Page 21 of The Bride Auction

“Your turn.” He washed my hair and soaked my body, pinching my nipples and rubbing my curves. Never once did he make a face of disgust or another comment about my body, other than a muttered “Perfect.”

He slid his fingers between my legs, across my mound, and between my lips, searching for my core. It was soaking wet. As the water poured down around us, he supported my entire body with one arm while his other hand cupped my wanting pussy. He slid a thick finger inside me, bent his head, and sucked one of my nipples in his mouth.

I threw my head back with a loud moan, uncaring that the water would hit my face. Apparently, Renick did care because the next thing I knew we were standing on the bath mat and he was drying me off. He wrapped a soft towel around my body and carried me—actually carried me—like a romance heroine to bed.

“My turn,” he said, parting my legs before covering my weeping core with his tongue.

I came with a cry of his name on my lips. My legs trembled and warm pleasure filled my body. Renick climbed up my body, kissing his way up my stomach and across the top of my breasts. He lay next to me, pulling me into a comfortable embrace. His head rested on my chest, and I reveled in the weight of his arms around me, holding me tight. Soon, his breathing deepened, and a light snore filled in the room.

“Good night, Renick,” I said, kissing him on the forehead.

Chapter 14

Renick

Today is probably the worst day of my life, my father’s funeral. The morning of the funeral, Summer and I emerged from our rooms arm in arm, heading toward the common area. My siblings were already there, chatting in low voices with my mother. A small spread of food was on the table, but it remained untouched. I could tell from my mother’s face she was just as emotionally charged as I was, and judging by Summer’s clammy hand clasping in mine, she was nervous.

My brothers stared at Summer, and I puffed my chest in pride. I introduced her to all of them, but she clung to my arm. Even in mourning clothes, she was a beautiful female.

The white gown clung to her curves in all the right spots, and the delicate string of beading along the cape accentuated her facial features. I watched my mother call Summer over. Though I couldn’t hear their conversation, both women seemed to release some tension in the air. My dual hearts thudded when I noticed how similar her gown was to my mothers. Had my mother not accepted Summer, she would have suggested a different gown.

The servants began clearing the table for after the funeral when my uncle arrived. He embraced my siblings, me, then my mother, before turning back to me. “Who is this exotic female?” he asked, staring at Summer.

I introduced them. He leaned in to sniff her neck. “No bonding scent.”

“We’re waiting until after today. We wanted to properly mourn first, then we will have the ceremony. I wanted to make things comfortable enough by blending our traditions and those of Summer’s people.”

“Customs first. Their bonding ceremony is next,” my mother interjected.

“Wonderful idea. I presume I’m invited?” Uncle Sabulk asked.

Summer looked at me, and when I squeezed her hand gently she replied, “As I’m new to this planet, I trust my mate and his mother will guide me on the customs of your people.”

A diplomatic answer if I’d ever heard one.

One of our most trusted servants walked over and pressed an unlit candle into my mother’s hands.

“It’s time we walked to the flyers. There’s room in line for you, Mother. I’ll go with Uncle Sabulk,” I offered.

“Take your time to further bond with your mate,” she said. “I’ll fly with Sabulk.”

It was a short walk to the field behind the house where a row of flyers waited. Summer and I waited until Mother and Uncle Sabulk boarded the first conveyance. I noticed the flyers all had the customary morning strip of white across the bottom and sides. Summer’s brow raised when she saw the changed conveyance, but waited to ask me about it until we were strapped in. I wasn’t sure how to answer her inquiry.

“Are the stripes supposed to mimic clouds?” Summer asked. “I think the wavy stripe on the underneath - you know, the one that wraps around the nose of the flyer - looks like moving clouds on a windy day.”

“Exactly,” I said, proud she understood.

We arrived at a large clearing on top of a mountain with the tallest waterfall in the area. It cascaded down to a lake I swam in many times as a child. Near the edge of the clearing were eight rows of benches overlooking the scenic lake vista. I followed Mother to the first row of benches. We sat at the closest bench to the edge, Mother leading the mourners. I followed, then Summer. My oldest brother, Ivex, sat next to Summer. Warin, my middle brother, sat to Ivex’s right, then my youngest brother, Vasry. Uncle Sabulk completed our row.

Before we sat, I leaned over to her and whispered, “You don’t have to say anything. Follow my lead.”

The sun’s rays poured down from the sky, warming those who sat alone. Though the ceremony was long, Summer never once complained, despite the numerous times we stood only to sit again. I could tell her leg cramped a few times, so I made sure to extend my arm to help her up. Once, Ivex noticed Summer struggling to stand. He gestured to her to accept my proffered arm, while he lifted her under her arm, allowing her to keep her dignity, shooting us a grateful look before turning her attention to the holy man. She listened to the holy man’s words intently, tears pricking at her eyes when he spoke of love, life, and loss at the end of the ceremony.

When the holy man stepped aside, Mother stepped close to the edge of the mountain where she dug a shallow hole in the ground. She placed the candle in it, lit the wick, then left its flame to dance against the serene waterfall. Mother made her way to the back of the crowd, chin held high. Starting at the back, Mother walked to each person on the benches and handed everyone a white strip of paper. When it was her turn, Summer graciously accepted.

“I accept this in memory of Father,” she intoned.

My mouth dropped as my mate, my very human mate, who accepted this planet as her own around a week earlier, recited the ritual used only among close family for a departed family member.

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