The Degan Incident Ch. 10

As I sipped from my bottle of fruit juice, I looked around the busy city square.

We were in the heart of the bustling Degan Capital City, surrounded by massive buildings. But smack dab in the middle was a large, grassy park and a pond. The weather was a perfect warm, sunny day. The sun was shining and there were hardly any clouds in the sky. I wasn't quite sure why this was, but the massive orange star at the center of the Degan solar system, Dubhe as we called it on Earth, gave the blue sky a slight purple tint. That would take some getting used to.

Martan and I were enjoying a drink while we waited for Bastian and his parents. They were in a meeting with the Prime Minister. The whole thing made me anxious, but I trusted Dashel and Nydia. They would know what to do to keep us safe. I didn't want to worry about Bastian and me being on the run, or having to look over our shoulders for assassins and crazy soldiers. I wanted to settle down, and I wanted to do it here. Already, I loved everything about this planet. There was no better place in the entire galaxy to raise our child.

Every once in a while, I could tell that people were staring at me, but I tried not to let it bother me. I knew that I stuck out like a sore thumb, but there wasn't anything I could do about it. Dwelling on it would only sour my mood and right now, I was happy and I wanted to stay that way.

I was wearing my dress kilt, but thankfully Bastian gave me a long white linen tunic to wear. I didn't have to wear the metal sash; that was only for special occasions. The tunic was much more comfortable and fully covered the swell of my belly. I was even starting to get used to the warm breeze blowing up between my legs.

I looked around and watched the people hurry to and fro, going about their daily tasks. The square had several tables like the one we occupied, all of them full with Degans on their lunch break.

While I had seen other non-Degan species since arriving two days ago, I had actually not seen any other Humans. From what Bastian told me, off-worlders accounted for less than twenty percent of the planet's population, and that was mostly concentrated in the big cities such as the Capital. In the smaller country towns, the off-worlder population was much, much smaller.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Martan asked.

"Yes. This is nice. Though it's strange to look up in the sky and see an orange sun against a bluish-purplish sky. And it's very warm."

"Yes, the temperature is slightly warmer than on Earth, but this is pretty mild for summer. You'll get used to it."

"Do you think Bastian is almost done?"

"I am sure he won't be much longer. The Prime Minister is a busy man."

"He can be trusted?" I asked quietly.

Martan nodded. "Yes." There was no doubt in his voice.

Martan took a sip of his ale and looked past my shoulder. I casually glanced around to follow his gaze. There were two large Degans standing near our table, watching us, while simultaneously trying to look like they weren't watching us. Even though they did not wear uniforms, it was obvious from their posture that they were military and that they were there to keep us safe.

"They are not even trying to blend in, are they?" I said with a chuckle.

Martan shrugged. "They are doing their job. Did you have a chance to speak with your little friend on Earth?"

"Yes. I spoke with Per last night. He said he really misses me, but he is glad that I am okay. He said he met your Uncle Beshel... Per wouldn't really say, but I got the impression that your Uncle wasn't very nice. Per loves everyone and the mention of your uncle had him really pissy."

"Uncle Beshel is Sire's youngest brother. He is ruthless when it comes to his work, but otherwise he's harmless," Martan said with a chuckle.

Before I could get more info from him, we were interrupted by a stranger.

"Well, well, well. Martan Drago."

I turned around to see a brown-furred Degan walk up to our table. He was tall and lithe. His hair and beard were very carefully coiffed. His horns looked like they were buffed and polished from the way they shined. He was dressed formally, in a leather kilt and vest, but the material and stitching looked to be especially fine crafted. He had a snobby air about him, accentuated by what appeared to be a fake smile on his face. When he looked down at me, I didn't miss the flash of distaste that slid across face.

I wanted roll my eyes. I was getting very tired of that from these snobby Degans. Thankfully the nice ones far outnumbered the nasty ones.

"Rando," Martan growled, not even pretending to be cordial. I assume Rando was the other man's name. Martan did not make any attempts to introduce us. He sipped his ale and looked the other way.

"Aren't you going to introduce me to your little... friend?" Rando asked Martan, without even looking at me.

"I wasn't planning on it."

"No need to be rude, Martan." Rando turned to me and bowed his head slightly. "I am Rando, an acquaintance of Martan's brother, Bastian."

