Zyriq’s fury remained a constant companion during the twenty-four hours he spent quarantined due to “alleged” Violet Pox infection. That anger had not lessened during his walk from medical. Not even reaching his destination soothed his frustration. With every beat of his heart, the irritation thrumming in time with the heavy thump.

He had believed reaching Baila’s place of employment would grant him some relief from the burning fury. He simply needed to see her smiling face, her glorious curves, her sparkling eyes. Her scent was a balm to his soul, a respite from the constant responsibility that weighed upon his shoulders.

And the moment he spied her standing in the entry of BFE, the greatest weight vanished. The splendor of her beauty rocked him to his very core, resonating deep within his body. Just the mere sight of her eased the irritation that scratched his nerves and dug into his muscles. It faded into the dark galaxy’s horizon simply with the pure, innocent sight of her.

Zyriq increased his pace, gaze on the delicate human female while he rushed forward. His palms tingled, memories of their brief time together surging. He just needed to draw her close, inhale her delicate scent, and revel in the peace she brought him. For a male from a warring race, peace was a rare commodity.

Their bodies collided, Baila bouncing back a single step, and Zyriq grasped her before she could stumble. He gripped her thin arms and tugged her close before sliding one arm to her lower back. He cradled her skull with his other hand, gently keeping her steady as he lowered his head.

He could not wait. Not after being parted from her for so long. Without uttering a single word, he lowered his head and brushed his lips across hers. Just a delicate caress of their mouths. A caress that made him ache for more from the delicate human. His next brush lingered over her mouth and he lapped at the seam of her lips, tasting the sweetness of their tender kiss.

A sweetness that drove his body to crave more of her. His cock throbbed, thirsting to come out and play while he explored the seductive little human woman.

Their passionate embrace surged with the electric chemistry they shared. Their tongues danced, his teasing hers before she then taunted him in return. It made him want—need. But they could not be sated in the public halls of Ark Station Zeta.

Zyriq transferred one hand to her face, cupping her cheek while he rubbed his thumb over her skin. A thumb that quickly became wet.

With a frown, he withdrew from their shared passion and stared at sweet Baila. Tears flooded her eyes, little droplets rolling down her cheeks like an avalanche of sorrow. Her eyes reddened with each new reminder of her emotional turmoil. Confusion attacked him, his mind replaying everything from the moment he’d seen her.

He did not believe he was the cause. The anger he’d banished only moments ago now resurged, flooding his blood once again.

“What is wrong?” he snarled, aching to hunt whomever caused Baila’s tears.

Zyriq’s question did not get him an answer. The fall of her tears increased, and she silently shook her head. He could not hunt if he did not know who to hunt.

“Yabi,” he softened his voice and used the love name he’d given her. She was as delicate and sweet as a yabi flower in bloom on Morea. “Who do I need to kill? Who has caused this pain and suffering? They will regret the day they touched one from House Rukzahl.”

Though instead of being consoled by his words, Baila sobbed even harder than before. Zyriq’s father warned him many times that females were illogical, but he had not believed his sire… until this moment.

Baila shook her head once again, tears staining her cheeks and eyes almost entirely red. He stared at her, his eyes narrowing as he scanned her expression for any clues. He was not a soft male, he did not know how to give gentle care to another, and a sense of helplessness overtook him. For the first time in all of his years, he was not prepared for battle.

She leaned forward and pressed her forehead to his chest, and he simply held her there while tears continued to flow. They slid from her cheeks to his uniform, the cool droplets sinking into his clothing. She wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him close, and he reveled in the sensations. He had Baila in his arms again. Whatever troubled her could be solved.

She sniffled and whined, nuzzling his chest while she released a soft sigh. She leaned into him, giving him her weight, and he now nearly stumbled. Had she gained weight? If she had, Zyriq was overjoyed with the change. It meant there was more of her body to worship.

Baila mumbled a few words but those soon changed to grumbles before transforming to gurgles and… not a single one made sense. He paid attention when she spoke—as his sire often advised—but he could not understand what she attempted to express. Then Baila alternated between cursing him to the stars and slapping his chest with her feeble fists. Then when she was not attempting to assault him, she smiled up at him, face glowing.

Zyriq should have researched human females before returning to ASZ. Then he might not feel so adrift.

“I’m so happy you’re here!” She sniffled and reached for him, urging him to lower his head for a gentle kiss. A kiss that calmed his heart and made him think that perhaps he worried over her behavior for nothing. His sweet Baila was fine.

Yet in the next breath, she pelted him with another round of growls and tears. “What took you so long?”

Then she bounced back to happiness and soft smiles. “You’re such a breath of fresh air. I can’t believe you’re here.”

Zyriq knew females were difficult to understand, and truly comprehending their emotions was a far-fetched idea. That said, there was something different about Baila’s temperament. This was not the female he had kissed goodbye after a night spent exploring each other’s bodies.

He stroked her cheek, a trivial gesture that he hoped would calm her enough to cease the rapid changes in emotion. Perhaps then they could speak, and he could discover the cause of her distress. If another had harmed her in some way—physically or emotionally—he would gleefully hunt the one who had injured her. Who had dared injure a female connected to House Rukzahl.

The moment that thought left his mind, another surged. What if this was some sort of illness she contracted from visitors to Ark Station Zeta? It was a horrible thought that tortured his brain—one he didn’t wish to believe—but he couldn’t allow himself not to investigate the possibility. Not when one of Morea’s best healers was so close on Warking’s Blade.

