Mission: Planet Biter (Veslor Mates #4)(48)

Warmth spread through Vera as Roth straightened in his seat and made a low grunt.

Everyone at the table looked at him.

“I have an announcement.” Roth paused. “Vera has agreed to become my mate.” He held up his free hand before anyone could say anything. “She hasn’t seen my battle form yet.”

“It won’t change a thing,” Vera quickly stated. “You are stuck with me.”

He met her gaze. “I hope that is true.”

“It’s totally true.” Vera had no qualms about that. She glanced around the table, and Abby was the first to speak.

“That’s great news!” She beamed at them both. “Congratulations.”

“Veslors make the best mates ever,” Darla added. “Welcome to our grouping.”

Gnaw inclined his head, his gaze on Roth. “I am happy for you.”

“I am as well,” Drak added.

Maith glanced between Darla and Roth. “A mate is a good thing. I welcome you into our grouping, Vera.” He rose to his feet. “I need to meet with the other team medics for training. My apologies.” He strode through the living room and exited the cabin without a backward glance.

Vera chewed on her lip, worried. “Does he not like me?”

Roth cupped her face with his hand, making her turn her head to look at him. He let go of her as soon as their gazes met. “He is the last male without a mate. It is not you.”

“Roth’s words are true,” Gnaw murmured. “Of all of us, Maith has longed for a mate the most. It is difficult for him to be alone.”

“Oh.” Vera felt bad for Maith.

“We’d hoped he and Becky would bond.” Gnaw glanced at Darla. “They haven’t.”

“Yet,” Darla sighed. “There’s still hope. He’s very attractive, and my sister isn’t blind.”

Gnaw growled.

Darla laughed. “You’re more handsome. Never feel jealous. I’m all yours, and you know it.”

Gnaw snorted but he leaned in to place a kiss on Darla’s lips.

Roth stood. “Vera and I are returning to my room.” He gave Drak a pointed look.

Drak nodded. “I will be here guarding our home.”

Vera rose to her feet and Roth took her hand, leading her back to his bedroom. She felt the stares of the grouping on her as she walked. That was something she needed to get used to. Roth came with a large group of people. They would be a consistent part of her life.

Once in the bedroom, Roth released her hand and motioned toward the bed.

Vera grinned. “I want you too.”

His intense gaze met hers. “This is not a time for copulation. I am going to shift for you.” He paused. “Drak will remain alert in the other room, in case you panic and attempt to flee. It wouldn’t be safe for you to leave our cabin.”

“I’m not going to run, Roth.” Vera walked to the bed and sat down on the end of it.

“I will never harm you.”

“I know that. I think you’re more nervous than I am about this.”

Roth didn’t deny it. He did begin to strip out of his clothing. That was something Vera loved to see. He had an amazingly sexy body. When he stood absolutely naked, about five feet from her, he suddenly dropped to his hands and knees.

“Are you certain that you’re ready?”

Vera nodded and laced her fingers together on her lap. She also mentally braced for whatever was about to happen. She knew that no matter what, she couldn’t freak out or he’d reconsider being her mate. That wasn’t about to happen. She was determined to stay with Roth. “Shift. Show me your battle form. I’m ready.”

Roth closed his eyes and lowered his chin almost to his chest.

Vera swallowed hard, pressing her lips together to avoid gasping or making any noise. Roth did enough of that already, as his body contorted. Bones and joints cracked, shifting under his dark skin. His legs and arms kind of shortened but grew thicker, as if the lower parts of them were being absorbed into the upper sections of his limbs.

The soft fur retreated, turning to leathery skin. The hair on the top of his head kind of spread as his head widened.

When he lifted his face again, his nose and mouth had expanded outward.

Breathe, she reminded herself, sucking in air through her nose. Her heart pounded. Roth wasn’t a man anymore. Male, she corrected. He was a frightening-looking alien beast.

Roth stood there on all fours, just watching her. Vera figured he might be waiting for her to say or do something.

The cubs were cute. Roth…wasn’t. He was huge in his battle form. Not that he’d been small compared to human guys when he walked on two legs.

Vera unclasped her hands and slid off the bed, going to her knees on the floor. She forced herself to breathe. In and out, she silently chanted. Then she slowly walked forward on her knees. Her gaze locked with his, and some of the tension in her eased.

It was Roth. Those eyes were the same. He was her alien. Just…different.

She smiled. “Wow. You look ferocious.”

Roth took a hesitant step closer. Vera paused before reaching out to touch him. Her hand might have trembled just a little but it didn’t stop her from gently brushing her fingers along his cheek. His skin felt rougher in texture than normal. She explored under his extended chin, stroking him there. Her smile widened.