I couldn't help but feel uneasy. The smarmy way he said it implied that they were more than just 'acquaintances'.

Martan scoffed. "'Acquaintance'. You should leave now. If Bastian catches you speaking to his bondmate, he will likely kill you. This time I won't hold him back."

"Now, now. That was many years ago, Martan. I'm sure that Bastian has all but forgotten— Did you say 'bondmate'?"

"Yes. Devin is Bastian's one true mate."

For the first time, Rando seemed to falter. "He— Wha— But he is human!"

"Is he?" Martan asked with a mocking frown.

"Have they bonded officially?" he asked Martan, continuing to speak as if I wasn't sitting there.

"The ceremony is this weekend," Martan said, with a gleeful smirk on his face. "I don't believe you are on the guest list."

Rando's entire face turned red. "Excuse me," he snapped. He turned on his heel and stormed off.

I looked over at Martan. "Okay, what was all that about?"

"Rando and Bastian... have a history. They, um... Well, they dated briefly. You should ask Bastian about the details."

"Now you're starting to worry me."

"You have nothing to worry about, Devin. Even if you weren't Bastian's true mate, there is no comparison between you and that pompous buffoon."

I didn't have any reason not to trust Bastian and I really didn't care about stupid ex-boyfriends. Why should I be jealous? I was having Bastian's baby and I was marrying him. Too bad, so sad for Rando.

I heard Bastian's distinct laugh and I looked past Martan to see Bastian and his parents walking across the square towards us. They were followed by a pair of bodyguards not unlike the pair behind me.

"There they are," I said.

Martan and I got up and dropped our empty drink bottles into a recycle bin, then met my husband-to-be and his parents. I was aware of the bodyguards moving to join us and I did my best to ignore them.

Bastian scooped me up into his arms and planted a passionate kiss on my lips. He rested his forehead on mine as his hands stroked the sides of my swollen abdomen.

"Did you enjoy the park?" he asked.

"Yes, it's very nice here," I said. I lowered my voice, not attempting to disguise my concern. "Is everything okay?" I asked.

"Yes, love. Everything is okay. I turned over my findings and evidence. General Dansik and Captain Brilsch are being intercepted and will be arrested as we speak."

I let out a sigh of relief. "I'm so glad to hear that."

"Yes. It is finally over."

I hoped Bastian's edict wasn't wishful thinking. Evil men who would resort to torturing the young and helpless—not to mention pregnant—just to get their way didn't go away that easily. And neither did my memories.

* * *

I guess I should have been used to being examined by now, but lying on an exam table in a hospital gown brought up a lot of bad memories.

Bastian's family doctor seemed like a very nice man, with a gentle bedside manner. The entire Drago clan went to him for all of their medical needs, so I figured he knew what he was doing.

Still, when he approached me, my instincts where to curl into myself.

I didn't realize how bad I was trembling until Bastian leaned down and whispered against my hair, "It's okay, my Devin. No one is going to hurt you."

Just Bastian's presence made a huge difference. This time I had Bastian with me, holding my hand and settling my nerves. Though he seemed a little on edge himself, he put on an air of confidence and that really helped.

The Spaceport Prime clinic's technology was modern and amazing, but it was nothing compared to the 3D holographic imaging the Degan doctor used. The black and white image looked very realistic. It slowly rotated around, showing off every angle of the sleeping baby.

I was mesmerized by the lifelike image, unable to take my eyes off it. When Bastian made a quiet, throaty noise, I finally looked away.

Bastian was staring at the image with glassed over eyes. He drew in a deep breath and it stuttered when he released it. A tear pooled in the corner of his eye and then slipped down his cheek. When he looked down at me, the expression of love on his face took my breath away.

That I could give this to him, to make him feel this emotional, was simply overwhelming.

As my own tears fell, Bastian leaned down and cradled my head in his big hands.

"Thank you, my true one," he whispered softly. "I love you so, so much." He pressed a gentle kiss on my forehead. Before I could respond in turn, he pressed his mouth hard to mine. I couldn't help but let out a moan, and Bastian seized that opportunity and slid his tongue between my lips.

We kissed passionately right there in the doctor's office for several moments, until the doctor cleared his throat.

"So, everything looks very good," he said. "Based on the size and development, I estimate you have eight more weeks."

