Elemental Queen: Fate of the Fire Queen

Chapter Three

Kindra’s POV

Rachel ran at Zariah like she was going to hurt her. Caedan quickly moved Zariah behind him and into my space so I could protect her too. Caedan, Kayne, Xander, and Kalan stood stone still in front of Zariah. “You will not touch the queen or the king.” Kayne said firmly. That stopped her in her tracks. “This isn’t over,” Rachel threatened. Zariah moved back in front of the men and put her hands to the sides with her palms facing them. They took a step back in unison. “I think this is over, Rachel. I’m not afraid of you anymore. I can handle you on my own, but Caedan will be angered if I kick your ass while pregnant. To clarify, if I wasn’t pregnant, I could take on all of these men and kick each of their a***s without breaking a real sweat. I trained to fight to take on more powerful people than they are. Now you wouldn’t want me to put you on your back, not especially in front of the men, or Gavin,” Zariah said.

“Gavin isn’t even here,” Rachel said in a nasty tone. Zariah gestured behind Rachel and Karen to a blonde-haired man approaching from behind them. They turned quickly to look, and I think it was this Gavin person as they almost turned white. “Zariah, is that you?” Gavin asked as he got to her. Zariah nodded her head. “You look amazing.” He replied. “Thank you, Gavin, you don’t look too bad yourself.” She responded. “This is my husband Caedan, my bodyguard Kayne, his brother Kalan at the end, and you remember Xander. These are my sisters.” She said as she gestured to all of us as she referred to us. Gavin nodded. “Pleased to meet you.” He said and smiled. Lumina grabbed at my back just then.

Lumina got up from her chair a little clumsily, almost tripping on the leg of the chair. “H, hi I’m Lumina.” She said as she squeezed between Caedan and Kayne with her hand out like Zariah taught us. Gavin looked at Lumina like he was mesmerized, and Zariah cleared her throat. Gavin looked like he snapped out of his thoughts and took Lumina’s hand and shook it. “I’m Gavin.” He said and his face turned a slight pink. Lumina gave a soft laugh. “Nice to meet you, Gavin.” She replied as she let go of his hand slowly. “It was nice seeing you again Gavin, but I’m trying to take my sisters around shopping before we return home in a couple days.” Zariah said. “Ye, yeah you too.” He said as he stared at Lumina. “Would you like to join us?” Lumina asked softly. Gavin nodded. The looks on Rachel and Karen’s faces were satisfying as we all walked away from them, and Gavin walked in step with Lumina.

We spent the rest of the day shopping in whatever stores we wanted. The men joined us this time, helping to carry bags. We would go into shops for them and help pick things out for them too. Gavin stayed close to Lumina, and I hadn’t seen her smile so much. She kept staring at Gavin when she thought he wasn’t looking, but he was staring right back at her. When we were done shopping for the day, Lumina asked Zariah if Gavin could join us at Xander’s for the pizza too. She agreed and said something that we could turn it into a movie night. Xander got Gavin’s number so he could text, as Xander called it his address to Gavin. I’m happy to be heading back. Zariah looks a bit exhausted and in need of some rest.

Zariah and Xander explained what a pizza is a little bit more so they could get an idea of what toppings we may want to try. Or they showed us pictures on a smaller device of certain types of pizza with toppings already included on top. We weren’t sure so they said to just trust them and Xander and his dad went to order the pizzas. Dusk joined them to help because they said it would be a lot to carry. Caedan made Zariah go lay down in Xander’s bed while they were gone to rest. That was fine as we were going through the things purchased to be able to remove tags as Lily told us and showed us. I like these things called scissors. They are very helpful in removing the tags.

We all got so many clothes, it was unbelievable. Zariah, Lily and the workers in the shops helped us pick out everything we were uncertain of. Zariah even had us pick up under clothes, as she called them. She had gotten us what she calls underwear and bras when she was out in the morning. She said that we couldn’t try clothes on without them. I got some clothes called lingerie.

It was a red lacy top that was very thin, and you could see through it. It had lacy red underwear that matched. Zariah told me only to wear it when I was ready to be intimate with Kayne, and to only wear it and show him. She suggested I leave all my hair down too when I choose to wear it. She called it being sexy for him. She said to maybe wear the red heels I got with them along with long thin red lacy socks called stockings. She showed me on the mannequin, as she called it, what she was talking about. I guess you attach the stockings to a small band thing that goes over the underwear and hangs down my leg called a garter.

