With the new position as an advisor to the Elders' Council, Zeta not only works hard to master speaking Kotowahn, but to learn to read and write it as well. Kamaki serves as her translator at the meetings, but she doesn't want to need a translator. At the meetings, Kamaki sits to her right to translate for her. And Zeta is fast becoming friends with Palam, who sits to her left and is also an advisor. Palam is from a planet named Xapandu, and Palam is an amphibian.
Palam's appearance messed with Zeta at first. She wasn't sure which pair of Palam's two pairs of eyes to focus on. Palam is the mate of the three brothers of the House Moyor. Zeta has seen her three mates fussing over her lovingly. It's very obvious they love her and she loves them very much. But they have not been able to reproduce together successfully. Palam thinks Zeta is the luckiest woman in the galaxy to have conceived so quickly and easily.
"Hi, Mommy, we love you."
"I love you too," says Zeta smiling brightly.
"Hi, Anlo," Gabe and Jasmine chime together.
"Hello, children," Anlo smiling brightly as he sits next to Zeta. "It is good to see you both, you also Mary."
Mary just waves. She tries not to take up the time the children and Zeta have to talk with each other.
Jasmine points, "What's that?"
Zeta reaches back and takes Palam's hand for a moment, "This is my friend, Palam, and these three men are her mates. She's gotten to hear me go on and on about you both quite a few times and she wanted to see who I'm raving about."
"
Zeta replies, "
"Are you getting good at Anlo's language, Mommy," ask Jasmine.
"I'm beginning to actually be able to hold my own in a conversation," Zeta looks at Anlo, "But I think I'm actually better at reading and writing it."
Anlo adds, "She maybe needs someone to translate approximately thirty percent of the time. She is mastering our language much faster than I mastered yours."
"Do they speak a lot of different languages there, Anlo," ask Gabe.
Anlo shares, "Centuries ago, we classified ourselves as many different people and had many different languages. Now we are one people with one language. The other languages spoken here now come from other worlds."
"Is that weird lady from another world," ask Jasmine.
"Yes, she is," answers Zeta. "On the planet where she comes from, people evolved from amphibians and she's an amphibian. And it's not nice to call people things like weird."
"Sorry, Mommy," apologizes Jasmine.
"It's okay, honey. I know you weren't trying to be mean or rude," says Zeta. "Just the same, Mary, you'll have a talk with them for me, won't you?"
"Yes, I'll talk with them," says Mary, "But Zeta, are you gaining a little weight? I kind of noticed during your last call, but I didn't want to say anything to hurt your feelings. Except, you're looking a little thick around the middle."
Zeta looks uncomfortable as Anlo gives her a gentle nudge. "Tell them or I will tell them. You have put it off long enough," says Anlo.
"Tell us what," ask Gabe.
"Your mother is keeping a secret," shares Anlo.
"Spill it," demands Mary.
"Well," Zeta says slowly, "I have gained a little weight... but that's because I'm pregnant."
"Mommy's having a baby," states Jasmine surprised.
"That's what pregnant means," Gabe says to Jasmine.
"I'm not stupid. I know what it means," Jasmine fires back.
"Zeta, how far along are you," ask Mary.
"A little over eighteen weeks," shares Zeta.
"Why have you waited so long to tell us," ask Mary. "You're four nearly four and half months."
"I was afraid," Zeta starts to explain.
But Jasmine shouts, "I have a question. Who's the baby's daddy?"
"That's a stupid question," states Gabe.
"Is not," shouts Jasmine. "I know that the goats and chickens mate to make babies. The girls are the mommies and the boys are the daddies. Our dad is dead. So Mommy didn't make the baby with him like she did us. And she can't make a baby by herself."
"It's a stupid question," Gabe explains, "because Anlo is the baby's daddy. Anlo and Mommy love each other. People that love each other make babies together. See how Anlo is holding Mommy's hand. He's always holding Mommy's hand. Boys only hold a girl's hand all the time if they love her. Their love keeps them from giving each other cooties. And when people mate, it's called sex."
"Oh," says Jasmine enlightened. "So, Anlo, you're the baby's dad?"
"Yes, Jasmine, I am," answers Anlo amused.
"But I get to be the big sister now, right," ask Jasmine.
"Yes, honey," confirms Zeta, "you're the big sister."
"Good," says Jasmine, "that means I'm not the youngest anymore."
"You're the youngest until it's born, silly," says Gabe.
Jasmine sighs, "I still get to be a big sister."
"Can you make sure I get a little brother this time," ask Gabe, "or is it too late to make a request?"
"You don't get to request a brother or sister," Mary tells Gabe.
"But I already have a sister," declares Gabe.
"And I already have a brother," counters Jasmine. "I'ld like a sister."
"So, neither of you are upset that I'm pregnant by Anlo," ask Zeta.
"No," answers Jasmine.
"Why would we be upset about that," ask Gabe. "We like Anlo. He's great."
"Is that why you waited so long to tell us," ask Mary, "you were afraid it would upset Jasmine and Gabe?"
"Yes," confirms Zeta, "I was terrified it would upset them."
"I have a question," says Gabe.
"Is it stupid," ask Jasmine rolling her eyes.
"I'm the oldest. I can't ask a stupid question," replies Gabe.
"Neither of you ever asks a stupid question," declares Zeta.
Undeterred Gabe continues, "Are you and Anlo married now?"
