Page 33 of Devin
“We’ve got plenty of those here, and housewives. The Mahdfel are happier with the less career-driven ones anyway. Try telling them you want to go work in the lab while you’re eight months pregnant. I’m lucky that I was finally able to get Athen to relent but every Mahdfel has his own way of dealing with his mate, sometimes contrary to her own wishes.”
Val smiled. She’d already seen the way that Zenik tried not to fawn over Jane despite her desire to be self-sufficient. It was just inherent in her training as a soldier. On the other hand, Meadow was more comfortable with Goru’s attentions. Being a librarian was definitely a softer life than a soldier and she appreciated the attention.
Devin seemed to have no interest in taking care of Val on a permanent basis. One little fling seemed to be all that he needed to drop her off with little more than a ‘good luck and happy trails’.
“We’re a happy little crew here, and if there’s anything you need while you’re here, anything you want, I’ll see what we can do about it. I know Jane and Meadow are pretty resourceful, but even they can’t make chocolate appear out of thin air.”
“I’m used to making due with what I’ve got. I won’t be any trouble.”
“It’s not trouble. We’re family now, that’s what I’m saying. And we might have our squabbles and Kave might be a little annoying at times, but in the end, you forgive and forget and move on.”
“There’s nothing to forgive on my end. Leaving Earth was actually a positive change, but it’s hard to be paired with a guy that really isn’t interested in the whole relationship thing.”
Odette looked at her neck. Val rubbed it out of habit. The bite mark he had left there was little more than two little bumps, already having scarred and healed.
“Looks like he was interested enough. Give it time. He’ll come around. I know he doesn’t seem to be all that affectionate, but it will come. My husband abandoned me for most of my pregnancy. I forgave him. His father wasn’t making it easy for him to change his mind either.”
“Honestly, I could stay here or go,” Val said. “I just don’t think I can go back to Earth.”
“Why not?”
“I made some enemies, and I, well, let’s just say that they thought it seemed better if I disappeared forever.”
“Disappeared.”
“That or died.”
“I see,” Odette said, leaving it at that.
The sound of the shuttle taking off was unmistakable in the distance. Both of them noted it with a stare and a pause. Odette didn’t look too happy but Val rather expected it.
“So whatever you need, I can help, as long as I don’t get shipped back.”
“Val, you’re family now. And family sticks together. Let’s find you some quarters,” Odette said with a smile.
Chapter 19
Devin
It was exactly the reaction he had hoped for. Kave walked to the transport with a smile on his face, and watching the smile turn from bewilderment, to stern, and then to downright grumpy was almost worth it. Almost.
Devin had taken the coward’s way out, leaving Val without saying goodbye, but he knew if he caught a whiff of her, still mingled with his own scent, he’d never be able to leave her there and if he brought her, she would constantly be distracting him. It would only need to be for a few weeks, he told himself. He’d lived for years without a mate. Now, he could spend a few measly days without her.
Devin passed Kave without a word. He went straight to the command module and checked to see what damage might have been done in his absence. Despite Kave’s outward actions, he was not incompetent. All the pieces were neatly lined up and ready for deployment with another orbital window opening up in about two hours. That was just enough time to inspect the site and make final adjustments before lowering the structures into place.
Jane apparently thought it necessary to check in on him. She was quiet, as was her way, nearly as quiet as a Mahdfelsneaking up on a Suhlik. She just stood in the back with her arms crossed, her ridiculous belly protruding out front. Devin suddenly wondered what Val would look like, pregnant with his son. She would look ridiculous too. Ridiculously beautiful.
“I’m going to the site. You are staying here,” Devin said.
The slightest miscalculation could lead to a cascade of falling buildings from the sky. He would not risk the life of his Mahdfel crew, much less a pregnant mate.
Jane just rolled her eyes. She stepped in front of the door.
“Where’s Val?” she asked.
“Back at the other camp. It is best this way,” he answered.
“Oh, really?” It was the ‘oh, really’ of someone who had already won a bet and had their bluff called, but she didn’t press it. She stepped out of the way.
