“This isn’t an act of betrayal," Miran said, confused by Nerin’s words. “I’m asking you to do it.”
Nova let out an annoyed huff. “He’s talking about betraying me, not you.”
Shame made Miran duck his head. “I’m sorry, Nerin. I wasn’t thinking.”
“That’s the truth,” Nova said. “Can we go see the kids now?”
Miran turned his attention to his other team member. “Lazil?”
“Only if she’s willing,” Lazil said.
“Of course,” Miran said.
Nova pulled hard enough to get her hand free of his. “Miran! You can’t agree for me. I’m free, remember? Or at least that’s what you keep telling me. If you don’t own me, then I get to say no.”
Miran turned to face her. “Don’t you want to be sure that we belong together?”
She crossed her arms over her chest and raised an eyebrow. “I thought you were sure.”
“I have no doubts, but I’m scared that your doubt will keep your mating marks from appearing.” It wasn’t until the words left his mouth that he realized this was as much about him as it was about Nova.
Logically, he was well aware that it could take up to a month for mating marks to appear, but every day they spent together without the red pattern forming had caused him more fear.
If they weren’t a match, and Nova left him, he’d be devastated. He might join his father’s ghost in the Hissa jungle.
Nova’s expression turned gentle. “I like being with you. We’re having a good time. I don’t have any interest in anyone else.”
He was very aware that she hadn’t used the word love. His earlier worry turned to fear.
“What if you kiss someone and like that person more than me?” he whispered.
“You’re really obsessed with this,” she said with a grimace.
His jaw was so tense it was hard to speak. “I’d rather know now than wait.”
Nova threw her arms up. “Fine!” She stomped over to Lazil and glared at the warrior. “Keep your hands to yourself, got it?”
He nodded once, slowly, his expression no longer mocking or smirking. He looked as serious as when he’d been prepared to go to war with the Diniki.
“I’m here to help Miran, not take advantage of you.”
“Yeah, right,” she griped. “Bend over.”
Instead of bending at the waist, Lazil sank to his knees and put his hands behind his back. She shifted in place a few times, mumbling something to herself, and rubbed the back of her neck with one hand.
Her body was nothing but tension and agitated movement. His doubt was causing this. He opened his mouth to put a stop to it when Nova suddenly leaned over and pressed her lips to Lazil’s.
Lazil remained perfectly still, only opening his mouth so she could deepen the kiss if she wanted to.
Rage swept through Miran, making him want to roar and charge Lazil.
It was only Nerin’s quick thinking that kept him from doing something irredeemable. Nerin tackled him, sending them both to the floor with a crash.
His strong emotions made him clumsy and slow, so Nerin was able to quickly subdue him with a simple joint lock.
Nova’s face appeared in his field of vision, frowning with concern. “What happened?”
Seeing her calmed him immediately. As the rage drained away, shame filled him.
