“Yes, yes, yes,” Eva chanted, rocking back and forth, head tossed back.
Body shivering, Vee let ecstasy take him. It lasted longer than any other climax he’d ever had. Closing his eyes, he collapsed backward on the bed, hissing air through his clenched teeth. Every breath a rough pant and broken growl. It took a moment for his senses to kick back in. The soft naked body slumped on top of him was a pleasant weight and reminder of where he was.
Eva ran a hand over his hair, sliding the short waves back. Vee opened his yes to her smiling visage. “Am I forgiven?”
She grinned. “Yes. Can we do that again? Without clothes?”
Vee snort laughed and rolled her to the side. He was out of the bed in a flash, shoving his pants down and grimacing at their clinging wet state. When he joined Eva in the bed he ran a caressing hand down her side and faced her. “I love you so much.”
Her smile spoke volumes. “I love you, Vee.”
Epilogue
Eva was sick. She’d been violently ill to the point she couldn’t get out of their bed. On the third day, despite her protests, Vee rushed her to Dr. Maku.
They were there for hours as he ran tests, took blood and hooked Eva to a host of monitors. Fear rode Vee hard and he clenched Eva’s left hand in his. Stretched out on the hospital bed, face pale, she tried to calm him.
“Vee, you’re getting worked up.”
He wasn’t worked up as she claimed. He was afraid. An uncomfortable emotion but one he experienced often with Eva now in his life. She was everything to him. “I need you to be fine, Eva.”
“Whatever it is, Dr. Maku will find out. Let’s talk about presentation.”
Her smile would have worked better if her lips weren’t pinched tight, pain reflected in her brown eyes.
“I promised Bane, I’d wait for him to be here to see us become Chosens. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Aww, Vee how thoughtful.”
Bane’s absence was another sore point for Vee. His friend was no closer to walking and the biotronics specialists were discouraged at not being able to identify the cause.
“I have the answer.” Maku joined them, holding his data pad and frowning.
Vee’s gut tightened. The tone of his voice wasn’t positive. “What is it?”
The team medic inhaled and let out the breath. His blue eyes held sympathy, scaring Vee more if that was even possible. “Two things. Neither is easy. Eva’s pregnant.”
Vee staggered and fell to sit on Eva’s bed. Eva used her right hand to lay it over her sheet covered stomach.
“I’m having a baby?” Her gaze went from Vee then back to Dr. Maku. “That’s a good thing, right? Is this like morning sickness?”
Dr. Maku shook his head. “I’m afraid not. I’m aware of the Earth condition for expecting women in the early stages of pregnancy. This is different and a result of V’hor’s genetics.”
None of which sounded good. “What’s the second thing?”
“The baby has created an environment to exist in which is not conducive to Eva’s health.”
Eva crushed Vee’s hand in hers. “What does that mean?”
“I’m sorry.” His voice deepened. “The fluid surrounding the baby is Serpine venom. The venom is spreading through your blood stream and poisoning you. I wouldn’t normally suggest this, but in Eva’s case it is urgent that we act quickly. A termination should save Eva before her condition progresses too far.”
“That’s, I-I can’t—.” Eva twisted in the bed, crawling into Vee’s arms. He buried his face in her neck and listened to the muffled words she spoke into his chest. “We just found out we’re having a baby and he wants to end it.”
Vee looked over her head at Maku. “What about the blocker I use to neutralize the venom in my ejaculate?”
“Wouldn’t help as the baby would work to create more. The whole purpose is for the baby to thrive and it appears Serpine babies need it.”
That wasn’t acceptable. “Run the test again. Ask other specialists. Someone has to have another answer.”
“V’hor, I don’t think—.”
“I don’t want you to think,” Vee cut him off. “I want you to find an answer, Dr. Maku.”
The medic nodded and left them alone.
“Hold me, Vee. Please hold me.”
Vee stretched behind Eva and whispered reassurances in her ear until she settled. Inside, he was a shrieking mess.
***
Within a week, word spread and everyone came through the medic center to visit Eva. It was awkward. No one knew how to handle it. Excitement for a baby who might not survive seemed inappropriate yet Eva held hope a solution would be found and kept asking Sylvie, Joni and Faye about their pregnancies.
