Page 31 of Pooch Planet

But King Vlad easily commanded the most attention. The thousand-year-old ruler glared at Antoine through silver eyes, his jet-black hair draped around his shoulders in cascading waves. The gaudy gold crown he wore on his head was encrusted with jewels of every kind and had belonged to a long line of vampire kings dating back to Old Earth. The robe he wore was black and shimmering, the collar made from the pelt of a white tiger. Even in his attire, King Vlad made it known he was merciless and cared nothing for living things.

“So,” began Antoine. “You’re finally ready to claim responsibility for these killings? How many demons have you sent to terrorize this and other planets?”

King Vlad threw back his head and laughed—a scratchy, hollow sound that made Antoine clench his teeth.

“Quite the opposite, gargoyle.” He sneered. “The planet of Carpathia wishes to go on record that we aren’t associated in any way with your little problem.”

“Oh?” Antoine let out a disgusted snort. “How is this my problem, when the source is one of your kind?”

King Vlad snarled, “He’s gone rogue. Stole a transport ship, disabled the tracking system then disappeared.” The vampire lifted one carefully sculpted eyebrow. “Got a taste of pooch flesh a while back and hasn’t been the same since.” He pursed his lips as if he’d just smelled something bad. “Personally, I don’t understand the appeal.” Vlad shrugged. “But to each their own, as they say.”

Antoine jabbed his finger at the transparent image of the king. “Enough of this bullshit! This monster’s meal preferences are of no interest to me! He’s one of yours, so you call him back home.” Antoine placed his hands on his hips. “Or do I need to remind you of the garlic bombs and holy water missiles we still have stockpiled?”

All three of the loathsome creatures hissed, then the king spoke again, “I swear to the Dark Lord that I have nothing to do with these slayings!” His mouth curled into an evil grin. “Don’t you realize that I adore bragging about my conquests, that I delight in the infliction of excruciating pain, revel in condemning innocents to a horrific, bloody demise? I would announce to the universe my vile deeds had I been the cause!”

Antoine smirked. I forgot how melodramatic these freaks are. “Then we’re at an impasse. I’ll be notifying Commander Ward of your lack of cooperation and that you’ve broken the pact between the Federation and the Paranormals that was established over a millennia ago. If you’ll excuse me, we have to get our garlic bombs ready.”

“Wait!” King Vlad held up a bejeweled hand. “Give me one full day and night to meet with my counsel.” He spoke to Antoine through gritted teeth. “But if you’re so anxious to use garlic bombs, then why don’t you use them on Pooch Planet?” Vlad made a shooing gesture. “You have my unholy blessing to do what you will with him.”

“We can’t.” Antoine crossed his arms. “Garlic is toxic to dogs.”

“Interesting…” King Vlad gave him what Antoine assumed was meant to be a smile. “I’ve never been a fan of those mangy things, but they’re starting to sound more intriguing.”

“We’re done here. You’ve got one day and night. If that rogue, as you call him, hasn’t been eradicated by then, we’ll be in touch.” Antoine paused for effect. “In some form or another.”

Antoine ended the feed. The ghost-like images of King Vlad, his consort and the General dissolved into nothing.

Which is exactly what I’d like to do to that damn bat that still eludes us.

Antoine rested his fists on the console, his teeth grinding in frustration and anger. He didn’t know if he believed Vlad or not, but there was a ring of truth to his words. What motive would the vampires, cursed Lycans, and other demonic creatures have to gain by infiltrating G-Force territory? Surely a poodle snack wouldn’t be worth bringing the wrath of the Federation down on their heads.

Antoine straightened then regarded everyone on the bridge. “Let’s continue as we were. Lieutenant, notify Commander Ward of what just happened and send him the recording of the communication. Tully, you move ahead with your search, and I’ll check in with the other investigators, see where they’re at.”

Antoine made his way back to the command tent then contacted Detective Isis to get her feedback on the investigation so far. After he finished speaking with her, and discovering she’d had zero results as well, he decided some painkiller was in order. He also made sure his com disc crystal was still functioning at the highest charge, then headed for his quarters. Benji was resting after a long night of vomiting and he wanted to make sure his mate was okay.

A measure of tension left his shoulders. He was relieved to be feeling something other than irritation and anger. Surely the sudden sickness that had overtaken Benji meant what he thought it did? Antoine pulled apart the magnetic closures to the tent entrance, mindful of being quiet in case Benji was asleep. To his delight, Benji was sitting up in bed and seemed a lot less wan than he had earlier.

Benji peered up and broke into a big smile. “Oh, thank gods you’re here.” He held out his arms. “I’ve been missing you so much.”

Antoine hurried to Benji’s side then sat next to him on the edge of the bed, pulling Benji into a gentle embrace. If he didn’t have to get right back to work, he would’ve climbed under the covers with his mate.

“You seem better. How are you feeling?” Antoine rubbed soft circles on Benji’s back.

“I am. I was thinking of going to the village doctor later.”

Antoine’s stomach clenched and he angled back his head, searching Benji’s expression for a sign that something was wrong. “Why do you need to see the doctor?”

Benji’s smile turned dreamy. “To verify I’m pregnant.”

Antoine yanked Benji back into his arms then peppered his neck and cheeks with frantic kisses. While the thought of having children with Pierre had filled him with dread—with Benji, he’d never yearned so much for a family.

Antoine’s lips found Benji’s mouth and he kissed him with all the love he could, hoping Benji understood. They hadn’t said out loud what Antoine hoped Benji felt. Perhaps it was too soon, perhaps his mate needed more time, but he himself didn’t. He knew. Not only was Benji his fated mate, but Antoine had never experienced such joy, such longing for another being that went beyond the sexual. If all he ever had in the universe was Benji and their family, then Antoine would consider his life complete.

Antoine finally broke the kiss but Benji still had his arms locked around Antoine’s neck, hanging on as if Antoine were a lifeline. He petted Benji’s mussed hair back, attempting to soothe him with caresses.

“Is it that Chiweenie trait you were telling me about?”

Benji’s brow creased. “I wasn’t so much telling, as warning.” He worried his lip. “I know you’re going to get sick of it eventually.” That same lip began to tremble. “Sick of me.”