There was an entire pack of wolves, that walked and howled. Each one was detailed and different. She’d also made several interesting animals from Earth—a bear, a lion, a zebra, and some strange thing called a kangaroo. He was certain she’d made that one up.
He held out the flowers.
Her face softened. “They’re beautiful, but don’t distract me.”
“I picked them myself from the forest.”
“Damn, you’re distracting me.” She took the flowers and sniffed them. “They are beautiful, Brodin.”
He sat on the bed beside her. “I know you’re healed, but you lost a lot of blood.”
He’d never forget the terror of holding her in his arms, knowing she was dying.
“Brodin.” She set the flowers aside and slithered onto his lap. “I’m right here.”
He knew that as his mate, she could sense his emotions. He wrapped his arms around her. He still hated Zavir, but his father had done one thing Brodin would always be grateful for.
Poppy nipped his jaw. “I’m not made of glass, Brodin Damar Sarkany.”
“I know, my beautiful mate, but I want to spoil you, make sure you are better.”
The look on her face filled his heart.
“No one’s ever called me beautiful,” she said.
“The men of Earth really are empty-headed fools. They never deserved you.” He nuzzled her and drew in her scent. “And now you’re mine.”
Love shone in her eyes. “I never knew I could love someone as much as I love you.”
With a growl, he kissed her.
She kissed him back, but then broke free before it got very far. “No. Don’t get me all hot and bothered, and then don’t follow through. Again.” Her disgruntlement was plain to hear.
Cassanra had issued a no-exertion rule. Every time Poppy had instigated kissing and touching, Brodin had put a stop to it going any further.
His sexy mate had protested vocally.
Of course, she wasn’t aware that Cassanra had given her a clean bill of health this morning.
“How are Thadd, Annora, and the kids?” Poppy asked.
Brodin dialed back his desire. He’d had a lot of practice over the last few frustrating days. “Thadd is fine. He’s been checking in on Annora as her leg heals. Her leg’s going to be fine.”
Poppy blew out a breath. “Good.”
“Annora threw a jug at Thadd’s head this morning. Luckily the Zhalton has fast reflexes.”
Poppy’s lips twitched. “They do seem to strike sparks off each other.”
Brodin grunted. “More like a forest fire.” He toyed with her silky hair. “The teenagers are healing. Stein and Phelan will take a little longer, but the others, including Annora’s sister, have been released.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“Mal and Rhain arrive tomorrow.”
A huge smile lit Poppy’s face. “I can’t wait to see Mal.”
He felt the love and excitement throb off her, and his gut hardened. He caught her chin. “You’re mine, Poppy.”
“I know.”
“You aren’t going to live on Zhalto.”
Her eyes flashed. “You haven’t asked me to stay.”
“You’re my mate,” he growled.
She bopped his nose with a finger. “I know, but a little romance wouldn’t go astray.”
He rolled, pinning her to the bed beneath him. He loved seeing the color, health, and strength back in her face.
“I brought you flowers. That’s romance.”
Her face softened. “And they are pretty.”
“Poppy Ellison, would you be my mate and partner? Will you stay here on my world of Damar and make a home with me?”
“Brodin,” she breathed, her eyes brimming.
“You and me, mates, together for a lifetime. Right here, I promise you that you will always belong here, with me. You were the missing piece I never knew I was looking for.”
“Oh.” Tears welled in her eyes.
“Don’t cry.”
“They’re happy tears. And yes, Brodin, I want to stay here and belong with you, and make a home together.”
He smiled, elation surging through him. “Good.”
He kissed her.
She was dazed and breathless when he lifted his head. “I have something for you.”
“Does it involve you getting naked?” she asked, in a disgruntled voice.
He smiled. “Patience.” He pulled a small item from his pocket. “I spoke with Mal.”
“Okay.”
“She told me that on Earth, it’s customary for mated couples to wear a ring.” He held up the ring he had commissioned for her.
She gasped, and her gaze flew to his face. “You told Mal we’re mated?”
“Not yet. I was just asking general questions about Earth.”
Poppy’s gaze zeroed in on the ring. “Brodin, it’s beautiful.”
“It’s perfect for you. It’s a Damar Sapphire.” It was the same color as her eyes.
It was a round hunk of stone—raw and wild like the Damari—set in silver metal mined from the south.
“Which finger?” he asked.
She held up her left hand and wiggled a finger. “This one.”
He slid it on. It was a little loose, but he could have the jewel smith adjust it.
She held it up, pleasure on her face. “Can I get you a ring? Warn off any Damari females who get any ideas?”
“I’d be honored to wear anything you give me.” He lowered his head and nibbled her bottom lip.
She pressed a hand to his shoulder. “Don’t kiss me again. I can’t handle being all turned on, and then having to stop.”
He smiled. “Cassanra cleared you this morning.”
Her lips parted. “Why didn’t you say that earlier?” She shoved up, surprising him. She managed to roll him onto his back. Smiling, she straddled his hips.
She lowered her head, her mouth on his neck.
Brodin growled, desire filling his gut. His beautiful, sweet, sexy mate.
She bit his neck and he groaned, his fingers digging into her hips. He rolled her beneath him, and claimed her mouth with his.
The kiss was wild, filled with love and need, and the longing of mates.
Brodin ripped his clothes off, then tore at hers. When he saw the newly healed scars on her belly, he froze.
“Brodin,” she said carefully.
He stroked them, sorry that Candela had poisoned him enough to make him do this.
Poppy slid a hand in his hair and tugged. “They’re a sign we survived. That we won.”
Gorr, she was amazing. Seeing the hope in the darkest of places.
He lowered his head and kissed each mark.
Then he moved lower.
Soon, she was writhing beneath him, her breathing coming in pants.
“Brodin… I need you.”
He pushed her legs wide, then drove his cock inside her.
Poppy gasped, her fingers digging into his muscles.
“My sweet Poppy, my mate.”
“I’m surrounded by you.” She moaned. “Loved, protected, wanted, needed.”
So much flared inside him. He withdrew, then surged back inside her. He drove into her—again and again. Soon, she was clawing at him. His thrusts became frenzied, and he rocked back on his knees, pulling her up. She cried out, his cock deep inside her. Then he tilted her head and bit her neck.