The receptionist's eyes flicked between them, lingering a half-second too long on Ancelin's face."Of course, Mr.Vallex.We received your call."
"Wonderful," Ancelin whispered, squeezing his arm."I'll still have time to browse the market.”
"The nurses will be ready shortly."The receptionist motioned toward empty chairs against the wall."Please, take a seat."
Moments later, two nurses entered with an air of efficiency.One of them called out, "Ancelin Vallex, the doctor can see you now.Please come with us."
Ancelin rose to follow, with Krevan shadowing her every step.
One of the nurses halted abruptly and spun around to face Krevan."Please, sir, only the female patient needs to follow us," she stated firmly.
Krevan's eyes narrowed, and he continued to stride forward, undeterred.
"Excuse me, sir, only the female is allowed back at this time to see the doctor," the nurse repeated, her voice tinged with exasperation.
"I'm coming with my wife," Krevan insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Nurse, he can come with me.I would prefer that he does," Ancelin interjected, her voice steady, yet pleading.She clutched Krevan's presence like a lifeline, having learned the harsh realities of this world and wanting no unwelcome surprises.
"Fine, I'll let the doctor know," the nurse relented, begrudgingly leading them to a small, stark examination room."Please wait here for the doctor."
Ancelin perched on the edge of the examination table, while Krevan planted himself by the door, arms crossed like a sentinel poised to defend his queen.
An elderly doctor appeared with a gentle knock, entering the room with an air of seasoned calm."Good morning, Mrs.Vallex.I'm Dr.Carvis.What am I seeing you for today?"
"I need to have a pregnancy test and would like a pregnancy prevention shot," Ancelin replied, her voice was steady.
"I see.First, I have a few questions, and the nurse will come in to take your blood.Mr.Vallex, do you mind leaving the examination room?You may stand right outside the door.I wish to speak with your wife privately," the doctor requested, his tone patient but firm.
"Absolutely not," Krevan growled, squaring his shoulders."Whatever you have to say can be said with me present.She's my wife."
"It's okay," Ancelin touched his forearm, her fingers light against his tense muscle."Wait just outside.I'll call if I need you."
Krevan's jaw worked silently.After a long moment, he peeled himself from the wall and stalked toward the door, each step betraying his reluctance.
The latch caught with a soft click.Dr.Carvis held perfectly still for three heartbeats, then inclined his head toward Ancelin."These walls are thinner than they appear," he murmured, voice scarcely disturbing the air between them.A brief touch to her wrist—his fingers sun-spotted and lined with age."Your husband seems...protective.Is that arrangement by choice?"The question hung delicately in the sterile room as his gaze, steady behind wire-rimmed glasses, invited but didn't demand her confidence.
"He’s a loving husband,” Ancelin replied firmly.The doctor nodded, seeming satisfied, and reached for the water dispenser.
"I've treated many Triaxen-human couples," the doctor said, lowering his voice."The males can be...difficult partners."He glanced toward the door.
"I’ve heard that.But Krevan treasures me," Ancelin said quietly.
The doctor leaned forward, his eyes softening."If you need help, blink twice now.The Colony Authorities have limited jurisdiction, but for medical cases..."He tapped his data-pad."I could arrange something.It wouldn't be immediate, but—"
"Doctor," Ancelin interrupted, "I appreciate your concern, but Krevan has never hurt me.I'm with him by choice."
He studied her face."Very well.I respect your decision."He paused, then added, "Still, his physiology is so different from yours."His weathered hand hovered near her arm without touching."I'm not criticizing, just providing you with some facts.Being near him can be risky.His venom is lethal."
"I understand that too.”Ancelin muttered under her breath, brushing off the doctor's words."Thank you for your concern," she said, feeling relieved as the nurse walked in with the blood collection tools.
"Krevan, you can come back in," Ancelin called.The nurse led him into the room, where he watched in silence as she drew Ancelin's blood.The doctor muttered an excuse and slipped out.
"I'll return shortly with your results," the nurse said, capping the vial."If you're not pregnant, we can administer the prevention shot.It's effective for six months, after which you'll need another."She departed with the sample, leaving them alone.
Ancelin turned to find Krevan's face had hardened into stone.
"The doctor wanted to rescue me," she said, lips curving upward."On a planet like this, I can't blame him."She moved toward Krevan, arms encircling his solid frame.He pulled her against him, his mouth finding hers in a kiss that grew hungry until the door opened.
