“May I hold him?” Tracen asked.
I smiled. God, I was so fucking easy. One real hug and she’d completely won me over. Just that fast, I was willing to hand over my child. “Of course, but he’s going to be hungry soon.”
Tracen held out her arms and I settled Noah there before turning to Miranda. “Did we transport with the diaper bag?”
“Of course. But not enough to last forever.” Miranda looked at Tracen, then at me, apprehensive. “I… I don’t know what anyone is saying.”
I stared at Miranda, not realizing why.
“Why doesn’t she have an NPU?” Roark’s father asked.
Oh, hell. I’d forgotten all about that stupid needle thing, and the neuroprocessor that Warden Egara gave me to understand their language. “We were rushed by Roark’s injuries. She didn’t have time to get one.”
“We will have that taken care of right now. Poor thing, she must be so lost.” Roark’s father turned to the doctor. “Doctor Brax, this woman needs an NPU immediately.”
I’d forgotten all about the translator thing. When I’d had mine inserted, I’d just finished that flaming-hot testing dream. Miranda had been dragged ten light years, to an alien world, and couldn’t understand a word anyone but me was saying. “Sorry, Miranda. They’re going to give you one of their translators so you can understand everyone.”
“If Miranda will sit in one of the exam chairs, she can have that done right now. Please reassure her it doesn’t hurt and… well, you’ve had it done.”
“Thank you… um, I don’t know what to call you,” I said to Roark’s father as I took Miranda’s hand and led her to the chair Doctor Brax indicated.
“Aran.”
I nodded in reply, then explained everything to Miranda. I stood and held her hand as she had the NPU inserted in the bone of her temple, just behind her ear.
Noah began to fuss in Tracen’s arms. “He’s probably hungry.”
“Yes,” Tracen replied. “I’m surprised he’s not asleep. All of you. The first time you transported, you slept when we came to meet you.”
“I did?” I wasn’t even aware of their visit.
“Yes, our son is very possessive. I can see why.”
“Better?” I asked Miranda, once she started to look around wide-eyed, understanding everyone in the med unit.
She smiled now, much more at ease. “Wow. It’s amazing. Thank you.” When the baby fussed again, she said, “Do you have infant formula here? Natalie does her best to feed him, but he’s a hungry little monster and her body just can’t keep up.”
Tracen was cooing and nuzzling her grandson, and didn’t bother lifting her head as she answered. “I do not know what infant formula is, but I’ve raised two children. We will make sure you have everything you need.”
My shoulders sagged. Was it really going to be this easy? I couldn’t believe it. Roark would be completely healed by this time tomorrow, and I’d finally have the family I’d always dreamed of.
Roark’s father turned to Miranda. “I am surprised you accompanied Natalie on such a great journey.”
I had no idea what the protocols would be, but I wanted her protected, so I interrupted before Miranda could respond. “She’s my friend and Noah loves her. I couldn’t leave her behind.”
“Of course not.” Tracen smiled and hugged Miranda with one arm, Noah in the other. Noah squealed with excitement, his hunger temporarily forgotten, as he focused on Miranda’s face. He truly did love her, as she’d helped me care for him from the day we brought him home from the hospital. “Welcome to the family, Miranda. You belong to us now, and we will protect you as we do Natalie and Noah.”
Miranda blinked slowly, letting everything sink in, especially now that she understood. I smiled at her like I had a thousand times before, like sisters, and she smiled back. “Thank you.”
Tracen let her go, but Noah screeched and reached his chubby little arms for the familiar comfort of Miranda’s arms.
Reluctantly, Tracen let him go.
“He just doesn’t know you yet,” I hurried to reassure her.
“Oh, I know, dear. Don’t worry. That won’t be the case for long.”
Behind her, Roark’s father chuckled, pulling his mate backward and wrapping his arms around her. “He will love you, gara, as your son and I do.”