Free Jacie and the Alien Bodyguard (Intergalactic Brides 6) by Jessica Coulter Smith Page B

allowed to return to his life.”
    “I see.”
    The councilman looked pissed and Jacie wondered if she’d been wrong to call him. She didn’t want him to be angry with Barimere. If anything, she was to blame for what had happened, not the sexy alien.
    “I thought we were growing closer, but I can tell it isn’t going to work between us. He’s been quite adamant that he doesn’t want a mate, and I think he resents having to be with me. I’d like to request another guard be assigned to me.” She took a breath. “And I don’t want to move into a house with them. The current setup is just fine.”
    “I’m going to argue with you there. A house is not only required, but one has been found. I was going to contact Barimere tonight to tell him the two of you should be ready to move in by breakfast. But if things aren’t working between the two of you… has he said something or done something?”
    Her cheeks warmed.
    “I see. He slept with you and then pushed you away.” Larimar nodded. “He’s fighting the way he feels. It was obvious to the entire council that he desires you. But perhaps you’re right in asking for a new bodyguard. As it is, one of my favorite warriors is returning to our world tonight. I’ll have Cosmir report to you at first light and help you move into the house.”
    “And Barimere?” she asked.
    “I’ll inform him that he is to return to his home, but I believe I should wait until Cosmir has you safely tucked away in your new home. Perhaps, once you’re no longer under his protection, he’ll realize that he wants you as much as you seem to want him.” Larimar gave her a sad smile. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out, Jacie. I thought the two of you would be perfect for one another. You needed his protection, and could give him the gift of four babies to call his own.”
    “I guess it isn’t meant to be,” she said softly, a tear slipping down her cheek. “Don’t punish him for what happened between us. I was the one who instigated it. I’d thought that it would bring us closer together and he’d decide he wanted me as his mate, but it backfired. If anything, he’s more convinced than ever that he would make a horrible mate.”
    “What happened, Jacie?” Larimar asked.
    “My stomach growled and he realized I’d missed a few meals. Vyrex said I need to eat at least five times a day and I only managed two meals today. Barimere is now convinced that he isn’t mate material.”
    “I’m sorry to hear that.”
    “Thank you for understanding and sending me a new bodyguard. I’ll have my things packed and ready when he gets here.”
    “If you need anything, I’m only a call away. And Barimere is still next door if there’s an emergency.”
    She nodded, but knew she wouldn’t get Barimere even if she were to deliver the babies in her living room suddenly. The screen went dark and she started the task of packing her belongings, leaving out something to sleep in and something to wear tomorrow. Once her things, and Sugarbutt’s, were gathered and stacked near the front door, she changed for bed and tried to close her eyes.
    Instead of sleeping, she ended up staring out the bedroom window until the suns started to rise the next morning. Changing into her clothes and packing her pajamas, she waited anxiously for the warrior Larimar was sending to her. When there was a knock at the door, her heart leapt into her throat. What would Cosmir be like? Would he be easy-going, or stoic like Barimere?
    She opened the door and craned her head back to look up at the warrior on her doorstep. He gave her an easy smile and held out his hand.
    “I’m Cosmir,” he said. “Councilman Larimar said you needed a new bodyguard.”
    “I’m packed and ready to go.”
    He stepped inside and gathered her belongings, leaving her the light things to carry. Sugarbutt planted himself on top of her foot, reminding her that he hadn’t been put into his tote. It wasn’t likely he would run away, so she