Chapter 6
Derrick entered and stood behind his wife, watching the tender way Krevan held Ancelin’s hand.
“Krevan, you’re unusually affectionate with Ancelin,” Derrick said, meeting Krevan’s gaze. “Does that mean she’s more than simply your wife?”
"Ancelin is my mate," Krevan replied, his voice dropping to a possessive timbre as he caught her eye with a subtle wink.
"So I've heard," Kellie murmured, the porcelain teacup making a delicate clink as she placed it before Krevan.
“Triaxens guard their mates fiercely and are very loving to them,” Derrick told Ancelin with a warm smile, “and Vallex is an excellent guard. He’s especially formidable when necessary.
He’s rescued me countless times—offered protection, support, and even financial help when I first landed on Verrian.
For all that and more, I owe him my loyalty.
He’s a good man and an excellent doctor. I’m certain he’ll bring you happiness.”
Krevan's gaze remained fixed on Ancelin as he spoke in a gentle tone. "When someone genuinely needs assistance and has earned it, I never withhold my help."
“Very true. I survived Hellgate entirely because of Krevan,” Derrick continued, turning to Ancelin.
“I’m from Tylon Moon—my ship crashed on the prison planet, and Krevan found me, treated my injuries, and sheltered me until the guards finally retrieved me more than six months later, when his own sentence ended.
Without him, I would have died—or worse.
” Derrick glanced at Krevan with deep admiration.
“Thank you, Mr. Vallex, for saving my Derrick,” Kellie added gratefully.
Ancelin gently broke in. “My birthday’s in five days—well, four now.
Back home, we always had a special family dinner for birthdays, and I’d like to bring that tradition here.
Why don’t you both come over in midafternoon?
I’ll make lunch and dinner, and we’ll celebrate life and second chances.
” She looked to Krevan. “How does that sound? Are we free that day?”
A warm smile lit Krevan’s face, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Absolutely, Ancelin. I’m always free to honor your birth and our life together. And Derrick, Kellie—you’re welcome in our home.”
Derrick stared, astonished. “Really, Krevan? You never let anyone inside your house.”
“That was before Ancelin asked.”
"I'm just taken aback—you've always been so private about your personal space here on Varrian," Derrick said, studying Krevan's face.
"I know I've been... difficult to understand in the past," Krevan acknowledged with a slight incline of his head. "Being with Ancelin has changed me. For the better, I believe."
Ancelin's eyes brightened as she leaned forward. "We should celebrate! And Kellie, is there anything specific you need for the little one? I'd be happy to gather some things."
"I couldn't accept Mr. Vallex's generosity," Kellie murmured, one hand cradling the swell beneath her tunic. "The crib we ordered might not even arrive in time."
"It would be from me, if that makes you feel better," Ancelin replied, her voice leaving no room for argument. "What else do you need for the baby?"
Kellie hesitated. "Just the basics—diapers, blankets, some small clothes, perhaps a toy or two..."
"You need everything, then," Ancelin interjected. Her voice transformed, taking on the crisp efficiency of someone accustomed to managing logistics. "I'll survey options at Silos when Krevan takes me. I can supplement with online orders. Proper preparation is essential."
Tears brimmed in Kellie's eyes, spilling silently down her face.
"Please, don't cry," Ancelin said, shifting to Kellie's side and tracing gentle circles on her back. "I'm genuinely thrilled for you both. On Earth, family support was my specialty—it's just what I do."
"Your profession?" Derrick inquired, leaning forward.
"Social work initially," Ancelin replied, her voice softening with memory, "followed by doctoral studies in psychology. Finished my doctorate just before..." She let the thought trail off as she knelt beside Kellie, gently taking the woman's quivering hands in her own.
"That's quite an achievement," Kellie murmured, eyes downcast. "I never finished my schooling after..."
"Degrees are just paper," Ancelin said with a gentle smile.
"And right now, those pregnancy hormones are doing exactly what they should—making you care deeply about everything.
My friend Lena couldn't even watch commercials without tissues.
Consider this my gift for your little one's arrival, please? "
Kellie's chin dipped in silent agreement.
Ancelin stood, her gaze traveling across the simple furnishings of the home, feeling the weight of everyone's attention. "Krevan."
"Yes, Ancelin?"
