streaks.
“You seem fascinated with the cubs.”
Roth’s soft words pulled Vera’s gaze away from them. “I am.”
“They’re teething,” Darla announced. “Their fangs are coming in. That means my breasts are now closed for business.”
Gnaw chuckled. “To our cubs. Never to me.”
Vera watched the other woman blush, but Darla smiled at her mate. It was easy to see how in love they were with each other. She liked that. “Closed?”
“I nursed them from birth.” Darla explained. “Now they’re going on solid food and their milk supply isn’t coming from me anymore. Their fangs are also sharper now, and while Rasha is gentle, Roshi…not so much. He’s more aggressive.”
Gnaw’s humor faded. “I’m teaching him to be very careful with you and the other females.” He reached out and took Darla’s hand, lifting her arm and scowling at the bandage near her wrist.
Darla kept her smile in place. “He didn’t mean to scratch me with his growing claws. It’s a tiny cut. Even human kids have some issues as they grow and get stronger. My sister liked to bite us as a baby, when she got her first teeth. She outgrew it pretty fast, after she realized it hurt.”
Maith snorted. “Human teeth are harmless.”
Drak smiled. “They feel good.”
Abby laughed. “I’ve just never tried to hurt you with mine, mate.”
Roth leaned in closer to Vera. “Becky is Darla’s younger sister. She works and lives on Defcon Red. So do her parents and brothers. You’ll meet them soon. They visit often, but didn’t wish to move into our family cabin.”
Vera stared into his golden eyes. “I’d like that.”
“You are not alone anymore,” Roth assured her. “Our family is large.”
Warmth spread through Vera as Roth straightened in his seat and made a low grunt.
Everyone at the table looked at him.
“I have an announcement.” Roth paused. “Vera has agreed to become my mate.” He held up his free hand before anyone could say anything. “She hasn’t seen my battle form yet.”
“It won’t change a thing,” Vera quickly stated. “You are stuck with me.”
He met her gaze. “I hope that is true.”
“It’s totally true.” Vera had no qualms about that. She glanced around the table, and Abby was the first to speak.
“That’s great news!” She beamed at them both. “Congratulations.”
“Veslors make the best mates ever,” Darla added. “Welcome to our grouping.”
Gnaw inclined his head, his gaze on Roth. “I am happy for you.”
“I am as well,” Drak added.
Maith glanced between Darla and Roth. “A mate is a good thing. I welcome you into our grouping, Vera.” He rose to his feet. “I need to meet with the other team medics for training. My apologies.” He strode through the living room and exited the cabin without a backward glance.
Vera chewed on her lip, worried. “Does he not like me?”
Roth cupped her face with his hand, making her turn her head to look at him. He let go of her as soon as their gazes met. “He is the last male without a mate. It is not you.”
“Roth’s words are true,” Gnaw murmured. “Of all of us, Maith has longed for a mate the most. It is difficult for him to be alone.”
“Oh.” Vera felt bad for Maith.
“We’d hoped he and Becky would bond.” Gnaw glanced at Darla. “They haven’t.”
“Yet,” Darla sighed. “There’s still hope. He’s very attractive, and my sister isn’t blind.”
Gnaw growled.
Darla laughed. “You’re more handsome. Never feel jealous. I’m all yours, and you know it.”
Gnaw snorted but he leaned in to place a kiss on Darla’s lips.
Roth stood. “Vera and I are returning to my room.” He gave Drak a pointed look.
Drak nodded. “I will be here guarding our home.”
Vera rose to her feet and Roth took her hand, leading her back to his bedroom. She felt the stares of the grouping on her as she walked. That was something she needed to get used to. Roth came with a large group of people. They would be a consistent part of her life.
Once in the bedroom, Roth released her hand and motioned toward the bed.
Vera grinned. “I want you too.”
His intense gaze met hers. “This is not a time for copulation. I am going to shift for you.” He paused. “Drak will remain alert in the other room, in case you panic and attempt to flee. It wouldn’t be safe for you to leave our cabin.”
“I’m not going to run, Roth.” Vera walked to the bed and sat down on the end of it.
“I will never harm you.”
“I know that. I think you’re more nervous than I am