Page 15 of Baby For The Tark Commander

“It is,” he agreed, setting her on her feet and kissing her deeply. “Almost as beautiful as you.”

She blushed, smiling at him. “You’re pretty handsome yourself, you know.”

He chuckled. “I’m glad you think so.”

“I do.” She kissed him again, her hands roaming over his bare chest. “In fact, I think we should take advantage of this private beach and get naked.”

He grinned. “I like the way you think, my mate.”

They stripped off their clothes and swam in the water, laughing and splashing each other. He chased her through the waves, catching her and pulling her into his arms. They made love on the shore, their bodies entwined in the sand.

Afterward, they laid on a blanket, watching the sunset. She snuggled against him, her head resting on his shoulder. “I could stay here forever,” she murmured.

He stroked her hair. “We can if you wish. This planet is unclaimed.”

“That would mean giving up your homestead on the Faction homeworld.” She sat up, tracing her fingers down his muscled abdomen before gently stroking his feathers. “I’d never ask you to do that.”

“You’re not asking. I’m offering. The Faction will understand, and I’m not due for another Earth rotation for four years.”

“I don’t want you to give up anything for me.”

“I’m not. I’m gaining everything.” He rolled onto his side, propping himself up on his elbow. He gazed down at her, trying to project all his devotion. “I am gaining you, my mate.”

She smiled, her eyes shining with happiness. “I’m gaining you, my mate.”

He leaned down and kissed her, his lips brushing hers in a tender caress. “I’ll always be yours, Rana. I love you.”

She returned his kiss, her arms wrapping around his neck. “I love you too, and staying here is just a fantasy. I want to see your homeworld.”

“We can return here anytime you wish,” he said, his voice husky with emotion. “I want to share everything with you.”

She smiled, her eyes full of love and trust. “I feel exactly the same.”

They spent the rest of their time on the beach exploring each other’s bodies and making love in the sun and the surf. When it was time to leave, he felt a pang of sadness, but they would return to this paradise again someday.

As they flew away from the island, he vowed to bring her back as often as she wished. She was his mate, and he would give her anything she desired.

***

WITH A FEW OTHER DETOURS, it took almost two weeks to reach Baxa. They reported in to claim their homestead tract, and he flew them the allotted hectares. A POD waited for them. “It’s not much,” he said almost apologetically as they disembarked.

She smiled. “It’s wonderful and will be amazing with some hard work.” She gave him a teasing glance. “I think we’ll need an extension though if that POD is only for two people.”

“Yes, it is.” His eyes narrowed. “Why? Do you wish to have your parents come to stay with us? I’d be happy to try to arrange that.”

Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “That wasn’t what I meant, but that would be amazing.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” He pulled her into his arms, kissing her deeply. “What did you mean?”

“I’m pregnant, Sarko.”

He froze, staring at her in shock. “You are?”

She nodded, a smile spreading across her face. “Yes. We’re going to have a baby.”

He swept her into his arms, twirling her around. “I’m overjoyed, my mate. You have made me the happiest male alive.”

She laughed, clinging to him. “I’m so glad, because I’m thrilled too.”

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