“I’m fine. I might have a bruise from where I was stunned. I think someone caught me before I hit the floor. Nothing else hurts.”
“Show me.”
She hesitated, but then did as he demanded. He’d already seen her naked, so modesty seemed silly at this point. She reached for the waist of her shirt and pulled it up to expose her back, turning around. “Can you see anything?”
His fingertips lightly brushed the sensitive area of her back along her spine, and a low growl rumbled from him. “There is a red mark. It will bruise.”
His touch felt gentle, and she missed it the second Roth pulled his hand away. She straightened and released her shirt, turning back around to peer at his handsome alien face. Every time she was near him, she felt her attraction growing. His golden eyes met hers for a few tense seconds before he broke eye contact and motioned to the room around him.
“This is my sleeping area. My apologies that a bathroom isn’t included inside it. When they expanded our family cabin, we gave both mated couples the private ones. The shared bathroom is next door. I will sleep on the couch right outside. You’ll be safe.”
She frowned, staring at the large bed. “I don’t want to take your room from you. We could share.”
His gaze instantly locked with hers again. Surprise flashed across his features, then was gone just as quickly.
She tried again. “After all, we’ve slept together before. You wouldn’t be comfortable on a couch.”
“You were drugged and confused at the time.” His gruff voice softened. “You’re well now.”
“I am. But I’d still feel better with you in the same room.” Guilt had her blushing. She knew she was safe with the Veslors. She trusted Roth. Someone would have to be insane or suicidal to break into their cabin to go after her. She just missed sleeping with him, it was comforting when he held her.
Roth was the one who might not trust her.
“It would not be appropriate. There are empty rooms in our cabin. I choose to sleep on the couch to be near enough to guard you. If we shared a room, the others might not approve.”
Vera was disappointed. “Oh. I don’t know much about Veslors. Is it taboo in your culture to share a bed with a woman?”
“No…but now you’re a healthy female.”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
Roth didn’t speak for long seconds. “It would imply we are testing a mating.”
That piqued her interest. “What does testing a mating mean? Is it like having sex to see if we’re compatible?”
“Yes.”
“I see.” She tried not to let the implications hurt her feelings. “I’m not someone you would want to test with. I’m not your type. Got it.”
His eyes narrowed and he shook his head slightly. “I didn’t say that.”
“Are you attracted to me at all?” she asked bluntly.
His gaze slowly lowered down her body before he stared into her eyes again. “Yes, Vera. But this is not the time.”
“Meaning?”
“You have been through many traumatic events and only recently recovered from being drugged. It would be selfish of me to tempt you into testing a mating under those circumstances. I’ve chosen to be your protector. It is my duty to keep you safe.”
Vera felt even more drawn to Roth. The big alien hottie was the sweetest man she’d ever known. “I don’t need to be kept safe from you. I also know what I’m doing. I mean, I do have a lot of mental stuff to deal with, after what happened on Biter, but the one thing not confused about is you. If you’re willing, I’d like you to tell me all about this testing thing for Veslors.”
He made a low growling sound and took a step back. “I need a shower. Please rest. You appear tired, Vera. We’ll speak of this later, and you are safe here in the meantime.” Then he strode out of the room, leaving her alone.
“Damn,” she sighed. That hadn’t gone the way she’d wanted. At least now she knew he thought she was somewhat appealing.
She walked to the bed and sat on the end just as the door suddenly opened, and Roth returned.
Vera stood, hoping he’d changed his mind.
He walked over to a storage drawer and opened it. “I need clean clothing.”
“Right. Of course. Because you’re taking a shower.”
He withdrew a few folded items and then closed the drawer, facing her. “I was doing training when I heard that security had taken you in.”
“You’re a fighter. I remember.”
“Yes.” His golden gaze seemed to study her. “Are you well, Vera?”
“I’m fine.”
He gave a nod, and then stalked out of his bedroom once again.
