I shrug, feeling the pull of my skin on my neck where Dante bit me, even if the only evidence is some silvery marks which fade with every passing moment.
“They have a complex social structure and hierarchy,” Lydia says. “Far more complex than anything I’ve come across on Earth. It’s a mix of ancient practices, military needs, and biological drives, all bound together with the desire for a common goal, which is to be the biggest, baddest creatures in the galaxy.”
We all look at our quiet friend, amazed at her sudden and detailed outburst. Lydia turns red.
“I mean, that’s sort of what I think anyway.” She scurries into the bathroom.
I slowly explore where Dante bit me. It’s tender, but there’s no crusting or obvious wounds.
“The Sarkarnii have venom,” Kerra says, noticing my hand at my neck, “in their bite. It promotes healing.” She puts her hand on my arm. “But none of this is your fault, Rosie and Dante does have to face the consequences of his actions. It’s the Sarkarnii way.”
“I’m not mad.” I look where Maggie is sat with her back to us. “I was more surprised initially, and maybe a bit scared.” I sigh. “I don’t think there was any malice, and it’s entirely possible he was more surprised and scared than I was.”
Kerra studies my face.
“For what it’s worth,” Scarlett says, “I don’t think he knew what he was doing either. I’ve spent some time with Dante, and he doesn’t know which way is the sky and which way is theground of the time. He’s more feral than any of the others.” She holds her hands up as Kerra gives her a sharp glance. “But like Maggie says, it’s not an excuse.”
“I don’t really know what to think.” I sigh. “I’m not sure I like either the idea he bit me because he didn’t know what he was doing or because he thought I was a snack.”
“It’s in the hands of the warlords now. It’s up to them to deal with Dante as they see fit,” Scarlett says, rubbing my arm.
Lydia returns from the bathroom, not as red as before, and mentions we should all perhaps get some dinner. While she goes to make peace with Maggie, Kerra orders food, and Scarlett sits next to me in blissful silence.
“I’m sorry this has spoilt your day,” I say to her.
“Don’t be silly.” She rolls her eyes. “It’s not spoiled. It’s been Sarkarniied. How could it not happen?” She laughs quietly. “Especially with Dante involved.”
“Dexx looked so handsome for you when he danced,” I say.
I’m not entirely sure, but I think I see her lip ripple as if she wants to snarl but doesn’t.
“Thank you,” she says, and I’m sure her teeth are gritted. “I told him he didn’t have to do it, but he wanted to. They have their ways.”
“We’re not on Earth anymore, are we?” I sigh. “I mean, if I didn’t know before, I do now.”
“Alien mating practices…woo.” Scarlett wiggles her fingers at me before cracking a smile. “Bet you didn’t think you’d end up here when you woke up on the morning of your abduction.”
I still haven’t told my friends how I ended up being abducted, so I just give her my best smile and try not to think about the morning when there was ice on the inside of the car where I was sleeping and I thought I might lose my toes to frostbite.
“No, I didn’t.” I return her smile. “Same goes for being bitten by an alien who can turn into a dragon.”
“I’ll let you in on a secret.” Scarlett leans close. “No matter what happens, remember the Sarkarnii females held all the power. Mating was their choice, and if they didn’t like the way a male was rutting for them, they’d just bite him, and their venom would incapacitate the male for two days or more.”
“What?”
“So generally, the Sarkarnii males don’t want that and usually treat their females with a level of terrified respect.”
“And Dante?”
“He’s wired a bit differently. But the whole ‘females will bite you and nearly kill you’ thing seems to be pretty well embedded into their psyche.” Scarlett shrugs. “I guess self-preservation didn’t kick in quickly enough for Dante, but then he does seem to be…” She goes quiet as the door to our quarters opens and Darax enters. “Dante.”
He’s followed by three warriors carrying in our rations, and he snarls at them as they place down the platters and make a swift exit.
“Rosalie,” he intones, and I internally cringe at being noticed by Darax, especially after being bitten by Dante.
“Yes?” I rather wish my voice hadn’t come out as a squeak.
“No doubt my mate has told you Dante is to be tried for his transgressions?”
