Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 77692 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 388(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77692 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 388(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
“How often are you bathing without the privacy screen closed?” I ask.
Luna sways side to side in the water as she slowly takes a step backward. “Only when the human women—or the Mina—are also using the hall. The guards have started refusing access to males when there are more than a few women together inside.”
Ah.
Just before I entered, a few human females exited the hall, and as I walked through, I realized the hall was empty but for the soft splashes and humming at the end.
I nod, and explain, “At home, there are bathing halls exclusive to Mina and females, but I am sure it’ll include human females now. I’m pleased to know the Hallans at their post are taking it upon themselves to give everyone the space they need.”
Luna grins, and I don't expect it. I’m not ready for the way it almost punches me like a fist to the gut. Has it been that long since I looked upon her when she was happy with me?
“You don’t get a little worried when a group of women get together to whisper and … Oh, I don’t know, plot?” she asks.
She even winks.
I’m suddenly so on edge at the notion that she’s joking with me, easily and carefree as if we haven’t had an entire trip across many galaxies in almost utter silence, that it takes me off guard. Partly, because I crave this time and conversation with her as much as it confuses me, but also from my suddenly weak knees.
She is my ultimate fantasy floating naked and happy, wet with water and grinning at me as she does right now.
“Actually,” I say, voice husky because I want her to hear the battle she makes me wage silently, “I’m very aware how truly amazing things can happen when you put a group of you together, my mate.”
“I will enjoy that part of this new life,” she whispers. “I’m not ashamed to admit that. The reverence to the female species is … appealing.”
I don’t know if she wants me to respond, so I opt to take us in another direction.
“I stopped in to see Zarah before I came down to find you,” I tell her as I step into the enclave of her bathing suite, and close the privacy screen using the panel on the wall. The guards will likely keep anyone from entering, knowing it’s just my mate and I in here, but there are certain privileges I covet from my mate. Privileges, like her body, that I don’t wish to share with other people, even if it is only gazing, and I don’t mind telling her exactly that, either. “Much better,” I say when the screen seals shut.
Luna laughs wickedly. “Worried someone might like what they see?”
“Very,” I agree. “And that someone might see what you do to me.”
The evidence of that currently tents my pelt proudly, and as I am unable to hide or settle my cock lately when it comes to Luna being in my vicinity, I try to focus back on the Zarah topic that seemed to mean so much to her earlier. So much so that she felt the need to seek me out about it—even if I don’t entirely believe that was the whole reason. I do think me checking in on Zarah was important for my mate in some way, and that’s what matters to me now. “I shared a warm drink with her before she settled in for bed, and a short story of meeting her daughter for the first time. She seems to be adjusting a lot better to life on the ship, which I did know from her guard, but it was nice to hear from her side, as well.”
“Mmhmm,” Luna hums happily. “And the Hallans, too. The ones she knows by name, at least.”
Also good to hear.
“All positive steps are worthy ones, yes?”
“I’ll agree to that.”
“Perhaps once we’ve arrived and she gets some in-depth time with the Minas, and the experience of Hallalah, she will be like a new female.”
The idea makes Luna smile softly. “Let’s hope. Thank you for taking time away from …” She waves at nothing in particular, adding, “All the things I know you do.”
“It’s never a burden to make sure the things you concern yourself with are taken care of promptly when I’m able, Zawla.”
Luna’s lips twitch a bit.
“What was that about?”
She sighs. “I called you my mate today.”
The declaration makes my brows lift high. “Oh?”
“To a guard. Just … said it. Meant it. I wanted to know where you were and asked for my mate. So, there’s that. I guess it’s settled. We are what we are, aren’t we?”
Her acceptance of something that always was makes me chuckle. “Your dedication to being stubborn rivals only my own, Luna.”
She may not know it, but I do admire that about her, too.