The Breeding Experiment - Laurann Dohner Page 0,76
and launched out of the chair, hugging her. “We’re going to be a family again!”
“We were always a family. It’s just that now we’ll be able to see them every day.”
They separated, and Becky went to her knees on the floor. “Where’s your mate and cubs?”
“Gnaw’s giving them a bath. He told me to relax, so that’s what I’ve been doing.”
“He’s a really good man.”
“I know.”
“I envy you for the way he looks at you. That man loves you so much. Of course, then I remember you giving birth.” She wrinkled her nose. “Labor looked painful. I’m not looking forward to having a baby one day when I find the right man.”
“The labor lasted less than an hour. My cubs were in a hurry to be born. That’s normal for Veslor cubs, according to Maith.”
Becky suddenly laughed.
“What?”
“I was just remembering when you pushed out Roshi. Maith caught him and Jessa yelled out that he was a boy. And then Maith snarled at her because he wanted to be the one to tell you.”
“Don’t remind me. They kept arguing the entire time.”
“You were in too much pain to notice when Jessa stomped on his foot and elbowed him out of the way to catch Rasha, when she was born next.”
Darla flinched. “I’m glad that I missed that. At least they’ve avoided each other since. And I’m still glad we used Jessa’s lab for a birthing room, to give us privacy. I dreaded the idea of going into Med Bay with all the nurses and doctors. Everyone would have wanted to see our cubs born. Some of them hounded me to become my doctor and asked to document it for history’s sake, since they were the first half alien babies born on a fleet ship.”
The bedroom door slid open and Darla glanced over, grinning as Gnaw stalked out only wearing loose black pants. Roshi and Rasha were sprawled against each side of his bare chest as he held them against him.
“There’s my niece and nephew. Give me!” Becky got to her feet.
Rasha turned her head away from her daddy’s skin and made a happy grunt. Becky took the cub and cuddled her to her chest, placing kisses on the top of her head. Roshi growled low, wiggling.
“Floor,” Gnaw ordered Becky. “My son is full of excitement and energy. He’s also growing in strength. I don’t want you dropping him. He won’t get hurt since cubs are tough, but you will feel bad.” He shot a look at Darla.
“I still feel guilty,” she admitted. “He’s already so strong, and at least I only dropped him on the bed. I didn’t expect him to try to leap out of my arms without warning.”
“It’s what cubs do.” Gnaw grinned. “You can’t hurt them. I’m more worried about them hurting you by accident. You have delicate skin that bruises easily.”
“I’m just glad that they don’t have claws yet.” Becky lowered to the large, thick rug on the floor with Rasha. Gnaw put Roshi on the floor. Their son ran at his aunt on all fours and the three of them started rolling around together, playing.
Darla got up and rounded the couch, walking to her mate. “They’re growing and learning so fast.”
He reached out and snagged her by her hips, pulling her close. “Our cubs are smart.”
“I’m just glad they got your eye color. It was one of the first things I loved about you.”
“I am glad they got your curly hair.”
“Black curly hair.”
He hugged her. “When they transform into their relaxed state, they may have some of your human features. Your nose is cute.” His gaze lowered down her face. “And I love your lips.”
“I just love everything about you.”
“You are my heart.”
“Oh goodness, go to your room already,” Becky called out. “We’ll be fine if you want to go take a nap. And by nap, I mean do all those adult sexy things your babies can’t see. Take advantage of the rare alone time I’m giving you. I bet all of you will be glad when they open that wall and expand this cabin into the other family unit. Three more bedrooms will be useful. Plus, once our parents and brothers get here, you’ll have more babysitters.”
Gnaw released Darla and scooped her into his arms. He carried her into their bedroom and the door sealed behind them. The second he put her on her feet, he grinned. “I guess she isn’t aware that our grouping keeps stealing our cubs to snuggle and play with them. We get to do a lot of ‘adult sexy things.’”
“Let’s do them now.” She stripped out of her clothes and climbed on the bed. “Take off your pants and get your ass over here.”
Gnaw met his mate’s gaze. He could tell by the way she looked at him that they both remembered another time when she’d said that to him. Everything had changed for him, but in the best ways. He no longer felt rage at the Elth for locking him inside that cell. They’d brought him his precious Darla. They’d bonded tightly in captivity.
He went to her. “You are my everything. I am so grateful.”
She reached up and cupped his face. “So am I. I hate the Elth, but at the same time…”
“They put us together.”
“Yes.”
“They haven’t tried to steal more human females since the fleet blew up the ship that went after the Blaze. Perhaps they’ve given up their plans. They’ve lost two ships in their quest to gain a breeding pair.”
“They’ve certainly given humans and Veslors a common enemy to fight against.”
Gnaw snorted. “True. They have also given a lot of Veslors owning ships more jobs. None of our males would ever fly something without heavy weaponry. They are not only transporting cargo now, but also your people on their vessels.”
“It worked out well. That’s all that matters.”
“You are all that matters.” Then he kissed her, putting all his positive emotions into the act. She was his heart…and Gnaw knew he was also hers.
About the Author
NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
I'm a full-time wife, mother, and author. I've been lucky enough to have spent over two decades with the love of my life and look forward to many, many more years with Mr. Laurann. I'm addicted to iced coffee, the occasional candy bar (or two), and trying to get at least five hours of sleep at night.
I love to write all kinds of stories. I think the best part about writing is the fact that real life is always uncertain, always tossing things at us that we have no control over, but when writing you can make sure there's always a happy ending. I love that about being an author. My favorite part is when I sit down at my computer desk, put on my headphones to listen to loud music to block out everything around me, so I can create worlds in front of me.
For the most up to date information, please visit my website. www.LaurannDohner.com