Micah's Mate (Dark Sky) (14 page)

             
Micah sighed, “They do not understand this connection we have. Don’t get me wrong they are in love, they enjoy time with their mates; but it is different what you and I share. Ours is not just a joining of the body for release, we completely merge body, mind, soul. It is something that I have never felt with another; it is not something that they have ever felt.” Micah chuckled, “I believe the women are jealous of it.”

             
“Jealous? Why?” Katlyn couldn’t believe that.

             
Micah traced her jaw with is finger, “Because Niflet, you have me wrapped around your finger, you have my soul. They may love the man they are with but they do not have this.”

             
“Micah, this connection between us is stronger every time we are together; don’t you wonder where it will lead?” Katlyn looked up into his eyes. Like him she thought it was an amazing feeling but what was coming? Where would it take them?

             
Micah blew out a deep breath, “I don’t know. We will just have to see where it goes. Come, let us bath and go down to dinner, they are probably waiting on us by now.”

             
“Okay, but if I get one comment from Stochi I will beat him.” Katlyn blushed at the thought. Stochi had found that this was the quickest way to embarrass her and he used it every chance he got. She could not wait until he faced the same thing.

             
Micah smiled and rolled out of bed, “Stochi is teasing you?”

             
“A little; the twerp. Don’t worry, his time is coming and then I will get him back.” Katlyn followed him into the stream of water and began bathing him.

             
“You have grown close to my brother.” Micah was not sure if he liked this or not. He wanted her to be close to all of his family but the camaraderie she had with Stochi was completely different, it was hard to understand. There were many days that he came across the two of them training outside, talking in the room downstairs or just walking. They spent a good amount of time together when he was busy with other matters. On one side he was grateful that she had someone close, he just wished it was one of his sisters.

             
Katlyn smiled at Micah, “Of course. He has become my best friend outside of you.” Katlyn paused and searched Micah’s face, “You aren’t jealous?”

             
Micah pulled her against him, “I love that you have found a friend in my brother.”

             
“But?” she prodded.

             
“But, I am a little jealous of how close you have become.” Micah shrugged and ducked lower to rinse his body.

             
“Micah, he is my friend. Nothing more.” Katlyn wondered how to deal with this.

             
“I know he is baby and I am very glad for that.” Micah stood and cupped her jaw, “It is fine and I am very happy for what this is doing for Stochi. He has come back into the family.”

             
Katlyn moved out of the water with Micah and went to the closet quickly finding a short summer dress. Once dressed her and Micah went to the stairs.

             
Micah laced his fingers with hers as they moved down to the kitchen.

             
“About time.” Katlyn looked up to find Maria practically bouncing in her seat and chuckled

“
Micah, it seems your sister is loosing patience with us.”

             
“Maria! Mind your manners.” Her mother said pointedly before smiling up at Micah and Katlyn. “Come join us, it looks like we have a nice dinner coming.”

             
Micah pulled out Katlyn’s chair and allowed her to sit before looking over at the rest of his family. “I know that it is a little soon to share the news with everyone but I think Maria here is going to blow up if I wait. It seems that Katlyn and I are going to be parents.”

             
Absolute silence fell over the table, “This soon?” Micah’s mother looked over at Katlyn and smiled, “This is wonderful! Finally, a baby in the house again!”

             
Everyone began talking at once trying to decide what Katlyn would need and what they could do for her.

             
Maria looked pointedly at Micah, “Micah she needs to take it easy too. We don’t know how the two different species will develop. This is all new ground for all of us; we need to take special care.”

             
Micah looked over at Katlyn, “She will be well taken care of.” He took her hand and leaned to kiss her. “This little guy is going to be well taken care of and spoiled rotten.” 

“You mean she.” Katlyn was sure it was going to be a girl.

Micah scowled, “I cannot have a girl.”

Katlyn laughed at the menace in his tone, “
I don’t believe that you have much of a choice but why can you not have a girl?”

“I would kill any boy that comes near her.” Micah kissed her again
chuckling under his breath, “All kidding aside, as long as the child is healthy and happy that is all that matters.”

Stochi rose from the table and walked over to where Katlyn sat. Leaning over he kissed the top of her head, “Congratulations little sister, I can’t wait to be an Uncle.” He then reached out and hugged Micah to him, “And you, I am surprised it has taken this long considering.”

“Stochi!” Katlyn turned bright red at his comment. She was going to beat him one of these days.

“She’s cute when she’s embarrassed.” Stochi chuckled as he moved to walk back to his seat.

