Page 12 of Baby for the Serp General

She nodded, her chest tight. “I’ve been a rebel all my life. It’s all I know.”

“I understand. I was a juvenile when the Vorathans invaded my world. The Faction found me, but the only path forward was as a warrior. I fought alongside the others, and I earned a place in the Faction. It was my life until I was given this opportunity.”

“To have a surrogate?” She frowned. “I don’t understand why you’d choose that over mating with a Serp female.”

“There are few of us left, and fewer females. We are a dying race, and we need to find a way to survive.” He looked solemn. “The solution was Earth, but we didn’t undertake the truce lightly, Natalia. We understand what we’re asking from human women, but our survival depends on it. So did Earth’s until we interceded with the Vorathans. You might not believe it, but you owe us your very existence.”

“I know that,” she said quietly. “I’m not ungrateful, but I’m not happy about being forced to breed either.”

“I understand, and I’m sorry. It’s not an ideal situation, but it’s the best option for both our races. In time, I hope you can be happy with me. I care for you, Natalia.”

She swallowed, her emotions in turmoil. “I care for you too, Zath.”

He smiled, his eyes lighting up. “I’m glad. Perhaps someday, you will love me.”

“Perhaps.” She wasn’t ready to admit it, but she was falling for the handsome Serp. How that could be possible, she didn’t know, but she couldn’t deny her feelings.

“In the meantime, let’s enjoy the time we have together. I have a few tasks I must see to after dinner, but I’d like you to consider sharing my room and my bed.”

She blinked. “Your room?”

“Yes. It’s more comfortable than the guest quarters, and I’d like you to be near me.” His expression was earnest. “I understand if you’re not ready, but I’d like you to think about it.”

She swallowed, her heart pounding. “What will you do if I refuse?”

“Nothing. You are free to make your own decisions,vrash. You aren’t a slave, nor a prisoner. You’re my proxy, and I will treat you as such. I hope by now you understand your place—beside me.”

She blinked, surprised. “Really?”

“Of course. I would never force myself on you, and I would never force you to do anything you didn’t want to do. If you wish to remain in the guest quarters, that is your choice.” He wiped his mouth as he finished eating. “I will respect your wishes, but I would prefer you share my room and my bed.”

Natalia nodded. “I’ll think about it.”

“That’s all I ask.” He stood, carrying their dishes to the sink. “I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”

“Okay.” She watched as he left, conflicted. Part of her wanted to run, but another part wanted to stay. She was confused, and she didn’t know what to do. What she wanted conflicted with everything she’d believed, so how did she reconcile that?

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