Why couldn’t she admit she liked him?
They only went far enough to be out of sight before he flipped her into his arms and growled, “Stop your complaining. I didn’t harm you.”
“What happened to not manhandling me without permission?”
“You wanted to go with your friend.”
“But didn’t.”
“By your words, it sounded as if you contemplated it. You’ve yet to complete the terms of our bargain.”
She couldn’t help but sneer. “Ah yes, your blackmail.”
“We have an agreement.”
“We do, and in a few days I’ll be done with my part.”
“You are going to leave,” he stated.
“Yes.” A reply that didn’t feel entirely honest given the turmoil inside her.
His expression darkened. “Because you are repulsed by me.”
For a moment she opened her mouth to deny it then frowned. “Not repulsed, not exactly. But I have to take into account the fact you’re different.” She couldn’t help but glance at his tail, flicking madly.
“You’ve been enjoying that difference.”
She felt herself blushing. “I didn’t say it was bad. But you can’t expect me to make a lifetime decision so quickly. I still feel as if I barely know you. A few more days won’t change that.”
“How long do you need?”
A question with no real answer. If they were soulmates like he claimed, shouldn’t she know? Wouldn’t she already be certain?
“I don’t know.”
“You enjoy my company.”
She nodded.
“Is it the coitus? Do I not please you?”
Her jaw dropped. “Hell yeah you please me.” She then blushed.
“That is good to know because if you are intent on leaving, then we are wasting time talking when we could be having pleasure.” He reeled her close, and she glanced up at him.
How could she even think of abandoning him? What if she never found another man who made her feel like he did?
What if she was making a mistake?
What if…
She needed to stop thinking. Let her only feel.
She rose on her tiptoes and kissed him. Or he kissed her. Hard to tell as they came together in a clash of teeth then a hard press of bodies against the nearest tree. His tail took the brunt of the rough tree bark rather than her back as he thrust into her, the loin cloth proving its use once he managed to shove up her wraparound skirt. She hooked her legs around his hips as he held her by the ass, bouncing her on his cock.
She came so hard she forgot to breathe.
Later, back at his lair, she remembered to breathe but lost it all in a scream as he made her come again.
Over and over, he made her body sing. Their lovemaking was fast, furious, and explosive.
She wanted to hate him; instead she desired him. She tried to remind herself of his alien nature but found it intriguing instead.
And they kept having sex. They only had to look at each other and they were finding a place they could tear at each other’s clothes. Why would this passion not abate?
Why didn’t she tire of the way he filled her, thick and hard and long? Why did it feel so good every time she clung to him, riding him to a crest of pleasure that had her gasping and yelling her pleasure? Would she ever be able to stop giving in to the passion?
Because that was all it was. Lust. Sex. Hormones. Surely she would break this spell he had on her before the eight days was up.
On that final morning, she couldn’t say no to the tender caresses. It was hard to remind herself she had to say goodbye.
Why?
Why couldn’t she stay? He wanted her to. Ralph would miss her if she left.
What of her mission?
What of it?
Thyos had the coordinates, and there was nothing stopping her from sending them to her friends so that she could remain here and forge a new life. And if it didn’t work out…she’d have a place to go.
The decision made her light. She could almost imagine his face when she told him. He would beam and his eyes would glow and then they’d make love.
Yes, love.
Because that was what she felt for him.
Pure, unadulterated love.
The revelation had her wanting to announce it to Thyos, but he’d gone to deal with some village crisis. Who knew when he’d be back?
Given she had a bit of time, she headed to the hangar hosting the ship to talk to Ishtara. To explain she wouldn’t be leaving with her.
Her friend didn’t take it well. “What do you mean you love the male?” She wrinkled her beak in repugnance.
“I know it’s quick, but I feel things for Thyos. I want to stay here and explore those feelings.”
“Feelings? Caw! It’s called good coitus. You probably have a child planted in your womb making you irrational.”
“I’m not pregnant. I don’t think.” She placed a hand on her belly and wondered.
“You have a mission to complete,” Ish reminded.
“A mission that doesn’t need me anymore. I’ll have him give you the coordinates once I tell him I’m staying.”
“Are you sure he wants you to stay?” The sly remark came from Thuniana, another of Thyos’s sisters, who came sliding out of Ishtara’s room, belting a robe over her muscled physique. Clarabelle didn’t even want to try and decipher the logistics of how that worked.
She’d met Thuniana only briefly a few days ago, under Thyos watchful—and glaring—gaze. Long enough to know the woman didn’t like her. And she really didn’t care.
“I’m his sykyrah.” The first time she’d said it aloud, but it felt right.
“Are you sure? I don’t see the bond.” Thuniana eyed her coldly. “Surely with the amount of copulation you’ve indulged in it should be apparent by now.”
Would it, though, given she’d only just realized she was in love? “Says you. How can you even tell?”
Thuniana rolled her shoulders. “There’s not any visible sign if that’s what you’re asking. It just is. And you don’t have it.”
“He said there’s a ritual.”
Thuniana laughed. “Did my brother lie? I’m surprised. Makes me wonder if he’s telling the truth about you being his sykyrah. After all, males will say anything for sex.”
Clarabelle wasn’t about to believe the word of someone who’d been clear in her dislike for her. “Say what you like. I’m going to get my answers from Thyos.”
“And what if you don’t like them? Will you grovel and beg him to keep you?” Thuniana taunted.
“Red Tide begs no one,” Ish declared, then to Clarabelle, “Snap out of it. You’re obviously quim addled.”
“What? No.” She was horny for him, but she hadn’t lost all her wits. “I don’t see what the problem is with me talking to Thyos. I don’t trust her.” She jerked her head in Thuniana’s direction.
“Are you calling me a liar?”
“Yes.”
No surprise Thuniana hissed and threw herself at Clarabelle. But she was ready for the other woman and managed to duck enough to shove her shoulder into Thuniana’s midsection and lift her off her feet before slamming her to the floor.