Leaning over to her Micah laughed, “He is right you know. You are pretty cute when you are embarrassed. I can’t say I blame him for teasing you.”

“You are not helping.” Katlyn muttered under breath.

Micah pulled her close to him, “Just think of how you can torture him when he finally has a mate.”

“Small consolation.” Katlyn smiled at Micah as diner began being served.

“Katlyn, have you thought of what you will do when you have this child?” Micah’s mother looked over at her.

“What I’ll do?” Katlyn smiled at her, “I’m not sure I understand.”

Micah’s mother smiled, “Will you hire someone to help with the child or will you do it all yourself?”

“I will do it myself I believe. I think that between Micah and I we can handle it.”

“You expect Micah to help?” Micah’s mother looked completely shocked by the idea, like this was unheard of.

Confused,
Katlyn turned to Micah, “Micah, do the men here not help with children?”

Micah set down his fork
and looked pointedly at his family further down the table, “The men here have not helped raise a child in the past but, like you, I believe that should change. Raising a child to be happy and healthy is something that should not just fall on the mother; children are more precious than ever now and need both parents. You and I will work together to raise it.”

Katlyn pulled him down for a kiss, “Good answer.”

Micah laughed and whispered in her ear, “You really didn’t think I was going to step into that one did you?”

“I hoped that you had more sense.” Turning back to Micah’s mother she smiled, “I guess we are trying so
mething new. Besides, I cannot wait for Uncle Stochi to change a dirty diaper.”

Stochi looked up in mock horror, “Oh no. No diapers.”

Roslyn looked over from across the table, “I always did think the men should be more involved than they have been. I for one cannot wait to get a niece or nephew.” She looked pointedly over at Stochi, “Dirty diapers and all.”

             
Micah laughed out loud, “Better watch it Stochi, Roslyn is looking to becoming the favorite Aunt.”

             
Katlyn looked over the table at the group in front of her. The family surrounding the table was laughing and talking loudly, joking and teasing as they ate together. Never in her dreams had she thought that she would be here in this moment. She was truly blessed.

“Jonas is coming in.” Stochi called to Micah as he strolled purposefully through the room, “They will be here in an hour.”

             
“Who is Jonas?” Katlyn looked over at Micah as he rose from the couch.

             
“Jonas was in the second shuttle to Earth. He had landed somewhere in the state you called Kentucky. Now, he is about to return.” Micah did not look happy about this either.

             
Katlyn rose and took his hand, “There is more to it than that, what’s going on?”

             
“It seems that Jonas saw fit to bring back two women not one. It was completely against regulations and he is going to have to answer to me for this.” Micah smiled at her lightly. “It looks like what you had predicted is already beginning.”

             
Jonas had a lot to answer for and he was going to get some answers. He had no excuse for bringing a second woman with him; there were too many complications that came with modifying the rules. The men here would not settle for him bringing two women back, they would demand equality.

             
Katlyn held him back, “Micah, there may be a very good reason for his actions. Give him a chance to explain before passing judgment.”

             
“How could he possibly explain himself? It was a direct violation of orders.” Micah smiled down at her as they walked toward the door, “Would you like to come with us? It will be a chance for you to meet the women.”

             
“I would. Why do you think he returned with two women? He had to know that you would never allow him to mate with both of them, he also had to know that he wouldn’t be able to hide her.” Katlyn knew there had to be a purpose; people didn’t make these choices otherwise.              

             
“I cannot guess as to why he would have gone against all regulations, but I am going to find out.” Micah slowed his steps to Katlyn’s as they crossed the grounds.

Chapter 9

             
Katlyn watched as the ship came in and held Micah’s hand as the man and two women walked off of it. As when they had come home there were many well wishers in the crowd that converged on them as soon as they disembarked.

             
“I will be back in a second.” Micah moved away from her and moved toward the man, Jonas. Katlyn smiled as he walked away remembering when it had been them coming in. It had only been two months ago but it already seemed like a lifetime. So many things had changed in that small amount of time, for both of them.

             
Katlyn moved over to the tree where she had first seen Stochi. He had been leaning nonchalantly against it watching her escape from the crowd. Much like the women she was not watching. They were slowly backing away from the well wishers. Smiling, she remembered Stochi asking if she was sneaking away when she had done the same thing.

             
Much like Stochi had done she leaned back against the tree and called to them, “You can come over here if you would like. I promise not to bite.” Katlyn smiled as they moved closer. “I am Katlyn.”

             
“I am Jewel and this is my sister Linsey. It is nice to meet you.” Jewel looked worriedly over at Jonas as he spoke quietly with Micah.