I’m a little embarrassed to think of being intimate with Kayne, but I know it will lead there eventually. Kayne is being patient like King Jarrett. Aquara says they’ve done some things, but they haven’t completely mated yet. Zariah laughed a little when Aquara said that and said usually it is referred to as having s*x or making love on Earth. They only refer to mating when referencing animals. Aquara told me privately what she had experienced so far with King Jarrett. I don’t even know if Kayne would want to do some of those things, she described with me. I couldn’t help but peek at him when he changed into his wolf yesterday. I want to experience his hands touching me everywhere as Aquara said King Jarrett did with her. Both his hands and his lips and tongue.

I think I may try to initiate something with Kayne when we return to Zare. Aquara suggested I touch his chest, especially if I put my hands onto his bare chest. That may get Kayne to move forward with touching me. She said kissing him at the same time would help too. “You should definitely kiss him too.” Sizzle said in my mind. “Sizzle!” “Kayne will take care of us. He won’t hurt you on purpose, but when you do make love to him, remember Zariah said there will be some pain and it is unavoidable but shouldn’t last long.” Sizzle replied.

Just then, Xander, Alex, and Dusk returned carrying many small boxes that had steam coming off of them. They took them into the kitchen and set them on the counter and table. Xander’s cellphone made a noise, and he took it out of his pocket to look at it. “Gavin just texted. He’ll be here in five minutes.” He told us. Lumina smiled widely. “Where’s Zariah?” He asked. “Laying down in your bed with Caedan. She was being stubborn and wouldn’t rest, so Caedan compromised and said he would hold her if she tried to rest. She really was looking tired as we left the mall.” I told him. “Good, but I’ll go and wake them. She should eat too.” He said. I nodded my head, and he went to his room.

Zariah came out in front of them yawning some. “Oh, it smells so good in here.” She said as her eyes opened more. There was a knock on the door then. Alex went to the door and opened it. Gavin had arrived. Lumina waved to him. He waved back. There was that huge smile back on her face and it made me smile. It took me a little while before I realized I had feelings for Kayne. I was a little jealous of Zariah at first until I realized she didn’t care for him that way and only had those feelings for Caedan.

“Let’s eat.” Zariah said and laughed at the same time. We laughed with her. Lily, Alex, and Xander placed the boxes side by side and opened them so we could choose what slices we wanted too. Lily had put a stack of plates next to the sink and was handing them to everyone. They would tell us what the pizza topping was called and a little about how it would taste so we could make better decisions. I took a slice called pepperoni that I had seen at the food place in the mall. I also took a slice that had bacon on it. Xander explained that some small stick-looking bread were called bread sticks and there was something called marinara sauce to dip them in, but he likes ranch for dipping, showing a bowl with something white looking in it.

I took a bread stick and put a little of the marinara sauce and ranch on my plate to see what I liked. I went and sat back on my mat with my plate. Alex had asked if I wanted a beer, and I nodded my head. He handed me a closed metal cup, but he lifted something on the top and it made an opening. I took a sip now and it is pretty good. I liked both the marinara sauce and the ranch, but I would agree with Xander that the ranch is a little better. Caedan was sitting in one of the chairs with Zariah sitting on his lap. She had picked up a slice and was eating it. We were all watching her, and we copied her. Wow, we definitely need to make this too on Zare.

We were all talking and laughing. Gavin, Xander and Zariah were telling stories of being in school together. They told more stories of those horrible women, Rachel and Karen, and what they did to Zariah and Xander. It is lucky I didn’t know what they had done before, or I would’ve flipped them both and put them on the ground on sheer principle. I guess Gavin said he dated Rachel for a little while but ended it because she was so mean to people. She apparently didn't show that side around him before they dated, but he regretted it quickly. He says he is a baker in his family’s food shop. He invited us to stop by and try some of the food tomorrow if we have time. Xander said he would come and any of the rest of us that want to go. Zariah has plans with Caedan and is going to be taking Xander’s car while Lily and Alex help take the rest of us around.