"I am ready now," I said with an unhappy moan.

"Well, I can only guess, given all of the... shall we say *unusual* circumstances of this pregnancy. Why don't we schedule another visit in four weeks and see how things are?"

Bastian spoke up. "That would be great. Is there anything Devin should or should not be doing in the meantime?"

"Just try to take it easy and get plenty of rest. Now, you wanted me to send some data to a Doctor Adler?"

"Yes. He and Dr. Flynn helped me. Dashel wouldn't have even known I existed without them."

"Of course."

"Let's get you dressed so we can go home," Bastian said.

After I dressed, I walked with Bastian to his hovercar. He hurried around me and opened the passenger door, but I stopped him with a hand on his arm.

"I want to drive," I said.

Bastian's eyes glanced down at my belly before looking back up. "Maybe later."

I folded my arms across my chest and shot him daggers with a glare. Even though my arms were resting on top of my belly like it was some kind of shelf, I really hoped that I came across as intimidating. "I'm not an invalid, and I'm perfectly capable of operating a vehicle."

Bastian quickly backtracked. "I didn't say you were..."

"Okay, so show me what to do."

I moved past him and went around to the other side and climbed into the driver's seat. With a defeated sigh, Bastian got into the passenger seat and closed the door.

* * *

After three days with his parents, Bastian and I were finally going home. I didn't mind spending time with Dashel and Nydia. It was nice to get to know them a little better. They were as nice as they could be, and they never treated me as less than human... er, Degan. I had already grown to love Dashel and I was well on my way to feeling the same for Nydia.

However, Bastian was going out of his mind. He wanted alone time with me and it seemed either his parents or his brother were always around. Martan's leave was extended so that he could attend our ceremony and he seemed to be a little bored hanging around his parents' home.

"You call if you need anything," Dashel reminded us yet one more time. "Our information is programmed into your new comPad."

"We will see you this weekend, bright and early," Nydia added.

She reached up and lovingly brushed my hair off my forehead, then gave me a hug.

"Thank you for letting us stay here in your home," I said.

"You are welcome anytime."

Dashel gave me a gentle hug, taking care to not press against my stomach, and then kissed the top of my head. I threw my arms around his neck and held him tight. "Thank you," I whispered to him. "Thank you for rescuing me, Sire."

I pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, then pulled back, blinking away the tears that were threatening to fall. I was nervous that I had overstepped my bounds, but Dashel grinned at me as if he could not be happier. He reached out and gave my earlobe a tug.

Bastian took my hand and pulled me towards his personal transport, a sleek, black hover car. The aerodynamic curves and the silver accents made it look like it was an expensive piece of machinery.

*Nice.*

I wondered if he would let me drive it...

"Come, Mishu!" I called.

The little bear cub, er, banti, trotted up next to me. He looked up at me and grinned. His tongue lolled out of his mouth as he kept pace with me in that bouncy gate of his. The little cub and I had really bonded over the past couple days. He was so cute and fluffy and he liked cuddling up to me when I rested. I adored the little beast.

"Can I drive?"

"No!" Bastian quickly replied. "I am still recovering from my near heart attack from your last lesson."

Laughing, I climbed into the hovercar passenger seat after Bastian, and Mishu hopped in after me. He bounced into the back seat and put his front paws on the door to look out the window.

Dashel pulled his wife next to him and they waved goodbye to us.

Mishu looked at Nydia and scowled, then stuck his tongue out at her.

"I never!" she exclaimed with a gasp.

Bastian and I both laughed as he shut the car door. He tapped at the nav controls and we sped off towards home.

* * *

The hover transport glided smoothly down the crowded road. I was completely mesmerized by the sights as we drove away from the Capital City. The city was beautiful, but it did not compare to the country. The further away we got from the city, the fewer the cars and the more open the countryside became. I had never seen so much open space. There were lakes and ponds, wide-open grass fields, farms with all sorts of crops. We even passed a saki ranch.

After about an hour and half of driving on the thoroughfare, we came to a quaint little town. It took but a minute to pass through it. Once we passed the town, Bastian veered off onto smaller country road.

Trees surrounded the country road, almost creating an overhead canopy. Twenty minutes in, Bastian slowed the hover car and turned off the road and we stopped in front of an iron gate. He brought up a security panel on the car's dashboard. A quick button press and the gate began to swing open.

