Gracie's Touch Zion Warriors 1 (28 page)

“Of course.” Gracie said with a grin. “What is that?”

Kordon leaned over to see what Gracie was pointing at. He saw several warriors riding on some of the war beasts they used for patrolling the more mountainous regions. The war beasts were very hardy, strong, and could scale almost vertically when necessary. He raised them at one of his homes further up in the mountains.

“They are war beasts. That is the only name they have ever been called because that is what they are used for. I have several large herds. They are the safest and easiest way to get around the mountains that cover our world. They can cover terrain few other creatures can cover.”

“What are they doing?” Gracie asked curiously watching as they moved single file up a path until the trees covered them.

“They are probably going on patrol. Our world is a world of warriors. All males train from a young age to be strong.” Kordon explained.

Gracie shivered at the thought of young boys training to fight. She had seen enough fighting and death to last her a lifetime. Her hand went to her stomach protectively. Would their son be expected to learn to fight as well? One part of Gracie felt it would be a good thing while the other part argued that fighting should never be the answer. She let her finger move to the scar on her shoulder. Closing her eyes, she felt the slight raised pucker of skin where Toolas couldn’t quite heal it without leaving the scar. Regret and sorrow swept through her as she realized that there would always be a need for warriors.

Gracie’s eyes opened when she felt Kordon’s hand on her cheek. “You are unwell?” He asked concerned.

Gracie smiled back and pressed a soft kiss into his palm. “I’m fine. Just a little nervous.” She replied.

Kordon’s eyes softened as he gazed down at her. “If you get overwhelmed, frightened, or have any questions you must let me know. I will always be here for you. We will take this as slow as you need.”

Gracie shook her head with a soft laugh and murmured. “And to think I thought you were going to squish me when we first met.” Gracie leaned against Kordon. “I’m glad you didn’t.”

Kordon tightened his arm around her pulling her into the safety of his body. “I seem to remember squishing you later and you quite enjoying it. I know I did.” Kordon whispered in her ear.

Gracie blushed when she heard Josef smother a chuckle. “You are so bad.” She said pressing her burning face into his neck and kissing it.

The rest of the ride was done in silence as Gracie took in the beauty of Kordon’s world. She knew she had a lot to learn but as she leaned back in his arms, she didn’t feel quite so scared anymore.

Cumin
System: Rim-
Spaceport

“You have news.” The dark cloaked figure asked softly.

The man sitting across from him made sure he kept the dark cloaked figure and those of his guards in his view. “You have the credits?” The dim light in the back of the bar caused the deep scars along the man’s forehead and cheek to look even darker.

A gloved hand dropped a bag on the table. “One hundred thousand credits. You will receive another hundred thousand on delivery of the package.”

Krac looked at the cloaked figure. He knew who the man was, Altren Proctor. The man was a feeble Earthling whose greed would either get him killed or elected to the coveted position of Supreme Chancellor of Earth. Personally, Krac could care less as long as he got the credits. He almost didn’t take the job but the idea of kidnapping the former Grand Admiral’s mate off his home planet of Zion under his nose was too much of a temptation. He liked impossible challenges.

“You didn’t tell me the female was expecting a child.” Krac said leaning back in his seat. “That will cost you extra. I don’t normally take females, much less pregnant ones. You just ask for trouble when you do that.”

“I don’t care what you normally do. I want the female. I will take care of the child she is carrying. You bring her to me. That is what you are being paid to do.” Proctor hissed out in frustration.

“Fine. Add another fifty thousand credits and I will have her to you in ten days. It will take time to get her and get her to a safe location to transfer her to you.” Krac said. “I’ll give you the location where to pick her up once I have her.”

Krac didn’t say anything else. He simply stood up and picked up the bag shoving it into his pocket. He walked over to the bar, wrapped his arm around one of the barmaids giving her a huge kiss before melting into the darkness.

Proctor raised his hand and one of his guards moved forward. “Is he marked?” Proctor asked.

“Yes, sir.” The guard replied. “You will know where he is at all times.”

“Very good.” Proctor said rising. “I want you to tell the men to follow him. The moment he has the girl, kill him.”

“Yes, sir.” The guard replied before he moved back to follow.

Gracie was sick the next morning. It seemed she was not over the occasional bouts of morning sickness. Kordon held her and wiped her face before helping her up. Afterwards, Josef’s mate, Helin, prepared her a simple breakfast and a hot tea that soothed her stomach.

“I have to go into the city to meet with some of the council. My mother is coming to welcome you and help you settle in. I hoped to put it off for a few more days but several issues have come up that demand my attention. Josep and Helin will be here if you need anything.” Kordon said tenderly.

Gracie smiled. “I’ll be okay. I think if I could survive three years alone on a moon I can handle a few hours here.” Gracie said with a wave at the luxurious surroundings.

Kordon gave Gracie a brief tour of their home yesterday afternoon after they arrived. The glider landed on the balcony overlooking the cliffs and ocean on the south side. A large courtyard complete with a fountain filled by one of the small waterfalls coming out of the rock face led to the entrance. Polished stone floors and a brightly lit foyer greeted her as she walked through. The rooms were naturally formed caverns in the cliffs. The rock was white with a mineral that would glow when hit by small shafts of light which was filter through a mirroring system throughout the home.

