ROMANCE : PARANORMAL ROMANCE: Unwanted mate (BBW Pregnancy Werebear Shifter Romance) (New Adult Paranormal Romance) (103 page)

              “Of course I will! But what will you do about your job? Your home is in Mamugnar. I can’t take you away from your family.” Kayla’s excitement fizzled.

              “I have not told you everything Kayla. I have no remaining family in Mamugnar. As for my job, I will speak to my agency about a transfer.”

              “A transfer? There are Mamugnar warriors stationed on Earth?” Her nerves pulsed. This didn’t sit well on her mind.

              “Not yet. I will propose terms to unify Mamugnar with Earth. We have much to learn from your people and it would satisfy me to be the one mediating. I will propose the terms by the end of the month.”

Kayla squealed and threw her arms around his neck, planting kisses around his face. “I love you, Zig.”

***

              “How close are you to securing the mission?”

              Zig held the device closely against his ear. “Commander, I am uncertain that our motives are justified.”

              Silence rang hollow on the other end.

              “This planet thrives peacefully on its own. These inhabitants offer no harm to the people of Mamugnar. In fact I have a proposition.” Zig bit his lip nervously. A habit adopted by observing daily interactions on Earth.

              “Proceed.”

              “I propose unification between the people of Earth and Mamugnar. I believe there is opportunity for greater knowledge among the inhabitants of this planet.” Earthly emotions were starting to resin through him. His palms began to sweat and nerves were teased.

              “Denied.”

              “You have not given a fair evaluation of my request—“ Zig started.

              “Explain why you assume it to be appropriate to question the Higher Order?”

              “It’s simply an observation, Commander. I presume the Higher Order would prefer a collective base of intelligence before we eliminate the entire human race on a whim.” Zig stood his ground.

              “What is this you speak of
whim
?”

              “We must review the consequences before making unenlightened decisions, sir.” Not to mention Zig had fallen in love with Kayla. He couldn’t allow Mamugnar warriors to obliterate her home. Had he known about this mission prior to arriving on Earth he never would have come. He could never betray Kayla.

              “Private, consider your mission on Earth expired. You have questioned the Higher Order. The penalty for treason is exile.”

              Zig’s heartbeat found his throat. What had he done now? He could not return to Mamugnar, if he did he would certainly be destroyed. Processing the conversation proved incapacitating. For the first time in Zig’s existence, he had chosen love over his duty to his home planet. It seemed simple, a life without Kayla wouldn’t be a living at all. This affirmed Zig’s decision.

              “Who was on the phone?” Kayla rounded the corner into the kitchen. Zig jumped at the sound of her voice and slammed the phone down.

One week had passed since they had moved out of Lonnie’s apartment. So far, it couldn’t have been more perfect. Until now.

“Kayla, pack your bags. We have to go.” Zig scurried around the apartment throwing necessities into a brown, tattered duffle bag.

“What are you talking about? Where are we going?” Kayla hugged herself. It always seemed when life was looking up, darkness loomed heavy overhead. A tear found its way down her cheek.

Taking a deep breath in, Zig stopped in his tracks. He had to tell Kayla the truth. “When I discovered your profile through
Infinite
, I knew I had to meet you. You are my destiny.”

Kayla wiped away the tears that were escaping her eyes.

“I decided my next move was to visit Earth. I was granted three weeks absence from the agency.”

“But you have been here for months now. I don’t understand Zig.” Kayla pulled away from his embrace.

“In my third week I received communication from the Higher Order about a mission on Earth. It was the first mission with Earth as the destination. As the information disclosed in the agreement is confidential, the sole details provided to me were the term and location. I eagerly accepted. Automatically I would gain two more months with you Kayla.” Zig paced the length of the small apartment.

“Zig, spit it out. Tell me what is going on.” Kayla’s voice bit into his confidence making him flinch.

“That phone call was my Commander. I have failed to fulfill the details of my mission. We cannot stay here any longer, we have to go.” Zig grabbed for Kayla’s arm. This was urgent. Kayla pulled away from his reach.

“No.” She planted her feet firm to the linoleum floor. “I am not going anywhere until you tell me what the mission was.”

“Kayla it is confidential information. All I can divulge is that this planet is no longer safe for us. We need to leave. Now.”

“Whoa. What do you mean this
planet
is no longer safe? Zig what did you do?”

“Kayla, my mission was to eradicate Earth. I proposed different action however the Higher Order is not interested in hearing one warrior’s opinion. They have terminated my employment. I presume matters will be taken into their own hands now.” Zig continued packing the duffle bag.

“It will take them days before they arrive in our galaxy. We have time to warn everyone!” Kayla ran for the door.

“Our transportation is much more efficient than that of Earth. They will be here in minutes. We must leave now.”

“But where will we go?” Kayla was terrified.

“We cannot return to Mamugnar. If I was to step foot on Mamugnar I would be eliminated.” Zig’s mind spun searching for resolution. “We will have to seek refuge in a neighboring galaxy. I am truly sorry Kayla. I never intended for this to happen.”

Kayla could sense the sincerity in Zig’s voice. Without hesitation she began gathering her belongings and prepared to leave this life behind.

“What about Lonnie and Rin? We can’t just leave them behind!” The sudden realization of her best friends’ safety struck her.

“Kayla, we are running out of time.” Zig stopped and caught the tortured look in Kayla’s eyes.

“They would never leave me behind.” Kayla headed toward the door. “I am not leaving them to die.”

Furiously, Zig followed. Their window for escape was coming to a close. He understood Kayla’s love for her friends but in a situation like this, such a sacrifice could leave them all covered in ash.

“We must move quickly.” Zig ushered Kayla out the door.

Outside, people carried on their daily lives. Mothers pushed their babies in strollers and children ran through parks. Construction sites buzzed with activity and taxis were available for hire.