She retook her seat on the bed and then fell back, staring up at the ceiling. “He thinks I’m all mentally messed up and this is a bad time to test a mating. Whatever the hell that is, exactly.” She sighed loudly and closed her eyes.
New Worlds would send a shuttle in two days to collect her from Defcon Red. Its people would probably interrogate her harder than the fleet had. “Looking for a scapegoat,” she muttered. “It won’t be me. Forget that nonsense.”
Vera didn’t want to take a nap, but she was hungry. She opened her eyes and stood from the bed. Considering the family cabin had two kitchens, she assumed that meant they had food. She stepped toward the door and it auto-opened. She walked into the living area, but came to a stop just as another woman entered the room.
“Hi.” Vera gave a little wave.
The redheaded human woman smiled as she approached. “You must be Vera Wade. I’m Abby Thomas. Drak is my mate.” She held out her hand.
Awestruck, it took Vera a moment to respond and shake her hand. “The Abby Thomas? From D Corp?”
Amusement flashed in the woman’s green eyes as they released hands. “Yes. How do you know me?”
“I’m a drone operator. We use D Corp tech. I can’t wait until the new Stinger H-24 comes out. I’ve requested that my company buy one.”
Abby grinned. “That’s not the division I handle, but I’m glad to hear that you like our drones. What’s so exciting about that model? I’m afraid I’m behind a bit on our latest product information since leaving Earth to live on Defcon Red. I’m more into operating systems we install on vessels and stations.”
“You don’t really want to hear me geek out about the options it comes with. Let’s just say all drone operators are excited. The H-24 flies longer distances, has better optical features, and they’ve added some cool sensors that will save us time when surveying.”
“I’ll let my father know you’re happy about that. It’s one of the side projects he runs for our company.”
Vera glanced around. They were alone. “Can I ask you something?”
“I’m sure I can get my father to send one of the new drones for you.”
Excitement filled her, but Vera shook her head. “Not that. I mean, it would be super cool, but they cost a fortune. That’s something my company needs to purchase. What I wanted to ask you is…” She lowered her voice. “What can you tell me about testing a mating?”
Surprise widened Abby’s eyes for a fraction of a second, but then she stepped closer. “What do you want to know, exactly?”
Vera felt nervous to confess something intimate with a stranger, but she only had a couple days before she would leave the ship. That meant Roth would no longer be in her life. “I like him.” She ignored her embarrassment. “Roth.”
“I guessed that’s who you meant.”
“He seems to think I’m pretty messed up in my head after all I’ve been through. I kind of am, but I’m still not dumb. Life can be hard, so when you find something or someone great, you grab ahold of them. The timing sucks, because once I leave, I won’t ever see Roth again. I really hate that idea. He’s the best guy I’ve ever met. He’s so sweet—”
“Roth? Sweet?” Abby interrupted, her eyebrows arching.
“Yes, Roth. Why are you giving me that shocked look?”
&nb
sp; “He’s a good guy, definitely…but a bit distant. That’s all.”
“Well…not to me. So how do I get him to test a mating with me and um…” She swallowed. “What exactly does that include? I’m assuming his man bits aren’t going to be a problem since you’re mated to a Veslor. Right?”
Abby glanced around to ensure they were still alone, but she still kept her voice low when she spoke again. “They are very compatible with us. Just big all over. Some parts are a little different, but in the best ways. You seem like a forthright kind of woman, Vera, so I’ll be the same.”
Vera was relieved that Abby seemed so down-to-earth for someone from a mega-rich family. “I’d really appreciate that.”
“Veslors are an aggressive type of alien. Their women’s version of foreplay and flirting is what we might consider domestic violence. They like to attack the males.”
Vera’s mouth dropped open. That wasn’t what she’d expected to hear.
“The women size them up, attack, and the men fight back. If he’s able to win and pin her, that’s when the seduction part happens. Don’t ask me how that works, going from fighting to fucking, but they are Veslors.”
Vera recovered from her shock. “I have to start a fist fight with Roth? I’d stand zero chance of winning.”
