Chapter 145: Astra Returns
Marcus sat down still in awe at the changes for the birthing. “I can’t wait for her to return. I’ve missed her so much.” Jalen sat down next to him and took his hand. “I’ve missed her too. She’ll be here in no time and she’ll be ready to give birth. Prepare yourself because you will be helping me since I no longer have an apprentice.” She patted his hand and rose up to clean more of the home.
The day had come for Astra to return above ground. She started looking for Chaos and found him sitting on his throne with his head in his hands. She stood there watching him and trying to imprint him in her memory. He looked so forlorn. Astra walked up to him and laid her head on his shoulder. “I’m going to be leaving soon.” He looked up at her. “I wish I could be with you especially when you’re giving birth.” Astra smiled down at him. “I will start our connection as soon as I go into labor. You’ll be with me the entire time.” He looked at her, “You promise?” Astra nodded at him and walked over to prepare herself for the transport. She stood quietly watching him. She felt the energy around her fluctuate. She steeled herself…the wind started blowing and she could feel the energy entering her body. In a flash she felt herself start to tingle. Suddenly, it stopped and she opened her eyes to see Marcus and Jalen watching her.
She ran to them throwing her arms around both. “I missed you both so much. It’s such a pleasure to see and feel the sunshine again.” She looked at both again and couldn’t help herself giving them both a big hug. Marcus kept his arm around her and leaned forward to caress her baby bump. “I so wanted to feel your belly and the baby move inside of you.” Astra chuckled. “It wasn’t a lot of fun especially when I got kicked in the bladder. Speaking of, I think I need to pee again.”
After Astra returned, Jalen told her that she had prepared a meal for them at her house. They walked over to her home and as they walked in, a delicious aroma permeated the air. “Mother, that smells delicious” Marcus chuckled, “Your mother is an excellent cook. We’ve actually strengthened our friendship since you’ve been gone.” He smiled at her and helped her into a chair at the table. After they all were seated, Astra asked, “So what has happened while I’ve been gone?” Jalen quickly looked at Marcus. He shrugged his shoulders and nodded his head. He knew that sooner or later Astra would ask about her mother’s apprentice.
Jalen took a deep breath, “Presently, I don't have an apprentice.” Astra looked at her mother in surprise. “What happened?” Jalen paused, thinking how to phrase the incident. “Loren was infatuated with Marcus and started to flirt heavily with him. She also tried to change Marcus’s feelings toward you, even telling him you’d never return and then said some vicious things about you. He came to me wondering what to do. We then devised a plan to catch her in the act.
“I invited Marcus to dinner and then asked him to stay the night. He slept on the long couch and during the night, Loren went to Marcus and crawled on top of him. She even tried to insert his member into herself. Marcus woke up and yelled at her to get off of him then I came out from my bedroom and grabbed Loren and jerked her to the floor. Just then, one of the Elders came in and saw Loren on the floor and accused Marcus of assaulting her. I let them know that Loren had tried to seduce Marcus and she had been following him around. At that moment, Loren admitted her guilt.”
Astra jumped up from her chair and began to pace. “Can’t believe this happened. Did she get punished for her crime? She broke tribal law. I hope they did something.” Marcus approached her from the back and wrapped his arms around her. He began kissing her neck in an attempt to calm her down. “Yes, my love, she was punished. She had to sleep in the animal pen for over two weeks. She was also told that she would not have a home and would have to beg for a place to stay and for her food.”
Jalen stepped forward, “Marcus and I decided to forgive her especially since she admitted her guilt so I got some of the men together and had them build her a small hut. Marcus wanted to do it by himself but then we decided it would be best if she didn’t think he built it for her.” Astra looked at Marcus and Jalen. She smiled, “I have the best family. And I think we can always spare some food for her.” She stopped and cocked her head a little. “It is nice to know though that women lust after Marcus.” She looked at him. “But it’s even better that they know that he’s mine. ALL MINE!” They all laughed.