Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
That was unacceptable behavior, however—even with a fake S’rentha, he reminded himself. He couldn’t go grabbing the little blonde just because his stupid body kept mistaking her for his own personal goddess.
Why don’t you just admit the real reason you don’t reach for her? whispered a little voice in his head. It’s not just that she doesn’t look or act like a S’rentha is supposed to—it’s because you’re scared. Fucking frightened to death—admit it!
T’zaren tried to push the voice away but it wouldn’t go. Instead, it seemed to get even louder.
What if she acts like that other female—that Ashley—when you tell her you want to worship her? it demanded. What if she’s disgusted by your desires? By your needs? These Earth females aren’t like your own kind, you know. They have different customs—different values. What if she finds your need to worship her repulsive?
T’zaren told himself firmly that it didn’t matter what Dr. Lucille Heartwood thought of his needs and desires because she was never, ever going to be his S’rentha and that was final. She was never—
Just then he heard two sets of footsteps approaching. Turning, he saw Chief Commander Rarev and Dr. Lucille herself striding towards him. Dr. Lucille had put on a black jacket over the silky white blouse she wore but it was open at the front, so it still showed the curves of her full breasts as well as a generous portion of cleavage, he saw with dismay. He couldn’t help remembering that when she’d been standing next to him in the Commander’s office, he kept on imagining what it would be like to peel open that blouse and suck her ripe nipples…
Enough! You can’t think like that! You’re going on a mission together—you have to be serious, he lectured himself.
“T’zaren! Hello!” Commander Rarev raised one hand to him as they got closer. “All ready to go, I see?”
“Yes, Chief Commander.” T’zaren nodded stiffly. He saw that Dr. Lucille was carrying a bag that looked like some kind of luggage. “May I take that from you, Dr. Lucille, and stow it in the ship?” he asked, keeping his voice courteous but cool.
“Thanks, but I can handle it myself,” she said, matching his tone and arching an eyebrow at him. Clearly she had decided to keep some emotional distance between them, T’zaren thought. Well, so much the better. Considering the way she made his Sen Stripe flare, it was far better if they stayed apart as much as possible.
“Very well.” He gave a curt nod. “This way—the ship’s hatch is already open.”
“Wait, please.” Commander Rarev raised his hands to stop them both from going. “T’zaren, before you leave, you know I need your oath of protection for Dr. Heartwood,” he said.
T’zaren felt himself tighten inside, but he knew his Commander’s request was not unreasonable. He was going on this mission to protect and serve the little human female—he needed to state that formally before they began.
Stepping forward, he went to one knee before her.
“Please—give me your hands that I may pledge my oath,” he said formally.
“Oh, um…” Dr. Lucille didn’t seem to know what to do at first. She fumbled with her luggage for a moment before handing it to Chief Commander Rarev, who was waiting patiently to one side. Then, finally, she put her small, soft hands in his.
Again his Sen Strip flared—making him glad that he was still wearing a shirt to hide his shame, though he usually didn’t bother with one. T’zaren looked up at her and tried to be cool, calm, and collected. But something rose up inside him—something he couldn’t control—and he spoke the words that came to his lips.
“Dr. Lucille,” he began, looking into her warm, honey-colored eyes. “On this mission, I will be your protector and your guard. I will shield your body with mine, and guard your life even at the cost of my own. Because you will be acting as my S’rentha during our time together, I will…”
He paused for a moment and then went on, unable to hold back the words.
“I will submit myself to you body, soul, and mind. From now until we complete our mission, I am yours and you may do with me as you please. I wish only to protect and pleasure you, my S’ren—my Lady. I…I…mean…” he stumbled for a moment. Had he nearly called her his S’rentha? Damn it, he almost had! He tried to reign himself in as he forced himself to continue.
“No harm shall befall you that does not pass through me first…not a drop of your blood shall be shed unless all of mine has first been spilled…As the Goddess is my witness, I vow on my honor as a Monstrum warrior to bring you safely home,” he finished at last, his heart pounding.
Gods, what was wrong with him?