“I wouldn’t punch him. Drak certainly didn’t make me do that when we tested a mating. You and I aren’t Veslors. My best advice is to kind of circle Roth…invading his personal space, touching him. Without clothes would be best. Just be verbally aggressive by telling him what you want. Be clear to avoid any confusion. Remember that we’re from two different planets and cultures.”
“How is that testing a mating?” Vera was confused. “Do potential female mates have to prove that they are dominating types?”
“It’s actually something about the men showing a woman that they’re good fighters, able to defend them and any children they may potentially have if they mate. Then they have sex to see if the guy is any good at it. Once the woman decides if she accepts him as her mate, well…she lets him know.”
“So it’s always the women who decide?” Sign me up, Vera thought. She wanted to keep Roth.
“It’s a little more complicated than that. The women kind of flirt from a distance, from what I’ve heard. If the men flirt back, that’s when the woman will approach to start a fight. She wouldn’t do that if he ignored her and wasn’t interested.”
Roth never ignored Vera. That was promising.
“I haven’t gotten to the really difficult part yet. Both Veslors shift into their battle forms and go at it if the woman wants to accept him as a mate. I’m talking about sex. It bonds them. It’s something in the male’s sperm while he’s in battle form. They never have sex in battle form unless it’s with a mate. Not only does it mark them as mated, but they have, like, super sperm in battle form, and it’ll most likely knock a woman up.”
Vera managed to keep her mouth from hanging open that time. Barely.
“We don’t shift. Obviously.” Abby waved at her flat stomach. “I’m not technically mated to Drak as Veslors normally are because I don’t want to risk having a baby just yet. There’s a really high risk of getting pregnant when you mate to a Veslor. And Drak has been patient with me. We’re still mates in every other sense, though. He’d kill anyone who said otherwise. So would I. He’s mine.” Abby paused. “To fully bond to a Veslor, they have to shift—and you can’t. Think about that. When we decide to have a baby, Drak will shift into his battle form while we’re having sex to complete our mating. It’s the only time they’re fertile. Unlike us.”
That was even more shocking to Vera.
And Abby wasn’t done yet. “It also means whenever you want to have another baby, they need to shift again during sex. But Drak told me they only shift at the end of sex, so it’s not like you’re making out with them in their battle form to get in the mood.”
“What do they look like shifted?”
“Well…you didn’t run or faint from hearing the most terrifying part about mating to a Veslor. So you must be serious about Roth. Think big alien panther kind of cats with leathery skin. Terrifying to see, but they’re the same person inside.” Abby reached up and tapped her temple. “Same brain. Just different body.”
Vera wanted to sit down badly. Her knees felt shaky, but she locked them and didn’t move. “Okay. Understood.”
“Veslors mate for life. You should know that, too. There is no divorce if you commit to one. No days of separations, either. Mates live together. It’s why I’m still on Defcon Red instead of returning to Earth. They would hate being on our planet. Veslors live in groupings. You’ve met the other Veslors, right?”
Vera nodded.
“They’re like brothers. Only much tighter. You accept one, you live with them all of them for life. It’s a tight-knit family forever. I not only got a mate, but three big brothers and a sister-in law when Gnaw mated to Darla. Her sister is considered family, too, but she refuses to live with us so far. The two cubs Darla and Gnaw had are basically my niece and nephew.”
Vera nodded again, taking in the information, her head spinning. It was a lot to digest.
“So basically, being in a grouping means you’ve inherited a small village of people that lives and travels with you for life. Separate bedrooms but shared living spaces. Their dream is to retire on one of the Veslor planets eventually. I’ve seen vids of the one they’ve chosen. It’s beautiful. Woodsy area with rivers and streams, like on Earth, only without any pollution or overcrowding.
“Take on Roth, Vera, and that will be your future one day, too, when they stop working. They’ve been discussing moving there within the next few years, ever since Gnaw and Darla had their babies. Growing up on a fleet ship isn’t ideal for children. They put cubs first. And yes, that’s what they call their babies.”
