Several years ago, I used to get what Pa called Charlie Horses. Sharp, intense pains along my calves and legs. They’d seize up no matter what I did. I only had a small range of motion where I could move or else I would freeze with torturous pain. Now it was the same thing. My ass was elevated in the water and my legs spread apart. Yet, I still tried to find that one position that ended the agony or at least make it ‘less bad’.

In my side vision, I saw both women and my lover stare at each other with the gazes I could only describe as suspicious. It was a guess, but I wondered if the women thought Matros would do something once I was safely out of danger. I suspected Matros wondered if they would truly help me. I had that same concern myself, but what else could I do?

Again, I moaned and felt that wave of soreness go through me along with pressure along my lower back. I scowled and wondered if this was what women felt.

Certainly not, it can’t be this bad… can it?

Both women drew out their voice. “Stop fighting it.” I swallowed hard as I looked up into the rows of serrated teeth. It wasn’t exactly reassuring, but it helped me comply. You try arguing with something that looked like it could rip a steak to shreds.

As bad as I had it, I still wondered about my mate. He was a guy, and I understood – despite my stomach. I knew what they thought. I steadied my breathing as I stared up. We were separated by planets, but he still had that look of ‘near uselessness’. He was a king, warrior, Alpha and my husband. If he was back at the palace, he could order the doctors about and watch over me.

Maybe that’s enough?

I looked deep into his purple eyes. “Thank you for protecting me… finding me. Never giving up. I couldn’t do this without you.”

I know that sentence might insult my doctors. I also suspected Fuath wanted to be found. That was something to think about later. For now, my mind was on one of the most important men in my life. To his credit, he smiled. Meanwhile pressure grew within.

It was like trying to use the restroom. Although, with the implants I didn’t have to. I still used the toilet for morning sickness… and afternoon sickness. The urge to push there returned. My muscles seized again, and Matros gripped my hand tight. I did the same, and saw him grimace. I never thought little ol’ me could ever hurt him physically, yet that pained expression said I did. It was said the Volardi Alpha’s defined themselves by pain. Judging from his taut muscles, I was giving him lots of definition.