you so much. I love you.”

He held her and kissed the top of her head. “I’ll do ordinary. I’ll do anything. I just want to be with you.”

She looked up at him and put her hands on his cheeks. “I don’t want normal. I want you.”

He lowered his head, his lips captured hers, and she balled her fists in his shirt, never wanting to lose him again. Tears fell down on her face.

“Why are you crying?” He brushed the wetness off her cheeks.

“I’m…I’m pregnant.”

“Frank told me.”

She laughed. “I figured he would. Has any other Earth women became pregnant?”

“No.” He kissed her wet cheeks. “You’re the first.”

She pressed her lips together. “I’m scared. What if something goes wrong?”

“We’ll do this together.”

“But the doctors down here won’t know what to do.”

He put his hands on her shoulders. “What are you saying?”

She leaned her head on his chest. “I don’t know. Would your doctors know what to do?”

“More than yours.”

She sighed. “Come home with me.”

He kissed the top of her head. “But before we go, I need to give you something.”

She shook her head. “Not in O’Toole’s parking lot.”

“O’Toole’s is where we met.”

“You want to give me the Mating Stone, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

She put her hand on her belly. “I want a ceremony here with Frank, Agnes, and Anonghos.”

He put his hand over hers. “Are you sure?”

She clasped his cheek. “Yes.”

* * *

A month later, Kathy got her wish and had her small wedding at O’Toole’s. Since Ysam worked there, the manager had agreed to allow them to rent it out on a Sunday evening. Streams of banners hung from the ceiling. Ysam had surprised her and hired Casey and the Bandits to play.

But it was his guest list that had her in awe. Taog the captain of the Orion and the king and queen of Zalara were present.

The king himself would proceed over the ceremony. He was the largest and fiercest of the Zalarians and the most intimidating. His dark hair matched his dark mood.

His wife was the exact opposite with her blond hair and fair skin. Kathy immediately liked her.

Kathy wore a simple white dress and her tummy had grown. According to the queen, Cosima, Zalarian gestations were longer than humans, and her baby wouldn’t be born for a year.

Frank stuck out his elbow. “Are you ready?”

“Yes.” She clasped his arm. “I’m so nervous.”

He winked. “You look beautiful.”

Casey and the Bandits strummed Here Come’s the Bride. Kathy’s heartbeat went into orbit and her legs quaked.

“Shall we?” Frank asked.

Kathy nodded.

Frank escorted her down a red carpet where the King waited holding a red book. He was dressed all in black except for his golden crown. He looked so solemn, but her eyes were drawn to her mate––Ysam. Her stomach fluttered and she didn’t know whether it was from nerves or the baby, leaping for joy. She’d no idea how active a Zalarian baby was compared to a human. She took a deep breath. In a year, she’d find out.

Her mouth went dry. Ysam was so dashing, dressed in a black tuxedo. He had worn a red rose in his lapel. His tiger-eyes flashed with love and appreciation.

Agnes stood next to Anonghos on one side of the aisle, and she clasped her hands together like a little kid. Anonghos had his hand on her shoulder and winked at Kathy, who couldn’t help but smile.

On the other side of the aisle sat Queen Cosima dressed in a sparkling blue gown with the stern Captain of the Orion, who finally gave Kathy a grin. He really was handsome when he wasn’t so grim. Tash, Vaughn, and Ryruc had all come from the ceremony and nodded and smiled at her. She was so glad they were here. She’d missed them.

Kathy just wished Lisa were here. She’d always wanted her to be her maid of honor and tears formed on the back of her eyelids. Ysam fiddled with his jacket and gave her a grin. She took a deep breath and blinked them away.

The music stopped. Kathy stared up at the king, who towered over her.

“Who gives this woman away?” he asked.

Frank braced his shoulders and put his hand on Kathy’s trembling one. “I do.” He kissed her on the cheek then led her over to Ysam, who clasped her hand.

