“You’re going to make such a good father,” she told him.
“You have given me everything, Vera.” Roth’s growly voice sounded choked with emotion. “You are my heart.”
“What’s going on? What is wrong? I told you that I’m fine,” Maith suddenly shouted.
“Fuck,” Jessa muttered. “I knew I should have upped the dosage on that sedative. Go back to snoozing, grumpy-ass. I’m right in the middle of trying to talk the new woman in your grouping into letting me be her doctor.”
Maith snarled loudly. “You drugged me against my will. Vera is a part of my grouping. You are not touching her!”
“Shut up and stop moving around. You’re going to mess up all my work on your back,” Jessa told him.
Vera ignored the arguing pair as Roth placed a kiss on the top of her head.
They were pregnant. Joy overflowed any fear she had. She was going to have her mate’s baby. She’d never felt happier.
Epilogue
Two weeks later
The long table in the cabin was filled with people. Vera happily glanced at those seated for dinner. Roth, his entire grouping, and their mates were there. Darla’s family had joined them as well, along with Clark Yenna. The scent of five large roasted turkeys—with all the fixings usually seen on Earth at Thanksgiving—had been served. It was enough food to feed thirty people, though far fewer were present. Veslors ate a lot, she’d learned.
Abby had prepared one of the holiday family meals the D Corp chef had sent for them, and since the actual holiday wouldn’t happen for nearly a month, she’d already ordered a replacement.
They were celebrating Vera and Roth’s mating and pregnancy, now that she was no longer in danger. The man who had attempted to shoot her had confessed to also being responsible for the poisoned beer. No one else had come after her. The person who’d hired him had worked for Gemini. Investigator Trowly had Carson Bickler arrested on Earth. He’d feared losing his job with his company after not bidding high enough on Biter, and losing out to New Worlds. It was the second time Gemini had lost a planet, due to Bickler underestimating the price it would take to ensure they won.
Gemini had immediately issued an apology, swearing to have no idea about what their employee had done. They’d fired Carson Bickler and his entire staff—which included the brother used to contact the hitman on Defcon Red. While the rest of his staff remained under investigation, Bickler and the hitman’s brother were being charged with murder and corporate espionage. Trowly had also traced financial records and arrested the two men on the space station hired to sabotage the pods habitat with the drug containers. All of them would pay for their crimes.
Marcy Piers was also fired from New Worlds, for cutting corners and hiring an unknown crew, which resulted in the sabotage to Vera’s facility.
Gemini had immediately offered a large settlement to New Worlds to cover their losses. That included a hefty amount for Vera for all the pain and suffering she’d endured on Biter, and then on Defcon Red. She wouldn’t have to fret about Roth having to support her. Now, she could contribute significantly to her grouping.
Roth took her hand under the table and gave it a gentle squeeze.
She grinned at him, clutching at his hand. “This is wonderful.”
His features grew somber. “Are you disappointed that the scan Jessa did only revealed one baby instead of two?”
It had actually been a relief, after seeing Roshi and Rasha in action over the past few weeks. Darla and Gnaw had their hands full with active, growing twins, even with all the help they got from the grouping. “I think one is perfect.”
He appeared relieved. “We are blessed.”
“Yes, we are.” Vera had fallen madly in love with her mate. Not only was he super sweet, but he gave her the best sex every single time they got naked.
“Here’s to the happy couple and their baby.” Clark raised his water glass. “And to the fact that a bunch of manipulative assholes will be spending the rest of their lives in prison, thanks to them taking deals rather than risking the death penalty by going on trial.”
“To Roth and Vera,” the humans cheered, lifting their own glasses.
The Veslor males reached up and touched their chests, smiling at the couple.
Vera blinked back tears. “You all are the best. Thank you.”
Roth released her hand and stood. “I don’t know how much longer our king will ask us to remain living on this ship. I felt anger when we were first sent here. No longer.” His gaze lovingly fixed on Vera. “I wouldn’t have met you otherwise. You have given me everything, mate. I existed before I had you. Now I deeply feel happiness with the future we face together.”
Vera stood and hugged Roth tight around his waist. She started to cry as he rubbed her back.
“What is wrong?” He lowered his chin to the top of her head, speaking low.
“Nothing. It’s just hormones. I’m so happy, Roth.”
He chuckled. “I am as well.”
“Sorry I’m late!”
Jessa’s voice had them both turning toward the woman as she entered their cabin. She was breathing hard, as if she’d been running.
Maith snarled. “How did you open the door to our cabin? You aren’t authorized.”
Jessa walked to the end of the table opposite Maith and took a seat. “I am now, since I’m handling Vera’s pregnancy. Roth gave me access so I can always get to her in case she needs me. Morning sickness will be hitting her soon.”
Maith pounded his fist on the table.
Roth helped Vera retake her seat before sitting next to her at the head of the table. “Behave, Maith. Stop sulking. We have an upcoming mission that will keep us away for days, if not a week. I refuse to trust the human doctors to care for my mate while we’re gone. I trust Jessa.”
Vera inwardly sighed. She hated the idea of being separated from Roth for more than the hours he spent on his work shifts, training the tactical teams. She looked forward to when the grouping could retire to a Veslor planet. Roth had assured her their king would allow it soon, now that they had mates and cubs.
There had been a time when she’d easily left her boyfriends for months on end without hesitation. Work had always come first. She hadn’t loved either one of those men, though. Roth had become everything to her. She loved him with her whole heart. Every second with him made her happy.
She already knew he wouldn’t be gone long. It was a short mission the fleet had assigned to the tactical teams. She just hated the idea of sleeping without him.
Roth seemed to sense her unease as he leaned close, taking her hand again. She met his golden gaze. His eyes were absolutely beautiful. She saw the concern in them.
“I’m okay,” she whispered. “I’m just going to miss you like crazy. But it’s only a week, max.”
“You will not be alone.”
She knew that. Now Darla, Abby, and the twins were her family, along with the other Veslors. Even Clark acted as an uncle to her. “I know. You spoil me too much.”
Roth chuckled. “There is no such thing as too much for my mate.” He lowered his voice. “Do not worry about me or the other males on this upcoming mission. We’re always going to come home to you. Veslors are tough.”
“I know.” She believed him. It was more that she’d miss him while he was helping the fleet. It’s what he did, though, and how they’d met. Other people needed help too.
“Can we eat now?” Maith sounded angry. “I am hungry, and I’ve been assured it’s rude to eat until those two stop talking. Idiotic human rules.”
“Stop being a grumpy ass,” Jessa said mildly. “Can’t you see they’re having a moment? And it’s not idiocy. It’s politeness.”
“You shouldn’t even be here,” Maith snarled.
“Well, I am.” Jessa lifted her hand and flipped him off. “That’s something else that’s rude. Just so you know.”
Maith glowered at the doctor, revealing his fangs.
Vera fought back
a laugh. She found those two amusing. “No fighting at the table. As Roth’s mate, I’m going to make that a rule.” She glanced at her mate. “Can I do that?”
“Yes.” Roth chuckled, before he shot a narrowed gaze at Maith. “Behave.” Then he craned his head to stare at Jessa. “And don’t antagonize him.”
Maith grumbled but didn’t argue.
Roth turned to Vera. “Any regrets?”
“Just that it took me almost dying to find you. Everything I survived was worth it. Now you’re my everything.”
About the Author
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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.
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Mission: Planet Biter (Veslor Mates Book 4) Page 19
