want to keep learning about the plants.”
And so they had returned. Even when it had come time for her to give birth, she had decided to remain in the jungle. At least she had agreed to go to the village for the delivery, and he had found surprising satisfaction in presenting his son to his people. People who celebrated with him, uncaring that his child was of mixed birth.
“How were Ralard and Laara?” Hanna asked now.
“Very well. They asked after you and Negel. I promised we would go and visit later this week if you’re feeling up to it.”
“I’m just fine.” She rolled her eyes at him. “Giving birth didn’t turn me into an invalid.”
“Of course not. But Negel is very demanding and it is the hot season.”
He stroked the soft head of his son, and the baby shot him a suspicious look as he suckled hungrily. Negel’s coloring was perfectly Pardorian, but his eyes—he had his mother’s saachi-blue eyes.
“Don’t worry, little one,” Hanna said with a mischievous glance up at him. “Daddy isn’t going to take away your milk. At least not now.”
He reached down and cupped her other breast, teasing the distended nipple until a drop of milk appeared, then carrying the sweet liquid to his mouth. He did enjoy the changes in her body brought about by childbirth.
“Later,” he agreed and saw her eyes heat.
“Now stop distracting me and tell me how your meeting went.”
He grinned. “They are in agreement.”
“That’s wonderful. This is going to be a great thing for Pardor.”
“It’s just a trial,” he warned.
“At first. I’m quite sure it will be successful.”
Ironically, Chotgor had been the one to give him the idea. Pardor’s chief source of trade was currently the raw materials that grew in such profusion in the jungle. It had occurred to him that some of the natural remedies made from other products of the jungle might represent an opportunity to diversify and bring a higher return.
Hirogi had developed a process for standardizing the ingredients while Naiz had made the initial contacts with a few trusted traders. Now some of the villagers had agreed to gather ingredients. It wouldn’t force any changes to their way of life, but it would help to provide them with what they needed to protect that way of life.
“And how was your day, my mate?”
“Your son decided to spit up on my latest drawing of the pitchat plant.”
Hirogi had introduced Hanna to a friend of hers who taught at the university, and Hanna was providing illustrations for a botany textbook the professor was publishing.
“Why is he always my son when he does something you don’t like?”
“Because my son is a perfect little angel, of course.”
“Just like his mother.” He bent down and kissed her, her lush fragrance and the sweet taste of her lips arousing his desire for her.
“My grandfather is joining us for dinner,” he added. Their relationship wasn’t perfect, but he found it difficult to hold any resentment toward a male who so clearly adored both his mate and his son.
“Mmm, that’s nice,” she said softly as she gently detached a now sleeping Negel.
“I asked him to spend the night.”
“I don’t mind, of course, but why? The river path at night holds no fears for Tanor.”
He scooped up his sleeping son and carried him to the cradle hanging from an overhead branch.
“Because Negel now sleeps for at least three hours after his evening feeding and I have plans for my mate.”
“With Tanor here?”
“Tanor will be here. We will not.”
Her face glowed with excitement. “Where are you taking me?”
“It’s a surprise.”
Hanna smiled at Aidon. “I love your surprises.”
He seemed to delight in showing her new aspects of Pardor, and she enjoyed their explorations just as much. Of course, his surprises could also be considerably more carnal. He would transform his cock from time to time, and although she enjoyed the sensations he provided, she always insisted that he change back to his true form. She suspected that was one reason he continued to do it, because he loved knowing that she wanted him most as himself.
Still, two could play at the surprise game…
After they shared dinner with Tanor, she fed Negel and then settled him in his crib. Trouble lay down next to him, and she bent down and stroked his head.
“You’re such a good boy. You watch over both of them while we’re gone.”
He gave a soft bleat of agreement, and she turned to her waiting mate.
Aidon led her through the moonlit jungle, and she followed