As if to fill the awkward silence,Lipshillhurried 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 inKindredmales within two hours,” he chirped.“Thereis also a cooling breast compress forCassandra, thoughDr.Verityxsaid the mammary ache may actually indicate a promising response.”
“My boobs are now a promising response,”Cassiemurmured.“Wonderful.”
Ravik’s arms tightened around her.
“Enough with the fucking tour,” he growled atLipshill.“Sheneeds to lie down.”
“Yes, yes, of course.”Thefeathered assistant backed toward the door, crest fluttering anxiously.“Iwill leave you to rest and begin cooperative treatment at your own pace.Pleasecall if you require anything.Thewall panel responds to voice commands.”
“Thank you,Lipshill,”Severinsaid politely.
“You’re very welcome,CommanderSeverin.Bestof luck with the copulation.”Lipshillbobbed 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—thenCassiestarted 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, whileSeverin’smouth twitched like he was trying very hard to maintain his dignity and failing.
“Best of luck with…with the copulation,”Cassiegasped, pressing a hand to her mouth.
Ravik frowned.
“I don’t fucking like him wishing us luck.”
“That’sthe part you object to?”Cassieasked.
Severin finally gave a quiet laugh.
“It was…awkwardly phrased.”
“It was the most alien-doctor’s-office thingIhave ever heard,”Cassiesaid.“Andconsidering the last few days of my life, that is really saying something.”
Her laughter faded as another wave of dizziness swept over her.Raviknoticed 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.Thebed 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, butImay never want to leave it.”
Ravik knelt beside her, his brows drawn together.
“Still dizzy, baby?”he rumbled.
“A little,” she admitted.“Notas bad as before.”
Severin sat on the other side of the bed, leaving a careful amount of space between himself andRavik,Cassienoticed.Thespace between them felt bigger than the bed itself.
“Any nausea?”he asked, stroking her forehead.
“No.”Sheglanced at him, then atRavik.“Butmy breasts are starting to ache.”
Both males went very still and exchanged a glance.Therewas concern in their eyes—sharp and immediate.
“How badly?”Severinasked.
“Not terrible.Just…heavy.”Cassieshifted against the pillows, trying to find a comfortable position.“Likebefore my period used to come, only warmer.Andtighter.Likesomething is waking up in there.”
Ravik made a low sound.
