baby might be Andru’s. He’s my brother and I love him very much, but you’ve claimed me. I’m yours and I love you as my claim.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and gently kissed his lips. “Now, I’m going to get some ice for my brother.”
* * * * *
Ana slipped out of Gilroy’s arms early the next morning. The house was quiet other than the gentle breathing coming from her claim. She showered and dressed then went downstairs to raid the kitchen. Gilroy had been almost savage after they’d shut themselves in their bedroom the night before. He’d ripped his shirt from her and pinned her to the bed. Her quick response had thrown him for a curve however and she’d been able to free herself and then slowly undress him.
She grabbed an apple as she prepared coffee and put water on for oatmeal. Her body tingled as she thought of Gilroy’s perfect body reacting to her every touch. She swallowed a bite of her apple and could still taste him in her mouth…the salty taste she’d grown to enjoy.
“Ah, my lady, a good morning to you,” Fulga said cheerily as she came through the back door. Ana was glad the servants didn’t sleep in the house anymore. The events that happened the night before would result in enough gossip to last several winters.
“Good morning, Fulga. I was making myself some oatmeal.”
“Now you just go and sit yourself down, my lady. I’ll bring the oatmeal in to you right quick.” Fulga started whistling as she moved quickly around the kitchen and Ana took her apple and went to sit down in the dining room.
She’d decided first thing this morning what she would do today. It was imperative that she prove herself worthy to rule the Runners. The oatmeal went down easily and afterwards she pulled her glider out of the garage and confirmed from a Gothman guard that both of her parents as well as Andru were already gone for the day. She asked the guard to tell Gilroy that she’d gone to the Runner clan site and then mounted her glider.
“Would you leave without telling me goodbye, my lady?” She hadn’t noticed Gilroy until she turned and faced him. He held onto her handlebars and enticing blue eyes made her insides flip-flop.
“I didn’t want to wake you.” She spoke quietly, not once taking her eyes from his.
He reached down and under her arms, lifting her off the glider with ease. He walked across the yard and then set her down where no one could hear what he would say.
“Ana, you carry my child.” He breathed the words with more emotion than she thought him capable. His sky-blue eyes suddenly seemed moist. “I can’t think of a higher honor that you could do for me. You are mine and this child is mine.” He spoke the words like he just heard the news.
“I’ve carried your baby for almost four cycles now, Gilroy.” The way he looked at her brought back memories of their lovemaking the night before and she smiled and ran her fingers across his unshaven face.
“But there was always doubt. Now it no longer exists. I want to know where you are always…and how long it will be until you are back at my side.” He kissed her palm and then pulled her to him. “Why are you going to the clan site?”
“I’m heir to all Runner clans, aren’t I? I’ll go there every day…”
“Until the doctor tells you no,” he finished for her. “I love you, Ana, and you’re mine to care for. It’s a task I won’t take lightly. Go to your duties now. But mind me, I always want to know where you are.”
Ana thrived on the warmth of the sun as she walked toward her mama’s trailer. She surveyed the active clan site and wondered who she would ask to be her advisors. Taking these matters into her own hands would definitely impress her parents.
“Well, look at the pregnant lady.” Syra sat backwards against one of the kitchen table chairs. “Sounds like your