to shower me with gifts, then who am I to say no? I’d prefer gifts that don’t involve socializing, but that’s just me.
“You’re going to need to get dressed for this one.”
Okay, so now I’m huffing. “Didn’t you hear me say I wanted to stay in bed all day?”
Castien taps my nose. “Are you saying you don’t want to do a video call with Kayla and Hazel?”
My squeal, followed by my scrambling from the bed, almost has me throwing up. Luckily I keep my shit together as I hurriedly grab the nearest article of clothing. As soon as I’m presentable, I’m rushing Castien, clapping my hands with glee.
“Hurry,” I say, my smile bright.
He arches a brow. “Are you forgetting something?”
“Oh, right!” I run over to the bed and haul Mr. Fluffy into my arms, almost staggering from the weight. “Okay, now I’m ready.”
“Demoria, I meant footwear.”
I shrug, but it’s minor because of my burden, and I doubt Castien can even see it. “It’s fine. Let’s go.”
Castien grabs the stuffed animal and then secures it under one arm while taking my hand. “Now we can go.”
The looks we receive as we walk through the ship are priceless. Snickers, grins, and smirks are quick to arise from the crew members, and I know Castien and I paint quite the picture: me with my disheveled appearance and him holding that monstrosity.
But I’ve never been happier.
Once we enter the conference room, Castien sets Mr. Fluffy in an empty seat, and I take one next to it. I fold my hands to keep from fidgeting as he brings up the holograms of Blaze and Xelias, but the moment I see Kayla’s flaming hair and Hazel’s icy-blue strands, I’m glad I’m sitting down.
The first five minutes of conversation among us sound like a trio of twittering birds. We all talk about our experiences and mates, and by the end I’m crying from laughter at Kayla’s mouth and Hazel’s antics, as well as from emotion.
All three commanders look on as if they adore us but recognize we are certifiably insane. It’s endearing.
“I’ve missed you guys so much!” I say, wiping my face. Castien stares at me from where he’s seated next to me, and I swear he’s ready to end the call if only to get me to stop weeping. “And I’m so glad you’re all okay.”
“Some of us are more than okay,” Kayla says with a grin. “Tell her what’s in the freezer, Hazel.”
The former brunette, despite her pale-blue skin, actually blushes. “I’m pregnant.”
“Me t— That’s amazing,” I say, nearly outing myself. “I’m so excited for you two!”
“Speaking of alien creatures…” Kayla smirks and points to Mr. Fluffy. “What in the hell is that ugly thing?”
Her mate, Blaze, nods, a ball of flame dancing in his palm.
“That’s Mr. Fluffy,” I say, glowering when she laughs.
“Okay, but why is he there? There’s about to be a commander meeting.” Kayla looks at Blaze for confirmation, and he nods once. “Is everything okay with you?”
“I’m fine,” I snap. Hazel blinks in surprise, but Kayla just grins. “And I don’t want to hear any shit from you about it. Either of you actually.”
“Damn, girl.” The redhead tilts her head. “The last time we were together, you were quiet and mild-mannered. Now you’re acting like a Fireblood. What’s gotten into you?”
Emotions, triggered by hormones and embarrassment, gather in my chest. As the seconds tick by, they coagulate and grow until there’s so much pressure inside me I feel like I’m going to explode.
And I do. Kind of.
“I’ll tell you what got into me,” I say, jumping to my feet and pointing a finger at Castien. “Castien’s dick is what got into me, and now I’m pregnant and weepy, and if I want a fucking ugly alien teddy bear next to me, then you’ll just have to deal with it. Okay?”
My tirade leaves everyone speechless and me exhausted. So I make to sit down only for Castien to grab me and plop me into his lap. He takes my face between his hands and rests his forehead on mine.
“Is this…true?” he whispers brokenly.
I swallow deep, unsure how to read his response. “Yes. It’s why I haven’t been feeling well. I thought you were trying to kill me with alien cuisine, but that’s not it. Are you mad?”
“Mad?” he scoffs, but his fingers tremble against my skin, belying his intense emotion. “Never. Overjoyed? Immensely.”
“I’m so relieved. I had no idea how you would receive the news, and I was so worried this was