“We’re gathered here to join our two people,” the King said. “And to bring joy to both worlds. With their courage, Ysam and Kathy helped save our allies––the Arians––which created a strong bond with us forever.”

Kathy gripped Ysam’s hand tightly. He gently pulled her toward him and looked down into her eyes.

“Do you, Kathy Strong, take Ysam to love and cherish in sickness and health?”

Her heart quickened as she stared into those tiger-eyes. “I do,” she whispered.

“Do you, Ysam, take Kathy to love and cherish in sickness and health and to protect her with your life?”

Ysam lifted her hand and brushed his lips over the top of her knuckles. “I do.”

“The Mating Stone binds and chooses us, seeing what we do not understand. Once mated, the bond can never be undone. Kathy, do you give yourself freely to Ysam?”

She put her hand on top of his and in a clear loud voice said, “Always.”

The king turned toward Ysam. “Do you have the Mating Stone and the ring?”

“Yes.” Ysam slipped his hand into his pocket and first pulled out the ring.

“Put the ring on her finger,” the king instructed.

Ysam put the ring on her shaking finger.

“By the power invested in me, I proclaim you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Ysam grabbed her shoulders and kissed her hard, leaving her no doubt of his love.

Loud claps thundered behind them.

“We’re not finished yet,” the king said.

Kathy pulled her lips away and her knees knocked together. She glanced over at Agnes whose eyes were now the same color as her dragon’s.

“Are you ready?” Ysam ran the back of his palm down her cheek.

“Yes, I am.” But she couldn’t hide the doubt and fear in her voice.

“The Stone,” the king said.

Ysam dipped his hand into his pocket and gently opened his palm to a smooth blue stone. “Even without the stone, you’ll be my mate. I’ll treasure you always. You had my heart the first time I danced with you.”

“And you mine.” She closed her eyes and clasped his hand.

Adrenaline blasted through her palm and she arched her back. Her heart pumped like crazy, sending blood rushing through her veins. A white dazzling light blinded her, blocking out the king and Ysam’s face, and she shook uncontrollably. A million butterflies danced in her gut and she cried out.

Strong arms held her. “Kathy, Kathy.”

The light dimmed and she gazed up into Ysam’s concerned face. “Are you all right?”

She put her hand over her tummy and something moved. “Our baby just kicked my stomach.”

“He did?” Tears filled his eyes.

Kathy raised her eyebrow. “She did.”

He helped her to her feet. The cheers in the bar were deafening.

Casey and the Bandits had blank looks on their faces. She laughed, knowing immediately the colors of her eyes had changed to golden tiger-eyes.

King Greum raised his arms wide. “I pronounce you mated.”

The cheers and claps were deafening. Kathy wrapped her arms around her new husband’s neck and kissed him. “I have a surprise for you.”

He raised his eyebrow. “You do? Here? Now?” He ran one hand down her breast, making her nipple bud.

Heat rushed over her cheeks, and she punched him playfully in the shoulder. “Not that.” She stepped away. “Agnes.”

Agnes hurried to a small table at the back of the room and brought an urn. “Lisa was here, Kathy.” She sat it on a nearby chair. She clutched Kathy’s hand tight. “She was standing on the other side of you.”

Kathy choked back a sob and covered her mouth.

“Your parents were with her.”

Ysam stared at the urn, then his mouth fell open. “Is…is that…”

Kathy wiped away her tears, then kissed him on the stiff lips. She leaned into his ear and whispered, “Lisa’s ashes. I had her grave dug up then I had her cremated.”

A solemn hush fell over the room, not a breath exhaled.

Ysam lowered his head and he put his hand on his forehead. She stroked his back. “Do you have the other Mating Stone?”

His lips were pushed together and the light glistened off the wetness on his cheeks. “Are you sure? Remember what Greum said. Once done, it can never be undone.”

Kathy looked at Agnes who nodded.

“Lisa wants to meet him. She knows Daidhl’s not the one who murdered her. She’s ready.”

