“When we decide our vengeance is satisfied, there is no reason to burden ourselves with hate.” Braxis shrugged.
“That's rather enlightened.” I looked around at the men dining nearby and another thought occurred to me. “Braxis, why aren't there more women with you?”
“What?” He frowned.
“Your men thought they were leaving Hell forever, why didn't they bring their mates with them? I assume that at least some of them have mates.”
“A true Bleiten man would never put his mvarra in such danger,” he said as if it were obvious. “Their mates wanted to come, of course, but my warriors refused to bring them.”
“So, they left Hell with you instead of staying with their mvarras?” I scoffed. “That doesn't seem very protective.”
Braxis went grim. “Lucifer would have killed my warriors had they stayed behind, then their mvarras would have had no one. At least this way, they had hope of returning.”
“Lucifer wouldn't have killed your men,” I said gently. “He didn't even punish those you left behind. The other chiefs surrendered, as did the man you left to rule in your stead, and Lucifer let them all live and even keep their positions. The only punishment was a tribute he demanded and that was used to pay for the damage done to the villages you attacked.”
“All of the chiefs live?” Braxis asked in shock.
“I told you that he's not the monster you believe him to be,” I said sternly.
Braxis made a dismissive sound, then pointed at a pile of meat on my plate. “Try that one; it's good.”
I glanced down at the food, then frowned at Braxis. “What is it with Bleiten men and food? Malik and Lucifer nearly got into an argument once over whose favorite food I liked more.”
“Food sustains us. If we can provide our women with sustenance that they enjoy, it becomes a source of pride.”
I made a face.
“I know you find it primitive but aren't most urges?” Braxis filled my wine glass and set it closer to my hand. “The urge to protect what's yours, to provide for those you love, and even the emotion of love itself are all primitive. Civilization is good; it gives us many comforts and offers a type of protection. But the beasts inside us will never truly be tame.”
“I think that's a good thing,” I murmured.
“Oh, it is,” he agreed. “Now, eat what I've provided for you, Amara, and give my beast that satisfaction at least.”
I lifted a bite to my mouth and chewed thoughtfully as I held his gaze.
Braxis made a rumbling sound and declared, “Those eyes—they make a lie of the satisfaction you offer.”
“What does that mean?” I frowned.
“The pride I feel from seeing you enjoy this meal disappears under the hunger your gaze inspires. I fear that I will never be satisfied.”
“You're probably right,” I said gently. “It would be better if you forgot about me, Braxis. Hunt down Gregory and take your people home. Become a duke and live the life you've always wanted. Then find a Bleiten woman better suited to you. You'll be happier, I promise you.”
“I'll take them home and accept the ducal crown but then I'm coming back for you.”
“Braxis, you may not be welcome on Earth—not by my men, my father, or my friends,” I went grave. “I don't know what Malik will decide or what the other men will say. And if they want me to stay away from you, I will have to respect their wishes, despite the second chance I agreed to give you.”
“Then I will win their approval,” he said as if it were a minor obstacle.
I chuckled and shook my head. “You have no idea what you're up against. In addition to Malik and Kyrian, I'm married to a Danutian king and a Faulin master. None of them are men who are easily won over, especially not after they've been wronged.”
“It doesn't matter.” Braxis settled his determined stare on me. “Whatever I must do, I will do it. I won't stop until you're mine.”
“So, you've gone from hunting me to hurt me to hunting me to...”
“Love you,” he finished. “Yes.”
I glanced away uncomfortably and caught Rusalla staring at me. She smiled knowingly and inclined her head to me. I looked back at Braxis pensively. The things he'd said to Malik and the others today—they'd been shocking to me as well. It was so odd to see this drastic change in him and especially disconcerting to be on the receiving end of his romantic declarations. Braxis would fight for me as he fought all of his battles—with determination, precision, cunning strategy, and brutality. But even with all of that empowering him, the odds weren't in his favor. To be honest, even if I had no other lovers, Braxis wouldn't be the man I'd choose. He just wouldn't fit into my life—in any way. So, why had I offered him that second chance?
