“She has the gift?” Rohanna wondered. “Is it possible?”
“I had always thought it was only a legend,” Tikanna replied, though she didn’t sound so certain. “But perhaps there is truth to the stories.”
“I don’t know about all of that, but he called me Malaika. It didn’t translate. What could that mean?”
The women seemed surprised, though less shocked than before.
“It is rare that a word does not translate with the runes,” Tikanna said. “But some are so specific to a race that they remain in their native tongue.”
“So, it’s specifically a Nimenni thing?” Darla mused.
“It is. However, we are familiar with the word. A term of endearment, and one very few ever hear, only uttered to the most loved of mates. It is a declaration of love far beyond the Infala’s power.”
Darla felt her pulse quicken. “What does it mean?”
“A rough translation would be my dearest, but also my soul. It is difficult to put into words, but the core intent of it is to declare that you now possess his life force intermingled with your own. If you were to perish, he would almost certainly die with you, so intertwined are your beings.”
Rather than panic, a comforting warmth filled Darla. She was his, and he truly was hers. More than just mere words, it seemed her alien love had put his very life in her hands, and she would cherish it until the end of days.
Rohanna watched her processing the information and nodded sagely, sizing up their guest with fresh perspective. “Well, my dear, it would seem you have quite an interesting future ahead of you. Should you be up for the challenges, of course.”
Darla had already been mulling over what her life might become and was actually okay with it. “I’m going to find the others who crashed from the Raxxian ship. There are other people from my world out there, and Heydar and I are going to find them.”
Rohanna smiled, approving the plan, but she also had other thoughts whirling through her head now that she had discovered just the kind of power growing in this strange human.
“You will need time to learn your power,” she said. “To be able to control it. You could be so very strong, if only you take the time to properly train.”
“First things first,” Darla interjected. “I need to find the others.”
“There is time,” Rohanna countered. “I understand this Kuxx fellow is quite capable of handling things for the time being. And assisted by one from your own world, I understand.”
“How did you know that?”
“Your prince informed me of the situation when you returned. Right after you departed with Zepharos, actually. He was quite despondent, but even stranded from his people, he still obeyed the rules of decorum for one of his stature.”
“Hang on, did you say prince? I knew he was some sort of leader, but a prince?”
“He did not tell you? Ah, the Nimenni, such a proud people. Proud, and secretive. He is a good man. A bit strong headed, perhaps, but good of heart. Your Heydar is most assuredly more than just a mere general, dear, though he has excelled at that in the past, from what I have heard.”
“How did you hear that? I thought you were cut off from the rest of the world.”
“By choice,” Rohanna chuckled. “I still have my sources, when I am so inclined. I am the Oraku elder, after all.”
Darla was in shock. “So, he’s a general. A general and a prince?” she mumbled, her lips almost numb with shock.
“Yes, the heir to the throne, when the time comes.”
“Wow,” was all Darla could manage as the reality of her situation flowed over her.
“Yes, wow, indeed. And your offspring will one day ascend to the throne as well.”
The record player in Darla’s head screeched abruptly to a halt. “Hang on. Offspring? But we’re different species. Niala said… oh, shit.”
“Yes, it is possible once the Infala has bonded you. But you are different, Darla. You control the power flowing through your body. I can sense it in you. It will be your choice if and when a life will take hold inside of your belly.”
Darla felt her tension fade away as the pigment living in her flesh tingled a warm confirmation of what she’d been told. A broad smile spread across her face.
“What is it?” Rohanna asked. “Are you all right?”
“Better than all right,” she replied. “And if it’s my choice when it happens, I think I’m going to need a lot of practice making babies before I decide to actually have one.”
Darla stood up and turned for her new home.
“Where are you heading?” Tikanna asked. “The food preparation area is that way.”
“Food can wait,” Darla said with a mischievous grin. “I need to get back to my man. After all, practice makes perfect, and there’s no time like the present.”
38
BONUS CONTENT
Dearest reader,
If you enjoyed this tale of Darla and Heydar’s adventurous romp, I invite you to come download the free steamy bonus chapter for a little more of their spicy shenanigans.
And thank you for rating and reviewing this book. Writing can be a solitary endeavor, and every little bit you can do, especially taking a few seconds to review, really helps keep this author’s creative fires burning.
Stay saucy,
~ Kira ~
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
When she’s not coming up with the next steamy space adventure, you can find Kira online across the usual social media sites and at kiraquinnbooks.com
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BOOKS BY KIRA QUINN
The Mark of the Infala Series
1. Infala: The Alien’s Bond
2. The Prisoner’s Gambit
3. The Warrior’s Oath