Tylar (The Mating Games Book 6) Read online

“We do have some stores, but most things like that are ordered in advance and delivered to the door.”

  “I don’t know if I like that or not. Somethings aren’t the same when you look at them online.”

  “Those things are what the stores are for. That and the small social interaction they provide for those without families or those looking for mates.”

  He glanced at her and it looked like she wanted to ask something but decided not to. Had she wondered if he was mated? “Since we’re both single maybe we should hang out there.” It surprised him that she blushed like a young girl. She had two grown daughters and two young sons so he’d assumed she wouldn’t be embarrassed easily. Seems he was wrong.

  Pulling up to the general store he parked near the door since there weren’t many cars out front. Many families ordered by com or ordered directly through Tylar’s team. There purchases were delivered to them so they never had to come here at all. He rushed around the car to help Careena out then the boys. “Stay close to us and don’t touch anything without asking, alright boys?” They both looked at him seriously and nodded. They were adorable and he wanted to smile at them but he knew that might encourage bad behavior. Lista had told him they were ornery then explained that meant they often got in trouble.

  Right now after the burbury incident they were on their best behavior and he wanted to keep it that way. They entered the store, he came in here often but he watched to see what Careena thought of it. “They seem to have a good selection of things. What do I need to do to buy something?”

  “You just pick what you want and Boviar or whoever is working in here will scan it. You will run a tab up to your monthly allowance on all things purchased from the store or online.”

  “That sounds simple enough.”

  “It is and the boys have an allowance too. Everyone that becomes a citizen has one.”

  “We are citizens?”

  “Yes, you became citizens when you agreed to move here.”

  “I’m glad you brought us here. This is so helpful, I was never any good at learning from books. My best way has always been hands on.”

  Tylar immediately thought if something else she could do with her hands and his cock got hard. He was a bastard to have these thoughts when he was shopping with her and her kids. Unfortunately thinking it was wrong didn’t make it stop. They looked around the store for almost an hour and Careena had only found a couple items.

  “Where to now?” She asked as she carried her package and he herded the boys to the car.

  “We have a café here. Is that the right term for a place that serves food? They have a human female there that cooks many Earth dishes with both Earth and Oison ingredients.”

  “That sounds interesting.” She said hesitantly.

  Tylar helped them into the car and he drove about a half mile down the road. As he helped them out of the car he noticed a delicious smell in the air. “That smells good. To be honest, I’ve not eaten here yet. I’m glad that I was able to come and bring you and the boys with me.” He shot her a smile that Lista said all his brothers had. She called it panty melting and right now he hoped she was right. It did seem to make Careena flustered.

  “It does smell good. Hopefully it tastes as good as it smells.”

  The boys ran ahead of them. They must be hungry, but they were growing boys. “Tylar!” They yelled together as they found a table. “Let’s sit here.” They all did with the boys on either side of their mom and Tylar across from her.

  “What can we order?” One of the boys asked. Given time he was sure he would be able to tell them apart.

  “What do you want? Can you read the menu?”

  “Hamburgers.” One boy said. “French fries.” The other one added.

  “Then that’s what you shall have.” Tylar said. It occurred to him he should have asked Careena if it was alright. “You don’t mind do you?” He whispered to her.

  “No, I think I’ll have that too.”

  “We’ll make it unanimous.” Tylar said as he motioned for the waitress.

  “What can I get you all to drink?” She asked. They gave her the drink and the food order. “Would you like an appetizer?”

  Tylar looked at Careena not sure what that was. “Why don’t you bring us the nachos?” He was relieved his female had stepped in. “You will love these.” She assured him.

  By the time they were through eating and Tylar had finished off everyone’s leftovers, he was stuffed himself. “I can’t believe you managed to finish everything.” Careena said, her expression awed.

  In his estimation today had gone well. He drove them home and Careena asked him in so he literally had his foot in the door. Once they were in the house the boys went to their room to play leaving him alone with their mother. That was a dream come true. They talked until it was time for the boys to get ready for bed then he left but she agreed to let him show her around some more the next day.

  Four days went by with them seeing each other every day after he got off work before he finally managed to get a kiss. It started off chaste but it heated up quickly. She reacted to him letting him know the attraction wasn’t one sided. He pulled away not because he didn’t want her but because he respected her.

  “I didn’t expect that, Tylar. I’m a little old for you, I think.”

  “My kind look younger than they are. I bet I’m not as young as you think.”

  “Still, I have children. You’ll want to start a family someday with someone that is beginning too. Just like you are.”

  “You think I object to your children? I don’t.” He had been about to convince her of his sincerity when his com went off. Looking at the message he knew Careena would want to go. “Lista is in labor. I’ll take you to her. I know you’ll want to be there.”

  Since they didn’t know how long they might be staying and it might even be all night, the boys packed their PJs and then he carried both of them to the car so they wouldn’t get dirty. “They are small but that’s still impressive. I would have carried one of them.”

  “I am here to take care of you. Never forget that.” He was pleased she didn’t fight it like some of the other mates had. She just nodded.