"They don't get married here," explains Zeta, "but I am considered his mate."
"But that still makes Anlo our stepfather, right," ask Gabe.
"As far as I am concerned," shares Anlo, "You are my children also."
"Good," says Gabe. "Just make sure as our new father, you keep our mom happy. We worry about her being sad. She cried a lot after Daddy died. I was afraid she might never smile again. So, keep her happy, okay?"
"I will do my best," promises Anlo.
"Anlo," says Jasmine timidly, "can we call you Daddy now?"
Anlo's eyes well up, "I would be honored for you to call me Daddy."
Jasmine and Gabe both smile really big.
"It's getting late," Mary reminds the children, "you still need baths before you go to bed."
"I love you both very much," says Zeta.
"We love you and Dad too," say Gabe and Jasmine.
"Good-night and sweet dreams," says Zeta.
"Good-night, Mommy. Good-night, Daddy."
"Good-night, my children," says Anlo.
Anlo excitedly tells Palam and her mates how Zeta's children have accepted him as their father. But Palam and her mates return to their home before dinner. So when Anlo and Zeta sit down for dinner, it's just family.
"
Zeta answers, "
"
No-nee ask, "
"
Anlo adds, "
"
Zeta answers, "
"
Sextus says, "
"
Bayden says, "
"
"Zeta," calls Septimus a bit nervous.
Zeta responds cheerfully, "
Septimus informs Zeta, "
"
"Twenty-one," answers Septimus.
"Geez, you make me feel old," says Zeta just after sipping some water. She asks teasingly, "
"
Zeta's smile falters. After Elder Coo's talk with her, Zeta asked Anlo and Kamaki to help her talk with Anlo's brothers. She did her best to explain what all of this was like for her, the homesickness, how badly she misses her children, how women who have mated with multiple men at the same time were thought of as bad people on her world. And if what she was telling them sounded strange and foreign to them, try to imagine how it felt to suddenly be drowning in strange and foreign ways, some of which not only made her uncomfortable and didn't make sense to her mind, but that she also found disturbing and offensive. She asked them to please try to be patient with her, less pushy and give her the time and space to get used to all these new things that were coming at her all at once. They asked her if she could try to be more affectionate with them. Let them hold her hand, hug them and kiss them, and let them watch her and Anlo mate sometimes. That last request of theirs had really messed with her head at first, but the talk had made things easier. She didn't mind holding hands and hugging. And the kisses were chaste at first. But over the last month or so the kissing was getting hotter with a couple of them. And letting them watch her and Anlo have sex isn't as bad as she thought it would be because Anlo has a way of making her forget they are there. And while Anlo always sits on one side of her, the others began taking turns sitting on the other side of her. Currently, Rayee was sitting next to her with one hand on her knee. She had managed to just only have sex with Anlo this long, but she knew she wouldn't be able postpone all the others for the next five years.
"Zeta," Septimus pulling her out of thoughts, "I know it must seem an unusual request to you. But there is no thing I am in need of, and being with you is all I desire."
Anlo is silent and stock still. He doesn't want to say or do anything to influence Zeta's decision. The grip her small hand has on his tightens.
Zeta's wills her head to nod forward slowly as she answers, "Fine."
Septimus stares at her stunned for a long moment. Then he ask, "You understand that I am asking to mate with you?"
Zeta takes a deep breath, "I understand," she confirms. "Twenty-one is a milestone age on my world. And I said, 'fine.' Now don't question too much or I may change my mind."
"Sex," Anlo says suddenly, "Gabe said when people mate, it is called sex."
Zeta burst out laughing, "They were so funny today. Yet they were so serious, you didn't dare laugh at them. And Jasmine just said 'Oh.'"
"And what are cooties," ask Anlo.
"Coootaes," Jonina questions.
"Cooties, yes," says Anlo, "
"
Zeta confirms, "
As they're getting ready for bed Anlo tells Zeta, "At dinner I was very surprised you agreed to mate with Septimus for his birthday."
"Surprised me too," admits Zeta.
"I think Septimus deserves such a gift," shares Anlo. "He has worked hard to learn your language so he may speak with you. And out of the six of them, I believe he has been the most patient. My parents are very pleased also."
Zeta sighs, "I'm afraid I may have opened a can of worms."
"I do not understand," admits Anlo.
"Did you see the look on the rest of their faces when they learned I agreed to have sex with Septimus for his birthday," ask Zeta. "And I heard Zarek say his birthday was fifteen days ago, and why didn't he think to ask that."
"I think being the youngest of seven often forces Septimus to be more creative," speculates Anlo. Then he begins to kiss Zeta's neck.
"Are you sure you're okay with this," ask Zeta.
"I know you love me," says Anlo, "I know my mother loves all my fathers. It may not be equal. I'm sure she has a favorite. But she manages to give each the time he needs."
Zeta was very aware that Jonina gave each of her mates the time he needed, because she did it every day. Jonina and her mates are not picky about when or where they mate. Like everyone else born and raised on this planet, they didn't need privacy. They could start going at it at the dinner table while everyone was eating, and had. Anlo and his brothers would continue to eat and talk like nothing was happening. Zeta had to get up and leave the first few times it happened.
"And when you are done with him, or any of my brothers," adds Anlo, "I know you will come to me, that I am first in your heart."
Septimus is anxious and excited. It is the day of his birth, but he wants it to be special for Zeta too. Bayden, Rayee, Rayou, Zarek and Sextus are just waiting to see if Zeta is going to be true to her word and go through with it.