Zariah is going to meet us at a furniture store after she’s done her task, and we are going to look at possible couches and chairs to buy and bring back. Xander says we can go to Gavin’s food shop while Zariah and Caedan are out. Lumina looks very happy at that. I was getting really tired, and it was getting late. Gavin left saying he would see us in the morning. We all said goodbye and Lumina told him goodbye at the door. She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Lumina, you need to be careful,” I warned, lightly.

“Kindra, I can’t help it, isn’t he the most beautiful man you have ever seen.” She said and began to chuckle as she realized what she just said. We chuckled with her. “Yes, sister, he is very nice looking, but we are going home in a couple of days.” I said. “Maybe he could come with us.” She suggested. “Lumina, you would be asking a lot of him.” Zariah said. “He may not be able to deal with the pain it would take to waken his blood to pass through the portal.” Kayne said a little concerned. Lumina began to frown. “We have a couple of days. Don’t say anything tomorrow and Caedan, Kayne, and I will talk about this.” Zariah commanded. Lumina grinned and went over and hugged Zariah and then wrapped her left arm around Caedan too, as Zariah was still sitting on Caedan.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zariah’s POV

Shopping yesterday was exhausting, but fun. I think my sisters really enjoyed it. I know Lumina is showing interest in Gavin. He was always nice to us at school. Caedan and I got up fairly early to get ready. I set an appointment with a doctor yesterday for their earliest appointment in the morning. I want to get checked out and have the baby checked to be safe. Thorne may be able to help, but doctors here know what to look for. Caedan, of course, wants to come too. I explained to the receptionist and nurse that I was only in town for a few days, visiting and I discovered I was pregnant.

They made me take a pee test to make sure I was pregnant. I wanted to chuckle, but I was taking this seriously. They took blood samples too. I had to explain to Caedan they needed to do these things so he wouldn’t cause any fuss. I told them we were only here til Saturday morning. They said it wouldn’t be a problem and would have the lab test results rushed so they could add it to my file to give to my doctor when I get back home overseas. The doctor did a pelvic exam and I could see Caedan didn’t like that another man was close to my private area, but again I had to explain before that it was going to happen. I guess he just had a harder time controlling his reaction to this part of the examination. “It’s okay Caedan, he needs to do this.” I said to him in my mind.

The doctor told us that it looked as if I was about six weeks pregnant. I would’ve stumbled if I wasn’t already partly lying down on the examination bed. That means that Caedan probably got me pregnant the first night I was with him. I thought I was only a few weeks along about. I’m panicking a little because I have been fighting with them while training and especially when Xander broke my jaw. Xander will not like to hear that we fought that intensely while pregnant. The doctor gave me a prescription for prenatal vitamins to last my whole pregnancy. He put a note that I live in another country that doesn’t have prenatal vitamins, so to fill the full prescription so I can take it with me home.

I was grateful for that because I don’t know when I will come back here, and it may not be much longer if Caedan will even allow me to travel here. I may get him to allow me to come and visit in a few more months because the doctor suggested an ultrasound be performed by my doctor at home when I am about four months pregnant. He said I should have the baby by the end of July. He said July twenty-sixth. Yet, I can go into labor a few weeks early and it will still be okay as long as we are healthy. Maybe I can convince him to come in March and we just go to a different doctor, maybe in another state, to have the ultrasound performed.

Well, the baby is healthy and so am I. I can’t have caffeine because it is not good, along with a whole list of other foods and drinks. It shouldn’t be too difficult. I will have to give up coffee, but that’s okay. I’ve had some morning sickness and he told me some things to do, or eat to help settle my stomach, but hopefully the morning sickness will pass soon. “I wonder if they are still at Gavin’s bakery?” I said to Caedan in my mind while we were finishing up and I was paying the bill. They will have my file ready for me tomorrow morning so I can have it before we go home.

“I don’t know, contact Xander and ask,” he said. I took my phone out and texted him. He said they were, and they had just gotten there, so if we want to come, we should. I told him we would be there in about twenty minutes or so. “Yeah, they just got there.” I told Caedan in my mind. I started to feel a little nauseous, but then I felt this ripple of comfort go straight to my stomach. “Are you alright?” Caedan asked in my mind. “Yeah, just a little nauseous. I think the perfume the receptionist is wearing is making me a little sick.” I replied. She handed me the printout receipt with my bank card and wished us a good day. I smiled and thanked her and said goodbye.

