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“Aye,” Bellator agreed as he led the way down the steps of the commons.

“Thanks.” She smiled, then changed the subject by greeting the Vorto seated nearby who were also here for midday meal.

It pained Artifex that Isa still had doubts about how stunning she was. Her curves were feminine, the exact opposite of everyone he’d been around his whole life, and they werewonderful to squeeze and thrust against. Artifex gave Isa another squeeze as he reluctantly set her on the chaise at the bottom of the dining commons.

“I hope you are hungry,” he said, after Isa finished waving to the other members of their hive.

“I am.” She nodded.

“Good.” Artifex gestured to Operar.

Operar eagerly ran over with a platter.

“Oh no. I do not want any more fish balls.” Isa pointed at the brown spheres on the plate, thinking they wereraphanus.

“No. That’s not what these are,” Operar chuckled. “We’ve been working on a new recipe.”

“Oh. Can I try?” Bellator reached for one of the morsels.

“Of course.” Operar extended the platter.

“Okay. I’m game.” Isa took one along with Bellator.

Artifex held his breath as their queen put the sphere in her mouth. He’d been working with Operar to create this treat ever since theraphanusdebacle.

“Oh!” Queen Isa’s eyes widened as she chewed. “It’s like a salted caramel truffle,” she moaned.

Her moan was very close to the one she made when they had sex. That had to mean she approved. His shaft jerked in agreement.

“So, you like it?” Operar asked.

“She does,” Galis answered for her, also recognizing the moan. “A lot!”

Isa snorted, covering her mouth to keep the treat in.

Artifex grinned, loving her reaction. “We attempted to make the thing you call a bonbon. I wanted to commemorate theraphanusincident,” he couldn’t help but add.

“Oh my god,” Isa laughed harder behind her hand. She swallowed. “You’re rotten, but it is wonderful. Quick, give mehealthy food before I eat the whole platter of sweets.” She grinned.

Operar grinned back, pleased beyond words.

“Wonderful!” Artifex beamed. The success with the bonbon was better than he expected.

Midday meal was served and they all proceeded to eat. Artifex laughed when he caught their queen sneaking one of the bonbons.

“Hush.” She nudged him with a happy laugh.

I am definitely going to make more sweets, he decided, adoring her delighted smile and the happy, sexy sounds she made as she ate them.

Bellator

While they were eating, Proel, one of the legionnaire gammas, raced into the dining commons, when he was supposed to be out on patrol.

“I just escorted one of the Nemus betas here,” Proel announced from the top of the steps.

That instantly had Bellator’s attention. “What do they want?!” He leapt to his feet.

Had the Nemus returned to try and take their queen again? The archives were very clear. Once a queen decided the outcome of theConlatus, her decision was to be respected. He hadn’t been on the field when Queen Isa made her decision, but the Nemus must have felt the loss very deeply. Even though he respected the Nemus’ persistence, there was no way he would stand for this show of disrespect toward their queen. And next time he went up against Soleno, he’d be prepared to play dirty the way the other legionnaire alpha had.