"If you are good with it," Septimus suggest, "we can go to my room after breakfast." He knows Zeta doesn't like to mate in front of others even though she has begun to tolerate him and his brothers watching her and Anlo.
"I guess that's fine," says Zeta putting some scrambled eggs on her plate. "That's alright, isn't it Anlo?"
"You two can go where ever you wish to go," answers Anlo, "just have a good time."
Anlo watches Zeta's hands tremble as she eats breakfast. Sextus is sitting on the other side of her this morning watching too. He didn't know such a simple thing could trouble a woman so much. It is a very quiet breakfast as everyone wonders if Zeta will keep her word.
As the dishes start to get cleared away, Anlo is worried because Zeta didn't eat much and she hasn't suffered from morning sickness for over a month.
Sextus rushes over to Septimus and tells him, "
"
Sextus explains, "
Anlo hugs Zeta and whispers in her ear, "You do not have to do this if you do not wish to..."
"I said I would," Zeta whispers back.
"You are trembling," Anlo whisper, "You trembled through the whole meal and barely ate a thing. I can make up an excuse for you."
"No," Zeta whispers, "I said I would do this. I just need to get it over with."
Anlo takes a look at her. Zeta manages a calm brave face for him. Yet a tear does escape one of her eyes to run down her cheek. Anlo gives her a deep reassuring kiss.
Septimus steps up to them with a worried look on his face, "Is everything good?"
"Everything is fine," assures Zeta with a pleasant smile. She tells Anlo, "I'll see you later."
Septimus puts out his hand and Zeta takes it. "My room is this way."
Even though Zeta has lived here for nearly eight months, she hasn't explored the main house and doesn't know the entire layout. She just knows it's a rather large house and blends in with the landscape like the other structures on the land they oversee. She sleeps in Anlo's quarters with him every night. She goes to the Elders' Council meetings with Jonina every eight days. Every seven days, Kamaki comes and scans her. Her baby has one good, strong six chamber heart and twelve fingers and twelve toes like its father, a thumb and five fingers on each hand, and six toes on each foot.
"This sunken level here," Septimus informs Zeta, "is my parents' rooms. Mother has her alone room in there. Sometimes she needs time for herself. Up here are mine and Sextus' rooms."
Septimus leads Zeta up the stairs. "That door is Sextus rooms. He used to share it with Zarek and me. This is my door now. These rooms used to be shared by Anlo, Bayden, Rayee and Rayou."
He opens his door and leads Zeta inside and shares "This larger open room was where we played and... hung out. Our fathers sometimes taught lessons here. The four smaller rooms are where we slept. The bathroom is there."
The four smaller rooms, while not closed off completely from the common room, gave each boy a semiprivate area if his own.
"Sextus' rooms are set up the same," Septimus informs Zeta. "The main house was built when large families were more common. One set of rooms was meant for daughters and the other for sons. But it has been a long time since a daughter was born here...
I hope you will enjoy spending the day with me. I have no actual experience. I do not think watching you and Anlo counts as experience. I hope to please you nearly as well as Anlo, but I will probably need much guidance from you.
This is the cooler. I have cold water, juice and milk for when you get thirsty, and fruit. My parents will bring us up trays at lunch and dinner time.
I have turned this sleeping area into my creative space."
"You paint," says Zeta smiling. "I didn't know you painted. Anlo didn't tell me any of his brothers had any talents."
"I do not know if my talent is good," says Septimus sheepishly. "But I have traded a couple."
"I'm no art connoisseur," says Zeta admiring a couple of his paintings, "but I think these are really good."
Zeta wanders for a minute trying to picture what the room looked like when it was occupied by children. Then the urge to pee hits her. "I'll just be a minute. I have to pee again."
When she steps out of the bathroom, Septimus has lit at least a dozen candles.
"I find candles relaxing," shares Septimus nervously. "I like the smelly ones best... smelly like flowers smell, not goto dung smelly."
Zeta stifles a giggle, "I've never come across dung smelling candles. I don't think they would sell well. I'm sure flowery smelling ones are much more popular."
Septimus smiles sheepishly as he leads her over to the alcove where his bed is. "This is my bed... I'm sorry, I did not expect to be this nervous. I'm not sure how to begin."
Zeta shrugs, "We've kissed before. Kissing's a good way to begin I think."
"Yes," agrees Septimus, "that is a good way to begin." Then he lifts Zeta onto the bed. She wasn't expecting it and lets out a small surprised, "Oh."
Septimus begins kissing her tentatively. Zeta feels a little silly at first. As the kissing becomes serious, Septimus cups her bottom with one of his large competent hands, and caresses his way up to one of breasts. Her breath hitches when he finds the sensitive spot on her neck. He exposes one of her breasts and slides his mouth down over it. It helps that he has the same deep blue hair as Anlo.
Septimus undresses her slowly and reverently. As with Anlo, her stretch marks from her previous pregnancies don't bother him at all. He splays one of his large hands over her belly that has begun to swell quite visibly with Anlo's child and says, "Women are most wondrous miracles." Then he slides down between her thighs and quickly brings her to an earth shattering peak. Zeta can hardly believe he's as inexperienced as he claims.
"Boy," Zeta says trying to catch her breath, "You are really paying attention when you're watching me and Anlo."
"I only wish to please you," Septimus informs her.