  They made it to his parent’s house where Lista had been staying since the baby had dropped. A doctor was there, it was one of the new human females. She was telling Lista to relax between pushing. Lista looked rough with sweat dripping down her face and pain splashed across it. Maybe he would reconsider having many more children. He wasn’t sure he could handle seeing a female much less his mate in pain like this.

  “I’ll take the boys out in the yard to play. This can’t be much fun for them.”

  Careena smiled at him. “Or for you either.” He smiled back, she had caught him.

  “Just call us when the baby comes.”

  The back yard at his parent’s house was an endless playground. Once they had been freed from the prison and found the sources of income, they had bought any toy that drew their eye. A few items had been added for younger children now that the grandchildren were on their way. The twins squealed with delight the second they stepped in the yard. The area he’d brought them too was geared toward adults because it was an obstacle course but it had areas adjusted to females or even children. They were small for some of the obstacles like the walls but there were places they could go around those obstacles. His new sister, Geena, loved the course and surprisingly had no trouble running it.

  Tylar would enjoy teaching the boys how to run the course and it wear their energetic butts out. Two hours later, he was as tired and dirty as they were but they had loved every minute of it. He followed behind them as they made their way to the house. It was time to shower but he wasn’t sure what the boys would wear once they were clean. Luckily their mom had kept the best of the clothes they had out grown at each age. It shouldn’t surprise him since they had had so little that she would save anything that might be usable in the future. It would take her some time to realize they had whatever
they needed now.

  The boys took a shower by themselves and he went to another bathroom to clean himself up. When he was done he checked on the boys but they were already done too. They went to the kitchen where his mom had filled plates for the three of them.

  “Do you really think the boys can eat that much?” He asked as he looked skeptically at the food on their plates.

  “We’ll see.” She said as he leaned in to hug her and kiss her cheek. The boys came over to kiss and hug her too and thank her for the food.

  The three of them dug in to the delicious food Tylar’s mother had made. It was similar to a pot roast from Earth but used Oison raised produce and meat. It amazed him what those little boys could put away. It seemed his mother was a good judge of children even human ones. Careena came in looking tired and once she smelled the food, hungry. His mom set a plate full of food in front of her right away.

  “Thank you.” She said with a smile. “It’s hard to watch her having such a hard time. The labor has stopped for now and she’s sleeping.”

  That alarmed Tylar. “Is that normal?”

  “It happens. The doctor isn’t worried, not yet anyway. She says we’ll wait and see what happens. If it doesn’t start back up on its own in a prescribed amount of time, she’ll induce labor.”

  That seemed to calm everyone down. The doctor was trained for this, especially taking care of a human giving birth. They were certain that everything would be alright.

  Chapter 2

  Fighting Fate

  Careena worried over her youngest daughter. Her oldest daughter was emotionally disturbed and she felt guilty for feeling relieved that they were getting a break from her. Narcissi was just too demanding which now with Lista trying to deliver a baby and the twins packed full of energy and excitement was more than she could handle. She wanted to be close to all her children but sometimes she got so mad at Narcissi she just wanted to snatch her bald.

  Razar’s family was wonderful and she didn’t want to subject them to her oldest. Careena thought her daughter had come here but it seemed she’d changed her mind. She didn’t want to ask and look like she didn’t even know where her own daughter was. Narcissi would show up when she needed something like she always did because she knew her mother couldn’t tell her no. It had been like that for a long time now.

  They’d finished eating and Careena had insisted on helping clean up since Tylar had her mischievous boys in hand. Normally she kept up with them just fine but she hadn’t rebounded since her illness and surgery. Oh, she’d improved, but she just wasn’t where she ought to be. It worried her since she had two young boys counting on her so she had to get better, she just had to. Narcissi was not mentally fit to take over the raising of two rambunctious boys and Lista had her life settled. She had a mate as the Mazlans called them and was starting her own family.

  Tylar was interested in her and heaven knew she was attracted to him but she was hesitant to take a leap after failing to find her prince charming three times on Earth. It wasn’t like she’d had a choice any of the three times. Men on Earth had all the say which meant when a female they chose bore them a daughter it was good bye. Not that she was sad to see the first two go. She hadn’t even liked either of them.

  Now the cleaning up was all done and she was able to sit down. Hopefully no one would notice how tired she was. “Why don’t we talk for a few minutes?” Gildra asked.

  “Of course. What did you want to discuss?”

  “Your health because it’s obvious you’re not feeling well.”

  “Nonsense, I’m just tired for the move.”

  “Darling girl, I’m a mother and I can see things others try to hide. There is no need to allow yourself to be on death’s door before you seek help. Tylar will be more than happy to see you to the doctor tomorrow while the boys stay here and play.”

  “The boys can be a handful.” Careena began with excuses.

  “I raised ten of them with only a year or two in between. So I think I can handle two.”

  “It makes me feel like I’m failing when I can’t manage things. Everyone tells me it’s silly to feel this way if I’m sick but I just do.”

