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I laugh, even as I know I’m just as whipped One smile from our human and we’re all hers, entirely And I like it

“Both of us…” I reach out and touch her belly “Missed both of you Aht?” I hold my breath

Her face goes pale “I…” She steps back fro to her sides

“Danica, it’s all right” I reach out and touch her arone cold

“It’s better than all right,” growls Gorde “It’s fantastic It’s anted fro!” He tilts his head to peer at her “What’s wrong?”

She stares, then shakes her head, a quick snap “I should have told you as soon as I, ah, kneas processing it I’ but

Cold unease presses onto my chest, and I push it back “Are you nervous? Dr Daneth says hu well, and you will have the bestthe…process” I wave my hand, unsure of which words to use

She blinks and bites her lip “The idea of a baby It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced” Her eyes well up

Gorde pulls her into his ar on the way This is exactly what Zandia needs—e all need” His face glows and his eyes are lit up with joy “Just look at us for onewe’ve dreamed of The culmination of a lifetime of plans”

He speeds up as he speaks, stroking her shoulders “You’re ours ether forever”

She shivers I reach out to touch her hair, placetouch “You don’t need to worry about a single thing This Zandian baby, and you, will be kept safe froliness and all predators” I know she’s still probably terrified about being on auction, her escape, all the creatures ould har who threatens you or Zandia Is that clear?” My voice rises with passion

Danica stills She takes a breath “Coo to the sleepdisk” She takes my hand and Gorde’s “I want to feel you inside me now Please”

And as weturns to e difference in her, so her as h to drown out the little voice of doubt in my head

Chapter 10

Gorde