"You're definitely pleasing me," says Zeta as Septimus rises over her.
Zeta slips into Anlo's quarters hoping not to wake him. She takes a shower, slips on her night gown, and slips into her side of the bed.
Anlo props up on one elbow and ask, "How did it go?"
"Did I wake you," ask Zeta. "I was try not to wake you?"
"I was not sleeping yet," answers Anlo. "Why did you not spend the night with Septimus?"
"I'm exhausted," admits Zeta, "but I've grown accustomed to sleeping with you. I couldn't sleep without you."
Anlo smiles as he admits, "I was having the same problem. So, how did it go? Did he please you?"
"You don't really want to know the answer to that do you," ask Zeta.
"Yes, I do," answers Anlo. "I want to make sure you did not suffer in any way, that you had a good time and enjoyed yourself."
"I think my legs may be stuck open permanently," responds Zeta. "And I think he took notes while he's watched us. The only significant breaks I got were for lunch and dinner. I was so relieved when he remembered pregnant women need rest and decided we should go to sleep. I didn't know it was possible to orgasm that much."
"He will be back doing chores tomorrow with the rest of us," Anlo informs Zeta. "He will not have the time to seek you out as much as he would like. He will most likely manage to seek you out for mating at least twice a day, maybe three times."
"I don't want to think about that right now," says Zeta. "I'm too tired."
"Yes, yes," Anlo curling up with her, "let us sleep now."
Zeta sleeps a little later than usual. As usual she and Anlo make love, but only once because Anlo can see she's still very tired. She washes up quickly and dresses in one of Anlo's favorite outfits for her, a lacy bra of lovely royal purple with matching boy cut panties and a rasai of royal purple with gold detailing. She's not very good at wrapping herself in a rasai yet. But Ika enjoys straightening her out at breakfast. After wrapping herself sufficiently in the beautiful rasai, she rushes out to collect guan eggs from their coop.
Zeta takes the basket of guan eggs to the kitchen of the main house. The kitchen has a walk-in freezer. It's not quite as large as some restaurants' walk-in freezers, but it's big enough for two adult Nokotoans to step inside, and has plenty of deep shelves. There's a dishwasher by the sinks, a smooth cook top, convection and steam ovens, and a double width refrigerator. Plus, there are a few appliances Zeta's not sure what they're for or how they work. Her kitchen at home is a fairly typical modern kitchen. Yet she's sure a chef would love this kitchen as she places the eggs in the refrigerator. Most of the eggs will get traded.
"Zeta..."
She turns to see Septimus smiling brightly as he approaches her. "I awoke alone," he says sliding a hand under her hair.
"I've grown accustomed to sleeping with Anlo," Zeta explains. "I couldn't sleep without him."
Septimus tips her chin up. "That is understandable." Then he proceeds to devour her from the mouth down.
"Septimus," Zeta says breathily as he lifts her onto a counter, "we're in the kitchen."
"I'll be quick," he insist as he pulls off her panties.
Zeta's small hands fist in his long silky deep blue hair as she hopes no one walks in on them in the kitchen.
"Couldn't you have waited until later," ask Zeta grabbing her panties off the counter. "Now I need to wash up again."
"I will wash you," Septimus smiling as he takes a clean cloth from a cabinet. "Just hold your rasai for me."
Zeta stands there holding her rasai out of the way as Septimus washes her; again, she's hoping no one walks in on them.
"There," says Septimus helping her step into her panties, "Better?"
"I would have been mortified if someone had walked in on us. Why couldn't you wait till later," ask Zeta.
"Later, I will most likely be very busy with chores," explains Septimus. "This morning my only chore before breakfast is dusting the main house. I always finish it early." Then he kisses her again, "I will see you at breakfast."
Zeta checks her rasai to make sure it's not too askew or endanger of falling off anywhere. She checks and sees they need berries for breakfast. She grabs a berry basket and goes out to pick berries. When she returns, Ika is in the kitchen starting breakfast with No-ni and Sextus helping her.
Zeta greets cheerfully, "
"
"" Zeta shares as she sits down at the kitchen table.
Sextus inquires, "
"" answers Zeta.
"
Zeta answers, "
Anlo says softly, "
Zeta stands up from the table and rubs her eyes.
Anlo takes her hand, "
"
"
Rayou pours cream on his berries, ""
"
"
"
Zeta answers, ""
"
Zeta answers, "
"
Jonina says, "
Zeta hangs her head, ""
Jonina hadn't meant to make Zeta feel bad. She knows pregnant females can be very sensitive, Zeta's no exception, and she's certainly no burden.
Anlo says softly as he puts a hand on her shoulder, "Zeta." She pushes his hand away and shakes her head. He hates seeing her upset. Plus, her appetite suffers when she's upset. She won't even finish her berries and cream now.
No-ni tries to relieve some of the pressure off of Zeta, "
"
Zeta doesn't say anything. She just stares at her food.
Rayee demands, "
Anlo holds his tongue. Zeta doesn't remember what happened when his brothers took her from the stasis pod, and he hopes she never remembers.
