This woman… He shook his head, unsure of how to deal with her.She didn’t behave in the same manner as other feline women.He considered Keira, Camryn, and his new sister by mating, Jannike.Not true.Gweneth emulated those three.Determined and independent and maddening.
A challenge.
“I’m waiting.”She had the cheek to start tapping her foot.
Slap.Slap.Slap.
Bang.Bang.Bang.
“Fine,” Ellard snapped and grasped her by the shoulders.Although an impulse simmered within to give her a brief peck and send her packing, he knew better.He drew her against his chest.
Her green eyes still glinted with irritation, so he closed his, not wanting to see her accusation or any other flashes of emotion.And especially her feline.The female might be unable to shift, but he saw her feline during and after their skirmishes.
Soft lips greeted his.Warm lips.Eager lips.
They shaped and molded to his, opening to encourage him to deepen their kiss into more intimate territory.He hesitated even as his feline part urged him onward.
The prick of her fingernails pushed him, and with a groan, he stroked his tongue across hers.Rough and a touch abrasive.Feline in nature.His feline purred through his mind, happy and at ease.
Ellard stroked his hand down her back and fell into the kiss, the piquant taste of her—rich with berries and a hint of minty freshness—the feel of her strong body within his embrace, the fit of her curves against his hardness.Her feline-tinged scent.
The contact with Gweneth flooded his body with emotions he hadn’t experienced for many, many cycles.Happiness.Contentment.
He pulled back without haste and opened his eyes to glance down at her.He thought he saw pleasure in her pretty green eyes, definitely satisfaction.
“Thank you,” she said, reaching up to caress his cheek.
His eyes slid closed again without volition.Her touch.Something about her caress lowered his inhibitions, made him vulnerable.
“You are very good at kissing once you put your heart in it.I can’t wait until the next cycle.”
She pulled away, and Ellard let his arms fall to his sides.
“I will see you after my market visit.You can call me if you have any messages to pass on from Lynx.”
Before he could reply or even attempt to regather his wits, she slipped from his chamber, leaving behind confusion and turmoil.
Ellard sighed and wandered off to the sanitizer room.Maybe a cold wash in the sanitizer would aid his sluggish mind.
After claiming her kiss, Gweneth shared a morn meal with Ransom, Gryffnn, and his son.“I’m interested in visiting the market.Last cycle was so productive, and I found every shop owner enthusiastic about taking a stall at the festival.”
“We haven’t had a chance to show off our talents before,” Gryffnn said.
“We need to expand,” Ransom said.“It’s no longer sensible to remain isolated.I see many positives about this festival.It will give us a chance to meet our neighbors in a neutral setting for one.”
Gweneth helped herself to another portion of local berries.Bright red and tart in flavor, they tickled her taste buds.Delicious.“I’m so glad.We are offering each planet ten stalls.It will be up to you which retailers take part or you can send a selection from each one and share the space.If it were me choosing—”
Niran popped into view, worry broadcasting clearly on his countenance.“My nephew and his friend are still missing.None of us can sense their presence.We’ve searched everywhere we can think of but to no avail.”
Ransom pushed aside his half-eaten meal and stood.“Could they have left the planet?”
“No.”Niran began to pace, rising off the floor and pacing air in his agitation.“We would have noticed if they drew enough power to fashion a craft or transport their essence from here to another planet.They wouldn’t leave because it is dangerous.They understand they cannot survive without sexual energy.Sheera and Leeam applied to be part of the next split-off group.I doubt they’d risk their good status to run away.I’ve come to ask for help.None of us can leave here for extended periods at present.We’ve been searching all blacklight and must imbibe energy and refuel.Could you arrange for volunteers to help us search?”
“Of course, my friend,” Ransom said.“I’ll organize the guards to begin a sector search and fly over.”
“If you provide us with transportation, Ellard and I will help,” Gweneth offered.
“No, you intended to visit the market,” Niran said.
