Now a little fear surfaced. “We need to do that to officially become mates?” Memory flashed of four-legged Gnaw tearing apart the Elth. He’d had huge paws with razor-sharp claws. His mouth had been terrifying, too, like he could ripe anything apart with his teeth.
The idea of having sex with him when he was like that scared the crap out of her.
“No,” Gnaw quickly assured. “We are mated. You are carrying my cubs. The hormones needed to bond us were released, despite me not being in battle form.”
“Oh, thank goodness.” She blushed, realizing what she’d blurted. “No offense.”
He caressed her belly again and grinned. “Our females would not want to copulate with one of our males while he was in battle form, if she was not. She would not get pregnant. All Veslors must be in battle form to become fertile. It makes me happy that you are mine, and I didn’t have to ask you to make that decision to bond us.” He paused. “You will have to think about if you wish to have more cubs.”
She nodded, swallowing hard. It wasn’t like she had to give him an answer at that second. She had months to go before their babies were born, and it would be crazy to get pregnant too soon afterward. Her parents had spaced their kids a few years apart.
“There’s one last thing.”
She took a deep breath. “I’m braced. Tell me.”
He lifted his hand off her belly and cupped her face. “Have you heard about the Blaze?”
“No. Is that some kind of Veslor ceremony with fire that we need to do?”
“No. It is a ship that was attacked.”
She frowned.
“The Elth attempted to kidnap more of your females. The humans got away and Defcon Red is intercepting the Elth ship to destroy it. Earth has decided to kill any Elth who attack their people. My people will kill them, as well.”
He didn’t need to explain what another attack meant. “The Elth are still planning to do a breeding experiment,” she surmised.
“Yes.” He stroked her cheek. “They will never be successful.”
She bit her lip and waved at her stomach. “Actually, they kind of were. They just didn’t get to keep us long enough to realize I got pregnant or steal our babies.”
Gnaw kissed her forehead. “I’m going to enjoy watching that Elth ship being blown up. Clark promised to play the footage inside the training room on a huge screen and feed us a special meal.”
“Can I go with you? I’d like to see that, too. Also, I like going on dates with you.”
He chuckled. “I will give you anything you want, mate.”
She smiled at him. “I want you.” Then she went for his mouth, kissing him.
Chapter Seventeen
Darla paced in the living room. She was worried about Gnaw. He and his grouping had been sent to a planet to guard a downed civilian spaceship while repairs were made. That had been eighteen hours of waiting and praying he came back to her in one piece.
He had. Now he was gone again.
Abby sat on the couch watching her. “I know it’s difficult when our guys are on a mission. You’ll get used to it, though.”
Darla paused, shaking her head. “I don’t think I’m ever going to stop worrying. It was one thing knowing Gnaw was just guarding a ship from aliens that didn’t have deadly weapons. The only thing dangerous might have been the animals. This is the Elth they’re dealing with this time. They are nasty.”
“You mated to a fighter. It’s what they do. You’re pregnant and this stress isn’t good for you. You need to sit and relax. Do it for your babies.”
Darla gave a nod, admitting Abby was right. She took a seat next to the other woman. “Aren’t you worried?”
“To a certain degree, but let me tell you a few things. Our guys are super badass. They are way tougher than humans. Veslors heal faster than we do, too, if they happen to get hurt. I have faith that our guys are going to kick serious ass. Did you notice how they were all a bit bummed when they returned from the planet surface?”
“They were just tired after being on duty for so long.”
Abby chuckled. “No, Darla. They were bummed that it was a boring job. Not a single alien came to investigate that valley while repairs were being made to the Blaze. They got that ship back into space way faster than initially estimated. The wildlife they encountered just ran away when they snarled at them. Drak said he was really looking forward to a good fight. Which they didn’t get. Clark had given them permission to shift into battle form and fight any creatures that put the teams at risk, since they weren’t allowed to use blasters. Nothing would take them on.”
“That’s a good thing.”
“Not if you’re a Veslor fighter.” Abby reached out and took her hand, gently squeezing it. “You and I would be terrified taking on the Elth. Our grouping is looking forward to it. Stop worrying so much. They’re going to come home safe and sound to us. Have some faith.”
“I can’t lose Gnaw.” Darla placed a hand on her stomach.
“He will always come home to you. You’ve seen Gnaw shifted, right?”
Darla nodded.
“Exactly. You saw him tear apart some Elth when you were still on their ship. He kicked ass, didn’t he?”
She nodded again.
“An infuriated Veslor isn’t something to mess with. That’s my point. Our guys hate the Elth. I almost feel sorry for those bastards.” Abby snorted. “Almost, but
