Han could feel Zeph practically vibrating with tension and emotions, but she still didn’t expect what came out of his mouth next.
“Sandar, you’re pregnant! How could you?”
Zeph
All his earlier concerns and worries vanished at the sight of Sandar’s gently swollen abdomen.
At his accusation, Sandar stiffened her back, met his gaze unflinchingly, and protectively placed her hands on her belly. “It was an accident, but I have no regrets.”
Han wiggled in his arms. “Zeph, set me down. This whole meet-and-greet went wrong, and I want to meet your sister properly. Then you guys can explain to me why being pregnant is so scandalous.”
“Is it because you only have one husband?” Tumoro asked, moving to stand at Zeph’s shoulder. “Mom always said that women should have at least three husbands before having children. Then you can add other matriarchs and husbands.”
“That’s not it,” Zeph said to the young Ugarian. “If only the issue was that simple.”
“Zeph!” Han said. His name was a warning that if he didn’t put her down soon, she’d get angry with him. As much as he didn’t want to let go of her, he didn’t want to upset her more.
Setting her on her feet, he waited until she’d straightened her clothes before drawing her back against his front. It wasn’t as good as holding her, but it was enough to help him calm his chaotic emotions.
“Hi, Sandar. It’s nice to meet you,” Han said. “My name is Han, and you already know I’m human. This is Tumoro, and he’s Ugarian. Of course, you know Zeph.”
“I’m First Matriarch Han’s first son,” Tumoro added, standing tall and proud to claim Han as his mother.
Han gave him a fond smile. “For now, yes, you’re my first son.”
“I read that humans are quick to make a family of any species. It’s nice that you’ve adopted Tumoro as your child,” Sandar said. “I’m sorry you couldn’t have a human pup.”
“Um, sure. Anyway, I think we should all sit down,” Han said, gesturing to the area with Leemron-style lounging couches and several Talin-style chairs. “It sounds like there’s a lot to discuss, and you should be comfortable.”
Sandar moved her gaze down to Han and sounded a soothing rumble. “Would that make you happy?”
Zeph could tell Han wanted to say something but stifled it. Probably one of her human jokes he never understood.
“Yeah, sitting down would make me happy,” Han agreed.
“Can I do anything?” Tumoro said, looking uncertain. He’d finally noticed the tension between Zeph and Sandar, and it was clear he didn’t know how to react.
Zeph wanted to say something to soothe the Ugarian but was struggling to process all the implications of Sandar’s pregnancy. Thankfully Han spoke to Tumoro for him.
“You should make tea,” Han said. “I saw a can of Tlash tea.”
“I can do that!” Tumoro jumped into action.
“But maybe not as strong as Ugarians tend to make it?” Han suggested.
Tumoro gave an Ugarian snort of laughter. “I forgot you don’t drink tea, you drink hot, colored water.”
“Whatever,” Han muttered with a roll of her eyes before turning her attention back to Sandar. “Now we can all do the sitting down I suggested earlier.”
Sandar sounded a rumble of agreement and walked smoothly despite her extra bulk. She eased down on the Leemron lounging couch with a quiet sigh of relief.
He followed Han to one of the chairs, but when she went to sit, he swept her up. He took her seat and settled her on his lap.
Once they were all seated, silence descended. Zeph wasn’t sure what to say when he couldn’t even figure out how he felt.
Except there was one prominent emotion, bone-deep fear for his dear sister.
Thankfully Han started the conversation. “Let’s start with explaining to the clueless human why this pregnancy is such a big deal.”
