Page 69 of Invasion of Sorority Z

“Well.” I try not to choke up. His gut feeling could be wrong, but seeing the smile on his face makes me melt all the same. I don’t care what the baby is, as long as it’s ours. “I guess we should start thinking of girl names then, shouldn’t we?”

“If this is what you would like, we shall.”

“I love you.” Kissing his lips swiftly, my bare chest brushes against his. “You’ll be an amazing father.”

“My soul is yours, my Stee-vee. There is no one I would rather hold in my arms. You will be a stunning mother.”

“I wonder what it will feel like,” I say softly, looking down at my belly. “I don’t feel any different yet, you know?”

I’d always expected that big changes like this would come with some substantial shift. Like I would be able to feel the transformation as it happened. Maybe it’s silly, but I’m glad it was unnoticeable. Invisible change is much more favorable than a bad change.

And I’m sure there will be plenty of uncomfortable changes to come soon enough. Morning sickness, bloating, food aversions, hormonal shifts, the whole nine. I’m ready for it all. If it’s going to happen, it’ll happen, and I’ll get the best gift ever in return. A little piece of Marrec and me.

My loving mate holds me until the water grows cold, caressing my stomach and kissing my face. It’s the best bath I’ve ever had, shared with the best person I’ve ever known.

Later, Marrec makes sweet love to me, cherishing every bit of me. He’s gentle and whispers soft words into my ear while showing me exactly how much he desires and needs me. We hold each other until our eyes can no longer remain open.

Life has never felt more complete.

28

Viburnum: Deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees: arrow-wood; wayfaring tree.

Stevie

Marrec has never played hide and seek. He’s never really played any game that didn’t involve weaponry, and the way he describes them, they’re more like competitions than anything fun. So we’re playing.

When I explained the rules a few minutes ago, my mate had almost no interest in the hiding side of things. It was apparent very quickly that the seeking part of the game excited him much more. I quickly saw the challenge in his eyes when I told him he would need to stay where he is and give me a little bit to hide myself. The look of determination was matched with a thrilled smile, and I knew that even if the game brought out his competitive nature, he’d be having fun all the same.

Wearing my baby blue blouse and matching skirt, I make a turn to head for the backyard, thinking my best bet of camouflage is within the taller blue grasses. Before I do, an unfamiliar door catches my eye.

I’ve never been on this side of the house—on the ground floor, looping under one of the connecting bridges. This door wasn’t on the tour Marrec gave me, but he also never even mentioned it, not even to stay away from it.

Taking a deep breath in, I approach it, reaching for the latch. A click sounds softly and the door pulls in, opening without so much as a lock in place.

“Ready or not, I come now!” I hear Marrec yell out, almost getting the phrase right.

Without thinking, I thrust myself inside of the space. Closing the door behind me, I leave it slightly ajar, fearing that I might lock myself inside if I don’t. I hold my breath, trying not to make a sound into the dark room. It’s chilly, almost like a cellar would be, and so silent I can hear myself breathe.

I move farther into the space, walking slowly. I make it several steps before I trip. Stumbling over my own feet, my hands slam against a cold metal wall. A shiver racks down my arms from wrists to elbows, and I retract, not liking that sensation one bit. Thankfully, it isn’t revolting, just uncomfortable. Nothing to worry too much about.

Straightening myself up, I walk carefully into the basement-like room, attempting to make my eyes adjust to the darkness. As I get further inside, motion sensor lights spark up, illuminating the space.

“Whoa.”

Piles of medals, awards, pictures, papers, and more all scatter the small room, haphazardly thrown into different heaps. There are photos, different than ones you’d see on Earth, but still photos indeed. Pictures of Marrec leading soldiers, shaking hands, wielding a laser sword above his head, and more. It’s like newspaper clippings, only they don’t seem to be taken care of. Many of them are torn and damaged, thrown wherever without a care. Only one small picture is in a protective frame, its only damage seemingly to stem from age. Only, the photo isn’t of Marrec.

Not hearing him approach, I jump a bit when I feel breath on my neck.

“I have found you,” he tells me, voice sounding less playful than before.

“I’m sorry,” I say. “I shouldn’t have come in here.”

He spins me around. “It is your home. You can explore where you wish.”

“You didn’t tell me about it.” It’s not an accusation, merely a comment.

“I do not think about this place often. It is a room of the past. I do not wish to live within my past, my mate.”

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