When Caedan and I got outside I took a few deep breaths of the cold winter air. That seemed to help more to take care of the nauseous sensation. Caedan has been holding my hair when I get sick and rubbing my back to help ease me. I honestly only feel really good when I am in his arms, and we are close. If I could, I would sit in his lap in the throne room, but it is not appropriate to lead that way. I was so excited about shopping with my sisters and Dusk yesterday. I wasn’t planning on getting anything much for myself, but they made sure I had a new wardrobe of clothes. I bought some items for after I have the baby. I didn’t want a closet full of nothing but maternity clothes. I chuckled inside.

“What?” Caedan asked. I hadn’t realized I put energy into my internal chuckle. “Nothing. I was just thinking about the closet full of maternity clothes and realized we don’t have a closet in our room back home.” I said. “We will have one built then.” He said. “That is a good idea, I’m going to talk to my sisters because they may like one too in their rooms.” I said. “What are we going to do about the Lumina and Gavin situation?” I asked Caedan. “We still need to talk with Kayne, and then see where that takes us. I think, though, it should be up to him if he wants to try,” Caedan said. “That means we need to talk to Kayne and then maybe invite Gavin over for a discussion tonight and explain things to him. Maybe Kayne can alter his memories of us telling him in case he freaks out.” I said.

We got to the bakery. I have only been there a couple of times. It always smells so good. We went inside and Gavin and I think his mom was setting out samples of the different pastries, breads, and baked goods. “Wow, this is just as good as Zariah’s chocolate chip cookie. It may be a little better. There’s something different,” Stowne said. “Thanks a lot,” I said and laughed. Stowne turned then. “I, I’m sorry sister.” She said. “It is okay Stowne, other people can make things better than I can. They are professional bakers, so, of course, it tastes better than mine.” I said and winked at Gavin and his mom. They smiled.

“You want something?” Gavin’s mom asked me with a smile. “Do you have some cinnamon rolls, or cinnamon roll related?" I asked. "Preferably with not a lot of icing. I’m pregnant and that is too much sugar.” I asked politely. “Absolutely. I can scrape some of the icing off for you because I understand about the sugar.” She replied. “Thank you,” I said. Caedan was at the counter space where everyone was trying the different goodies. “Can I get some water too please?” I asked. “Room temperature or ice cold?” She asked. “Ice cold.” I replied and she grinned in response.

She handed me the cinnamon roll and some water. “You know if crackers don’t help with morning sickness, making some plain toast helps. The crackers didn’t help me, but the toast did.” She said. “Thank you. I’ll remember that. I’m sorry what is your name?” I asked. “Oh, my stars. My name tag must have fallen inside my apron again.” She said and laughed. “I’m Gwen.” She said as she fished her name tag out. I chuckled. I had that happen to me when I worked as a cashier. “I’m Zariah. These are my sisters and my husband Caedan. As well as my friends too,” I said.

“Well, taste what you want, and we can make whatever you want. We can even adjust things for you to cut back on the sugar or not put as much of the icings or frostings.” Gwen said. I took a bite of the cinnamon roll and my eyes wanted to roll inside my head. It was so delicious. When I finished chewing and swallowing, I said, “Gwen, whatever they want to order is great, but can you make me a batch of cinnamon rolls with light icing just for me. I don’t know if you fill an order by the dozen or not with the cinnamon rolls.” I laughed after saying that. She laughed too.

“Right away.” She said. “Do you deliver?” I asked. “Not usually, but since you are friends of Gavin’s, and it looks like you are going to have a big order, I can have Gavin deliver your items.” She said. “Cool, no rush we won’t be back to Xander’s until late afternoon probably.” I said. “Even better we can make everything that much fresher for you all.” She said. “Good. When they finish ordering, just let me know and I’ll pay for it. I’m going to go sit at your table over there and eat my cinnamon roll and rest my feet for a few moments.” I said. She smiled and nodded.