"The next transport is bringing all my things from Earth," Ancelin said, her eyes brightening. "I had too much shipped. But now I see it's unnecessary for our home." She glanced at Krevan. "Perhaps Derrick and Kellie could use some of it? Save us the storage trouble?"
"We couldn't possibly—" Derrick began, but Ancelin cut him off with a wave.
"Please, I insist." she laughed, then sobered.
"The old house I rented from Krevan is nothing but rubble now, and even if it weren't, half these things wouldn't fit through the door.
Your place has space." She leaned forward, her voice softening.
"There are also my father's tools—what Krevan doesn't claim, you're welcome to have.
It would mean a lot to know they're being used.
" The expression she fixed on them made it clear refusal wasn't an option.
"That sounds good, Ancelin," Krevan replied on behalf of the group.
"I should verify the ship's arrival schedule tomorrow in town," Ancelin murmured, her fingers tapping against her thigh.
"The shipping company needs my updated address.
With the volume I've sent—they mentioned my items alone filled nearly a quarter of their cargo hold—they might prioritize an earlier delivery.
" She glanced at Krevan, then back to her hands.
"The all-terrain vehicle alone cost a small fortune to transport, not to mention all those household items." A self-conscious smile flickered across her face.
“It will be helpful if you take some of my things.”
"I've never met anyone as kind as you, except Derrick," Kellie whispered, eyes downcast.
Ancelin crossed the room to where Krevan sat, her fingers finding the tension in his shoulders.
"Forgive me if I've steamrolled over everyone," Ancelin said with a self-deprecating smile.
"For my birthday celebration—come around noon.
We'll make a day of it—lunch, dinner, everything in between.
Just yourselves, nothing else." She bent down, her lips brushing Krevan's cheek. "Ready to go home, love?"
Following her tender gestures, Krevan stood up eagerly, ready to head home. "Yes, Ancelin, I’m ready to go home," he said as he guided her out the front door. "Thanks, Derrick, for having us. I’ll see you at Ancelin’s party." Krevan then assisted Ancelin in the car.
Back at their residence, they each turned to their respective tasks.
Krevan's pattern emerged—he would work for a time, then find her, drawing her into an embrace, his lips brushing against hers as he murmured comforting phrases.
Though Ancelin recognized his attempts to ease her mind about the troubling message from the computer, anxiety continued to shadow her thoughts.
With the evening meal prepared, she ventured out to summon him to dinner.
The greenhouse door stood ajar, revealing Krevan meticulously tending to the plants in the now-thriving space.
Rather than interrupt his progress, she retreated to the kitchen, taking her time to arrange the place settings.
With everything ready, she called out, "Krevan, your dinner is ready. It’s on the table." She knew she didn't need to raise her voice, as he could hear her clearly even from the greenhouse—a testament to Krevan's exceptional capabilities.
"What's on the menu, Ancelin?" Krevan's voice came from directly behind her, making her jump. She spun around; one hand pressed to her chest. "How do you always do that? I never hear you coming," she said, studying his towering form. "Is that a Triaxen thing, or just you?"
"We Triaxen learn to restrain ourselves around others," he said with a casual lift of one shoulder.
His arms encircled her waist from behind as he inhaled deeply.
"The kitchen smells wonderful, though not as enticing as you.
" The warmth of his mouth found that perfect hollow beneath her earlobe, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine.
"I thought we might visit the rooftop after dinner—the night sky will be particularly clear. "
"The roast is what smells delicious, not me," Ancelin laughed, twisting out of his embrace and tugging him toward the table.
"I can distinguish between dinner and my mate," Krevan whispered, pulling her back against his chest. "And I find you far more tempting."
"You're quite intoxicating yourself," she murmured, reluctantly extracting herself. "But this meal won't stay warm forever."
"I don't mind cold food." His pupils dilated slightly as he traced a finger along her wrist. "My appetite runs in other directions right now."
"After all the work I put into this meal?" She pulled her hand away with a playful firmness. "The roast first, me second."
"I'll hold you to that," he said, settling into his chair with a predator's grace disguised as patience.
They ate without speaking, the silence was comfortable between them. Krevan's fork moved in a blur as his plate emptied in half the time it took her to finish a few bites.
"Do you even taste the food at that speed?" Ancelin asked, her eyebrow raised.