Page 45 of Kidnapped By the Monster

"It does matter. If we have a child, will they treat him differently?"

His brows draw down. "They wouldn't dare."

"Maybe I can make them understand."

He's shaking his head before I'm even done speaking. "You don't need to say anything you're not comfortable telling, least of all to appease them and their judgmental looks."

"I know, but I want to."

"Then go ahead."

I can hear his thoughts, that he doesn't feel I should have to do this, but he won't stop me. I can feel his anger towards the people who came here to eat the food, but not to celebrate us. But that's just it. He's known these people all his life. I don't want him angry at them, and I don't want them looking at him as anything other than the honorable Grounder they know he is. Still, my legs are shaky as I rise.

"Is everything okay?" Nicole asks.

"Yes, I just..." I clear my throat. "I just wanted to say a few words."

Warzo nods. "I'll quiet them down."

I chuckle. "Thank you."

All Warzo needs to do is come to the spot where we stood on for the ceremony for the assembled humans and Grounders to silence. I was worried about how everyone would hear me, but now the silence makes me even more anxious. Warzo looks at me and nods for me to begin. I swallow and then Kayo's words are in my mind.

Don't worry, my love.

I smile at him and begin.

"I know there are some...reservations about our bond, given Kayo and I did not follow the course that the laws dictate, that all of you males went through to claim your mate and all you females went through to find your way here. I don't know if I would have truly been drafted next year or not, but I do know that had I been, I would be right where I am today. I have no doubt about that, just like I have no doubt that Kayo would have won my heart then just like he already has.

“But I ask that you not look at Kayo any differently, thinking he went against your laws, or that the circumstances that brought us together could have been avoided so that things could have taken their proper course. Because if Kayo had not come to me when he did, I would still be in a hospital, strapped down. The man Kayo stopped from molesting me would have probably been just the first to harm me there. The former president who sent me there to avoid me speaking of the deal he'd made with my sister probably would have eventually just had me killed, because how could he have let me get drafted and tell Kayo all that had happened?"

People are looking around at each other now, murmuring to one another.

"I know that if Kayo had any other choice, even though he didn't want to wait because we all know Kayo..." They chuckle and it relaxes me, just a little. "He would have waited. Out of respect for your laws, and for the agreement with humans. But I'm glad that he didn't wait, because that means he was able to save me from a fate I cannot even let myself think on for long without the fear consuming me. I hope you all can see that, and not judge him for it. When we were hiding, he would tell me so much of this village, its people, the market, the way you all love and look out for each other. You are all his family, so please, from everything I've said, I hope you make the choice not to deprive him of your love and respect. Thank you."

I give them a small smile and begin to walk away, but Warzo puts an arm around my shoulders and begins speaking.

"After all that my daughter just said..." I can hear he puts some emphasis on the word daughter. "...well, I feel now is the time to also talk about the changes that her and my son's bonding has brought about. As you all know, the humans have a new leader, and as our deal with her stated, she has made changes for both her people and ours. You've all already been informed that there is no longer a threat of war, but as of this morning, there is no longer a draft either."

The silence is of pure shock. That much is evident by the wide eyes and slack jaws of almost everyone at the tables. My eyes dart to Kayo, wondering if he knew.

I did tell you there would be an announcement today.His voice comes with a chuckle in my mind.

"I'm sure many of the unmated males are asking how, then, will they be able to claim their mates?" Warzo continues, "Along with the President telling the humans that the draft is no longer, she has told them the truth of what the draft was for. Although, we cannot expect humans' fears of us to fade overnight, I think them at least knowing the women who have been sent down were not murdered will go a long way. Our worlds are going to merge. And this will begin with all of us going above ground."

"All of us?" A young woman I recognize from being drafted a few years ago croaks from one of the front tables.

"All of us." Warzo gives her a firm nod. "The humans will be allowed to see their families, and to come and go between our village and the quadrant."

A cry goes through the crowd, hands going to mouths, and tears falling down cheeks at the understanding of what the news truly means. Imagine if Keri had never been drafted, if I had never been brought down here, and Grace was hearing this, that she could come above ground and see her sisters who thought her dead. All these women’s families believed they were dead from the moment their names were selected in the draft, and now they finally get to tell them, show them, otherwise.

"For the males, I'm sure I don't need to tell you that this means finding your mate will be easier, but there's no draft now to get her down here." He gives a rueful grin. "You will actually have to charm your mate, now."

A laughter overtakes the cries and talking. Warzo pulls me closer to his side.

"Although I would not wish the situation Leah and Kayo came face to face with, because as you heard, it was under circumstances no female should have to ever be in, I want everyone to reflect on the blessings this has all brought to us. Changes we have wanted for decades, a human leader who is on our side, and a chance to find more mates, and grow our village. I hope you will all consider that and my daughter's words when you make your judgment. That's all. Enjoy the feast. I know you're all here for my mate's desserts, anyway."

Another laugh skirts through the gathered crowd and I wrap my arm around Warzo's waist as we walk back to the table our family sits at.

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