to have vast mineral resources that are rare in the rest of the universe."
"We ran planetary scans," Taarig told him. "We'll transmit them to you."
"Wonderful, perhaps we could travel back and explore it together." He looked around the table. "All of us."
"Umm," Taarig trailed off and looked to Cali.
"Yes, well, about that." Cali looked from her mates to her parents.
"What's wrong, Cali?" Dakota asked, reaching across the table to take her hand.
"Nothing's wrong, Mom. I vow." Cali squeezed her hand reassuringly. "It's just that we've decided that it's time for us to establish a permanent home."
"That's wonderful," Dakota said happily. "Have you decided where? I hope it's close by, although wherever it is, we'll always come to visit."
"We haven't quite decided on a planet yet, but whichever one we choose, we were hoping you could help us quickly build because… you see…" Cali sucked in a breath then quickly said, "We're going to have our own little star."
Absolute silence reigned around the table as Jamis, Taarig, and Cali waited for her parents’ response, and Dakota, Paul, and Caradoc tried to process how the universe had just changed. Dakota was the first to respond with a shriek of excitement that had the males flinching as she rushed around the table to hug her daughter.
"Oh, my Gods! My baby is having a baby! I'm going to be a grandma."
Paul saw Jamis’s and Taarig's confused looks and said, "Baby is an Earthan term for offspring, and a grandma is a female who's offspring has offspring." Jamis and Taarig nodded their understanding. "It also means we," Paul gestured to himself and Caradoc, "will be grandpas or grandfathers depending on which term you want to use."
"You look wonderful. How are you feeling? Have you had morning sickness?" The questions flew from Dakota, and Cali could only laugh.
"Thank you, and I've been feeling wonderful, not sick at all."
"Sick?" Taarig’s and Jamis’s concern-filled gazes both shot to Cali. "Why would you be sick?"
"It’s something that can occur when an Earthan female is with child," Dakota told them. "It's rarely life span-threatening, just inconvenient and uncomfortable."
"It was surprising to me as well," Caradoc told them quietly. "Dakota only had it severely with our first offspring, Krad."
"Which I'll always believe was because my body was still adjusting to our melding," Dakota said. "Cali shouldn't have that problem."
"I have been a little queasy," Cali admitted, much to the surprise of her mates. "Mostly when we're entering or exiting an atmosphere."
"Why didn't you say something?" Jamis demanded.
Cali just shrugged her shoulders, "Because it never lasted long, and I didn't want to worry you. You've both been so concerned since we discovered I'd conceived."
"This is something you should have told us," Taarig growled. "How are we supposed to care for you if you don't tell us there is a problem?"
"It's not a 'problem' just 'inconvenient' as Mom said."
"Still…"
"Enough," Dakota said and looked between Jamis and Taarig. "Cali's right. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about. And you, young lady," Dakota fixed her gaze at her, "should have told your mates. This baby is theirs too. They have the right to be included in every step of her or his development."
"You're right, Mom." Cali looked to her mates. "I'm sorry. I should have told you, and I vow I will when it occurs in the future."
"Yes," Jamis growled, pulling her into his arms, "you will."
"You should build your permanent home here on Diter," Caradoc spoke for the first time since Cali's announcement, and everyone looked at him in stunned silence.
"Caradoc…?" Dakota murmured questioningly. While all their offspring had been raised on Diter and were always welcome, Caradoc had allowed no other residences to be built on the moon, claiming it interfered with his ability to protect his mates.
"It makes the most sense," Caradoc told her. "Our daughter will need her mother during this time. I remember how much you wished for your own when you were with offspring. There is a beautiful location on the other side of Diter. So, you'd only be a quick flight away." His gaze shifted to his daughter and her mates. "It will also allow us to be involved in your little star's life span. If that would be acceptable to the three of you."
Cali felt her eyes begin to fill again and blamed it on all the hormones racing through her system. This gift she'd never expected. They'd only come to Diter to try and resolve their issue with her father, let them know about her condition, and hopefully gain their assistance building their home. Now they were offering them so much more.
"Taarig? Jamis?" she asked, looking to her mates.
Jamis and Taarig didn't even need to speak to one another. They both could see how much their Lalla wanted this, and as long as she was happy, they would be. Jamis, who was the unofficial leader of their triad, looked to Caradoc.
"We would be honored to accept."
About the Author
Michelle has always loved to read, and writing is just a natural extension of this for her. Growing up, she loved to extend the stories of books she'd read just to see where the characters went. Happily married for over thirty years, she is the proud mother of two grown children and a grandmother of three beautiful grandchildren. You can reach her at m.k.eidem@live.com or visit her website at http://www.mkeidem.com for upcoming books.
Additional Books
Cassandra's Challenge: The Challenge Series, Book 1
Victoria's Challenge: The Challenge Series, Book 2
Jacinda's Challenge: The Challenge Series, Book 3
Stephanie's Challenge: The Challenge Series, Book 4
Grim: Tornians Book 1
A Grim Holiday: Tornians Book 2
Wray: Tornians Book 3
Ynyr: Tornians Book 4
Oryon: Tornians Book 5
A Grim Pet: Tornians Book 6
Ull: Tornians Book 7
Nikhil: Kaliszians Book 1
Treyvon: Kaliszians Book 2
Kirall's Kiss: Kiss Series Book 1
Autumn's Kiss: Kiss Series Book 2
Supreme's Kiss: Kiss Series Book 3
Foreign Language (Italiano)
Grim: Tornians Italiano Vol. 1
Una Grim Vacanza: Tornians Italiano Vol. 2
Wray: Tornians Italiano Vol. 3
Foreign Language (Françcais)
Le Baiser de Kirall (La série des Baisers T.1)
Le Baiser d’Autumn (La série des Baisers T.2)
Le Baiser Suprême (La série des Baisers T.3)