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 n***d 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