From a distance, Zig could hear the hum of Mamugnar drones nearing. The sound was all too familiar. After piloting the drones since childhood, he could identify their constant hum in his sleep. However out of sight, the drones sounded as though there were merely five minutes away. They would have to act quickly.

Lonnie and Rin’s was only a two-minute walk from Kayla and Zig’s apartment. Kayla pounded incessantly on the painted green door.

“Lonnie!” she screamed at the top of her lungs. “Rin! Open up the door! Hurry, please!”

Inside there was shuffling and stifled laughter. “Kay, baby girl. What is the hurry?” Lonnie greeted them at the door.

Exasperated, Kayla fell into the apartment. She hadn’t realized that she had been leaning on the door this entire time. Scrambling to her feet Kayla blurted “No time to explain. Go pack a bag. We need to leave. Now.”

“Sweet girl, what has gotten into you?” Lonnie’s voice was fearful. Rin remained silent, weary.

“I think we need to listen to her.” Rin fished a backpack out of the closet.

Zig made his way across the apartment to the window overlooking the kitchen sink. Overhead, clouds were forming as Mamugnar drones were nearing. “They are almost here.” Zig narrated.

“We will explain later.” Kayla helped Rin gather a few choice belongings. Lonnie’s feet remained intact with the floor.

“They’re here.” Zig pressed his nose against the window.

Three large drones had arrived. Each was grey and could span the length of a dozen football fields. They hovered over the city casting shadows masking the appearance of daylight and bringing night up them. The darkness had returned to Kayla’s life.

The largest drone readied its weaponry and unleashed a powerful blast toward the Earth. Zig was certain there would be thousands of casualties from this one blow. Unlike his encountered previous warfare, Zig noticed the orb ricochet off the ground and shoot back in the direction of the drones wavering above them.

“Has Earth ever seen such an attack?” Zig’s voice held calm as he turned toward Kayla.

“Of course not!” Kayla shrieked. “Let’s go!” The three were gathered at the door waiting for Zig to join them.

“Come here for a minute. I need you to see something.” Zig turned back toward the window. Rin was the first and only to join him. Another blast impaled the Earth’s surface and ricocheted out of sight.

“I saw it.” Rin concluded. “The energy contained in the Earth’s core is unparalleled to any other planet rendering the attacks ultimately useless. The drones do not possess enough power because they have simply never required it.”

“Precisely. As Earth has never been exposed to intergalactic warfare the energy has been contained. It has been expanding and intensifying for eons. With each blow to the surface, the energy is agitated and the gunfire rebounds.”

No later than the words escaped Zig’s mouth, a blow rebounded back making direct contact with the wing of the largest drone. It spiraled uncontrollably until it made contact with the ocean hundreds of miles away. Zig and Rin watched in amazement.

“The drones are ultimately taking themselves down with each shot.” Rin smiled and turned back toward Lonnie and Kayla cowering together against the door.

“In English please.” Lonnie was choking back tears.

“I think they are trying to tell us that Earth, as a planet, has built up its own defense mechanism.” Kayla gathered. She was growing accustom to deciphering Zig’s robotic rants.

“With all of the unused energy Earth has ultimately created a force field to protect itself from encounters such as this one.” Zig expanded. His mind was churning.

“The drones are retreating. Do you think they are planning to return with more force?” Rin’s wary expression awaited response from Zig.

“Mamugnar warriors never flee from combat.” Zig watched the two drones disappear along the horizon.

“If they never flee, where are they going now?” Kayla coaxed herself across the room and slid under Zig’s arm. “What is going on?”

Silence filled the room. Kayla could swear she could feel it weighing heavy on her small shoulders. Zig hugged her closely and Rin waited impatiently with his eyes glued to the window.

“It means they have surrendered.” Zig grinned but sadness flooded his mind bringing back memories of the past. Only once had he heard of similar events surpassing.. When Zig and his father had fought side by side along with the Mamugnar warriors, one planet had stumped them causing the Higher Order to question their action and reason for combat. Before irreversible damage was caused, the Mamugnar warriors retreated. From their surrender the Higher Order was later able to secure a truce with Yeba. They Yebans respected Mamugnar for acknowledging their mistake and joined in unity to strengthen ties between the galaxies. After this event, Zig never saw his father again.

“Why would they surrender?” Lonnie remained in a pile on the floor. He hugged his body close to the door, trembling. “Am I the only one still freaking out over here?”

Rim smiled from the sight outside of the window. He understood what Zig was saying. “They know they will only inflict danger upon themselves if they continued their attack. They are accepting defeat Lonnie. They are returning to Mamugnar. Earth is no longer unsafe.” Rin walked across the living room over to Lonnie. He crouched down onto the floor draping his arm over Lonnie’s shoulder in attempt to console him.

“Is this true?” Kayla clarified, looking up into Zig’s eyes. Kayla could feel the darkness lifting. Maybe this time the darkness was gone for good.

Zig gazed deep into Kayla’s green eyes. They were sparkling with hope. He reached down and brought his lips to hers. When the kiss broke, Zig rested his forehead against hers. “You are completely safe my love. I promise you this now and forever. I will never put you in harms way ever again.” He whispered into her ear shooting chills down her spine.

***

Kayla, Zig, Lonnie, and Rin cautiously ventured their way outside to assess the damage. The drones had managed to fire half a dozen shots before retreating. There was certain to be casualties. Zig felt personally responsible and inclined to help.

The sun had resettled back into its position overhead. The sky shone sapphire blue as though these events hadn’t just transpired. In the distance, smoke bubbled amidst the forest. It appeared that the majority of the enemy fire landed in remote areas, miles away from civilization. Relief washed over Zig’s conscience.