“Of course.”
“But I though the men ruled in barbarian culture.”
Lore returned and must have overheard, because he answered, “We do. When our females allow it.”
The men laughed and pulled a grin out of Mandy. “What’s that?” she asked, cringing at the string of bloodied hides he held.
Lore brightened. “I found a small pod of flehiks.” He handed them to Zehn, who left the hut to clean them, she supposed. Lore nodded. “One hunts, the other cleans and prepares the meal. You will enjoy them. They taste delicious.”
“Um, okay.” She didn’t think she could eat something she’d seen all bloodied, but she’d reserve judgement.
“You are feeling well?” Lore asked.
“Fine.”
He squatted down in front of her, such power and maleness radiating like a furnace. The energy inside her couldn’t help reaching out to touch him.
“Ah.” He closed his eyes, and when he opened them, the green glowed in both orbs. The tattoos on his chest and shoulders flashed as well. “Mandy, the feel of you is like a dip into Fyanthul. I never want to leave.”
“Sorry.” She didn’t know how she’d lost control again. She was better than that.
He took her hand in his and gave a gentle squeeze. “Never apologize for who you are. You hide much. I know what it’s like.” His green eyes faded, so that the other turned back to gold. But his tattoos remained a dark web over his body. “I also know what it’s like to be able to be free with one you love.” He smiled. “Zehn allows only my truth. As we both allow only yours.”
“Allow?” That sounded a bit arrogant, though he sounded too good to be true talking about acceptance—something she’d strived to find her entire life.
“This is wrong? Do your males not allow equality on Earth?”
“Wait. Allow sounds like you’re in charge.”
He nodded. “I am. Of seeing to your happiness. As you are in charge of seeing to mine.”
“I…oh.” She didn’t know how to answer that, especially because he knelt in front of her, having drawn closer. “Lore?”
“You are everything to me. To us.”
“That sounds serious.” And wonderful. And freakin’ scary.
He drew her hand to his heart, and she swore she could feel the tattoos shifting under her touch, bringing her psychically closer. “It is. But the worry should not be yours, Mandy of Earth. We will not let the Earthers harm you. And we will do nothing but ensure your happiness.”
She wanted to argue. Meant to put some distance between them. Instead, she tugged him down and kissed him, needing to feel his strength again.
He sighed into the kiss but didn’t take charge, and that sweetness let her sink into him instead of leaving her overwhelmed. When Mandy pulled back, she saw him smiling.
“See? Truth.”
She wasn’t sure she wanted to know what truth he was talking about. “Zehn told me you and he are mated. And you’re seeking a third.” At his intense look, she added, “You think that third is me.”
He gave a slow nod.
“But it can’t be. I’m not staying on the planet, Lore.” Shoot. She’d meant to ease into that discussion.
Lore only nodded. “As you say. Mandy, you must know. We cannot force you to stay with us.”
Which should have relieved her but didn’t.
“You should also know we take very good care of what is ours.”
“I’m not a possession,” she snapped, having heard that line for most of her life.