No-no says, " You are not needed for chores. Go rest after you have finished breakfast. After lunch, and they have completed their chores, you should pay attention to at least one or two of your other mates.>" Zeta doesn't say anything. She simply puts her spoon down and her hands in her lap. She's not hungry. She's completely lost her appetite. Anlo is worried now, "Zeta, you must eat." "I'm not hungry," answers Zeta. " They all watch Zeta leave for Anlo's quarters. They hear the front doors shut behind her. Jonina's fist slams down on the table. She's very angry with her first mate, " " Jonina orders, " " Jonina answers, " I do not think most of you are ready for a mate. Septimus, at least spent his spare time learning her language so he will be able to talk with her and get to know her. And if you think all the other males who received mates from her world are all getting to mate their brains out by now, you are wrong. Not even twenty-five percent of them have actually begun mating yet, and most of those females have only begun mating with one of their new mates. And guess which mate is getting to mate with her, the one who speaks her language the best. Trust is a big need for females of her world in order to be comfortable enough for mating with someone. Anlo has her trust. She feels safe with him. And Septimus has won her trust. The females that had abusive mates before they came here have all talked of how good their mate was in the beginning. He gained her trust first. What have you done to get to know her, gain her trust, and make her feel safe with you? You whine as if you are small children and insist she is not being fair. You want your turn now. You have just sat back and waited for her to learn our language. And even now that she speaks our language quite fluently, have you tried to get to know her? How many of you know her favorite color? ...> (Anlo and Septimus raise their hands.) " Jonina answers, " Jonina informs her five remaining sons, " " Jonina points out, " I am not feeling well. I need to be alone.>" "Zeta," Anlo says softly into her ear as she lays on the bed with her back to him, "are you alright?" Zeta answers, "I told you I was opening a can of worms." "What does that mean," ask Septimus. "When she said it a few days ago, I had no clue," admits Anlo. "Her people have many phases for expressing different things. This one means creating trouble." "May I be alone now, please," ask Zeta. "I'm really tired." Anlo kisses her cheek, "I will be near if you need me." Then Anlo walks out with Septimus to perform chores. Septimus tells Anlo, "" " Zeta takes a nap, but it's fitful. She wants to go for a walk, but when she steps outside, Rayee stops what he's doing to stare a hole in her. So she retreats back into Anlo's quarters. And when Anlo and Septimus return with lunch, they find her doing one of the few things she can do without leaving his quarters that she does well and finds comforting. She's studying. Septimus ask Zeta, "What are you doing?" "Math," she answers flatly. "Math," repeats Septimus. "I do not care for math." "I need to catch up here," explains Zeta. "On my world most everything is based on a ten digit system. Here you guys have a twelve digit system." "Math can wait," says Anlo. "We brought you lunch." Zeta shuts the desktop down and leaves the study desk. She sits down at the round dinette table with Anlo and Septimus, but doesn't attempt to make herself a plate. "Zeta, please, try to eat something," pleads Anlo. Zeta responds, "But I'm not hungry." "Zeta," Anlo worried, "I know you are you are upset. Yet you still need to eat... You must provide our child with nutrition." Zeta furrows her brow at Anlo, but she picks up a brown bread roll and pours a glass of goto milk. "I wish I knew what to say to make you feel better," shares Septimus. "I did not think sharing a little about my clumsiness would bother you." "It's not that," Zeta tries to explain, "But it wouldn't stop there. There would more intimate details shared with all of them staring at me picturing it. Plus your parents are right there listening." "Is that what was bothering you," ask Septimus. "That is was being discussed in the presence of our parents?" "That's a big part of it," admits Zeta. "I know when guys get together they talk about guy stuff. Girls do it too. But if you're talking about what we did in private while I'm there, then I have to endure them staring at me, picturing me naked and imaging what it'll be like with me, and it creeps me out." "I do not understand creeps you out," says Anlo. "It makes me seriously uncomfortable," explains Zeta. "Why did you not just say that," ask Septimus. "I just did," answers Zeta. "And right now, they're all wolfing down lunch as fast as they can so they can hurry over here because they expect me to do as No-no said." "Ika said No-no was out of line after you left breakfast," Septimus informs Zeta. "After what Ika said, I really do not think they will be over to bother you." Yet a minute later, the other five brothers walk in without knocking. Anlo ask them angrily, " " "Told you," Zeta says to Anlo and Septimus. Septimus ask them, " " " "Anlo," Zeta calls softly. Anlo rushes over to her and crouches down in front of her, "What? What can I do for you?" A tear spills down her cheek as she gently pulls a lock of his hair through her petite fingers, "Why don't you and Septimus go for a walk?" "A walk," questions Anlo confused. "Why would we go for a walk?" Zeta tries to smile, but another tear spills down her cheek and her voice cracks slightly, "Because I don't want you to watch." Anlo can feel his own eyes begin to well up with tears. He gives Septimus arm a tug and tells him, "Walk with me." But before he steps out he grabs Bayden by the back of the neck and whispers in his ear, " Bayden's not so sure about this as he watches Septimus and Anlo step outside. Septimus is clearly upset and Anlo is seething. Zeta isn't happy to see him and his four brothers either. He watches her walk over to the bed. Zeta calls, " Bayden steps over to Zeta. His strides a little shorter than usual. "" " Bayden