Then again, Lila said he made her feel safe when she first arrived. About him being good underneath the prickly exterior.
I’m asked again to dance, but before I can step onto the dance floor I’m distracted. One lone Xylan female, dressed as a multi-god nun, looks longingly at the moving pairs on the floor, tapping her foot, obviously wanting to dance too.
It hurts me when I see someone accidentally left out, because I know what it feels like to want to dance but needing a partner. “Thank you for asking but I don’t feel well,” I tell this male. “This means I’m going to have to sit this one out, but I have someone else for you to dance with.” I pull him over to where the other female waits. He smiles brightly and she does too. And then theytake each other’s gloved hands and move onto the floor and join the dancing.
She looks back at me over her shoulder as they begin to move, and mouths what I think is “thank you.” I give her a small wave.
This works out much better because I was ready for a short break. Now I’m alone on the side of the dance floor and the pairs swirl and swirl to the music and suddenly I realize a presence beside me.
The air feels fresh. Charged. Like the moment before a lightning strike.
I’m standing next to Bayzon.
Chapter Five
Bayzon
Naomi Sato looks shocked to see me.
“What is wrong female?”
The human female I want close so very badly, lifts her perfect chin. “Nothing is wrong. I was simply surprised to see you standing so close.”
Heh.
She is exquisite and self-possessed. It is wonderful finally having the female I’ve been watching so near. I love the sound of her lovely accent when she speaks my language. I can’t keep my eyes off her. I couldn’t stay away any longer on the side of the dance floor and watch the human I want, being held by other males as they swirl and step to the beat. I will be the male who shows her how to move to Xylan dance.
Distance from her causes actual physical pain. Random growls rumble in my chest. The more time Naomi is in my vicinity, the more I am certain she’s my future mate. I haven’t scented her or performed a clasping but, why else would sheaffect me this way? I am ninety-nine percent certain she will one day become my Bride.
If she’ll have me.
The scent of her potent arousal for me fills the air between us, providing confirmation that our feelings are mutual. I want to step even closer so I can inhale deeply and confirm if she indeed my mate, but I force myself to wait. Knowing this human is aroused in my presence is enough for now.
“I’ve been watching you all evening,” I admit.
My brother, Scar, came by and told me that this particular human originally entered the ball alongside our brother, Hook. Therefore, I messaged Hook while I watched her dance and he told me everything about her identity. “While you danced, I gathered intel about your identity. I did not approach earlier because you seemed irritated with me, although I wasn’t sure why. Is it proper for me to speak to you now or does this make you uncomfortable? If so, I will depart.”
She shrugs. “It’s true that we need to talk.”
“Did I do something wrong to cause such a reaction? If so, I would like to understand what I did to make it right.”
She turns to face me fully and puts her hands on her hips. “Bayzon, I’ve been watching you all evening too. In fact, I witnessed the female you made cry. And then I overheard a group of disgruntled females at the buffet complain you treated them unfairly. I’ve watched you stand alone and arrogant and angry, not playing the masking game. And you’ve never graciously danced with anyone all evening. All of this made me question getting to know you. I wonder if you’re not a very nice being and in fact someone to stay away from.”
My jaw clenches. “I can explain. There are reasons for my behavior that might make sense to you.”
“You hate dancing?”
“No, that is not the problem. I’m not much into dressing in costume, but I do enjoy Xylan dancing and music and I always participate. But this evening I didn’t want to touch anyone but you. I waited to dance until you became available.”
Naomi holds up her green, gloved hand, the fabric identical to mine. “But you’re not really touching anyone through two layers of fabric.”
“My body only wantsyouthat close. The touch of another female right now, even through a barrier sounds abhorrent.”
Her eyes widen. “Me? You only want me?”
“You. Only your gloved hand in mine is acceptable.”
She looks down at my hands then meets my gaze again. “Do you realize that two different males, both of whom are part of the Fever Brothers crew, have danced with me this evening and welcomed me into your family line?”
