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Ashtoret de Origa
“I wish I was going to Earth with you.” Providence’s eyes filled with tears.
“I know, my fiery warrior.” Dagaa wrapped an arm around his mate, consoling her.
“If things were different.” Madhava nuzzled Providence’s red hair, as he affectionately cradled her belly.
It still amazed Ashtoret how well both her mates got along. He certainly couldn’t share his female, not that he had one.
“I’m so sorry, Providence. I know exactly how you feel, but it’s not a risk you want to take. Here, hold this little monkey, to remind you of what you have to look forward to,” Giselle sympathized as she passed her daughter, Graca, to Providence.
Tiny pink Graca wrapped her tail around Providence’s arm, cooed and reached for her face, making his despondent friend smile.
“I know. I’ve had nightmares since we started planning this mission.” Providence bounced Graca on her lap.
“You didn’t tell us that,” Madhava exclaimed, the scar over his eye deepening as he scowled in concern.
“I keep dreaming about being strapped down, while some masked doctor steals my baby and experiments on him.” Providence’s eyes welled up again.
“That’s not happening,” Dagaa rumbled.
“I know. Ashtoret, you have the letters I gave you, right?”
“I do. Please do not worry,” he reassured his friend. “I will make sure your family knows just how much you love them. I consider it just as important as our primary mission.”
Ashtoret gave Providence his most sincere pledge, slamming his fist to his chest and bowing low.
“And I have the other messages,” Vintor added.
Although it was of utmost importance that they guard Earth from a Jurou Biljana invasion, sending word to the human females’ families was just as vital. They were taken from their world without ever getting a chance to say goodbye. He knew it broke their hearts, and had to be terribly hard on the families left behind. He was one of the lucky few who never lost his sire or brothers in the war, so he couldn’t fathom what his human friends were suffering.
“Just remember to get them stamped,” Giselle reminded Vintor.
“I’m sure my dad can help. I hope he’s not too stubborn.” Providence frowned.
Providence’s sire would be their liaison. As a high-ranking member of the Earth military, he was their best option.
“Did you give Vintor your message?” Cyprian asked Riley.
“Are you going to keep asking me that?” Riley made an obnoxious face. She clearly didn’t care that her mate was the High General, feared by many.
“Keep it up, wily manx.” Cyprian threateningly stroked his belt.
Ashtoret recalled the shocking rumor about the general tying up his tiny purple-haired mate. Granted the conjugo bond made males aggressive, but surely he’d heard wrong.
“Hey, that’s my line! And if YOU keep it up, I’m going to shove this where the sun don’t shine.” Riley jabbed her finger into the air.
Kagan barked out a laugh at the way the unlikely pair antagonized each other.
“What are you laughing at, big guy?” Giselle pointedly asked, one brow arched.
Kagan sobered as he looked at his mate. Ashtoret’s eyes widened. It was apparent the Daimio had also been subjected to this finger treatment.
The band of human females burst into a fit of giggles. Unbelievably, the warriors present turned a shade darker in embarrassment, himself included. He was friends with all of the humans, and knew they tended to be rowdier than Cadi females, but hearing them openly talk about such subjects was still surprising after all this time. He shook his head in amusement.
“I think I better get my pet home before the vinum goes completely to her head, and she shames me in front of all my warriors.” Daimio Kagan smiled at his blonde mate.