  “I understand completely. That’s why I’m taking this out of your hands. Females often push themselves too hard and too far. Tylar cares for you, your sons need you, and your daughters will need you for advice and help. Sometimes a female just has to see to her needs first or she won’t be around to help those she loves.”

  Sweet words, but when had Careena ever been able to put herself first? Earth was a harsh place for women and women with daughters were just screwed. She saw the wisdom in Gildra’s words but under normal circumstances it just wouldn’t have mattered. Now though the choice was taken out of her hands. Careena would get the help she needed despite herself. A cry sounded from the other room.

  “Looks like we have a grandchild.” Careena commented. They both got up in a rush to run to the other room. A quick wave of dizziness rushed over her but she fought it and won. She was on Gildra’s heels as they entered the room.

  “It’s a girl.” Razar said with immense pride. It dripped from his words in a way no one could mistake it. He sheltered the baby in his arms kissing her cheek softly.

  Relief rushed through Careena. It was true, they valued females here. Praise everything that was good and right because now she had hope for her daughters and granddaughter. The baby had a large amount of dark hair, no surprise since Razar’s hair was black and Lista’s was just a little lighter. Careena and Gildra stood waiting for the baby to be passed to them. Razar seemed reluctant to relinquish her.

  Gildra stepped forward holding out her hands. Reluctantly he passed his daughter to his mother who took her with great joy. “What will you name her?” Gildra asked. By this time the room was full of family.

  “Trina Kaye is what we’ve chosen.” Both mothers got teary eyed.

  “Trina is my mother’s name.” Careena admitted.

  “Kaye is my mother’s name.” Gildra added. “It is common among our people to take names from among our ancestors.”

  “It is not as common among mine as it once was but neither is it unheard of.”

  The baby was perfect as Gildra passed her to Careena her thumb found her mouth and she sucked on it. The first of a new generation of human/Mazlans. A female born on a world in need of them with plenty of males to provide for her and eventually she would find one that was her own. There would be a balance her that both worlds currently lacked and even if there was more of one or the other sex, a person would be valued regardless of sex. Careena was filled with such great hope for her children and now her grandchildren. Dizziness rolled over her so she quickly handed the baby back to her daddy.

  It was a sad thing that she might not live to see this new world accomplish all the things she saw it had the potential to do. “Are you alright?” Gildra asked as Tylar came in and looked concerned.

  “What‘s wrong with Careena?” He asked coming to a stop that caused to two active little boys behind him to run right into the back of his legs.

  “We don’t know but she needs to see the doctor tomorrow.”

  “Who needs to see a doctor?” Tera asked. She was the doctor who had delivered Trina Kaye.

  “Careena. She doesn’t feel well and recently had surgery on Earth.” Tylar informed.

  “Was the doctor a male?”

  “Yes, he was the only one available at such short notice.” Careena admitted.

  “Please tell me it wasn’t Dr. Marks.” Tera said.

  Careena looked upset. “It was him. Is that bad?”

  “He’s not a very good doctor and he hates that they make him work on women. He’s not considered good enough to operate on men.” Tera explained.

  Tylar growled low and angry. He’d stopped at Careena’s side. Her hand snaked out and gave his arm a squeeze. She felt he needed it and it seemed to calm him. Now if she could just find something that worked on her. A feeling of unease had g
rown inside her since the operation that made dread roll over her. It made her fear she’d not see her boys raised. Whatever the doctor had done had helped her but only temporarily. Careena figured he removed the cancer but did something so wrong that now his failing would be the death of her.

  Tylar’s arm slid around her protectively. He was staking his claim and she was too weak to fight him. She wanted him, wanted to be able to lean on him. Had she not been ill her strength wouldn’t be in question but she would still want him. The difference would be that she wouldn’t feel like she was using him. There would be a future ahead of them but now, she didn’t know if she would be around that long.

  “First thing in the morning you come into the clinic. Eat, rest, and even though I know it’s hard, try not to worry. I need you in the best possible condition because we may have to go back in and fix whatever he did or didn’t do.” Tera explained.

  Careena felt faint with fear as her worst nightmare was about to be realized. The relief she’d felt when she’d survived the surgery initially had slowly begun to leave. “Tylar take Careena somewhere quiet, to her house if you’ve no better idea. See to her and we’ll keep the boys here.”

  The boys hooped and hollered showing their excitement. Careena tried not to feel bad because they were so willing to let her leave without them. They were just kids and they’d never been able to stay over at friend’s homes in the past. Of course they were excited. Her boys also had no idea how serious the situation was because she’d kept that from them. She just allowed Tylar to lead her away while she hoped for the best. For just a little while she would allow herself to borrow his strength.

  They made it to her house in no time and he carried her in like she was an invalid. “I can walk.” She tried to insist but she enjoyed being held with such care and concern. The threat of death hanging over her made her object with less resolve when he took her to her bed and undressed her.

  It was when he pulled the cover up to her chin that she realized his plan was only to take care of her, not to take care of her. “Hold me?” She whispered low but he heard her.