request, " Zeta sighs, " "" Bayden tells her. "" " Bayden ask, " "Bayden," Rayee irritated and anxious for his turn. "Chocolate," answers Zeta. "Chowlaut," says Bayden with no idea what it is. Zeta repeats, "Chocolate. "" Bayden trying to make up for not putting forth the effort Septimus did to improve his relationship with Zeta. Zeta makes a small flourishing gesture with her hands, " Bayden leans over and kisses her. Her lips are very soft. Yet her response to his kiss lacks passion and enthusiasm. Part of him wants to retreat from her and not impose upon her. But Rayee will not follow him, and Rayou follows Rayee. As for Zarek and Sextus, he doubts they would follow him either. So he decides to go ahead and be with her, and watch the others to make sure they're not rough with her. Bayden is careful and affectionate with her. He is especially mindful of the size difference and careful not to rest his weight on her. But he can see she can't relax because the others are watching and waiting. He doesn't try to make it last too much longer than is necessary to satisfy himself. He has seen her with Anlo, and can tell she's just tolerating him. He splays a hand over her growing belly, marveling at the miracle taking place within. " Zeta feels as if she's being stabbed. Her voice is strained as she says, " " Rayee responds, "" He pumps fast and hard concerned only with his own pleasure. " Bayden nearly yells, "Rayee!!!" Rayee finally grunts and his body spasms slightly. He releases a satisfied, "Ahh." Then he slowly pulls out of Zeta and lets her go. Zeta rolls over onto her knees doubled over in excruciating pain. The sound the sharp intake of breath she takes makes, frightens Bayden. Bayden orders, " Zarek doesn't question Bayden and he doesn't hesitate. He runs from Anlo's quarters to the main house. " Anlo turns and sees Zarek running into the main house. "Zeta," he says and runs back to his quarters with Septimus right behind him. Anlo burst through the doors of his quarters demanding, " "<...Hurts... It hurts...>" she manages to say. Rayee starts to move slowly toward the doors of Anlo's quarters. Anlo demands, " "" responds Bayden. "" " " Zeta nods, "<...Yes...>" Anlo turns just as Rayee is trying to ease himself quietly out the double doors. Anlo and Rayee go crashing through the doors to the ground outside as Anlo tackles Rayee. Septimus doesn't leave Zeta's side. But Bayden and Rayou step to where they can see out the doors. Septimus tells Zeta as he gently strokes her hair, " Anlo and Rayee roll one way across the ground and then back the other way. Anlo's large fists make contact with Rayee's face. Rayee fires punches back. Zarek comes running out of the main house followed by Kamaki and their parents. Jonina orders her mates as she points at Anlo and Rayee, " " Septimus starts to protest, " " " Kamaki gives Zeta a hypo-spray. He strokes her hair back from her forehead. "Hush," he tells her, "relax... just relax." Zeta's eyelids become too heavy to keep open, and she is soon sleeping. Jonina ask Kamaki, " " Anlo is pacing anxiously when Kamaki steps outside. Anlo grabs Kamaki by his shoulders, " " Every family that applied to receive a possible mate from Earth underwent psychological testing. No family was told if they would be excluded based on those test results just that the females would be given to families based on best compatibility. Except some families were excluded because the test showed one or more of the males in need of a mate were not ready for a mate. They were selfish, immature, insensitive and impatient. Your family was one of the families excluded for those reasons. Anlo's test results were fine, he is ready for a mate. The only reason she is here and wasn't interviewed and matched to another family is because I knew she and Anlo had already established a relationship with each other back on Earth. I knew when she woke up and learned where she was, she would ask for Anlo, look for Anlo. When she became pregnant so quickly, I was sure it had been the right decision to let Anlo bring her here. Except now that one of you has hurt her selfishly satisfying yourself, the Elders' Council will have to evaluate the situation. In the meantime, I will be staying on to look after her. Anlo, I will be using one of your spare rooms. She will be unable to mate until she is completely healed. Anlo, you may go to her.>" Anlo rushes inside. His mother is sitting on the edge of the bed next to Zeta's sleeping form. He kneels at her bedside, takes her small hand in his two much larger ones and starts to cry. Jonina assures him, " " " Jonina steps outside. Her wise eyes gazing over her sons' and mates' faces in a way only a wife and mother can accomplish. " " She asks, " Bayden explains, " " " Jonina demands, " " No-no hangs his head knowing he is partly to blame for Zeta's condition. Jonina demands, " Bayden explains, "" Jonina steps in front of Rayee and smacks him so hard, he stumbles backward. " You,>" pointing her first two fingers into Rayee's face, " " " Jonina nods yes to her third mate. "Rayee," No-nee says sincerely, " Rayee throws his hands in the air, " Jonina agrees with her third mate, " As for you Rayee, just stay away from her. You obviously cannot be trusted near her. You are all dismissed.