Katlyn looked at the two of them; h
e was shorter than Micah by about six inches but was just as thick through the body. He had long brown hair and many piercings through his ears. As she watched Micah began speaking intently to Jonas.

“You are his chosen?” Katlyn smiled at
Jewel.

             
“I am. I hope this does not cause too much of an issue. I could not come without my sister; she is my only family left. Jonas told me that it was against every rule he had been given but, she’s my sister.” Jewel looked over at Katlyn, “Will he be okay?”

             
So that was why he had brought the two of them. It made sense, if she had had a younger sister it would have come out the same, she would have refused to leave without her also.

             
Katlyn smiled, “He will be fine. Micah looks meaner than he is. Once Jonas explains the reasoning behind what was done Micah will understand.”

             
Jewel paused, “You are Micah’s mate.”

             
Katlyn nodded, “Yes, we arrived back here about two months ago. There is now reason for you to stand here worrying. Come-on, let’s go talk with them.” As she was moving away she noticed Stochi on the outside of the people carefully watching what was going on.

             
“Stochi?” She called drawing his attention over to their small group.

             
“What do you need little sister?” Stochi jogged over to them and threw his arm around her shoulders playfully.

             
“Can you please entertain Linsey while Jewel and I go talk with Micah?” Katlyn winked at the girl standing next to her. She was a pretty thing, small boned and delicate looking with long blonde hair and the bluest eyes that Katlyn had ever seen. “Watch out for him though, I can’t promise he doesn’t bite. But, I think he has had most of his shots.”

             
“Cute little sister. Remind me to speak with Micah about your behavior.” Stochi glowered at her as he reached out to pull her hair.

             
“He kinda likes my behavior as it is my dear.” Katlyn turned to Jewel, “Ready?”

             
As they moved away from Stochi and Linsey, Jewel spoke, “You seem awfully comfortable with them.”

             
“I am. Stochi is like a brother to me and the people here are very nice. You will see but all of them are very welcoming. They will make you feel so comfortable here.” Katlyn paused and looked at Jewel, “You will be very happy, I promise you.”

             
Jewel glanced at Stochi and Linsey as they moved back against the tree. “You’re sure she is okay with him? He seems nice but sometimes things are not what they seem.”

             
“He is one of the gentlest men that I have ever known when it comes to women. He may tease her to death but he would never hurt her.” Katlyn continued over to where Micah stood with Jonas.             

Micah looked up as he felt Katlyn move closer. “Micah? I would like you to meet
Jewel, Jonas’s chosen.”

             
Micah looked over at the tall blonde woman and smiled, “It is nice to meet you. We are very glad that you have joined us here. I hope your trip was comfortable?”

             
“It was amazingly beautiful especially from above and I am very glad to be here, Jonas has been a blessing to me and my sister.” Jewel moved closer to Jonas, “Is there going to be any problem with my sister coming? I could not leave her.”

             
Micah looked over at the other young lady and smiled as he saw his brother talking animatedly with her. This was the most he had seen him talk to anyone outside of Katlyn. Watching them he noticed how engaged they were with each other; it seemed as if they were the only two around.

“I believe that everything is going to be okay. Would you all like to come to the house for dinner? I know that Katlyn would love the company from home and I would l
ike to know what happened when we left with the search that was going on.” He would also like to see his brother and this young woman spend more time together.

             
Jonas bowed slightly, “We would love to, thank you so much Micah for the understanding.”

             
“Katlyn? Can I speak with you?” Micah moved over to the side and smiled down at her. “It looks like Stochi has taken an interest in the young woman’s sister.”

             
Katlyn looked over at Linsey and Stochi as they sat against the tree. “It looks like he has. I hope that it is mutual.”

             
As Micah was called over to another family member Katlyn looked back to Stochi and the young woman. He said something to her and she laughed out load at whatever he had said. Maybe God had found a way after all.

             
“You are concentrating awfully hard on them.” Micah wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him.

             
“I was just thinking of something a very wise man had told me once.” Katlyn covered his arms with her hands.

             
“And what was that Niflet?” Micah asked kissing the top of her head.

             
“That God will find a way.” Katlyn leaned back to look at him and smiled softly.

             
“That he will sweetheart; that he will.” Micah and Katlyn stood watching them for another minute before turning away to move back to the house, they had things to do before dinner.

             
“Almost ready for dinner?” Micah really didn’t feel like moving at the moment. They were lying on the couch downstairs with Katlyn curled up against his chest, one of her legs thrown over his.

