Just like yours,Zehn sent her, and smiled.
She started crying, unable to keep it all inside. They comforted her, as mates should, and waited. Once she had control of her emotions, she told them everything. “I left because I had to know I was giving myself options. I didn’t want to be tied to you because I had to be. But because I wanted to be.” She could see they understood. It still didn’t make her feel any better to know how miserable they’d been.
Lisa and Skye had given her an earful—as well as a hugeI told you so—upon her return.
“I visited a few worlds. Did some tele-jumping. Saw the Raiegn Galaxy. But all I could think about was you guys. My life was so empty without you. The baby felt it too.”
Lore put his hand over her still slender belly. “Ah, our son is so glad to be home.” He frowned. “I think… He needs Ussed, Mandy. As much as he needs us.”
She sighed. “Yeah. I got that. From what Skye thinks, barbarians rarely leave Ussed because it’s hard to live offworld. You’re so tied to the planet that it’s a part of you. I think if I’d raised our baby somewhere else, he could have adapted. I got some checkups, and he’s healthy—if super tiny yet.” She smiled. “I thought a lot about us, about what we did together. About what you said. I forgive you guys for the baby. Not that I have to forgiveyou.” She glared at the ground—at the planet. “Next time, ask.”
They laughed, and Lore knew a profound peace, that he’d found his heavenly plane right here on Ussed’s lush ground.
Yes.Zehn took his hand.I’m sorry I’ve been so lost.
Losing Mandy had twisted something in Zehn, taken a part of the strength Lore had come to rely on, making their time apart doubly hard.
“Will you stay?” Zehn asked Mandy. “I cannot bear it if you go again. We will come with you if you decide to leave.”
She frowned. “Didn’t you hear me? You can’t. You’re tied to Ussed. Leaving the planet would hurt you. Might even kill you.”
Zehn, poetic, charming Zehn, said, “Living without you did kill us. Every day was a hell I never want to experience again. I love you, Mandy, as I love Lore.”
“Oh.” She sniffed and wiped her eyes. “I’m so sorry, guys.”
“I thought we were done being sorry?” Lore smiled. “We are happy now, with those we love, and that’s what counts. Can you stay with us,tonan?”
“If you tell me whattonanmeans.”
Zehn chuckled. “It meansof my heart.Because you, Mandy, are of my heart. It’s also something a more dominant lover calls his more submissive partner.” He and Lore exchanged a wicked look. “We have yet to introduce you to the pleasure of obeying a sexual master. Something I have a feeling we’ll get to sooner than later.”
Lore stroked himself, not surprised to find himself wet and willing. “Yes. Because without you here, our pairing was most violent.” He grinned at Zehn. “A battle to see who could come first.”
Mandy shivered. “I missed that. Watching you two. You’re so beautiful together.”
Zehn flushed. “Mandy. Men aren’t beautiful.”
Lore smirked. “Told you so.”
“Stop.” Zehn lunged at Lore, then bent him over and showed Mandy his cock. “You want to watch,tonan?”
“Oh, yes.” She clapped. “Take him hard.”
“I will. For you.” Zehn slid inside Lore, then fucked him while they watched Mandy.
Their eager mate touched herself while Zehn finished, and it was all Lore could do to wait until Zehn pulled out before mounting his female. He spent inside her as she clamped around him, and the scent of their lovemaking filled the air.
Ussed hummed her blessing while the Maker showered them with love.
***
Arghet and Skehl stopped outside Lore and Zehn’s dwelling. Kryllax blooms opened all around and spread, the scent of fertile happiness impossible to miss.
Arghet watched, stunned, as Skehl drew in a deep breath andsmiled.The tattoo below his left eye turned red. Just like the female who’d stolen Arghet’s kill at the resort. He hadn’t seen or heard of her since, and he’d looked. He had a score to settle with the arrogant woman. Steal his kill and get away unscathed? Oh no, not while his heart beat and he still breathed. She owed him for her offense, and he’d dreamed of the many ways he’d make her pay. Dearly.
Skehl sighed. “Ah, their mate and young have returned.”
It was more than Skehl had said in days.
