Page 13 of Baby for the Serp General

Chapter Four

ZATH DIDN’T REALLYhave duties. He just wanted to give her time to process the abrupt changes between them. He needed perspective too.

That was how he found himself in the Embassy recreation hub, sharing a drink with Grand Admiral Pate.

“I’m concerned,” said the older Grimlock. “I’ve heard you chose a rebel as your proxy. I worry for your safety, Zath.”

“I appreciate your concern, but I’m well aware of the risks.” Zath sipped his drink, a potent concoction of fermented fruits native to the planet. “I’m not afraid of the rebels.”

“You should be.” Pate’s eyes narrowed. “They’re unpredictable and desperate. They’ve already proven they’re willing to kidnap proxies.”

He nodded, smiling. “I spoke with Commander Sarko’s mate before selecting Natalia. She told me the rebels thought they were rescuing her, and Natalia helped her return to Sarko when she learned Rana didn’t want to be ‘rescued.’”

Pate raised an eyebrow. “Interesting. The human female was able to sway the rebels?”

“Yes, or at least Natalia. The resistance has good reason to resent their government agreeing to this arrangement on their behalf, but I think the way to peace is to prove ourselves and our intentions one proxy at a time.”

“I agree. It’s slow, but it’s working.” He paused. “What do you intend to do with Natalia?”

“I plan to keep her as my proxy, but I won’t force her to do anything she doesn’t want to do. I’m trying to win her heart.”

Pate looked amused. “I wish you luck. From what I’ve seen, human females are strong-willed and independent.”

“So are Serp females, but I’ve never known one who wouldn’t want to be courted.” He shrugged. “I have a year to convince her, and I intend to use every day of it.”

“Just be careful. The rebellion isn’t going away, and neither are the extremists. There are those among the Faction who would see them destroyed if it led to our destruction too.”

“Sir, I don’t know if that’s true. Natalia’s mother is a leader of the rebellion, and I don’t think she wants to destroy us. She wants to save her people, as we do. I believe the key to peace lies in showing them we aren’t their enemy.”

Pate looked thoughtful. “You might be right, but it’s a risk. Are you willing to take it?”

Zath nodded. “I am. Natalia is worth the risk.”

“Then I wish you success.” Pate raised his glass in a toast. “To your future together.”

Zath clinked his glass against the other male and drank. “Thank you.”

They talked for a while longer, and then Zath excused himself. He was eager to return to Natalia.

When he arrived at his quarters, he paused in the doorway of his bedroom, surprised to see Natalia sleeping in his bed. She looked peaceful with her blonde hair spread out on the pillow. Her lips were slightly parted, and she was breathing deeply.

He smiled, feeling a surge of affection for her. She was beautiful and strong, and he admired her courage. He was determined to win her heart, and he was confident he could do it. He undressed and climbed into bed beside her, careful not to wake her. He lay there, watching her sleep, and eventually drifted off himself, cocooned in the contentment of the moment.

***

THE NEXT MORNING, NATALIAwoke him with a kiss. “Good morning.”

His eyes flew open, and he smiled up at her. “Good morning,vrash. Did you sleep well?”

“I did.” She grinned. “Your bed is much more comfortable than the one in the guest room.”

“I’m glad you approve.” He pulled her closer, kissing her. “I enjoy having you in my bed.”

“I like it too.” She nuzzled his neck, inhaling his scent, which made his hemipenes emerge from their slits.

“Mmm,vrash.” He ran a hand down her back, cupping her ass. “I want you.”

“I want you too.” She straddled him, rubbing her pussy against his cocks. It was a long time before they left the bed.

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