The Breeding Experiment - Laurann Dohner Page 0,47
way more fragile than the ones we grew on Radison.”
“I bet they taste better. Is it allowed if we pop one into our mouths to try?”
Darla laughed. “Let’s not do that yet, since I’m not sure. We’ll see if any are available at lunch in the cafeteria. You heard Joseph. The gardens produce fresh fruit and vegetables so they’re available at every meal.”
“Good plan. We don’t want to get into trouble on our first day.”
“No, we don’t.”
“Hey, sis?”
Darla met her gaze again.
Becky grinned. “I think I’m going to like it here.”
“I’m so glad.” And that was all too true.
* * * * *
Gnaw watched the human males spar in the training room. His grouping was seated on benches, waiting for their turn. Clark always had them take on the winners at the end, since their skill and strength were more advanced. Sometimes the male asked them to teach newer recruits some fighting moves.
“You look sad,” Maith observed next to him.
“Not sad.”
“Unhappy?” The male scooted closer. “You’re thinking of the female.”
“No. He is not,” Roth answered for him, keeping his tone low. “He is bored.”
Drak snorted. “He is thinking about the female.”
“He isn’t,” Roth argued. “That would mean he didn’t listen to me when I told him to forget about her. It’s for the best.”
“There’s a human term Abby has taught me. You are cock-blocking Gnaw.”
“I don’t know what that means, and I don’t want to learn it, Drak.” Roth frowned at him. “It is best if Gnaw avoids that female.”
“Best for whom?” Maith shot their leader a glare. “Abby is a blessed addition to our grouping. Why not have another human with us?”
Roth grumbled deep in his chest. “We are here to do what our king has asked. Not to seek mates.”
“We can do both. I did.”
Gnaw glanced at Drak. He envied the male for that.
Drak smiled at him. “We can do both. And you are thinking about her.”
“Clark asked me to stay away from Darla,” Gnaw admitted. Then he looked at Roth. “I would like to see her.”
“No.” Roth broke eye contact. “Clark knows humans best. We agree on this matter.”
Gnaw felt his fingertips tingle, his claws threatening to slide out as the frustration and anger grew inside him.
Maith suddenly pushed against his side to gain his full attention. “It is not healthy for a Veslor to deny our instincts. What do yours say about this Darla? Is it possible that you began to lock onto her? We trust that you’d never do it intentionally, but you spent a lot of time with that female. Denying a bond that has started to form doesn’t make it cease to exist. Sometimes it happens, even if we wish it to or not. You’re exhibiting depression, Gnaw. We will not think badly of you. Did you begin to subconsciously lock onto the female?”
Gnaw half expected Roth to demand they stop talking, but their grouping leader remained silent. He glanced at the male.
Roth appeared resigned instead of angry. When he spoke, his tone was even. “You did spend days with the female. It wasn’t a normal circumstance, or one of your doing. We wouldn’t think less of you if you have feelings for her, Gnaw. I’d rather add another human to our grouping than watch you deteriorate from a broken heart.”
“I will never be like my father,” he swore. “Regardless of how deeply I want Darla.”
Roth slid off his seat and moved to crouch in front of him. Maith scooted away to give their leader room to clasp both of Gnaw’s shoulders. “There is no question of that ever being a possibility. You’re a strong, honorable male. You would never harm a female or force her to be with you. I believed you were only feeling guilt because you’ve been haunted by your father’s actions. Now I’m aware it’s much more than that. You should have the opportunity to see if the female is capable of locking onto you, as well. Do you wish to spend time with her to find out if she would agree to become your mate?”
Gnaw didn’t have to think about it. “Yes.”
Roth sighed and gave his shoulders a squeeze. “Then we will have Abby ask if this Darla is agreeable to seeing you. I will never stand in the way of my males finding mates.” He glanced at the rest of their grouping. “Even if I dislike the timing.”
Would Darla agree to see and spend time with him? He hoped so. It had been three days since he’d