7
Commander Karter, Battleship Karter, Personal Quarters, One Hour Later
In all my young, foolish imaginings, never had I envisioned this. Nor in my wiser, older years.
Ronan was here, alive, and cradled in his arms as we entered my private quarters was my mate. Our mate, half naked and covered in the blood of others, with a smile on her face. Her arms were around his bare neck as he teased her—his mouth close to her ear—about something I could not hear.
That was what a worthy female needed. Teasing. Smiles. A gentle heart and patience from her males.
I was neither gentle nor patient, and the moment I placed the mating collar around both of their necks they would know the chaos of my mind. The heavy ache of responsibility I felt toward every warrior and civilian under my command, my h