Zyriq did not hesitate to act. He scooped her into his arms, cradling her close against his chest. He would ensure no harm came to her as he returned to his ship. He would protect and care for her at all costs. He was a warrior of Morea and none would pull her from his arms.

Except, once he held her close, more of her body was revealed to him. It appeared that Baila had more curves now than when he had departed—specifically her swollen, round belly.

Zyriq nearly dropped her to the ground, slowing just enough so she could take her own weight rather than crumpling to the station floor.

“What is this?” He pointed at her roundness. “What has happened?”

Baila did not have the chance to respond because suddenly that mound… moved. Not quickly. It gradually shifted position to the right and a larger lump rose from the upper curve.

“It is moving!” He stared at it, eyes wide, and he remained on alert as the changes in shape continued. “What is in your stomach? Is it a parasite? A disease?”

Yes! Zyriq clung to the idea of a disease. Her behavior was due to an illness. He had been told humans suffered from too-mers and they could be deadly. By the stars, Baila’s too-mer was massive.

“I will have our healer cure you of this disease. It will be removed, and you will no longer have a reason for tears.” Not all Moreans cared for aliens, but Adhoe would follow orders regardless of his personal feelings toward humans. Even if Zyriq had to invoke his power as first son. His will would be done.

“Remo…” she whispered and then snapped her teeth together. Her demeanor quickly changed, her face flushing red—so warm he nearly felt the heat. She stepped closer to him, finger pointed and poised an inch from his chest. She prodded him with a single poke. “Removed?” She jabbed again. “Disease?” She dug her nail into his flesh. “Parasite?” She screeched the last word.

Zyriq realized he should summon additional warriors to assist him in securing Baila. It was obvious she was out of her mind with this illness. He prayed to the stars Adhoe could cure her.

“You’re what happened to me, you idiot!” More snarling and she curled her lip like any fearsome Morean warrior.

“Me?” Zyriq frowned.

“Yes. You.” She growled and moved closer once more. “I was on a pregnancy block but for some reason your magical purple sperm still managed to do the job. I’m pregnant, asshole.” She huffed once the words were out and stood there glaring at him, her chest heaving with her every breath.

“How do I know the young you carry is mine?” He put distance between them and crossed his arms over his chest, staring down at Baila. He had hoped she was different from others he had spent time with, but this was not the first time a female had claimed to carry his offspring.

“Seriously?” Baila’s lips parted, her eyes going wide. “Look at me.” She pointed at her mid-section and lifted her thin top, exposing more of her stretched stomach. “I’m turning purple. Like someone else I know.”

Zyriq stared at Baila’s skin, her starlight paleness now replaced with… the color of his own flesh. Her human skin matched his own, the hue spreading and covering her belly. As if his young wished to turn its dam into a Morean.

Baila carried his young within her body. His. Young.

Bless the stars and may the night be forgiving. He had not dared to hope his feelings for Baila were so deep after such a short time, but… The proof was cradled within her womb.

“And I’m only two months along. How am I already this big?” Her tears returned, the redness in her cheeks transforming from one of anger to one fueled by sadness. Curses still dripped from her lips, but Zyriq was still caught by the new truth she had revealed.

Baila carried his young. Healthy young based on the constant motion within her stomach. A little warrior that he could teach. Zyriq would pass on all his knowledge of war and battle, preparing his son to take his place someday as first son. Just as Zyriq would eventually take his father’s position.

But that was not a thing to discuss now. Not while emotion rode her so heavily. Stressing her further was not good for the young one.

Baila opened her mouth and cursed him again. Stating he was the butt of a monkey and a walking titty twister. Zyriq did not know those terms but he agreed with her. Pregnant females must always be catered to for the health of the young one.

He expected the growls and snarls to continue, words he’d gladly listen to from her, except just as quickly as she blew up, she fell silent. He did not believe silence was a good thing. He furrowed his brow and kept his attention on her, cataloging every twitch of her expression. Which meant that he saw the moment all blood fled her face, making her as pale as death.

Her eyes fluttered closed, and strength fled her, sending her slumping toward the ground. He snatched her to him once more, catching her before she could collide with the station’s hard flooring. He cradled her close and pressed his ear to her chest, ensuring she still breathed—still had life. Then he retreated and watched the rise and fall of her chest, assurance that she was simply unconscious, not dead.

Being alive was not enough. Baila needed medical care, and like a true Morean male, he would trust no one but his own kind. Specifically, a Morean who had freely given his vow of loyalty to him.

Holding his precious cargo with utmost care, Zyriq strode back the way he’d come. He retraced his path, strides long and smooth as he rushed toward the ship. He made a mental checklist of tasks he had to accomplish. He would have Adhoe examine Baila, running every test available. Meanwhile, he would construct their bonding contract and order Baila’s favorite foods. The ship would be her new home and he wished it to be a place of comfort.

Zyriq recognized his surroundings as they drew nearer to Warking’s Blade, safety so near. The ship’s doors parted at his approach, granting him entrance without a word. The moment he crossed the threshold, he issued orders to the ship.

“Blade, summon Adhoe immediately. I will meet him in medical with Baila.”

A pause and then the ship spoke, “Healer Adhoe is currently entertaining company.”

Zyriq gritted his teeth. “Now, Blade.”

And this time, Adhoe had better accept his orders to meet Zyriq in medical because stars help him if he did not. Zyriq might just change Adhoe’s schedule so he never had time for “company” ever again.