Page 70 of Double Cut

Evangeline attempted an explanation that didn’t involve detailed discussion of human female biology: “It’s a cycle of fertility that human females go through when they reach breeding age.”

She cringed at the word “breeding.”

“Explain,” the general superior ordered.

She spoke the damning words, “I think the injection killed their fertility to prevent them from having children.”

All three males in the room hissed with immediate fury.

“Human treachery!” Horas sneered.

The general superior held her gaze, then nodded and slowly blinked. “Ahn’hudin thanks you for your courage and integrity, Lady Evangeline Antonia Donal. It is not easy to speak a harmful truth against your species. I will inform the crown and appropriate action shall be taken.” He blinked again, then changed the subject and addressed the other two males. “As stated, I am ordered to take a bride.”

“We have no unmated humans here, sir,” Horas said. “Why are you here?”

“I wish to learn about human females so I may succeed in conquering one.”

“That’s your first problem,” Evangeline stated. She took a sip of her coffee, washing down the cookie crumbs. “Women aren’t to be conquered. We’re sentient, intelligent beings. We’re better aspartners.”

Horas and Sarus nodded.

The general superior growled. “My mate will never disobey me.”

Horas and Sarus stifled their amusement. Evangeline snorted. “Good luck with that.”

“Summon Masey,” the general superior ordered.

Evangeline frowned. “How do you know her name?”

He met her gaze and replied, “I learned about her situation yesterday. I have come to retrieve her and see her settled.”

“Masey is quite happy here with us,” Evangeline stated.

The general superior glared at Horas and Sarus. “Have you mated her, too?”

“No, of course not.” Sarus added, “Sir.”

“What’s your interest in her?” Evangeline persisted.

“She is family,” the general admitted.

“You have a sister?” Evangeline blurted in surprise.

“She is my cousin. I owe you and your mates a debt of gratitude for your good care of my cousin, but she must return to her family.”

“I think we should ask her what she wants,” Evangeline said, her expression mutinous.

“She does not have a choice,” the general superior said.

Feeling bold under the protection of her mates and mechanical arachnid, she retorted, “Yes, she does. You give no orders inmyhouse.”

The general superior glanced at Sarus and Horas who shrugged their shoulders and said nothing to contradict her.

“Rosie, please ask Masey to join us.”

“Acknowledged.”

A tense quiet enveloped them as they waited for Masey to join them. The female hissed in fear when she entered the room and saw the hulking general superior.

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