Total pages in book: 165
Estimated words: 159487 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 797(@200wpm)___ 638(@250wpm)___ 532(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 159487 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 797(@200wpm)___ 638(@250wpm)___ 532(@300wpm)
As if to fill the awkward silence, Lipshill hurried over to the low table and began lifting covers from the dishes.
“There are savory stamina cakes, mineral nectar, three varieties of protein-rich grains, and a warmed tonic that should increase seminal output in Kindred males within two hours,” he chirped. “There is also a cooling breast compress for Cassandra, though Dr. Verityx said the mammary ache may actually indicate a promising response.”
“My boobs are now a promising response,” Cassie murmured. “Wonderful.”
Ravik’s arms tightened around her.
“Enough with the fucking tour,” he growled at Lipshill. “She needs to lie down.”
“Yes, yes, of course.” The feathered assistant backed toward the door, crest fluttering anxiously. “I will leave you to rest and begin cooperative treatment at your own pace. Please call if you require anything. The wall panel responds to voice commands.”
“Thank you, Lipshill,” Severin said politely.
“You’re very welcome, Commander Severin. Best of luck with the copulation.” Lipshill bobbed his head once, then hurried out through the door before anyone could respond.
The door closed behind him and for a moment, the three of them were silent—then Cassie started laughing.
She couldn’t help it—it bubbled out of her, weak and breathless and probably a little hysterical.
Ravik looked down at her in alarm, while Severin’s mouth twitched like he was trying very hard to maintain his dignity and failing.
“Best of luck with…with the copulation,” Cassie gasped, pressing a hand to her mouth.
Ravik frowned.
“I don’t fucking like him wishing us luck.”
“That’s the part you object to?” Cassie asked.
Severin finally gave a quiet laugh.
“It was…awkwardly phrased.”
“It was the most alien-doctor’s-office thing I have ever heard,” Cassie said. “And considering the last few days of my life, that is really saying something.”
Her laughter faded as another wave of dizziness swept over her. Ravik noticed at once and carried her to the giant nest-bed, lowering her onto the soft mattress as carefully as if she was made of glass. The bed accepted her weight with a warm, gentle give, cradling her body in a way that made her sigh despite herself.
“Oh,” she whispered. “Okay, this bed is ridiculous, but I may never want to leave it.”
Ravik knelt beside her, his brows drawn together.
“Still dizzy, baby?” he rumbled.
“A little,” she admitted. “Not as bad as before.”
Severin sat on the other side of the bed, leaving a careful amount of space between himself and Ravik, Cassie noticed. The space between them felt bigger than the bed itself.
“Any nausea?” he asked, stroking her forehead.
“No.” She glanced at him, then at Ravik. “But my breasts are starting to ache.”
Both males went very still and exchanged a glance. There was concern in their eyes—sharp and immediate.
“How badly?” Severin asked.
“Not terrible. Just…heavy.” Cassie shifted against the pillows, trying to find a comfortable position. “Like before my period used to come, only warmer. And tighter. Like something is waking up in there.”
Ravik made a low sound.
“Does it hurt a lot, baby?” he rumbled.
“Not yet.” She looked down at herself, feeling suddenly self-conscious. “It’s just strange, that’s all.”
Severin’s gaze softened.
“The serum is likely beginning to stimulate the breast tissue. Dr. Verityx said the first aches might start quickly.”
“Dr. Verityx said a lot of things,” Cassie muttered. “Most of them terrifying.”
Ravik reached for her, then stopped himself. His hand hovered above her blanket-covered thigh for a moment before he drew it back. Cassie saw the movement and felt a little pang in her chest. He wanted to touch her, but he was still holding himself apart, still trying to keep some invisible line between himself and Severin and whatever they were all becoming.
She hated that line—she also understood that it scared him.
“Ravik,” she said softly.
His golden eyes came to hers at once.
“You can touch me,” Cassie told him. “I mean, if you want to. I know everything is weird and scary and medically ridiculous right now, but I don’t want you holding back from me like I’m radioactive.”
“Well, you are infected with a dangerous virus,” Severin pointed out.
Cassie turned her head and gave him a look.
“Not helping.”
The corners of his mouth twitched, showing his fangs.
“Sorry.”
Ravik’s big hand settled carefully on her thigh over the blanket. The warmth of him seeped through the fabric, and Cassie felt some of the trembling in her body ease. A second later, Severin reached for her hand on the other side and laced his long fingers through hers.
The relief was immediate.
Cassie closed her eyes and took a deeper breath than she had managed since the injection.
“Oh,” she whispered. “That helps. Having both of you touching me at the same time feels so good.”
Neither male spoke for a moment, then Severin’s thumb stroked over her knuckles.
“Do you need us closer?” he asked.
The question was quiet and careful and Cassie understood it wasn’t meant only for her.
Ravik’s fingers tightened on her thigh, but he didn’t pull away.
She looked at them both.