Page 13 of The Bride Auction

Renick’s voice lowered into a deep rumble. “Oh I find you attractive,” he said, “more than you can imagine.”

“Then why haven't you looked at me?”

“I don't want to scare you away. I want to treat you right, and I want you to fall in love with me.” He sighed. “Our mating is unusual.”

I reached my hand to cup his cheek. “I find you attractive.”

I brought his head down so our lips touched in an exploratory kiss. His lips were firm yet soft, and a gasp of pleasure filled my mouth. He wrapped his hand behind my head and pulled me toward him. His other hand rubbed my back and down my side, caressing me. His hand traveled down and squeezed my ass. He hiked up my thigh over his, pulling me against him. I felt the evidence of his arousal through both of our pants.

He broke the kiss, his breathing heavy. “Never doubt I find you attractive, but I will not claim you as my mate until we’re in our home, in our bed and you are sure.” His thumb stroked my cheek, and my eyelids fluttered shut. “Sleep now. I will protect you.”

“I could get used to this,” I murmured.

“For as long as you want.” He brushed a gentle kiss on my forehead before he made an exasperated sound. “I forgot to tell you…when you meet my mother tomorrow, she’s probably going to whisk you away.”

“Why is that?” I asked.

“Why do you think I had to take a cold shower? One more thing.” I looked up at him. “She’s planning our bonding ceremony.”

Chapter 10

Renick

Somehow, Arik had managed to expertly dodge my mother barreling toward the three of us as we landed in the back area on her property. My property now, I suppose.

“Renick!” She ran, her arms open. “I’m glad you’re home.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “I missed you.”

“Mother.” I melted into her embrace, never letting go of Summer’s hand even when my mother finally released me.

She turned to Summer and followed suit with a hug of her very own. Summer looked at me, blinking.

“Mother, this is Summer Hughes, my bride.”

My mother held both of Summer’s hands. “A beautiful name for a beautiful female,” she said. “Please come in. We don’t want to stand around here all day.”

I grabbed Summer’s travel trunk or suitcase as she called it, which I couldn’t understand because it didn’t hold a suit. She only had dresses instead of suits, but I found it adorable anyway.

Two servants rushed to my mother. “How may we be of service?” the younger one asked.

“Please see that my son’s mate’s possessions are off the ship and placed in their wing of the house.” She pointed to Arik. “Take Arik’s things to the guest wing.”

“Oh, there’s no need,” Summer interjected. “That’s all I have.”

My mother blanched almost imperceptibly, but recovered her poise quickly. “I’m sorry. I misunderstood. As soon as the rest of your possessions arrive, we’ll have them brought into your wing.”

“Thank you Mother, we’ll discuss this later. For now, I believe there are more pressing matters.” I hoped my mother understood my tone.

She nodded, the realization of my unspoken words dawning on her. My mother placed her arm around Summer and said loud enough for all the servants to hear, “What a brilliant idea, leaving behind a majority of your possessions so you can fully embrace your new culture on Tenap. What a wonderful female you’re turning out to be. I couldn’t be prouder of my son for finding you.”

Summer’s mouth said something to me, but no sound came out. My translator didn’t pick it up. I made a mental note to ask her about that later.

The four of us went inside my childhood home. Arik veered left toward the guest rooms, while my mother, Summer, and I walked into my father’s old study.

I took in the freshly painted room, now a soft green. My father’s favorite desk was placed against the wall so it could overlook the forest where I played so many hours as a child. I smiled, the fond memories creeping back in.

Mother had moved the bookshelves to the opposite wall. A large view screen with images of my youth rotated around as a visual reminder of my past. Looking around, I noticed very little evidence that my father ever inhabited this room. A small loveseat, plush in a deep brown color now graced the room. Its pillows matched the wall color, and it would serve as the perfect place if Summer wanted to stay with me while I worked. My mother had transformed the once utilitarian office my father preferred into an oasis of my own in a matter of rotations.

“I tried to make it everything you would enjoy, Renick,” she said.

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