Kordon told Gracie each room was connected through a series of tunnels. Some were natural while others he had excavated. Additional rooms could be added but at this time he was happy to keep it rather small. Gracie shook her head at his idea of small. There were eighteen rooms total. There were five bedrooms, six baths, a formal dining room, an informal dining room, the kitchen, a library, a private family area, a greeting area for guests, and his office. In addition, there were two gardens; an upper garden near the forest at the top of the cliff which was for their private use and the lower garden which they passed through before entering the house.

Gracie watched as Kordon left the house in the glider. He insisted Josef stay. “Is there anything I can get for you, My Lady?” Josef asked politely.

“What? Oh, no thank you. I’m fine. I think if it is alright with you and Helin, I’ll just do some exploring. Kordon gave me a tour of his home last night but I have to admit I was so tired I don’t remember much.” Gracie said with a smile.

“Might I remind you this is now your home, My Lady.” Josef responded. “Helin and I are most happy to be of assistance if you need us.”

Gracie smiled and shook her head. “Thank you. I’ll let you know.”

Josef bowed and left through one of the many passageways. Gracie wondered if she should ask for a map until she was familiar with where everything was but then chuckled as she remembered how fast she learned how to navigate the subway tunnels under New York. No, she would figure it out.

Gracie spent the rest of the morning exploring each room. Beautiful carvings were etched into the walls of many passages. She loved touching them and wondering who did the delicate artwork. By early afternoon, she found herself in the upper garden. She understood why Kordon insisted it was for his private use. A natural fence of rock wrapped around it keeping the thicker forest from encroaching. A large, clear pool of water bubbled up out of the stone. Gracie dipped her fingers in the clear liquid and was surprised to find it was warm. Flowers grew everywhere in all different colors, sizes, and shapes. Small and medium size statues of warriors, war beasts, and other animals decorated the garden. In one corner, there was an open gazebo with a double lounge chair, a small table, and two additional chairs. Gracie was surprised when she rounded the path and saw an older woman pouring a hot liquid into two cups. There were several covered dishes set on the small table, as well.

“I was hoping you would find this spot soon.” The woman’s beautifully accented voice called out. “Come, you must be famished. You have been exploring for quite some time.”

Gracie looked at the woman curiously as she walked towards her. “Hi, I’m Gracie. Kordon’s not here right now but he should be back later.” Gracie said as she climbed the two short steps up to the gazebo.

The woman turned and smiled gently. “I know. You would not believe what I had to do to get my son out of here. I had to bribe his father into making up an excuse.”

“Your son? You are Kordon’s mom?” Gracie asked suddenly nervous. She ran her hand down over the front of her shirt and pants.

“Yes. I am Cora.” Cora turned to look at Gracie. “And you are the tiny warrior who captured my son’s heart.” She said walking up to Gracie and taking both her hands in her own. “I am very pleased to meet you, my daughter.”

Gracie’s eyes filled with tears as she stared up into the same dark blue eyes of Kordon. “He has your eyes.” Gracie whispered softly.

Cora laughed and pulled Gracie into her arms for a big hug. “Yes, he does and his father’s temperament. Come, sit and relax. I must mention to him about keeping information from me. Kordon did not mention you were with child. He merely asked that I find a healer familiar with a human’s anatomy. I must remind him that not all healers are the same.”

Gracie laughed. “I know exactly what you mean. He often forgets to tell me important stuff.”

“Now, tell me how you met my son and how you became known as the warrior woman. Saffron could not say enough about how beautiful you are and insisted I come to welcome you as soon as possible.” Cora said.

The rest of the afternoon was spent with Cora. Gracie told her about her life back on Earth, the years alone on the moon, and how she almost killed Kordon when she met him. Cora gave amusing tales of Kordon and his brothers growing up that had Gracie holding her sides from laughing so hard. Gracie was just saying goodbye to Cora when Kordon came home with a deep scowl on his face. Cora merely waved away his accusation of her meddling to get him away so she could keep Gracie to herself.

“I will pick you up tomorrow morning. The healer will be expecting you.” Cora said mildly as she stepped into the glider that landed to take her home.

“Healer?” Kordon growled out dangerously. “What healer?”

“Your mate is expecting your child. She needs to be seen by a healer familiar with human anatomy to ensure she and the child is safe and healthy. I made the necessary arrangements this afternoon. You don’t expect me not to protect my new daughter and your child, do you?” Cora looked reprovingly at her older son until he fought back a smile.

“You put father up to this today, didn’t you?” Kordon asked.

“Of course.” Cora said laughing. “Now, I must go pay up.” She added with a twinkle in her eye.

It took a moment for Gracie to catch on and when she did she blushed. Cora bid goodbye and was soon gone. Kordon turned Gracie towards the entrance to their home and led her inside.

“Are you hungry? Helin left dinner in the cooler for us.” Gracie said. “I told them I could warm it up for you. Helin showed me how to work the warmer.”

Kordon wrapped his arm around Gracie and picked her up. “The only thing I am hungry for is you. Can I eat you, Gracie Jones-Jeke?” Kordon whispered against Gracie’s ear.