The Breeding Experiment - Laurann Dohner Page 0,57
track down where the Veslors are.”
“Is that why I have a fever and headache?”
Jessa bit her lip, seeming to think about it. “Your fever is low grade. That doesn’t concern me. Veslors run hotter than humans do. It could be a result of the pregnancy. I’m not sure, but it’s possible. We’ll keep an eye on it. That damn Maith got access to Vivian Goss’s pregnancy details, so he’d know. As far as the headache, your scans are clear. It might be from stress, or maybe Veslors have some kind of pregnancy hormone that causes them. Again, that shithead would know. Your bloodwork will tell us more. It should be ready for me to read any minute. I’m going to give you a safe and mild medicine that should take it away.”
“Thank you.”
Jessa got an injector and gently pressed it to Darla’s neck. “It will work fast and this won’t hurt. Just a cold wetness, then a little pressure, and done. Ready?”
“Do it.”
It was over fast. Jessa put away the injector and smiled at her as a small beep came from across the room.
“That’s the bloodwork results.” Jessa spun and hurried to a monitor across the room, going to work on it. Darla sat on the edge of the bed and gazed at her stomach, cupping it again. She was having two of Gnaw’s babies. She closed her eyes.
Alien cubs.
She was immensely grateful that the fleet had saved them. The Elth would have been delighted that their experiment was a success. It would have been a nightmare for her, Gnaw, and their babies.
“I’m not seeing any foreign drugs that the Elth might have given you, or they aren’t present anymore,” Jessa muttered loud enough for Darla to hear. “How in the fuck did this happen?” She turned her head to frown at Darla. “Did Gnaw make you his mate?”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
“Veslors are damn liars!” Jessa cursed, facing the monitor again. “All of them said they could only get a mate pregnant. I mean, to be fair, the Elth could have dosed you both with some form of super-fertility drug to make it happen. I should have done bloodwork and a full scan on you when we were in here last time.”
“I didn’t want one.”
Jessa turned her head. “We were both at end of our ropes. I won’t beat myself up too much if you don’t do the same. We know now, and we’re going to figure everything out and fix this.”
“Deal.”
Jessa went back to work. “Your hormone levels are almost normal for a pregnant woman but we totally need to consult with Maith.”
“Is something wrong?”
“No. This is the first time I’m looking at results from a human impregnated by a Veslor. It’s normal to expect some abnormal things. Nothing alarms me. I swear.”
“The babies are okay?”
“You saw them.” Jessa turned from the monitor and walked back to her, stopping feet away. “The scan picked up tiny heartbeats. They’re fine. A little larger than what a human pregnancy would be at this stage, but again…Veslor. They’re big bastards.”
“Am I going to get morning sickness?”
Jess shrugged. “Unfortunately, I don’t know.”
“Shat.”
She grinned. “Just say shit. This is the time to start using real curse words.”
“Old habits.”
“Right. Well, just be you, Darla.” Jessa smiled again. “Now that the shock has worn off, are you a little excited? You’re going to be a mamma, and I have to say, their daddy is kind of hot.”
Darla bit her lip. “Will he hate me?”
Jessa stepped closer. “I don’t think so. But you didn’t answer me.”
“I want these babies.”
“Good.”
“I feel guilty, though. I basically forced him.”
“Gnaw can get the hell over it if he’s upset at first.”
“It’s not just about him, though. It’s my job to look out for my sister. Now I’m going to be a mother. What if this goes wrong and I’m sent back to Radison? She’ll be alone. Will the fleet send her back, too? She doesn’t know the truth about what happened between me and Gnaw.”
Jessa reached out and took her hands off her stomach, clasping them. “I’ll make you a promise. I’m going to do my damnedest to keep you on this boat. Absolute worst case, I’ve got your back and will take care of your sister.”
Tears filled her eyes. “Thank you.”
“Don’t cry! Please, Darla. I’m shit with tears. Though, pregnancy hormones make women pretty emotional. It’s perfectly normal. Is your headache gone?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Why don’t you go home to rest and I’ll go find Gnaw? I’ll have