He blinked. "What does that mean?"
"I'm just here to make the pretty ones look good."
"No one expects you to take her," the stinky silver-haired female said.
"Roemary, enough!" their leader said. She crossed to the Roemary woman. "This is their process, not yours!"
The female glared at the other and crossed her arms. It was apparent by her posturing that this female did not like the other. He did not blame her; she was not sincere. He doubted even Dhomhes would like her.
That was it.
He snapped his gaze back on this female that smelled so good.
She was sincere.
Not like the others, who performed to gain his attention.
She didn't care to gain it. She was her true self.
Khalzin put his hand on her arm. "I choose her.”
She blinked.
"What?"
The female Roemary cried out. "What is this? A joke? Her? You picked her?"
He turned to the female. "I pick you if you will take me."
The words were out of his mouth before he realized what he'd said.
If she answered affirmatively, then they would be bonded. Eternally.
He looked into her eyes and realized they were dark, like her hair. He saw the ridges on her nose, and he took in every detail on her face.
"I--"
"This is ridiculous. Why would you take her? She's nobody. A street vagabond who was only here for the free food and home," Roemary cried. "Why would you waste your time on her?"
"Is it true?" Khalzin asked. "You do not wish to be here?"
When he turned to look back at the female, he chose her eyes were glistening with tears. "I am as she said. I have nothing, and I came to..."
He put his hand on her delicate cheek. "Now, you have nothing to worry about again.”
She covered his hand.
Tears sprang from her eyes, and she nodded. "Okay.”
4
Oh, stars, what have I done?
With his red skin and green-gold horns, Janae stared at the large Kantenan before her.
His hand was warm.
She felt his fingers in hers, and it seemed almost surreal. His hand was larger, but not scarily so. His touch didn’t feel mean or angry, or possessive.