>" Rayee whirls away from everyone, and stomps away. Everyone else filters slowly back into Anlo's dwelling. Zeta looks fragile laying there in the middle of Anlo's huge bed. Anlo has moved onto the bed to sit beside her and hold her tiny hand. Septimus is sitting on the other side of her holding her other hand. Anlo says to no one in particular, "" "" insist No-no upset, "" " Zarek says, " " Bayden, Rayou, Zarek and Sextus nod their heads in agreement. Bayden apologizes, "" " Anlo made it sound so simple. But Bayden simply hadn't been sure what to do. He hadn't been sure if Zeta was just experiencing strong discomfort or serious pain. She didn't scream. Yet apparently, she was in so much pain it had prevented her from taking a good breath for screaming. He doubted if Anlo would ever forgive him. And Zeta would most likely always be afraid of the rest of them. Zeta basically sleeps the rest of the day. Anlo wakes her for dinner. She doesn't eat much, but it was more than she had eaten at breakfast or lunch. Anlo carries her to the bathroom and back, and she goes right back to sleep. She wakes in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. She tries to slip from the bed without waking Anlo, but it doesn't work and Anlo insist on carrying her to the bathroom and back. "Is that Septimus at the foot of the bed," ask Zeta. "Yes," answers Anlo, "he does not wish to be far from you." Zeta could stretch out across the foot of the bed and have room to spare. But Septimus was too tall. There was no way Septimus could be comfortable. "Move over and I'll move to the middle of the bed," Zeta tells Anlo. Anlo moves over and Zeta scoots to the center of the bed. Then she calls, "Septimus." "What," Septimus sitting up quickly, "Are you alright? What can I do for you?" "Come here," Zeta tells him. Septimus crawls toward her, "What?" "We made room for you here," Zeta patting the bed. "Thank you," Septimus stretching out beside Zeta. "I was a bit squished down there." Kamaki wakes up and comes out of the spare room he spent the night in to a familiar sight, a woman sleeping between two of her mates. Every morning as a boy, he got up early and crawled into bed with his mother and two fathers. The sight of the three of them sleeping peacefully warms Kamaki's hearts. After four days of bed rest, Kamaki gives the okay for Zeta to get out of bed with orders to take it easy, no strenuous activities or heavy lifting. " " " Anlo answers loud and clear, " " Bayden hands Zeta a box, "" Zeta accepts the box of candy, " As they sit down to breakfast, Jonina informs Zeta, " "" states Zeta. Jonina shares, " Rayee doesn't even attempt to talk to Zeta. He won't even look at her. Zeta notices this. But it's just fine with her if he doesn't come near her. And since she is presently banned from doing chores, she spends her spare time studying. The Elders' Council arrives the next day shortly after lunch. Zeta finds herself on the receiving end of many warm hugs. The members of the Elders' Council have become quite fond of her. The warmest hug comes from Palam. Palam holding her hands, " Zeta assures, "" Palam shares with Zeta, "" Zeta hugs Palam again, "" Palam hugs Zeta again, relieved. An injury is different from contracting an alien virus one probably had no immunity for. And Zeta was up walking around and didn't seem to be experiencing any pain, so she hoped the injury had not been serious. Elder Coo calls, " Zeta leans closer to Kamaki and asks in whispers, "What's going on?" Kamaki answers, "You were injured by one of your mates. They are concerned for your safety and the safety of your unborn child." Elder Coo continues, " Palam takes Zeta's hand, "Zita-na." Zeta assures Palam as she pats her hand, " Elder Coo goes on, " "" Zeta protest. " " Jonina, is there any point during the day Zeta was injured that you could say the day started to go wrong?>" " Elder Coo request, " Jonina does as requested, " My third mate made a comment meant to lighten the mood. But then Rayee spoke. He's always been our most difficult child. Yet with Zeta, Rayee seems angry always. This time he wanted to know if her acceptance of Septimus meant she was going to accept the rest of them. Zeta did not respond. Rayee demanded to know when the rest of them would get to mate with her. Zeta did not answer. Then my first mate spoke out of his place. He told Zeta she could not be mate only to Anlo. That it was unfair of her to neglect and ignore the others. He told her since she was not required for chores to go rest, and after lunch when chores were completed, she should at least pay attention to a couple of her other mates.>" "Holdo," Elder Coo chastises, " Tell us what happened next, Jonina.>" Jonina continues, " After saying what I felt needed to be said to my mates and sons, I excused Anlo to check on her. And then I excused Septimus because he was worried about Zeta also. At that point I had also lost my appetite and was developing head pain, so I went to lie down. Zeta did not join us for lunch later. Anlo and Septimus took lunch out to Anlo's dwelling for her. The rest of our sons were quiet through lunch, only speaking if spoken too. I realize now they were too quiet. They ate quickly, too quickly. Less than two hours later, Zarek came running in screaming for me to send for Kamaki, Zeta needed Kamaki. Kamaki arrived quickly. We ran out to Anlo's dwelling. Anlo and Rayee were fighting on the ground outside, which told me whatever was wrong with Zeta, Rayee had something to do with it. I ordered my mates to break up the fight as I went inside with Kamaki. Zeta was on the bed naked, balled up on her knees in pain. I ordered all of my sons out of the dwelling. Kamaki scanned her and gave her a hypo-spray. Kamaki had to laser close a vaginal tear. Then we laid her down covered her up and let her sleep. Kamaki scanned her and the baby again. Once she and the baby were completely out of danger, I went out to tell Anlo and talked to everyone else.>" "Kamaki," Elder Coo going to him next, " " The hypo-spray contained a mild sedative, mild muscle relaxant and a contraction inhibitor to stop the contractions. All of which I ensured would not be harmful to the baby. The contractions stopped, the cervix reclosed and the baby and Zeta were no longer in distress. I prescribed bed rest and no mating and I remained to monitor Zeta and the baby. She is allowed out of bed now, but still no strenuous activity, no heavy lifting, and no mating.