Vesa snorted and her friends did, too. She took a step toward me and felt myself tense as she spoke.

“They say you STAYED with your slavers. How ridiculous is that?! You must have no sense of self-respect. You are an insult to the freedom we've had returned!"

There was no use arguing with her. In fact, there wasn't even a point to it. We just did not get along with one another and probably never would. I didn't even validate her comment with a response. I was currently in no position to fight and that‘s what had happened last time.

"So, will you be taking the portals back home to Earth?" I asked instead trying to ease any potential conflict. "I was told that was an option."

"Perhaps," she sneered and Looked derisively around the room. Evidently this whole place was beneath her. I really felt like introducing her to Rue and his Brothers. They'd probably get along wonderfully.

“Come on, girls," Vesa said to her comrades suddenly, “let's not spend anymore time here.”

Molly and I sat and watched them retreat. Molly raised her eyebrow as she turned back to me.

“Nasty,” she said simply.

I patted my Large stomach and grinned.

“Last time we disagreed I broke her nose, but I don't think I'm in any shape to be playing games Like that now."

Molly agreed and laid a hand on my belly.

“You are very large, Ciara," she commented with a slight tinge of worry. "I hope this won't be a difficult birth for you."

Molly was right and I'd forgotten about it with everything else going on. My pregnant belly had gotten massive. It was bigger than even it had been when I carried Kennedy to term.

Tyle's voice calling my name broke me out of my thoughts as he and his Brothers approached quickly. Immediately, Aryn's hand was touching my shoulder as he placed the other on my belly. He looked into my eyes as though seeking an answer to a question.

“Is there a problem with our cousin you carry?" he asked finally. "Is there an issue with that former slave that just walked away? You look concerned."

“My baby is big is all,“ I said as his Brothers surrounded us.

“The human and I have had...a confrontation before. We just don't get along. There is nothing to worry about."

Tyle's family relaxed a little at the statement and Looked at Molly and me.

"We saw your faces while the other girl was talking to you. Neither of you looked pleased and Ciara had her hand on her gun. We have all been watching you. Is that human dangerous?" Tyle asked quietly.

I was surprised to find I had a hand Laying over my weapon. It had been an automatic response and had evidently alarmed the men in the hall. The Great Harmonious Spirit had them very alert right now.

Vesa and her friends were standing and talking, but every man around them seemed to be watching them closely. If those former slaves were somehow dangerous the men would be ready. However, I didn't want to see Vesa and her friends beaten to death just because I didn't Like them.

“We don't get along, Aryn," I pleaded, trying to relax my features.