We went to the furniture store next after they ordered what they wanted from Gwen and Gavin. Xander was talking about going to the club tonight dancing and Lumina asked Gavin to come along. He agreed. I am definitely not wearing heels tonight. We planned to go out to eat before we went to the club. It was fun having pizza and watching a couple movies last night. Dinner and dancing sounds good tonight. We still have a lot to do tomorrow, but I want my sisters to experience as much as they can while we are here.

We all picked out different furniture for our rooms as well as the office when we remodel it, and such. I paid extra to have it delivered today. I told them to just set it in the driveway and we would handle it from there. There was no way it would all fit in the house. I pulled Xander, Lily, and Alex aside. I had bought new furniture for them as well. I held out a box to them I was saving but couldn’t wait any longer. “Open it,” I said. Lily pulled the ribbon from the box and Alex lifted the lid. Xander took out the paper rolled inside, and Lily took the keys. They looked at me with a little confusion.

“I paid for the house. You own it now, free and clear.” I told them. They all looked at me a little shocked. They all quickly, but carefully pulled me into a group hug. “I put some money in an account to handle any expenses and if you want to do any remodeling. I put it in your names, Lily and Alex. I know Xander will visit as often as he can, but unless I’m misreading the situation, he will probably be with me largely.” I said. Xan nodded. “I wanted to make sure you were taken care of since your son will be out of reach for long periods of time. However, I would love it if soon you would consider visiting us on Zare. You don’t have to if you don’t want to go through the pain, I totally understand,” I said.

Lily and Alex pulled me into a hug again. “We would love to visit,” they replied. Lily had a few tears in her eyes. That worked for me as I did too. “Let us finish doing what remodels we are going to do, and we’ll come. Well, probably Xan at least. It probably won’t be until the new year though,” I said. I just hope you have a great Christmas." I said. “Sweetheart, you have made it one of the best in a while. Not because of all the shopping, but because the house is so full and of family at that and that is what Christmas is about being with those you love and care about spending time together.” Alex said.

“Okay, then can you bring my sisters home cause I need to borrow Xander and Kayne. We can go in Xan’s car.” I said. “Sure.” They both said. Xan and I made our way to Kayne. Caedan was talking with him outside. “Kayne, I need you to come with us.” I said. “Of course, my queen let me tell Kindra.” He said. “Alright, we’ll be over at Xan’s car.” I said. He nodded. We had Christmas shopping for my sisters to do and the others and it was a perfect time to talk about Gavin. It was fine if Xander was involved in the conversation.

We decided to tell Gavin before we left for dinner when he brought the delivery. We decided we would show our powers and have our sisters do the same, etc. Aelia and Ayella can manifest because we are now high queen and king and powerful. My sister’s dragons could manifest, but we decided to just have Aelia and Ayella manifest. Kayne and Xander have decided to change into their wolves. This can only be done because of us taking our rule. That is if they agree to it.

We put our Christmas gifts in my van to hide them from my sisters and the rest of them. We went inside. There was Christmas music playing and Lily and Alex were showing my sisters, Jarrett, Kalan, and Dusk how to decorate the Christmas tree and other Christmas decorations. They loved it. I guess they got a tree on the way home. I thought. I was smiling and began singing along to Winter Wonderland as I picked up my favorite ornament out of the box and placed it on the tree. Christmas Song by Nat King Cole is my favorite Christmas song of all.

The decorations went up quickly. “Hey guys. We need to have a quick talk.” I said when everyone was sitting down. “We talked and decided we are going to tell Gavin when he arrives about us. I would like you to display a little of your magic, and we’re going to manifest Aelia and Ayella probably in the kitchen as there’s more room. Kayne and Xander are going to change into their wolves. Kalan, it is up to you if you want to as well. If he doesn’t want to come, though, Kayne will alter his memories to forget what we show and tell him. It is the best we can come up with,” I said.

“Just know Lumina if he can’t handle it right now does not mean we can’t try again in the future if that is what you want. You do have to understand it is asking him a lot because the blood wakening is very painful.” I said. “I understand, sister, and thank you for trying this.” She said and stood and came to hug me. “Can you waken our blood before you leave tomorrow?” Alex asked. Lily nodded. “If that is what you want,” I said. “Yes, this way we don’t have to go through the pain and immediately travel. Xan said it took him a little bit to build back up his strength. This way we don’t have to recover like him.” Lily said. “That is a good idea,” I said.