>" "Anlo," Elder Coo moving to him, " " Elder Coo requests of Anlo, " " Zeta expressed that he really had not said much that upset her. But it was being discussed in front of our parents, and that was part of why she was upset. Yet that was a small part of why she was upset. She did not want the intimate details discussed in her presence because my brothers stare at her and she is sure they are imagining her naked and what they would do to her and what it would be like, and that makes her extremely uncomfortable. And she was sure they were eating lunch quickly, because they were planning on coming out to her, expecting her to do as first father had said at breakfast. Septimus told her he did not think they would do such a thing after what mother had said. Yet barely a couple minutes later, the five of them came walking in and she had barely eaten anything. I asked them what they wanted and Rayee answered, 'Zeta.' Zeta said, 'Told you' to me and Septimus. Septimus reminded them of what mother had said, but they had decided first father was more correct than mother. I told them she wasn't feeling well and she had not really gotten to eat yet. I was trying to send them away, but Zeta knew they would not go. So she asked for me and Septimus to go for a walk. It did not make sense to me so I asked why we would do that. She tried to smile, but it did not work as she told me she did not want me to watch. My hearts hurt for her. She was going to mate with them even though she did not want to and she did not want me to see her suffer. I did as she wished. I paused only to warn Bayden, he would be the oldest in the room. I am unaware of how long Septimus and I had been walking when we saw Zarek run into the main house. I knew something was wrong. We ran back to my dwelling and found Zeta naked on the bed, balled up on her knees in so much pain she could barely say 'it hurts.' I demanded from Bayden what happened. He said he mated with her first, but he had been gentle. Sextus confirmed that Bayden had not harmed her. He said it had been Rayee that Rayee had treated her like a targe; that he knew he was hurting her, yet ignored her and Bayden. I turned as Rayee was trying to sneak out. I was so angry, I attacked him. Mother came with Kamaki and our fathers. Our fathers broke up our fight. I wanted to go back in to Zeta, but mother had ordered everyone out. The wait felt like forever. I know I am just a man. That I am not as clear headed as a woman. But Zeta has become part of me. Please, do not send her away.>" " Bayden thinks for a moment. " Mother's words from that morning rang through my head, and I knew I did not belong there. That we had not earned a place in her heart.>" " Bayden answers, "" Bayden wipes tears from his face, " " Rayou is not sure how to start, " " Zarek shifts where he's standing, "" " " " Rayee makes a disgruntled grunt. Elder Coo raises an eyebrow at Rayee and definitely decides she will hear the two youngest brothers first. " Sextus looks at the floor for a moment as he collects his thoughts. " " Septimus responds, "" Elder Coo smiles, " Rayee...>" Rayee just looks at Elder Coo and after a long pause of silence, finally ask, " " Rayee shrugs, "" Elder Coo responds, " Rayee shrugs again, " " Rayee answers, " " Rayee answers matter of factly, " " Rayee does an indifferent shrug again, " " Rayee sneers, " Elder Coo sighs greatly concerned, " Rayee, I am sure Anlo and Zeta have not meant to cause you any suffering. But most of your suffering you have caused yourself by having the wrong attitude. You have not done like Septimus and made a conscious effort to get to know Zeta. Septimus, was Zeta without passion for you?>" " Elder Coo smiles again at Septimus as she says, " Zeta, have you had trouble following along?>" " Elder coo ask, " " Elder Coo ask Zeta, " " " Rayee finds himself standing alone outside while everyone else is clustered together chatting. He watches Palam feel Zeta's belly as Zeta stands between Anlo and Septimus. Septimus says something that makes Zeta laugh and kisses her. They are all over there, his brothers, his twin, his fathers, Kamaki, Palam and a couple other advisors, all chatting happily. And he wonders why that is so hard for him. He wants to chat and be happy like everyone else. He wants to be nice to Zeta and have her laugh for him. When Jonina comes out, she announces, " Everyone steps back inside and retakes their seats. Elder Coo says appreciatively, " Rayee, we have decided that you are in need of a mental eval. You will pack yourself a bag. You will reside temporarily in an apartment of the treatment complex. That way you will be able to participate in intensive daily therapy. The sooner you work through your issues, the sooner you may return home. Please, go pack, anything you think you may need. You may send for anything you forget and call your family daily if you wish.>" Rayee's face is unreadable as he turns away to go pack his things. Rayou catches up with his twin, " Zeta receives good-bye hugs as the elders step to the transport pad and transport to their own homes. Most of them are women who live lives similar to Jonina, overseeing land and farming. But the House of Voltrand oversees the largest area of land. As Rayee walks toward the transport pad with Rayou, Zeta tries to read his face and body language. He is nearly impossible to read. He seems to have two settings, no emotions or angry. Jonina tells Rayee, " " " Anlo steps up and hugs Rayee first. It is a warm brotherly hug. It's obvious that despite whatever tension there is between them, they are still brothers that love each other. When Anlo releases Rayee, Rayou with a big cheesy grin opens his arms wide for Anlo. Anlo shakes his head with a grin, gives Rayou a quick hug and gives his head a gentle brotherly shove as he calls him, "Picuda," which roughly translates into big-goof. Bayden, Zarek, Sextus and Septimus all hug Rayee in that order. It's obvious they all love each other very much. And for some reason, Rayee holds on to Septimus longer than his other brothers. Rayee turns in Zeta's direction and ask, " "" replies Zeta. Rayee's lips press tightly together as his brow furrows, "" " Rayee steps up to Zeta, " Zeta slowly puts her arms around his neck as he bends down to her. A curtain of beautiful long silky fire red hair glides over her. She can feel him inhaling her scent as he hugs her warmly. It's the first affection he's shown her. He even tips her chin up and kisses her for the first time. Then she watches Rayee, Rayou, and their parents step onto the transport pad and disappear.