Page 22 of Pooch Planet

Chapter Nine

Antoine kissed his sleeping mate’s temple, drinking in one final view of Benji before heading back to the G-Force camp. As he’d held Benji in his arms while they slept, relieved that he could protect his omega from the bat demon, he’d pondered their situation. He’d never let Benji go, not if he could help it. But would Benji come with him when it was time to leave?

As quietly as he could, Antoine got dressed and tiptoed from Benji’s home. However, he forgot to stoop below the door jamb and banged his head against the rough-hewn wood. He clenched his teeth to keep from crying out, a strangled squeak being the only sound he made. Antoine glanced over his shoulder and noted that Benji had curled into a ball on his side and didn’t seem to have been disturbed.

He rolled his eyes at himself, closed the door softly, then turned around. Almost every window of every home on the street was filled with the face of one of Benji’s neighbors.

Oh boy.

Antoine had hoped that by leaving at dawn, he could’ve gotten away without anyone noticing. He hadn’t dared leave any earlier out of fear that the bat demon could still make an appearance if it was dark. Not that he was ashamed by his mate—not at all. But since he had an investigation to lead, and might even have to travel to other crime scenes, he hated to leave Benji to face the village gossip on his own. Otherwise, he’d shout it all over the planet that Benji was his.

He sighed. At least for now.

Antoine straightened, tugged the hem of his jacket, and made his way down the road, head held high. The walk to the meadow wouldn’t be too far, and since it was early still, he decided the stroll would give him some time to reflect on his situation. He frowned to himself.

Not mine. Ours.

He was an Alpha and Benji was his omega to protect and cherish. For all he knew, when he’d knotted Benji the night before, he’d made him pregnant. Flutters of excitement filled his belly. Now he knew the thrill of having a mate, a true mate whom he was proud to call his own. The dread he’d felt at the thought of mating Pierre had been replaced by the joy of knowing that Benji was destined to be his.

The realization filled him with warmth, and he grinned, allowing himself to recall scenes from their lovemaking. Running his palms along Benji’s soft skin, tasting his mouth for the first time, being joined with him by the knot and sharing gentle caresses while they held each other in the afterglow—he’d never forget their first time.

Antoine swallowed hard. He’d fight to keep it from being their last. Of course, he’d never force Benji to leave his planet, but he’d never abandon him either. Even though it would drive him crazy to have long separations, his fiercely protective nature clawing at him every moment they were apart, he’d do whatever it took for them to be a family.

“There you are, gorgeous.”

Antoine’s head snapped up and he almost stumbled as he came to a halt. His stomach dropped.

“Pierre? What the Hades are you doing here?”

Pierre sidled up to him. “Missing you.” He stuck out his lower lip in a pout. “You left without saying goodbye and it took me forever to find out where you were.”

And I will rip apart whoever told you. “I was called away on an emergency.”

“Oh?” Pierre trailed a finger up Antoine’s chest, batting his eyelashes. “What kind of an emergency? The kind that keeps you out all night and prevents you from telling your intended where you’re going?”

“Yes.” He didn’t owe the schemer any explanation.

Pierre huffed, “That’s all you’re going to say? You’re not going to apologize?”

Antoine arched his eyebrows, one corner of his mouth twitching. “Yes, and nope.”

A cloud of rage passed over Pierre’s features before he seemed to get hold of himself. “I understand. Top secret Federation business, right?”

“Exactly.”

Antoine gave Pierre a quick nod then continued to the Federation camp. Scurrying footsteps could be heard from behind him.

“Well, don’t mind me. I know my handsome Alpha is busy, busy, busy with important business. I’ll be sure to stay out of your hair.”

Thank the Gods.

“That would be much appreciated.”

“Of course, shnookums. Anything for you.”

Despite what Antoine had hoped would be the end of the conversation, Pierre jabbered on as he walked by his side.

“…and isn’t this the loveliest of planets? I’d never even heard of it before. Maybe we should have our wedding ceremony here.”