“Ysam,” She held out her hand. “We’ll do this together.”

He nodded, wordlessly, and covered her sweaty palm with his. The urn was only a couple feet away, but to Kathy, the distance was a mile. She held her breath and closed her eyes.

“Kathy?” Ysam asked gently.

She opened her eyes and stared at the urn. She looked at all her guests. The Zalarians had tight faces as if they were afraid she’d change her mind. Agnes motioned with her hand and nodded eagerly. Frank shifted one foot and then another. The Arian brothers winked at her.

She lifted the lid off the urn with her shaking hand. “Can I have the Stone?”

Ysam placed it in her palm. Unlike her warm, blue one, the stone was cold and gray. She inhaled and then turned her hand, allowing the Stone to fall into Lisa’s ashes with a soft plop.

Kathy clasped Ysam’s arm tight. White smoke rose out of the urn, then turned to a baby blue, then split in two.

“Ysam.” Kathy covered her mouth. “I can see her. It’s Lisa.”

Lisa had on her favorite white dress that glimmered in the sun. Her dark hair flowed over her shoulders and her eyes twinkled, but not her usual brown. They’d turned golden.

Another figured formed next to her––Daidhl. He had the same build as Ysam and the same brown colored hair, but longer. Kindness shown in his eyes.

Kathy gasped, but a golden aura glittered around him, meaning goodness and light.

“Forgive me, Kathy.”

She nodded wordlessly.

He clasped Lisa’s hand.

“Thank you,” he said. “Because of you both, I’m at peace.”

Kathy glanced up at Ysam. Tears streamed down his face. He could see them both.

A purple portal formed in the back of the room. Kathy could see her parents waiting.

She took a step.

“No!” Agnes warned. “If you go inside the portal, you can’t come back.”

Ysam grabbed both her arms and pulled her back against his front. She leaned her head back, knowing she belonged with him.

Lisa walked over to Kathy and smiled. “This is good-bye. And stop feeling guilty. I’m happy and at peace.” She kissed her on the cheek. “Take care of my niece.”

Daidhl walked over to Ysam and put his hands on his shoulders. “Thanks for believing in me.”

“You were my hero,” Ysam mumbled.

“And you’re mine. I’m proud of you.” He turned toward Lisa and stretched out his hand. “Shall we?”

Lisa took his offer and together they walked toward the purple portal. When they crossed the threshold, the portal, her parents, Daidhl and Lisa disappeared.

Kathy turned around and hung on to Ysam tightly. He stroked her hair. “They’re at peace.”

“I’ll be damned,” Casey said. “Knock me down with a feather.”

Kathy laughed at his astonished voice. She looked up at Ysam through her tears. “I love you. Dance with me.”

“Always.” He glanced over his shoulders. “Casey, the lady and I would like to dance to the tango.”

A guitar strummed. Ysam took her hand and led her out onto the dance floor. He dipped her to one side and then the next. They stood close and glided around each other. The music pumping into a stomping rhythm. Ysam’s eyes promised passion, and she licked her lips in anticipation of having him fulfill his unspoken words. Her heart swelled. He twirled her around and she gasped for breath. He pulled her hard to his chest. She clutched his face with her palms, then arched her back. He lowered his head as if to kiss the hollow between her breasts. She broke away and curtsied while he stood tall, stalking her.

He grabbed her hands and they swung around together. The bar and faces dimmed. All that mattered was Ysam. Her feet matched her beating heart and her hips swayed. Her body eager for the lust to come tonight. She pressed her back against his chest and flashed him a sexy smile. She whipped her head the other way and lifted her dress.

His eyes darkened. He clasped her hand and twirled her around then dipped her low. She put her hand, spreading her fingers across his cheek. “I love you.”

He kissed her, then lifted her slowly into his arms crushing her to him. “Tonight, I’ll show you how much I cherish you.”

“I…know you…will,” she gasped.

Ysam made good on his promise and that night they danced a passionate dance to the moonlight.