In desperation, Vee left Eva among her friends to contact his Matire from his room. He refused to accept the possibility of losing Eva or their child. After a few clicks, the connection went through, Peshla’s features on the view screen were as clear as if she was in the room with him. “Matire.”
Not by a twitch did her expression betray what she thought of her son contacting her after the way they’d ended things months ago. “What do you desire now, V’hor? Have you thought of new ways to shame me?”
He winced from her sterile tone though he’d never heard her speak any other way. Being around Eva and the teams had truly changed him. “I need your help. My nestmate is with child, but she is being slowly poisoned by the venom Serpine naturally produce in the womb.”
A slim brow lifted. “Why should this concern me?”
Vee had had doubts about how he would secure his Matire’s help, but her coldness in face of the knowledge that her own grandchild, his child, could die in the womb cemented his decision.
Resolve firmed, Vee informed her of the truth he’d learned long ago. “I know the mercenary, D’Lan, is my birth father. If you help me save Eva, I will never reveal your shame in taking another to nest while you carried the young of honorable C’Ri.”
Her face darkened in silent fury. Vee knew with his words he’d ended any chance of having a relationship with his Matire. Not that he’d had one, but this would be the final blow. Peshla didn’t like challenges. She would never forgive him for the threat he’d just made.
“She needs the blood of the royal line injected once a month to counteract the poisoning,” Peshla spat.
Was it that simple? Vee dropped back into his chair in front of the communicator. “I can give her mine.”
Peshla snorted. “Pure blood and as you have so rudely pointed out, you are not C’Ri’s child. D’Lan was a mixed mongrel.”
He flinched as the words sunk in. His Matire smiled. How could he have come from a woman as cruel as the Supreme Matire? “You will come to Enotia and give her your blood.”
“Never,” she hissed. “I am the Supreme Matire. You do not order me, V’hor.”
Vee focused on Eva and the child she carried. “Then all will know that the Supreme Matire has no honor. Peshla Dahreel lay with another though her nestmate has always been her willing servant and devout to her.”
“Do as you wish,” Peshla snarled. “It is not only I who would suffer. Remember the status you like to pretend doesn’t exit. A status your sisters also benefit from. They will feel the sting of the betrayal as surely as I.”
Pain sliced through his middle. Vee clenched his fingers tight, unable to refute the truth of her words. He couldn’t destroy his family. They’d done nothing to deserve having their entire world crash around them. He almost drowned beneath the surfeit of hopelessness. “Then this is goodbye, Matire.”
He reached for the button to disconnect the call.
“Wait!”
Hatred bled through his voice. “There is nothing more to discuss. The woman I love is dying and my Matire doesn’t care. The baby is killing her. My baby. Can you possibly understand what I’m feeling right now?” He huffed a laugh. “Of course not. You have proven what I have finally accepted. I mean nothing to you.”
She blanched then pointed a finger at the screen. “Send one of your people. Not you. It’s best you stay away in order for the memory of your dishonor with Niya to fade. I’ll give several vials of my blood to get her through and more to be preserved on the chance you continue to breed more of your young with this other.”
Stunned, Vee could only stare at the screen. He didn’t bother correcting her term of other for Eva, trying to fathom why she chose to relent. On the heels of the thought, Vee realized he didn’t care. The only thing that mattered was that she was sending the blood Eva and his child needed to survive. Inclining his head, he said in a broken whisper, “I thank you, Matire. I know I have never been the son you longed for, but...Eva is—Eva means the world to me.”
He didn’t know another way to express the love he held for Eva.
“You are correct that you are not the son I longed for.” Her gaze softened. “You are more. You are my bright star, V’hor.”
Peshla ended the transmission without giving him the opportunity to decipher her meaning. Vee didn’t waste time on annoyance or the confusion plaguing his mind about her capitulation. He contacted another preprogrammed number and shoved a trembling hand through his hair.
“Did she have the answer?” Torkel asked, leaning forward toward the screen.
Vee didn’t care about the tears filling his eyes. “Yes. I need to know if you’ll send Kyele to Serpine to pick up what Eva needs.”
He was the Jutak warrior who could travel the fastest and wouldn’t ask questions. A broad grin spread across Torkel’s face. “Absolutely.”
Vee raced to the medic center where Dr. Maku insisted on keeping Eva to monitor her condition. He burst through the door, interrupting Sasha sharing a story about a Bounty no doubt. The others must have returned to their homes already.