“That actually sounds nice. My biological piece-of-shit father abandoned my mother right after she had me. Not that he was a keeper. He isn’t. My mom died not too long ago. I have no family left on Earth.” Vera took a deep breath. “Do you have any regrets over being with Drak?”
Abby smiled wide. “Not a damn one.”
Vera appreciated her candor. “Thank you.”
Abby’s smile turned sly. “It’s also the best sex you’re ever going to have. Let Roth take you doggy style and I promise, you’re going to love one of their differences. They have this protective―”
A soft whoosh noise sounded. “Why are you out of my room?”
Vera jumped at the growled words from behind her, and spun around. Roth had just stepped out of the bathroom. The door behind him closed as he strode farther into the living room area. His black hair was wet but he wore a T-shirt and loose matching black pants that reminded her of sleeping bottoms for men.
“I was hungry and, um, talking to Abby.”
“Hi, Roth. I’m just keeping Vera here company.”
Roth stalked toward the kitchen. “I will get you food.”
“Thank you.” Vera started to follow but Abby grabbed her arm.
Vera glanced back at her.
“Oh yeah—and they like to take care of women.” She winked, then released her. “What are you making, Roth? Mind if I join? I’m hungry too. I assumed we wouldn’t be going to eat in the cafeteria after what happened to Vera. I’m afraid the gossip about what happened in the bar is spreading fast amongst the crew and civilian workers.”
Vera and Abby entered the kitchen area but stayed out of Roth’s way as he removed some packaged meals from a cooling drawer.
Roth turned to scowl at Abby. “Humans talk too much. We aren’t going into public places on the ship. I won’t put Vera at risk.”
“I didn’t doubt that for a second.” Abby pulled out drinks, carrying them to the long table.
Roth heated the packaged meals and brought them to the table. Abby also grabbed silverware and cloth napkins. Roth took the seat at the head of the table once more, with Vera sitting next to him
and Abby across from her.
Vera studied her dinner. It was a huge steak, including mashed potatoes with chives, bacon, and cheese mixed in. Very Earth-like meals. “These aren’t standard-issue dinners.”
Abby chuckled. “No. I’m afraid I’m a little spoiled. Nothing against the fleet, but I’m used to better-quality food. The D Corp building I used to work in had chefs serving meals to all our employees. I called in a favor to my parents, and now they have these prepared and shipped to us. Veslors love meat, so that’s why you’re getting a two-pound rib eye. Don’t feel the need to eat it all, if you can’t. I had them proportioned for Veslors. Tomorrow night, we should try the prime rib. Delicious!”
“Large crates of them are delivered, taking up significant space,” Roth muttered.
Abby chuckled again. “Don’t get grumpy. You know you love these more than the small steaks they serve in the cafeteria. And you hate having to go to the restaurants to get meat served in larger portions.” Abby glanced at Vera. “Some humans gawk when they see how much food one of these guys can put away at dinner.”
Vera picked up her knife and fork, cutting a piece of the steak and popping it into her mouth. She moaned. It was the best one she’d ever tasted.
“Exactly.” Abby began eating too. “The chefs marinate them in garlic and some other kind of seasoning before searing them. The reheater finishes cooking them. They come out perfect every time.”
“I do enjoy your food,” Roth acknowledged.
“Not mine. Ours.” Abby kept eating. “It’s one of the perks of me being part of your grouping.” She winked at Vera again. “I can’t cook to save my life. I’m always going to have D Corp send us shipments. It’s one Earth perk that I’m not willing to give up, since I don’t have to.”
“I’m not the best cook either,” Vera admitted. “It was just me and my mom growing up. She worked a lot, and I was too busy with my studies. I’m also not home often. The job sites provide us with a cook.”
“I can hunt and cook meals,” Roth said, as he continued eating.
Vera met Abby’s gaze.
Abby gave her a slight nod. “Veslors are very talented at doing a lot of things.”
Mission: Planet Biter (Veslor Mates Book 4) Page 12
