“Agent Kaede. I hope all is well?” My client’s deep, raspy voice filled the room.
Lifting my head back up to face the male on the screen, I answered, “Selena successfully delivered her three cubs and has named them. All healthy and well. She has proved able to breastfeed, but vitamin-enhanced fish oil and finely minced fish have been prepared and stored to supplement if needed. Master Scholar Xylo has sketched a design for a breast-pump and mechanical breast to assist with feeding three cubs, since she only has two nipples.”
My client sat at his desk in full dress uniform. His amethyst eyes looked tired—a worry, since it was only midday. I wondered briefly if it was lack of sleep from worryover Selena, or if it meant things were not going well at CEG HQ...
“Get the design and send it to me. I’ll have them built by the timeDestinyarrives. Selena should have everything she needs to feed our cubs.”
He paused as his eyes trailed across my body. I stilled as I braced, waiting for him to finish his inspection. I hadn’t even thought to check myself in the mirror before connecting to him, simply throwing on a fresh suit. What had he seen? Had my time with Selena already clouded my thoughts so much? I couldn’t afford to get sloppy now.
“Tell me why there is blood on your neck. Who did you have to kill?”
“Sir, I didn’t need to kill anyone,” I answered tightly.
“Then whose blood is it?”
“Selena's.”
His fist slammed down on the desk as his eyes narrowed. He growled, “Why do you have Selena’s blood on your neck?”
“Master Scholar Xylo couldn’t find a drug to alleviate her pain without potentially harming her or the cubs. The delivery was going poorly and there was worry for both Selena and the cubs. Xylo had found several arcane Earth texts that suggested arousal might help Selena cope with the pain, but neither he nor Odelm were able to produce sufficient aphrodisiac to help since she’s not ovulating. When Selena had been in labor—and significant pain—for nearly a day with no sign of dilation, he mentioned research indicating that theprostaglandinfrom male ejaculate might induce labor. Again, they were unable to perform. The only option was someone in the room. Any Circuli assistance would have meant another permanent bond, so I offered to help. To alleviate her pain, I also injected her with myBahzyl, though I know it would also leave her aroused. But that seemed a lesser evil than the exhausting pain,” I explained hastily.
A loud roar filled the room.
I shivered as I felt his anger, even through the remote connection.
He sucked in a few deep breaths, his fists opening and closing, claws fully extended. His eyes were wild with fury as he stared me down.
“Did you drink from her?”
I lowered my head to the floor in submission, hoping the punishment would be bearable.
“Yes, Sire. I did. But I made sure to seal it. There should be no trace of the bite by the time we arrive.”
Silence fell as I waited for his reply. If my visor weren't reporting the status of the connection, I’d have thought he’d disconnected from the call.
“She is mine. MINE. Do you understand me, Agent Kaede?” he snarled.
I looked back up at the screen. His amethyst eyes pinned me to the spot, daring me to object. A shiver passed through me again.
“Yes, Sire.”
I trembled. I hesitated a moment to collect myself, praying a clarification would rectify the situation.
“Selena established that I’m no more than a friend before anything happened.”
His eyes narrowed as his lips pulled back, revealing his teeth. His claws drummed on the table as he considered.
A hiss escaped him.
“How did she taste?” he paused to lick his lips. “You can trace her now, can’t you?” he growled.
“Exquisite. Like the finest drink you’ve ever tasted or could imagine.” I watched him carefully as I continued, hoping to get a good read, “And yes, Sire. I’ll not only be able to track her by smell, but I can use her blood. Now that it’sstored in my system, I can track her exact location if she’s within range.”
“A silver lining, then. One we can use to our advantage if things go poorly. I have a feeling the Quaww may become a problem once they get wind of Selena and her cubs.”
His eyes narrowed again.
“I understand why you did it, though I’d have preferred a request before such a step was taken. I know the Circuli are loyal to their nestmates, but I wouldn’t have wanted Selena to be forced to permanently bond with a male she has no feelings for. It’s already bad enough that she has acquired two nestmates before I can claim her. Once we get things settled—and she and I reunite—she’ll be able to claim as many consorts as she wants as long as they aren’t Aldawi.”
