Page 45 of Heir of Draga

She pointed to the couch and Joslynn obeyed. Then Adelina went to the food processor set into the wall and selected something full of protein as well as a glass of refreshing water. She brought both to Joslynn and sat next to her, watching until the female started nibbling at the food.

If they were to bridge the chasm that was before them…Adelina knew she had to take a step forward. How would she want a friend to advise her in such a precarious situation?

“You should tell Sirus, but tell him the babe is healthy and there’s nothing for him to worry about because once you’ve settled your people you will be staying at the palace – behind three separate shields. My mother will help you with anything you might need, and the royal physicians are the best in the galaxy.” Adelina tapped her bottom lip with a nail sharper than she realized.

She hissed at the mild pain, but didn’t bother retracting her claws and canines. Ever since the Game of the Wolf she’d been easing her wolf closer and closer to the surface, getting used to it as Veri had instructed before the wedding.

And a female without anyone to protect her in such a vulnerable state aggravated that wolf.

“You don’t think it’s too early to tell him?” Joslynn asked, taking another tentative bite.

Adelina remembered her mother saying how the fried meat was the only food she could keep down those first few weeks she was pregnant with William. Hopefully it didn’t set off Joslynn’s morning sickness.

“Have you had a scan?”

“Yes. I went to the medical ward when I vomited this morning – thinking I was sick. A full body scan showed the recent implantation. It’s healthy and looks like it will stick but I’m not even a week along.” Joslynn set the fried food on the table and drank her water instead. “If I eat anymore I will ruin your pretty outfit.”

Adelina smiled at that. “As long as you eat a little throughout the day. You need to keep up your strength.” She had never known anyone during a pregnancy. It was strange now that she thought of it, but other than the children she met as Lina she didn’t know any. The idea that Joslynn carried life was incredible and precious and filled her with awe. “You’re a warrior in your own way; don’t let anyone treat you like a babe, not even me.”

“Good, because you’re hovering,” Joslynn said, smiling tentatively. “I’m fine other than a few normal symptoms. Now tell me, how was your wedding night?”

Adelina laughed loud enough she covered her mouth with her hand at the unexpected question, glad they spoke in Ilashyan in case Varan wandered into the living room. “It was beyond compare.”

“Even to Nash?” Joslynn asked with a raised brow.

“The two are nothing alike,” Adelina said, her smile dropping. Goddess, she missed the big brute. “It wouldn’t be fair to compare them.”

Joslynn took another sip of water. “I can only imagine. The thief is quite handsome and very – well, attractive. What do you plan to tell Nash if you see him in the Hai Galaxy?”

Adelina ran a hand through her hair, fixing the tangled curls at the bottom. It was so nice to have it down for once. “Varan and I are going to propose to him.” It wouldn’t do to keep it a secret. That was her new policy after all, wasn’t it? Be honest and open whenever she could.

Joslynn actually spit out the water in her mouth, looking up at Adelina in shock while she dabbed at her skirts absently. “Excuse me?”

It was the reaction she’d expected. Adelina eyed Joslynn. “We are going to ask him to be my second husband,” she clarified, though she knew it wasn’t necessary. “Multiple spouses aren’t unusual.”

“No,” Joslynn agreed slowly. “But he is a Corinthian male. It is not common for them to marry multiples.”

Adelina smiled and picked at the fried food. “Yes, it will be a difficult proposition for him I’m sure. The situation on Draga Terra escalated in ways we couldn’t anticipate. He would rather I be wed than dead, but I’m not sure he’ll have anything to do with me any longer.”

It was the one thought that had been niggling at the back of her mind, one she hadn’t been able to dismiss. Nash still didn’t know about her courtesan genes. Their reunion would be interesting to say the least.

Joslynn sighed. “I know we aren’t as close any longer and I only have myself to blame. And because of the repairs I need to make to regain your trust completely – I feel that perhaps I shouldn’t say what’s on my mind, but we can’t move forward if I am not truthful.”

Adelina narrowed her eyes but nodded.

“Nash is not a Kalan, he is not from Draga. He doesn’t have the same dominant or submissive genes that we do. That may or may not work in your favor. You can be as dominant as Raena was. I saw it during that dreadful council meeting. This will work to your benefit with Nash because he may not have a dominance marker, but he does have all the same traits as a dominant Kalan. The test will be between him and Varan. I worry for you and your new husband. The Corinthians are…violent. What if he challenges Varan?” Joslynn chewed on her lower lip and fiddled with her hair. “It is in their nature to be possessive. In his culture they can challenge the spouse. The winner lives and gets the male or female they were fighting for.”

Adelina sighed and went to the food processor. She put in the code for two glasses of her favorite iced tea with milk and some dates. Then she brought both to the couch, setting the tray on the low table. “I believe that’s why Varan is training so hard with Roxy. It’s not just for the thieves’ competition. He is already dominant, but Nash is naturally stronger.”

Joslynn took her hand and squeezed. It was the first time since the Games Adelina felt a spark of their old connection as they both opened up to each other once more.

“Are you going to allow Nash to make the challenge?” the countess asked.

Adelina had already considered the situation and she felt that rage rise up again, nails lengthening, and canines elongating into delicate points. She ran her tongue over them and didn’t bother to hide the slight transformation. This was who she was.

Joslynn turned their clasped hands so she could see the long, black lacquer nails. “May I?”

She nodded warily, unsure what the countess had planned. Joslynn’s hand shook as she reached out, but she didn’t hesitate. One finger ran along the curve of Adelina’s ring finger, up and over the emerald-cut diamond, and then along the claw. She hissed when she felt how sharp it was but didn’t withdraw. She brought Adelina’s hand closer to her face to inspect the way they grew from her natural nail beds – retractable.

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