Page 42 of Pooch Planet

Antoine turned to face forward from where he sat in the co-pilot chair. Benji’s comment about visiting Old Earth had stirred something within him. While his quarters on the Bastille were luxurious and large enough to accommodate their pups—and there were many amenities including a hilly park with a variety of trees, gaming halls and three gourmet restaurants in addition to the café—his career was a demanding one. In the past, his job had been a joy, but now that he had Benji in his life with children on the way, it had become a burden.

“Sir, we’ll be arriving soon.”

The pilot brought them from around the dark side of the small planet to where the Bastille was located, hovering above the atmosphere of the vacant orb. The world was hospitable enough that with protective gear fitted with a breathing tube, they could take breaks on the surface to keep from going ship-crazy.

“Sweetheart? You’ll need to buckle up in the landing seat. We’re almost there.”

Benji regarded him with a pout. “Will I be able to see?”

Antoine smiled. “Yes. I promise.” He pointed to the viewport in front of them. “We’ll remain level as we dock on the Bastille, so you won’t miss a thing.”

With a grin, Benji hurried to one of the two chairs directly behind Antoine. “Cool. I wish I could be up there, though.”

Antoine peered over his shoulder. “Maybe someday if you learn how to pilot, you can.”

Benji’s eyes went wide. “Oh no, no, no. Not me. I’d have a heart attack.”

Antoine chuckled then faced forward again. As they drew closer to the ship, his heart thumped harder and faster, a steady drumbeat heralding the excitement of bringing his mate home.

Once they’d entered the Bastille and their small transport craft been secured on the dock, they were able to safely exit the ship. Antoine called down to the staff level and requested a valet to unload Benji’s sparse belongings and bring them to his quarters.

Not just mine anymore.

Antoine gathered Benji’s hand in his own, twining their fingers in reassurance to his trembling mate. He gazed down fondly at him, drinking in the wonder on Benji’s features as he whipped his head around, his eyes rounded and mouth agape. Antoine knew that the past two days of travel had been exhausting for Benji, and he was concerned about him overdoing it. As much as he knew Benji wanted a full tour of the ship, that was an all-day prospect. His mate needed to rest first.

Benji looked up at him with a happy grin. “Can we eat at one of the fancy restaurants you were telling me about tonight? Then maybe take a walk in the park?”

Oh boy. Antoine didn’t want to quash Benji’s excitement, but he wouldn’t allow him to overdo it either. An idea jumped into his head that he hoped would work. He leaned closer and kept his voice low.

“I was thinking about staying in tonight. What with all the packing and travel, we haven’t had any alone time.” He kissed the top of Benji’s head and gave him a squeeze. “I could order in from whichever restaurant you like, then we can share a soak in my large hot tub. Turn on the jets and everything.”

Benji’s mouth formed an ‘o’. “The massaging bubbles, like you told me about?”

Antoine rubbed Benji’s back. “Mmm hmm.”

Benji groaned and went up on his toes, whispering in Antoine’s ear, “Don’t make my weenie hard in front of the crew. I don’t want them to think I’m one of those leg-humping dog shifters everyone makes fun of.”

Antoine let out a small growl. “If anyone makes fun of my mate, they’ll get a one-way ticket to the Hades galaxy!”

Benji wiggled in Antoine’s arms. “I think you’re right. We should stay in.” He grinned again. “I’m interested in some humping, but it won’t be your leg.”

Antoine scooped up a startled Benji in his arms.

“Sir?” Cyrus—who seemed to have settled in to investigator life nicely during his time on Pooch Planet—approached him. “Commander Ward has been notified of your arrival. Shall I set up the vid feed on the bridge so you can confer with him?”

Antoine arched his eyebrows. “Nope.” He locked gazes with Benji. “And I’m not to be disturbed for the rest of the night, either.”

Benji’s lips tugged into a smile and Antoine captured his mouth in a heated kiss for all the crew to see.

Mine. All mine.

Antoine had been fated with the best omega who’d ever lived, and he wanted the entire universe to know.