“I understand why you do not want to rush this decision, and I am happy for you to entertain my interest now I have tasted your meat.” There is a glint in her eyes, which I’m hoping means she is interested in more than my jerky.
13
HARPER
As I shovel down my morning sludge, I’m wondering what the fuck came over me last night. It all sounded so reasonable. But then watching him fight messed with my mind and made me horny for alien dick, apparently.
I have no idea what entertaining my interest actually means. Are we supposed to be seen together? Are there some kind of rituals we’re supposed to do? Those are the questions I should have asked, not what he calls his fucking dick.
Yva and his brother walk into the dining hall, and I swear half the women in here turn and watch them with an audible sigh of longing.
Oh fuck, Yva’s walking towards me.
Why is he walking towards me?
I should smile. Without my teeth showing.
Do I look like a maniac?
He stops at my table, and there is an intake of breath from every woman watching. If Yva notices or cares, he gives no sign. “Come and sit with me.”
My mouth dries and I don’t know what to say or do.
Then he picks up my bowl and offers me his hand. I’m guessing this is one of those things that we are supposed to do. I swallow and stand, aware that a good portion of the women in this room are now glaring at me.
You sit with us now.
He does that silent talking in my head thing. I don’t know how to talk to him. Something else I should’ve asked about last night instead of his fucking dick. I’m not his mate…is sitting with him going too far?
No. He says in my head as though he overheard every thought I just had.You must be a good fit for my family, too.
If he can read my thoughts…Everyone will think we’re mates.
I do not care what everyone thinks.
He sets my bowl on the table, and I take the seat set aside for me. I’ve noticed that not every one of them is it every meal. Probably because of whatever job they are working.
“Hi.” I don’t belong here.
The women greet me, while the men collect bowls of sludge for the table.
I don’t know what to say. I can’t ask if this is normal because I don’t want other people overhearing. This is meant to dissuade other women from being interested. It’s what I wanted.
What he wanted.
Do I want him to be interested in me? Am I interested in him?
I mean, I enjoy working with him. And he’s not like other guys. Yeah, because he’s not human. Which should be terrifying and it’s not. I remember the way Ruby looked at her mate with obvious affection and the tenderness in his eyes as though he’d do anything for her.
I’m too hard edged. Too outspoken. Too… I remember all the ways people said I’m not a suitable partner. The way mylast boyfriend, who was my age, told me he wanted someone younger. He was my match, but so was his next girlfriend and they’re still together. So clearly the issue was me.
What has Yva told his brothers?
Are they aware this is fake? Or do they believe he is really considering me as a potential mate?
Yva sits next to me, close enough that our thighs touch.
I want to draw away, but I like the reassurance and way he is untroubled.
