Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 124077 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 620(@200wpm)___ 496(@250wpm)___ 414(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124077 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 620(@200wpm)___ 496(@250wpm)___ 414(@300wpm)
“Would you like something to steady your nerves?” he asked quietly. “Some hot tea, perhaps?”
Terra wiped at her wet cheeks with one hand while keeping her other arm firmly around Lisa.
“Yes, please. Tea would be great.”
“Come, then,” he rumbled. “I’ll make you some.”
He led them into the penthouse, and Terra kept one child on either side of her, almost afraid they might disappear if she let go.
Taurex didn’t comment. Instead, he went directly to the kitchen and began gathering food for Cody and Lisa with the calm efficiency of someone who understood that frightened children needed familiar things. To Terra’s surprise, he pulled a package of Double Stuff Oreos from one of the cabinets and then poured two glasses of milk.
“You have Oreos?” she asked.
Taurex looked almost defensive.
“I enjoy them.”
Despite everything, Terra gave a shaky laugh. “You like the Double Stuff ones?”
“They contain more filling and are clearly superior to the ones with less cream,” he pointed out.
That little glimpse of the Taurex she knew—the serious alien businessman who could turn a cookie preference into a matter of logic—made something ache inside Terra’s chest. She watched as he arranged several Oreos on two plates and handed the children their milk, then led them into the living room and found an episode of SpongeBob on the enormous television.
Lisa immediately climbed onto the couch and tucked her feet beneath herself, while Cody took the other end and began eating his cookies with the ravenous concentration of a child whose body had finally realized the crisis was over. Taurex turned the volume low enough that Terra could still hear if either child called for her, then returned to the kitchen.
By the time Terra joined him, a cup of steaming Earl Grey tea was waiting for her on the table. She sat down and wrapped both hands around the warm mug. Then she took a sip.
Mmmm…two spoons of sugar and a splash of half-and-half. It was exactly right.
Terra looked up at the big Monstrum.
“You remembered how I like my tea—two spoons of sugar and a splash of half-and-half.”
He shrugged.
“Of course—you always take it this way.”
“I know.” Terra looked down into the cup, suddenly unable to meet his eyes. “I just didn’t think you’d remember.”
“I remember many things about you, Terra,” he rumbled.
The words were simple, and he didn’t say them suggestively or as a reminder of their old relationship. Somehow that made them affect her more.
Terra took another sip, buying herself a moment to get her emotions under control, then placed the mug carefully on the table.
“How did you know?” she asked. “How did you know where they were? How did you know to come get them?”
Taurex’s golden eyes grew serious.
“The Goddess told me.”
Terra stared at him.
“The Goddess?”
He nodded.
“Yes.”
Her eyebrows shot upward.
“You mean your actual Goddess? The one the Monstrum and Kindred all worship?”
He nodded again.
“The same.”
Terra waited for him to smile or indicate that he was exaggerating, but Taurex looked completely serious. She’d had a thought that maybe the Goddess or some kind of deity had been responsible for telling him her children were in trouble, but she hadn’t seriously considered it a valid idea.
“She talks to you?” she asked at last.
“The Goddess speaks to her people,” he said seriously. “Usually during periods of dire need or distress. It is not common for a warrior to receive Her direct attention, but it does occur.”
“And she just…showed up and told you my kids were in trouble?” Terra asked.
Taurex nodded again.
“I was returning from Valeria Prime when I felt Her presence. She told me the younglings of the mate She had chosen for me were in grave danger.”
Mate—that’s right—I’m supposed to be his fated mate, she remembered.
Terra felt herself tense automatically, but Taurex made no move toward her. He didn’t even seem to notice the reaction.
“What did you say to her?” she asked carefully.
“I asked where to find them, of course,” he said.
That answer was so immediate and matter of fact that Terra wasn’t sure what to say.
“You didn’t ask why she was sending you when I…when we…” She swallowed. “When things ended the way they did?”
Taurex’s gaze dropped briefly.
“I mentioned that you did not wish to be my mate.”
Terra winced at the flat sadness in his voice.
“And?” she asked softly.
“The Goddess asked whether your refusal meant I would allow your children to remain in danger.”
Terra stared at him. The Goddess apparently didn’t beat around the bush.
“What did you say?” she asked.
Taurex lifted his chin.
“That of course I would not.” He leaned back slightly in his chair and folded his large hands on the table. “She told me where to find them and warned me that the males holding them were armed. I changed course immediately and returned to Earth.”
Terra glanced toward the living room where Lisa’s laughter floated faintly above SpongeBob’s voice. The sound made her eyes sting again.