A short drive up the driveway and Bastian parked in front of his home.

After the two hour drive, I was a little stiff getting out of the hover car, but I managed to do it before Bastian came around to help me. When I stepped out of the transport, I did not attempt to stifle my gasp of surprise and awe.

While nowhere near the grandeur of his parents' mini-mansion, Bastian's home was beautiful. The house was made of the natural stone bricks that seemed to be common to the architecture of the area.

The house sat on a large, nearly flat plot of grassy land with a small lake beyond the back yard. I could see two other homes on the opposite side of the lake, but other than that, we were fairly isolated. A forest of huge trees surrounded one side of the home and wrapped around the lake out as far as I could see.

"You like it, little one?"

"I love it, Bastian. It's so beautiful. I've never seen so much green. I can see why you love it here. Look at all the trees..."

"I hope our family will love it here as much as I do."

Mishu bounded past us and ran, with his nose to the ground, around the side of the house and into the back yard.

"Where is he going?" I asked.

"To do his business."

"Ah."

I didn't need any more details.

Bastian took me inside and gave me a quick tour of the house. A large family room had comfortable leather seating, soft and over-stuffed, surrounding a huge fireplace. Oversized windows allowed natural sunlight to enter the house, while also giving a wonderful view of the outside.

The kitchen was surprisingly modern despite the rustic quality of the house. Off the kitchen was an office filled with high-tech computer equipment where Bastian did his work. A small utility room led out to the back yard's paved stone porch. There was a curious trap door at floor level next to the back door.

I was about to ask Bastian what it was for when the door beeped. A small indicator light turned green and Mishu came pushing through the opening. He looked up at me and smiled, showing me his sharp teeth. His pink tongue lolled out of his mouth as he panted and I reached down and scratched at his ears. "Good boy."

On the second level, there were four bedrooms, the master bedroom being the biggest.

There was an enormous round bed along one wall under a bank of windows. It was covered in fluffy pillows and silky blankets.

"Oh my," I sighed.

Bastian's arms slid around me and he pulled me back against his chest. "I'm glad you approve," he growled into my ear.

I turned around in his arms. "I approve."

I slipped my hand around his neck and pulled him down, opening for a kiss. As Bastian took my mouth, I reached between our bodies and unbuttoned his vest. A quick tug at the buttons on the waistband of his kilt and he was naked in front of me. Bastian pulled the cotton tunic over my head and yanked at my kilt. He backed me up until the back of my legs hit the bed.

He gently lowered me onto the bed and I pulled him down on top of me. He held himself up on his arms, careful not to press his full weight into me.

"Make love to me," I moaned as I wrapped a leg around his.

With a grunt, Bastian tightened his grip on me and flipped me over, pulling me up onto all fours.

Bastain was urgent, but still gentle with me. His strokes were slow and deep. I could feel every single ring of his shaft enter me, then brush along my prostate.

He had me dripping onto the bed. My dick throbbing, desperately needed release.

As if he read my mind, Bastian reached around me and grabbed my hard-on. Just a couple of strokes and I cried out and shot my load onto the bed beneath me.

With a roar and a final thrust, Bastian buried himself as deep as he could.

By the time Bastian had cleaned us up and pulled the covers over us, I was fast asleep.

* * *

That night Bastian took me by the hand and led me to the backyard.

He had a large hammock anchored between two trees. We lay down in the hammock, me nestled in the crook of Bastian's arm, with my head on his chest. Bastian held me tight, one hand protectively covering my belly.

The night sky was beautiful. It was perfectly clear so the stars were out, fully twinkling.

The two largest moons filled the night sky and two of the smaller moons shone brighter than possible for a star. It was wonderful enough to bring tears to my eyes.

Bastian kicked his leg and the hammock began to slowly rock back and forth.

"It's beautiful, Bastian," I said softly. "It's all so perfect. Thank you."

"I would give you the world, Devin. All you have to do is ask."

"I don't need the world. This right here is all I need."

* * *

That weekend the bonding ceremony was held down by the lake behind our home.

It was what Nydia called "a small affair," though there were far too many guests to count, including many who were VIPs — senators, governors and business men. They were important clients of Bastian's or friends of the family.