Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 58483 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 234(@250wpm)___ 195(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58483 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 234(@250wpm)___ 195(@300wpm)
King Zander turns to his mate, who sits quietly beside him. She is known to have extra-human psychic abilities. “Any insight?”
“Playing dumb feels like the lightest possibility. But they will come at us again. And soon. You require a battle strategy for when they challenge you directly.”
The king nods. “Erick, use your diplomacy. Seke, prepare for war. Council dismissed.”
The beings in the chamber all spring into motion. I tug Taisha toward the door. As soon as we’re outside the council room, I stop and face her, making the rest of the beings exiting move around us.
I cup her face. “Taisha, please forgive me for deceiving you.” I look down at her. “It was wrong, and it took me time to realize how much of a travesty it truly was.”
She blinks rapidly, but doesn’t answer.
“I did not mean to toy with your emotions, or to string you along. I just…” I hesitate. “I wanted to have you, but didn’t think I could. Or should. So I let it go on.”
She makes a little noise. I can’t tell if it’s a happy sound or not, but I continue. “I didn’t think I could be an effective judge for Zandia if I let my mind be clouded with emotion. Then I learned that a little emotion lets me use my rational mind in the most useful way. And even more importantly… I love you.”
My eyes feel strange. A little wet, for some reason. No matter. I can ask Dr. Daneth to check me later for a possible infection, if need be. Perhaps it is dust. “I love you, Taisha. I want you to be my mate. I will spend the rest of my life making up my mistake to you. Proving to you that I care about you and trust you. Give me a chance.”
For a long moment I think she’s going to say no. Repeat that she hates me.
But then the best thing in my life happens. She leans into me and puts her hands on my face. “Drayk, I’m sorry I said I hated you.” Her voice is soft and sweet. “I didn’t mean it, I was just hurt. I never stopped caring.” She smiles and the beauty of it makes my whole body go numb. “I do love you. And yes, I would like… to be your mate.” She flushes and dips her head, then looks back at me.
And I don’t give a single veck who sees and what they might say about me and whether I can be impartial for Zandia. Now that I know Zander is behind me and my decisions, that he agrees with me that Taisha is to be kept on our planet, it’s like everything is coming together.
I kiss her, pulling her head to mine, tasting her sweet lips, wrapping my arms around her.
Scattered applause breaks out, some laughter, some cheers. It seems beings welcome the chance for a little frivolity in the midst of our planetary dilemma.
Zander approaches me and Taisha. “We have work to do,” he cautions. But then he places a hand on my shoulder. “Still, there is time for you to formalize your agreement.” He smiles at me and nods. “A contented warrior who fights for love back home is the most ferocious in all of existence.” He raises an eyebrow. “A formal ceremony later, after this aggression is warded off, Drayk. But you must take the time this planet rotation to complete your private vows.”
I bow my head. “Yes, my lord. Thank you.”
He gives me a knowing look. “It is as I predicted.”
I am not sure I like being so predictable. On the other hand, a ruler who can read us so clearly is the right leader at our helm as we must decipher how to handle the Ocretion threats. Our king is wise beyond measure.
“I will take adequate time,” I promise him.
Then I whisper in Taisha’s ear, for her alone to hear, “To not only reward you for saying yes, but to punish you for even suggesting you go back to the Ocretions. That merits a very serious ass-vecking, I do believe.”
She giggles and smiles. Music to my heart. She’s back, now, my sweet human. Now, my mate.
“Let’s go.” I hoist her into my arms. “I intend to make the most of my time with you.”
I don’t know what the future holds for our planet. But I am confident that with Taisha at my side, in my bed and as my partner in life, we will accomplish everything necessary to keep ourselves—and Zandia—strong and safe.