Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 78164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
It was hard to imagine. “You’ve always been so cold-blooded that it’s hard to envision you differently.”
Something dark shone from the back of his gaze. “I have always been cold-blooded, but I have not always been forbearing. It is best that you did not know me when I was younger. Things would have been much more difficult for you.”
Chilled, I looked away from the male and back at the courtyard. We had been noticed in our private moments; all eyes observed every movement we made. “You have properly chastised me. You win.”
My chin was caught, Cyderial turning my gaze to claim all my attention. “I thank God that I was forced to wait for you. I know you think me a brute, but I swear to you, I am not what I was. Young men are not equipped to handle their urges. They should not be entrusted with females. You are a living example of what is possible when a man learns control. Not one mated male here would have been capable of releasing his female from her nest so soon. Miranda’s ten years were not an exception. I am taking a great risk in showing the world what may be possible. Please do not make me regret it.”
He looked so earnest, a flash of desperation in his eyes, that I grew unnaturally shy. “I… suppose I should say thank you.”
Smirking, he seemed pleased with my response. “You’re welcome.”
With that, he ushered us forward out of the shadows.
Every step I took in that dress accentuated the swell of my belly. Though other women at the courtyard were similarly engorged, I was intensely uncomfortable to have their eyes on me. My goals in life had revolved around keeping my nose down, hoping I might be ignored. Now, I was the center of attention.
Even the music stopped.
In the static crowd, a blonde wisp of a woman began waving from across the yard. Miranda, in all her ethereal glory, grinned at us both.
Lips came to my ear, the unexpected touch enough to make me shiver. “Would you like a drink?”
Belly full as it was, I would not be thirsty for some time. “No.”
I felt him smile against my temple. “Not that kind of drink, my love. Something to help you relax.”
An intoxicant? That might be useful, considering my nerves. “Okay then.”
Belly protruding before me, I was led into the gathering, both men and women nodding greetings. Cyderial had not lied to me; most of the women had clearly been plugged, their partners nearby and, in many cases, putting themselves between their mates and our approach.
Not overtly, but subtly standing guard.
Why?
Similar to the bar I invaded in my misguided attempt to earn the fog, an open counter and a barkeep waited. He addressed Cyderial on familiar terms and gave me a smile of congratulations.
Unsure what to say, I nodded.
Was the situation worthy of congratulations? Congratulations were for recognition of great accomplishment. Being fucked into a bond by a man strong enough to hold me down and get his way wasn’t really something to celebrate.
After all, how many females were actually excited to be mated once they knew the full consequences? Few, I would guess. Addiction to the highest-ranking stranger who heard your song felt so impersonal.
Yet I had known Cyderial for ten years.
There was nothing impersonal in the way he pillaged my body.
And there I was at his side, unwittingly thinking about sex, bulging with his fluids in my belly, dressed in clothing he prepared for me, and asking him for help.
We were connected by history long before a bond. Maybe that was why I had stolen his pink rock. Maybe I had just been too young to understand.
A pretty cup was pressed into my hands, the contents bubbling and smelling fruity. Aware the crowd watched closely, I leaned into Cyderial’s side as if I might have privacy there and watched him palm a different beverage. “Your friends are staring at me.”
“They are staring at me.” He gave me a smirk, satisfied to feel me willingly shelter against him. “Watching to make sure that I don’t pose a threat.”
That didn’t make any sense. “But you took me out yesterday in a large crowd of humans.”
“And it was all over the broadcasts. My mate was upset—another reason it would be anticipated I would not repeat the experience so quickly.” Abandoning his drink on the bar, he brought his hand up to cup my jaw. Thumb brushing my lower lip, he said, “Let them all see how well we do together. The unmated males here will desire a future mate that warms quickly to them. Give them reason to envy.”
“You think I’m warming to you?” I had not exactly been friendly. Tolerant perhaps, but not friendly.
His thumb found my lips again, pulling at my bottom lip. “You are. You might not like me yet, but you melt when I touch you. That has nothing to do with any addiction, my beautiful mate. Physically, you know to trust me.” Leaning down, he stole a quick kiss, before whispering, “You enjoy my strength. Appreciate my learned patience. Most importantly, you have witnessed my ability to recognize my mistakes and apologize for them. Yes, you have warmed to me. Deep down under all your anger, our bond is growing, and I am working hard to be a good custodian of your faith.”