Page 19 of K'Vella

She and Sloane practically swooned when Holoth said that earlier, so I'm not surprised they're giving me a hard time about it now. Sure, they're teasing, but it's the kind of teasing that happens between friends—the kind I haven't been a part of in a long time.

My chest turned violet as soon as Holoth opened the door to the living area. If the warmth of my blood is any indication, it hasn't changed even a fraction of its shade since. It's not made any better by the way Essa's looking at me and swishing her tail back and forth like she wants me to say something about Holoth's proclamation.

I tuck my feet underneath me as I snuggle further into the chair. It smells like Holoth, and Essa confirmed it was his assoon as I sat in it. She took a seat on one of the couches. Sloane joined her, and Avery perched herself in the other recliner.

"But seriously," Avery says in a hushed voice. "I know I've been hiding away for the last couple of weeks, but have you been here long enough to get knocked up?"

I wrap the fur I stole from the nest before leaving this morning tighter around me. I wanted to ask for the one around Holoth's shoulders before he left, but I'm still trying to decide if I'm upset with him or not. It's hard to be when he treats me so well and looks at me like he truly believes he wants me.

"Yes, there's a chance. I won't know until I start testing. Rytharian reproductive systems are made for breeding. Now that I'm altered, I was told a pregnancy would be easily detected shortly after conception. So I'll probably start testing every night."

"Damn," Avery mumbles and then turns her head like she's thinking about something. Her hand moves to her own abdomen, and a look of sadness covers her face before she can mask it.

I want to ask her about it since it might stop Essa and Sloane from staring at me like they expect me to divulge my secrets just because we are all alone. They're nice enough, but my plans of getting pregnant and moving back to Varon to start my family haven't changed—at least, I'm telling myself they haven't.

Holoth could say all the sweet words he wanted when he was in his rut, but as soon as it was over, he was out of the nest and away from me. I don't need to be a burden on him, and I don't need to be clingy. When I know I'm pregnant, I'll secure transport off the ship and back to my planet.

I take a bite of my food and moan as I taste it. Sure, the genuit pastry isn't as good as when it's freshly made on Varon, but it's so close to the actual dish I'm surprised at how authentic it tastes.

I take a few more bites, enjoying the sweet taste of the pastry filled with cream and fruit. I try to savor every mouthful. It's only after a few long moments have passed that Essa gets bored with waiting for me to look back up at them to talk.

"Are you going to tell us whether or not you like him?" Essa asks. "I assume because of all the biting, it's a yes. Then again, I don't know you, and you might just enjoy the feel of a male's teeth on you. I don't think I would, but I'm not you."

"No, I agree. It's a no from me on the teeth, too," Avery says, rubbing her neck as she eyes one of my bites. "No offense."

"No offense taken," I say as I swallow. "I didn't go into this expecting to be covered in bites when it was all done with. Nothing to do about it now, though."

My answer doesn't seem to please any of them because they all give me various degrees of horrified expressions.

"Did he bite you without asking?" Sloane asks, her hand reaching instinctively for her own bite marks.

I'm more than a little jealous of her bites because males who wished to claim her for themselves gave them to her. Bites among my kind are a symbol of devotion between mates or bonded pairs. I'm not sure the extent of their meaning for Holoth's kind, but it isn't the same. I'm certain of that much. He wouldn't have been willing to bite me so quickly after meeting me if they were.

"He didn't ask, but I asked him to do it," I tell her, hoping to reassure her so she doesn't think the worst of her friend. "He was perfectly kind during his rut."

Avery snorts at my statement, and our attentions move to her. Her eyes widen in alarm before her cheeks turn bright pink. She's a tiny creature, and I wonder if being the smallest of the crew isn't intimidating.

"Sorry," she squeaks before reaching for her water canister and taking a long gulp.

"I very much am curious what you think you need to be sorry for," Essa says, eyes darting between Avery and me.

I'm more than a little curious, too. I don't think I've said anything funny, but maybe I did by accident.

"It's nothing," Avery says, taking another sip of water in an attempt to stave off any other questions.

In the short time I've known Essa, I already know Avery won't be able to sway her easily. When everyone stares at Avery, she finally relents.

"Fine, it's just, Phial's room is next door. Like right next door, and I don't think either of you was trying to be quiet."

It doesn't take me more than a second to understand what she's not saying. I shovel food into my mouth, averting my eyes from everyone else and hoping they won't say anything more about it.

Thankfully, Sloane seems to take mercy on me and asks a different question before Essa can pry more into the things Avery heard, which made her laugh when I said Holoth was kind to me.

He was extremely kind, but he was also all growly and demanding. There's no need to get into all of that with strangers. Even if these strangers have been kinder to me than anyone on Varon was after I got sick.

"How long will you stay on the crew once you find out you're pregnant?" Sloane asks, leaning back on the couch and against Essa. "Not that there's any rush. I'm just curious what your game plan is."

I take a bite, realizing I only have a few more before I've finished eating. "I planned on returning to Varon when I found out. There's housing for mothers there, and I'll be able to raise the babe with love and joy."

---