Page 19 of Baby for the Serp General

Zath chuckled. “He is. I noticed that as soon as they met. She’s beautiful, and he’s clearly smitten.”

“I’m surprised. I thought he was a cold fish.”

“No, he’s a passionate male. He just hides it well,” he said, his eyes twinkling.

Natalia looked at her mother, whose cheeks were flushed. “She’s not immune either. I think she likes him.”

“I believe she does. I can smell her arousal.”

“Eww, Zath. That’s my mom.” Natalia wrinkled her nose.

“Sorry,vrash. It’s an instinctual thing.” He shrugged.

“I know. It’s just weird to think of your mom as a sexual being.”

“I understand, but I assure you, she is. And so is the Grand Admiral.” He flicked out his tongue. “Your mother’s pheromones suggest she’s still capable of carrying offspring.”

Natalia gaped. “Seriously? You’re telling me my mom is ovulating?”

“I believe so, yes.”

“Oh, geez. I don’t need to know that.” She grimaced. “I guess it’s good news for the rebellion if she and the Grand Admiral hook up. She could bear the next leader of the Faction.”

“Perhaps, but I believe they would be a formidable pair regardless.” He smiled. “They seem quite taken with each other.”

“Yeah, they do.” She watched as her mother and the Grand Admiral exchanged glances, their eyes glowing with mutual interest.

“We should start the meeting.” He regretted the need to interrupt the flirtation with practical matters.

“I agree, but I’m not sure how productive it will be if they can’t keep their gazes off each other.” She grinned.

“We’ll see.” He raised his voice. “Shall we begin?”

The Grand Admiral and Rosalie reluctantly tore their gazes from each other and focused on the matter at hand.

“Thank you.” Zath smiled. “Now, let’s discuss the terms of the treaty.”

“I think we should start with the issue of human breeding rights,” said Rosalie.

“Of course.” Zath nodded. “What are your concerns?”

“I’m concerned that the Faction will continue to abduct humans and force them to breed.” Rosalie’s tone was firm. “I want assurances that will stop.”

“I understand your concern, but the Faction has a limited number of females, and we don’t abduct them, Rosalie,” said Pate in a gravelly tone. “We negotiated with your government for the right to claim a small percentage of the population.”

“That doesn’t make it any better. It’s still forced breeding.” Rosalie’s eyes flashed with anger.

“I understand your perspective, but the Faction needs to survive, and this is the only way.” Pate’s gaze was unwavering. “I’m not saying it’s ideal, but it’s necessary.”

Rosalie sighed. “There has to be another way.”

“If you have a suggestion, I’m open to hearing it.” Pate’s gaze was challenging.

“I’m working on it.” Rosalie’s jaw set in a stubborn line.

“I see.” Pate’s expression was amused.

“I do have one idea.” Natalia spoke up.

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