“Yes.”Kellie nodded.“Only the men are venomous.”
“I was unaware of his venom at first and now I’m his wife and mate.So, he’s shared the antivenom with me on many occasions.”Ancelin giggled.“I’m not worried," Ancelin reassured.
“Oh, of course.”Kellie laughed and patted her pregnant belly.
"I feel completely safe with Krevan.You should come visit us.I can prepare dinner, and we can chat more.I’ve really enjoyed visiting with you.”
"Oh, I—" Kellie's eyes widened."Derrick mentioned that Mr.Vallex values his privacy.I've only seen your home from the car when Derrick drives past.A few times I waited while Derrick helped with some work on the outbuildings."She twisted her napkin."I wouldn't want to impose.Perhaps you should check with Mr.Vallex to see if it's acceptable first."
Ancelin's jaw tightened."I'm not required to seek approval for visitors.I’m living in the house too.I’m his mate.”She met Kellie's gaze directly."Doesn’t Derrick allow you to have friends and be social?”
"What about being social?"Krevan's deep voice filled the doorway.Kellie jolted, her teacup rattling against its saucer.His tall frame seemed to compress the small kitchen as he approached their table."Ancelin?"His head tilted questioningly.“What are you two discussing?”
"I thought it might be nice to have Kellie and Derrick over for dinner," Ancelin said, watching Krevan's face carefully."Kellie wasn't sure if that would be alright with you."
The porcelain cup rattled against the saucer as Kellie set it down."Let me pour you some tea, Mr.Vallex," she said, already half-rising from her chair.
"I'd appreciate that."Krevan's lips curved into a smile."There's no reason to tremble, Kellie.I consider Derrick and you to be my friends."His hand engulfed Ancelin's on the tabletop."Of course they can visit our home, my dear.I'm pleased you're making friends.When were you thinking of hosting them?"
Derrick entered and stood behind his wife, watching the tender way Krevan held Ancelin’s hand.
“Krevan, you’re unusually affectionate with Ancelin,” Derrick said, meeting Krevan’s gaze.“Does that mean she’s more than simply your wife?”
"Ancelin is my mate," Krevan replied, his voice dropping to a possessive timbre as he caught her eye with a subtle wink.
"So I've heard," Kellie murmured, the porcelain teacup making a delicate clink as she placed it before Krevan.
“Triaxens guard their mates fiercely and are very loving to them,” Derrick told Ancelin with a warm smile, “and Vallex is an excellent guard.He’s especially formidable when necessary.He’s rescued me countless times—offered protection, support, and even financial help when I first landed on Verrian.For all that and more, I owe him my loyalty.He’s a good man and an excellent doctor.I’m certain he’ll bring you happiness.”
Krevan's gaze remained fixed on Ancelin as he spoke in a gentle tone."When someone genuinely needs assistance and has earned it, I never withhold my help."
“Very true.I survived Hellgate entirely because of Krevan,” Derrick continued, turning to Ancelin.“I’m from Tylon Moon—my ship crashed on the prison planet, and Krevan found me, treated my injuries, and sheltered me until the guards finally retrieved me more than six months later, when his own sentence ended.Without him, I would have died—or worse.”Derrick glanced at Krevan with deep admiration.
“Thank you, Mr.Vallex, for saving my Derrick,” Kellie added gratefully.
Ancelin gently broke in.“My birthday’s in five days—well, four now.Back home, we always had a special family dinner for birthdays, and I’d like to bring that tradition here.Why don’t you both come over in midafternoon?I’ll make lunch and dinner, and we’ll celebrate life and second chances.”She looked to Krevan.“How does that sound?Are we free that day?”
A warm smile lit Krevan’s face, his eyes crinkling at the corners.“Absolutely, Ancelin.I’m always free to honor your birth and our life together.And Derrick, Kellie—you’re welcome in our home.”
Derrick stared, astonished.“Really, Krevan?You never let anyone inside your house.”
“That was before Ancelin asked.”
"I'm just taken aback—you've always been so private about your personal space here on Varrian," Derrick said, studying Krevan's face.
"I know I've been...difficult to understand in the past," Krevan acknowledged with a slight incline of his head."Being with Ancelin has changed me.For the better, I believe."
Ancelin's eyes brightened as she leaned forward."We should celebrate!And Kellie, is there anything specific you need for the little one?I'd be happy to gather some things."
"I couldn't accept Mr.Vallex's generosity," Kellie murmured, one hand cradling the swell beneath her tunic."The crib we ordered might not even arrive in time."
"It would be from me, if that makes you feel better," Ancelin replied, her voice leaving no room for argument."What else do you need for the baby?"
Kellie hesitated."Just the basics—diapers, blankets, some small clothes, perhaps a toy or two..."
"You need everything, then," Ancelin interjected.Her voice transformed, taking on the crisp efficiency of someone accustomed to managing logistics."I'll survey options at Silos when Krevan takes me.I can supplement with online orders.Proper preparation is essential."
Tears brimmed in Kellie's eyes, spilling silently down her face.