             
“Do I have to?” She moved her hand under his shirt feeling his warm skin against hers. “It is awfully comfortable right here.”

             
“Our guests are going to be here soon.” Micah sighed, “We need to be hospitable.” He for one didn’t feel much like moving either, even though this had been his idea. He would love to stay right here with his woman curled up against his chest relaxing, but there were some things that needed to come first.

             
“I guess but you’re making it up to me tonight.” Katlyn scraped her nails across his stomach feeling his stomach muscles clench.

             
Micah tightened his arms around her, “And how am I going to make it up to you sweetheart?”

             
Katlyn pulled his lips down to hers, “You have the next couple of hours to figure that out my dear.”

             
Micah deepened the kiss and let her emotions roll over him. Make it up to her, that he could have fun doing.

             
“Get a room you two.” Stochi laughed as he walked through to the kitchen. He paused and leaned over them, “Just a hint, you’re already pregnant sis. You can stop pawing at each other.”

             
Katlyn snickered, “Stochi? I told you that being pregnant was the bonus. Do you remember what I said the first day I got here?”

             
He paused a second and frowned once the memory hit, “Katlyn you’re like my sister! Ewww! Too much information!” He quickly moved into the kitchen.

             
“Sweetheart, want to share what it was that you said to him on the first day?” Micah smiled down at her.

             
“I never did tell you did I? Katlyn chuckled under her breath, “On the first day he made a comment about being surprised you had picked a little one like me for breeding purposes. I told him the breeding was a bonus; I was just after the hot sweaty screaming sex.”

             
Micah burst out in laugher as he remembered Stochi’s face that day. “You shocked the hell out of him; they women here would never have spoken like that.”

             
“I didn’t know that at the time, and he was being purposefully rude. I said the first thing that came to my mind.” Katlyn smiled up at him giggling. “His face was pretty shocked wasn’t it?”

             
Micah cupped her jaw and took her mouth with his once more, “You are perfect my sweet Niflet. Come on, let’s get in there to dinner or they will all come looking for us.” Micah helped her off the couch and rose beside her.

             
Together they walked into the dining area together, Micah moved to sit next to Jonas and Katlyn moved to the empty place next to Linsey.

             
“How are you two doing?” Katlyn smiled at the two young women.

             
“We’re good; Jonas took us to his home across the river and gave us a little tour before we came here. This place is amazing.”

             
Katlyn looked at Jewel, “Jonas seems to be a very nice man.”

             
Jewel’s face lit up, “He is. He is so kind and so caring toward us. I hate that I got him in trouble by making him bring my sister with me but I couldn’t choose between the two. I love them both.”

             
Katlyn covered her hand, “Don’t worry about it, it is over and done with and everything will work out. You know why they came looking for us correct?”

             
Jewel smiled, “Yes, I know. And I hope that it is possible for us to have a child but it seems a little far fetched that we can have it all here.”

             
“It is definitely possible, but I wanted to talk with you about what else we are doing. How would you feel about donating eggs to some of the women here? Now, that is only if the ones I donated take. We will have to wait another couple of weeks before we will know for sure.” Katlyn passed the rolls to Linsey.

             
“Egg donation? Jonas didn’t say anything about that.” Jewel looked over at him; he might not like the idea of doing this.

             
“Jewel, it isn’t a requirement. Please don’t feel like you have to do this. I chose to do it because I love this family and I feel that every woman should be able to have a child if she chooses. I guess I should have asked you at a later time, I’m sorry I sprung this on you now.” Katlyn smiled at her, “Micah about killed me when I did it.”

             
“You didn’t tell him before hand?” Jewel pulled her eyes from Jonas’s.

             
“No I didn’t. I probably should have but my body my choice.” Katlyn smiled, “Old habits die hard.”

             
Linsey leaned forward, “I would like to help.” She could at least help in this little way, after all she kind of felt like a third wheel since she had gotten here.

             
Katlyn smiled at the woman next to her. “You don’t have to. It is purely on the volunteer bases.”

             
Linsey clasped her hands in front of her. “Jonas explained to us the problem this world was facing. I would like to help. I, like you, think that women should have that ability. As soon as you know if the embryos will work in these women please let me know.”

“Of course
, thank you.” Katlyn smiled at Linsey, “So tell me, what do you think of Stochi? I noticed you too got along pretty well this afternoon.”

Linsey grimaced. “That is one pain in the ass man.”
And sexy, and funny, and frustrating.

Katlyn laughed out loud, “He is that.”

Linsey frowned, “He is opinionated and stubborn. He does things intentionally to get a rise out of me.”