Selena
“What was that?”I asked, watching Kaede disappear behind the galley doors.
“Kaede’s instincts were demanding he claim you in front of Zyxel,”Vowels explained, his mental voice oddly strained.“It was safer for him to leave instead of doing something he would soon regret.”
“What?”
“I believe you call this practicepeacocking.He wanted to stake his territory by marking you against the wall.”
While I didn’t mind his aggressive passion, it concerned me that he was fighting his instincts. I didn’t want him to be in pain while delaying his mating cycle.
“If that is the case, then why did you and LUI disappear?”
“We intended to halt the course of the conversation to help calm the situation. LUI is loyal to Kaede and wouldn’t disobey his wishes. The same goes for the other Oetsae fused with theAbyss. They only act in his best interest, even if they may not agree with or understand the matter. Zyxel asked LUI about your health because he was trying to look out for you. He didn’t understand the bond between us and what it entails, nor why you haven’t sought out LUI for an examination since our departure.”
“Why are you having secret meetings concerning me?” I turned and walked toward the male I had been avoiding since our date. Zyxel recoiled in surprise at my advance as I halted a short distance from his face. His tail tightened in its coil defensively as he prepared for an argument. “Are you trying to pry into my life behind my back? If you are, then I’m putting an end to it now.”
“I was only trying to help.” He lifted his hands in surrender, his fiery eyes convincing me to forgive him. “I’ve never encountered anyone as shrouded in mystery as you. How am I supposed to take care of you if I know nothing about you?”
“I don’t need anyone to take care of me,” I muttered, looking away as I stepped back. The words tasted sour as soon as they escaped my lips because deep down, I knew they weren’t true.
“And yet you allow your guard to dote on you.”
“He’smine,” I hissed, glaring at the crimson male. “Kaede traveled to another galaxy to rescue me—once again. Of course, I allow him to take care of me. He’s already proven himself.”
“That male is dangerous,” Zyxel spat, his eyes hardening as he dropped his hands. “I don’t see how you can trust him when he continues to test his limits. He’s going to snap and there won’t be anything you can do.”
“He has it under control. We both do.”
“You boththinkyou do,” Zyxel hissed. “It’s clear to me by his matching horns and fangs that he’s part Ezzaska. His temper toward the unmated males on this vessel further proves that he’s about to lapse into his mating cycle.”
“He’s always had a temper. That’s just who he is.” I shrugged. “When he can’t hold back his mating lust any longer, we’ll deal with it.”
“Selena, I don’t want to fight you about this, but I beg you to heed my warning,” Zyxel pleaded, his voice instantly losing all its bite. “You may not want me as your mate, but that doesn’t mean I can stop caring about you.”
Sighing, I glanced away as I combed my short hair back in frustration. I couldn’t control his feelings; I barely had a hold on mine. There was no reason for me to keep avoiding this male. He had respected my wishes and never questioned them until now.
We would be trapped on this ship for a while. Creating any more unneeded tension would make this trip unbearable.
“Please, Selena…”
“Fine. I will hear what you have to say.”
“Is there anything I could get you?” Instantly, his face lit with a wide, fanged smile as he slithered to the meal and drink dispensers.
“Someossotea, please.” Confused at his sudden change of demeanor, I watched him as I slowly sat down at the display table.
His tail waved lazily in the air like it was dancing. How did doing something so simple for me bring him that much joy? Did he so enjoy taking care of me, the one to whom the Stars had fated him after all these years?
Zyxel grabbed two black cups from the dispenser and offered me one with the same wide grin. Returning his smile, I accepted the steamy beverage and took a sip. Closing my eyes, I absorbed the sweet herbal flavor and the sudden comfort it provided.
Somehow, I knew things were going to be all right.
It might take some time, but now that I am on my way back to Destima, my world would slowly return to normal.
Pulling the warm green beverage away, I opened my eyes to see Zyxel watching me with curiosity.
“Do you always moan when you drink that?” He lifted his glass to his nose and breathed in the aroma. “Is there something special I should know about this tea?”
