That scared her. “Are you sick?” Oh god. Is he dying? Did that horrible drug do something to his internal organs? Vanni panicked. She’d just found Smiley. She couldn’t lose him. It was too cruel.

“No.” He took a deep breath. “I recently learned that the breeding drug can make birth control pills ineffective. You could be pregnant, Vanni. I’d be thrilled. I want a child with you. I would also be fine if you weren’t. I want you either way. Don’t think otherwise. I knew I wanted to spend my life with you and I wanted you to know that before I was told about it. I was afraid you’d push me away and not give us a chance if you found out before right now.”

Was that the reason she seemed to be more emotional than usual? She could be carrying Smiley’s child. She expected unease to set in but it didn’t come. The timing wasn’t perfect. Their relationship had just begun but the idea of starting a family with Smiley was appealing. She’d always wanted to be a mom. It reminded her that she’d almost settled for Carl to accomplish that. She’d never loved him. She was certain of that. Smiley was a whole other story. She did love him.

Smiley held her tightly and started to stroke her thigh. “Are you okay? Talk to me.”

“I bet we’d have cute babies together.”

His hand stilled. “That’s all you have to say? You don’t sound angry.”

She turned her head and he leaned back so she could look at him. “I’m not.”

“You have no idea how much I love you, Vanni.”

She stared into his soulful brown eyes and believed him. “I love you too. We’ll deal with whatever happens together. I’d be totally fine if I am pregnant. Are you going to be? The truth.”

He grinned. “I want babies with you. I want everything with you.”

“We’re okay then.” She smiled at him. “We’re both a little sweaty. How does a bath sound?”

He chuckled. “Good. I just want to hold you for a little longer though. I don’t want you just to share sex with. We’ll cuddle and then figure out if we enjoy sex in water. Sound like a plan?”

“Yes.”

Chapter Twenty-One

Vanni gripped Smiley’s hand, feeling a little disorientated by the trip. He’d had her sit on his lap to soften the helicopter ride but she didn’t believe she’d ever enjoy flying in them. He helped her out, gently placing her on the ground, then hunched over and kept her in his protective embrace until they cleared the blades.

She peered around in curiosity. It was vastly different from Homeland. They were in an open area with only a single building within view. Trees and hillsides surrounded them. As they neared it, her attention focused on what was obviously a hotel. New Species exited the building. Most of them wore casual attire. Plenty of them sported grins and a few waved. Smiley responded. It was clear they were happy to see him and he them.

“I want you to meet everyone but I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed.” He maneuvered her toward the doors, speaking loudly enough for everyone around them to hear. They nodded greetings as she passed, not making any comments.

They entered the double doors that slid open without a key card. The lobby was large and a New Species female greeted them. She was a tall, dark-haired beauty.

“Hello.” She offered her hand to Vanni. “I’m Creek. It is so nice to meet you, Vanni. I’ve made all the arrangements for this evening.” She released her after a quick handshake, reached inside the pocket of her pants and withdrew a key card, which she handed to Smiley. “I had them prepare the third floor honeymoon suite, Smiley. Second one on the right. You can’t miss it.” She winked. “Food is waiting. Just call the desk if you need anything at all.”

“It’s nice to meet you too,” Vanni got out.

Creek stepped back. “Welcome to the family. You’re Species now that you’re Smiley’s mate. We are so happy you said yes. He raved about you on the phone.”

Vanni liked hearing that but she also wondered if Smiley and the woman had any kind of past. That idea was quickly quelled when Smiley spoke. Creek’s reaction wasn’t one of a woman who’d ever dated him.

“Creek, smell Vanni. She might be pregnant. We didn’t have time to go to Medical this morning for her to take a test.” Excitement laced his voice. “We’d be happy about that.” He turned his head, grinning at Vanni. “Canines have the best sense of smell. She might detect it.”

Creek stepped closer and sniffed. She bent a little and sniffed again. She straightened. “All I smell on her is you, Smiley. She’s covered in your scent.” The woman chuckled. “I could try again later after she showers and before you touch her. Just call me and I’ll come up. That would be exciting news.”

“It would.”

Creek glanced between them. “I really enjoy seeing a couple in love.” She winked at Vanni. “It won’t be difficult to call Medical here and have them send someone to draw blood from you if you really want to know.”

“That would be great,” Vanni admitted.

“After we go to Security but before the wedding,” Smiley added.

“I’ll make it happen.” Creek spun away and walked back to the desk. She picked up the phone.

Smiley tugged on Vanni’s arm, steering her toward the elevators. They entered it alone, rode to the third floor, stepped out and turned right. A white banner had been strung across the door with a red heart. Someone had used a black marker to write S & V.