“Vee, what’s wrong?”
Sasha excused herself, leaving them alone. Vee made his way to Eva. Her lips were chalky, hair in a brittle tangle about her face. She’d been strong throughout as her health declined daily.
Vee laid his head in her lap, trilling when she slipped her fingers through his hair. “My Matire is sending vials of her blood. She said it will counteract the effects of the baby’s venom.”
“The baby will live?”
“Yes.”
Her fingers clenched. “Does this mean, I finally get to meet your mother now?”
“No!” he choked, jerking his head upright. He’d avoid a meeting between Eva and the Supreme Matire until he knew it would be safe. One act of kindness did not eliminate a lifetime of abuse.
Eva laughed, continuing to stroke his hair. Wonder glowed on her face. “We’re going to have a baby.”
“I love you, Eva.” He’d say it a thousand times and never get tired because once upon a time, he’d thought love wasn’t in his future.
“Love you back, Vee.”
Author’s Note
I love getting to the end of a book because it means I get to share a quick word about the story with you. As I get deeper and deeper into the series, each book gets harder. Not because I don’t know what I want for the guys because at this point, I love them so much and have a good idea about their origins and family.
And that’s what’s hard. I want every one of their stories to be the best so I pressure myself and question every sentence. When I’m done, I usually breathe a sigh of relief and the nerves set in waiting for readers to enjoy the journey.
V’hor was a mystery to me in Torkel’s Chosen. He grew with each appearance in every book. After Kyele’s Passion, I really felt like I’d discovered a lot about Vee and expected him to be next but Rydak and Jaron forced their way in. LOL.
Of course while writing this, Bane became vocal and loud in my head making it clear he wants a Chosen and is ready to fall in love. If you don’t follow me on social media, take note—I plan to write Bane next ☺ (Unless someone else bursts to the forefront but I’m pretty sure its Bane.) At least, I already know who his heroine is and she had a super small role in an earlier book.
Also in case you’re wondering, the main part of this story takes place a few months down the road after the epilogue of Jaron because I don’t want to speed up the time line like the four year surge I did at the end of Kyele’s Passion and the bonus epilogue.
More dragon shifter books are coming too, more Warlords (yes) and then two more A World Beyond to close out the series.
In the meantime, I hope you share your love, enjoyment or review in whatever form on the platform of your choice. Every review is greatly appreciated.
Happy Reading,
Michelle H.
Books by Michelle
Warlords
* Honor Bound (Warlord Series 1)
* The Overlord’s Heir (Warlord Series 2)
* A King’s Revenge (Warlord Series 3)
* Rise of the Shadow Warriors (Warlord Series 4)
* A Warlord’s Heart (Warlord Series 5)
* Unexpected Bride (Warlord Series 6)
* Unleashing a Warrior (Books 1-3 Warlord Series boxset)
Alpha Squad
* Project Genesis (Alpha Squad)
Harmony
* No Reason to Run (A Harmony Novel)
Sci-Fi Romance
* Mating Urge (Love in the Stars 1)
* Love Like No Other (Love in the Stars 2)
* Wired For Love (Wired #1)
A World Beyond
* Torkel’s Chosen (A World Beyond 1)
* Arak’s Love (A World Beyond 2)
* Lindsey’s Rescue (A World Beyond 3)
* Kyele’s Passion (A World Beyond 4)
* Rydak’s Fall (A World Beyond 5)
* Jaron’s Promise (A World Beyond 6)
* V’hor’s Nestmate (A World Beyond 7)
Paranormal
* Djinn Lover (Magical Lovers book 1)
* Wicked Lover (Magical Lovers book 2)
* Rylin’s Fire (A Novel of the Dracol 1)
* Relentless Fire (A Novel of the Dracol 2)
Coming Soon
* Frost Fire (A Novel of the Dracol 3)
About the Author
USA Best Selling Author, Michelle Howard dreamed of writing since reading her first romance novel many years ago but never thought it was possible. Now, she couldn’t be happier. She loves paranormal and contemporary romances and is a fan of the classic romances by Judith McNaught, Julie Garwood and a host of others.
I love to hear from fans so please reach out to me. If the mood hits you, leave a review.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @mhowardwrites
Instagram: mhowardwrites
Website: www.michellehowardwrites.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellehowardwrites
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