Roark
I had never once considered that Lara was with young.
Young. I am having a youngling, I thought. I still couldn’t believe it. How would I protect both of them? Keep them safe? What if Esad lived, and decided to take revenge?
You’re thinking too much, Lara chided gently.
I cannot help it. It is my job to protect you.
You will be a great husband and father.
I will try. Where are we going?
She looked at me as if I were daft. To tell your parents.
Still trying to process the information, I absently led her to the air vehicle and automatically programmed the coordinates.
I wasn’t paying any attention until Lara said, “It’s so beautiful here.”
We were on the outskirts of the city when the buildings dwindled to single homes.
“You said the ones with more important stations lived closer to the mansion,” she said abruptly. “What about the people on the other side of the world? I mean, there must be more people on the planet besides the city. No offense, but that’s not very many.”
I chuckled. “You are right. There are cities all across the planet. Each one has a leader appointed by Zorvak.”
“Maybe we can visit some of them.”
“If that is what you wish to do.”
The air vehicle landed, and I helped Lara outside. Mother and Father appeared immediately.
“Roark? Is that you?” Mother asked in disbelief.
“Hello Mother.” She threw her arms around my neck, and it was then I realized how stupid I had been all these years.
She leaned back and gasped. “What happened?” I heard the agony in her voice.
“There was an accident on the flyer.”
“Does it hurt?” Her tiny hand cupped my face.
“No. It has healed even though it looks horrible.”
“Nonsense. My son could never look horrible.”
Stepping back, I smiled, then turned toward Lara. “I wanted you to meet Lara. She has agreed to be my bond mate.”
Mother shifted her gaze and without hesitation, she engulfed Lara in a big hug. Stepping back, she smiled. “It is so nice to meet you!”
“Thank you.” Happiness and nervousness warred with each other, but Lara insisted on coming here to tell my parents.
“Well, come on inside.” Father waved toward the small house.
As we sat on the brown covered cloth couch that had seen better days, I gazed at the interior with a new perspective. There were no expensive items, no views of the city. The rooms were filled with knickknacks I made for them as a child. Pictures I drew on the wall when I could barely walk were still present, having never been washed away.
“So,” Father said. “This is a nice but unexpected surprise.”
Could Lara feel my inner turmoil? My revelation? Mother and Father knew all along what I had just figured out myself.
Tell them that I am learning Standard and can’t speak very well yet, but we would love for them to visit us in the city.
“Lara is learning Standard, but is not fluent yet.”
Mother smiled. “It is alright.”
“Speak some,” Lara said, grinning shyly. “Come visit us city.”
“What did she say?” Mother asked.
“She asked you and Father to come visit us at our place in the city.”
“I heard her, I just cannot believe it. You want us to come, son?”
“Yes Mother, I do. And I want you and Father to attend the bonding ceremony.”
“Well…” Mother’s voice cracked as she tried to speak. “We would love to see where you live.”
I’m going to tell them about the baby, but at some point, you need to teach me Standard so they don’t think I’m an idiot.
They would never think that.
I knew she searched for the right words and finally settled on, “With young. Roark father, you Grada.”
“She is with young?” Mother’s eyes widened.
“Yes.”
Mother and Father exploded from their seats and pulled Lara into a group embrace.
“You have made me the happiest soon-to-be Grada on the planet!” Leaning back and staring at Lara, Mother continued, “We need to plan a bonding ceremony now.” Glancing at me, she chastised, “Roark, what were you thinking?”
Everyone laughed. I reached out and snatched Lara’s hand, tugging her down on my lap.
We stayed for about an hour. I sensed Lara was uncomfortable being unable to communicate freely, so we cut the visit short.
Holding Mother’s hands in mine, I asked, “Will you come soon?”
“Yes,” she replied, and hugged me. “Is next week too soon to visit?”
“No, it is perfect. Just let me know when to expect you.”
“We will.”
It was easy to see the love my parents shared. “I know I have not said it often, but I love you both.”
Father held my gaze. “And we love you.”
Aww, they are so sweet. They’re wonderful, Roark.
“Lara likes you too.”
“Compatibles?” Mother asked, her tone surprised.
“Yes.”
Her hand flew to her chest. “Oh, my goodness. Just like Lord La’qa!”
“Apparently, Humans are Compatibles.”
You’ve brought that up to me before, but you never explained it properly, Lara admonished. What the hell are you talking about?
I will explain later.
Yes, you will.
After we left my parent’s house, Lara said softly, “They’re wonderful.”
“Yes, I suppose they are. Now where are we headed?”
“Ersa’s house, if I can find it. Now, explain this Compatible thing in depth please.”
“Compatibles are rare, but history says that there are couples who are made for each other. Their energies mix and combine, until they truly become one.”
“That’s how I know what you’re thinking, how you’re feeling, and why I can talk to you mind to mind.”
“Yes. But once you combine energies, you are together forever. Other males and females will not tolerate having a bond mate that is so close to another.”
Shifting my eyes to gage her reactions, her face turned a nice pink, then took a full-on red color. “Are you telling me that you put me through hell knowing that nobody else would have me, or have you? What were you thinking?”
“I thought if nobody knew and I could block you completely, then you could find someone better, live a happy life.”
“Roark,” she crossed her arms and tightened her lips. I knew she wanted to yell at me. “You big dope! Don’t ever pull that shit on me again.” She pointed her little finger in my face. “Understand?”
“Yes,” and then I dropped a kiss on her lips. She looked so sexy when she yelled at me. “Now show me where this Ersa lives.”
We flew around in circles, searching for a small building. After several mistakes, Lara finally said, “I think that’s it.”
I noted we were in a housing area for the elderly. “Which one?”
Lara headed toward a small, yellowish building which had seen better days. The wood was worn, but functional. When she knocked on the door, I kept watch for anyone lurking around.
Being an older part of the city, the door opened instead of dematerialized, and I peered down at a small youngling holding a blanket.
“Lara!” she squealed and launched herself into Lara’s arms.
“Girgia.” Lara kissed the little younglings’ head. “Why you open door?” she chastised. “Know better.”
“But nobody ever comes here!” Girgia whined.
“Still.”
“Lara? Lara!” An older lady appeared and pulled Lara into her arms. “I was worried about you.”
Another tiny female walked over and tugged on Lara’s leg. Lara bent down and lifted her into the air. “Idlon, you sweet baby. I’m sorry I had to leave without saying goodbye.”
This is where you stayed? I asked.
Yes. The kids are great, but Ersa is almost too old to take care of them.