"Relax, Ancelin.The power crystal is secured," Aiden said, a glint of humor in his eyes."We may be agitated males, but our brains still function."He winked at her before descending the stairs."Vida's already in the garage, eager to get back to Triaxe.We need to move now.If we delay..."His eyes flashed silver."I won't be responsible for what happens to anyone who threatens what's mine."
"Understood," Krevan said, scooping Ancelin into his arms in one fluid motion and carrying her toward the exit.
"Wait—my other bags," she protested.
"Unnecessary."Krevan's tone left no room for argument.Moments later, he returned with a small satchel."Your identification and funds.Everything else can be replaced."
After Krevan briefed the remaining soldiers, their convoy departed for the military transport in Silos.Aiden took the wheel with Krevan beside him, while Vida, Ancelin, and Tray occupied the back seat.Armed vehicles flanked them on all sides.Despite difficult road conditions, they reached the spaceport in nine hours.Ancelin stirred from her lengthy slumber, finding her head resting on Vida's lap.
"We've arrived," Vida whispered, her breath warm against Ancelin's ear."The soldiers will transfer our belongings to the military transport soon.Everything's secure—the ship remained untouched under heavy guard.We'll depart for Triaxe momentarily."
Ancelin stretched and stifled a yawn."I didn't mean to sleep the whole way."
"Your condition demands rest," Vida said, smoothing Ancelin's hair."That's precisely why Krevan was so insistent on confirming your pregnancy.You need proper nourishment and ample sleep, and he must remain especially vigilant now.His venom is essential for your body during this time.A mate's primary duty is to his pregnant partner and their developing child.We're simply relieved you aren't suffering from illness."
"Duty?"Ancelin murmured.
"Indeed.Separation during pregnancy would be unthinkable."
"I never realized his venom played such a vital role for me and the baby," Ancelin said, placing her hand on her abdomen."How far is Triaxe from here?"
"Seven and a half Earth days at top speed," Vida replied."This vessel is military-grade—cutting edge technology.The governments are desperate to secure that power crystal your father developed.With it, these ships could quadruple their range and speed while using clean, sustainable energy.That's why we have such heavy protection for our journey home."Vida squeezed Ancelin's hand reassuringly.
The vehicle door slid open with a hydraulic hiss.Before Ancelin could react, Krevan had scooped her up and carried her through a series of corridors.The sudden motion sent her stomach lurching.
"Krevan—stop—" Ancelin barely managed to warn him before she vomited down the front of his uniform."I'm so sorry," she groaned, mortified."You should have warned me before whisking me away like that."
"Let's get you cleaned up," Krevan said, grimacing at the mess."Captain, is everyone accounted for?"
The captain nodded briskly."Yes, Doctor.Your quarters are just ahead, first left.Departure sequence initiates in five minutes."
Inside their quarters, Krevan helped Ancelin peel off her soiled clothes.The hot shower revived her briefly, but exhaustion quickly followed."I need to lie down," she murmured as Krevan helped her into fresh garments."My stomach's still churning."
"I'll dispose of these," he said, bundling their stained clothing.
"But I packed so little..."
"We'll manage."Krevan paused, head tilted."Feel that vibration?We've broken atmosphere.The real journey begins—and with it, possibly some space sickness."
"The space travel never bothered me before.But I wasn't carrying a Triaxen baby then, was I?"Ancelin pressed her palm against her forehead."Everything's spinning.I need to lie down."
Krevan guided her to the bunk and tucked the thin military-issue blanket around her.He brushed aside a strand of hair from her neck, unfastened the top of her shirt, and pressed his lips to her skin before sinking his teeth into the soft flesh of her breast.
Ancelin gasped, her back arching slightly.Warmth spread through her veins like honey, melting away the nausea.
"Better?"Krevan murmured against her skin."Rest now.I'll check our situation and bring back provisions."He indicated a yellow button on the wall panel."Press this if you need me.Don't hesitate."
"I hate feeling like this," she whispered."Weak.Useless."
"It's temporary.Just pregnancy sickness and fatigue."His fingers traced her cheek."Sleep will help."
"Don't stay away long," she said, her eyelids already growing heavy."I'm uneasy here."
"I'll be quick.Just a status check and food retrieval."
When Krevan returned, Ancelin was drifting between sleep and wakefulness.He coaxed her upright and offered a container of food and a hydration pack.
"You need fluids on this dry vessel," he insisted.
