Genesis

Chapter 17

Nina followed Concador, her nerves were shot. She wanted a child more than anything, to replace the one she had lost so long ago; but the timing couldn't have come at a worse time, she knew this.
Entering the meeting room, her mate had a small congregation of clan members with him, including Tatsu. Nina's anxiety increased, she slowed her pace. Concador passed her marching up to the group.
"I need to discuss with you a matter in private." He interrupted. The group looked over at him.
"What's this about?" Wahkan asked, sounding a little annoyed from being interrupted.
Never one to mess around Concador replied. "As I said my lord, it's a matter of private."
Nina felt the burning gaze of Tatsu on her, those all seeing eyes of his. She peeked over at him. Maybe it was her nerves maybe not, but instantly she felt he knew.

Wahkan dismissed his small group. Concador waved Tatsu to stay. The four were left alone. "Now say you what's this about?" Wahkan asked irritated.
Concador looked over at Nina putting her on the spot. She wished herself and Wahkan were alone. "Wahkan." She spoke meekly. His attention brought to her, she felt his energy relax. "I need to tell you... I'm well I'm...pregnant."
Wahkan had a look of surprise cross his features. Tatsu was the one who broke the silence. "Well this complicates things." Nina glared at his passive words and look. "Better wipe that glare off your face my lady, we now have a stick on the trail to succession."
Nina looked shocked at his rude words. He had never said something so mean to her in the entirety of knowing each other.
"If word was to get out you are carrying a pup, that puts all this warring to no good. We haven't completely secured Wahkan's position yet. If the remaining council of elders find out before we get home we are all dead." Tatsu said sternly.
"Who in the clan would run off and tell such a thing?" Wahkan finally spoke, his irritation returned and towards Tatsu.
Tatsu shrugged. "Maybe one would, maybe one wouldn't. The problem is if it reaches home before we do...you know our people would revolt of the thought of an abomination before we secure your position of power completely."
Nina felt fear crawl into the pit of her stomach. She placed her hands on her belly protectively, flashbacks of the loss of her last child came forth. She let out a sob and tears began. She had no control over them. Wahkan came forward immediately and tried to hold her, but Nina was lost in her traumatic experience and flung herself back.
"No, they will not take my baby from me." Her voice growled. "You will not take my baby from me!" She fell to her knees and cried quietly.
"Come now Nina, come now." Concador cooed softly, he knelt down before her. "I will die before that happens. You've been through enough little ooman." He soothed, he glared at Tatsu.
Tatsu took a knee as well beside her. "Little bird, no one shall take your pup from you. Not as long as we three breathe. Do not get lost in your mind again. I apologize, my thoughts were only thinking of securing my future. Forgive me for frightening you." Nina sniffled, trying to restrain her tears.
Wahkan helped her to her feet, he held her tight and wiped the tears from her cheeks. He whispered to her. "I will burn every world I can for you. Including mine, no one will take our pup. Be assured of that my little jewell." He held her for a little longer as she calmed down.
Nina looked up at Wahkan then Tatsu and Concador. Finally speaking her peace. "You three must have more faith in your clan. They are more faithful then you are giving them credit. They have already sacrificed so much for you, and you owe them that." Feeling completely drained she excused herself and left.

The males sat down, all were quiet for some time. Before Tatsu spoke up. "She will need to be seen when we reach Prime. Many will see."
"I know." Was all Wahkan could say at the moment. Slouched in his chair he stared at his hands he held before his face, deep in thought.
"What shall we do?" Tatsu asked.
Wahkan sat quietly for a moment longer. "Bring the clan in for a meeting."

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Nina climbed out of her bed, feeling a little refreshed after her long nap. After her emotional outburst she had felt completely drained. She decided she needed to find Wahkan and apologize for her outburst. As she navigated through the corridors of the ship she ran into Roxanna. The girls eyes lit up like fireworks as soon as she laid eyes on Nina.
"Oh Nina!" She gasped. She hugged her tightly. "How exciting for you!" The girl began a line of questions, some that resonated in her own mind. It caught Nina off gaurd.
"You must not speak so loudly about it." She halted the girl.
Roxanna raised an eyebrow in question. "Oh? Why not?"
"I believe it's to be a secret for now." Nina stated, going off the conversation with the three males from earlier.
"The whole clan knows though?" Roxanna replied puzzled.
Nina looked at her shocked. "How! When?" Her anxiety began returning. "I need to speak to Wahkan." Was all she could breathe out. She moved past Roxanna, the girl stayed hot on her trail.
"Is everything alright Nina? Did I say something wrong?" She huffed as she followed.
Nina focused on finding her mate, great full she didn't run into any of the clan members as she entered Wahkan's meeting quarters. She stopped quickly as the whole clan turned to stare at her. The sight frightened her. Immediately the clan members began congratulating her. All had been present that day Tatsu had taken her from the dungeon and discovered the loss of a pup. They knew.... and each and every one of them swore fealty to her. Nina felt her fears wash away as she watched Wahkan approach her.
"There little jewell, we have done as you asked and put trust in our brothers." He pulled her close, whispering in her ear. "Does this make you happy?"
She breathed a sigh of relief. "Yes."