Page 36 of Hunter's Moon

I pulled at my hair, trying not to scream. “But he didn’t! He just told me to run!”

“We know that,” Tharion grumbled. “But they don’t.”

“And the Trefter?” I asked, thinking about Grax and that damned cell.

“They went after you because they knew the Obsidian Dawn wanted you,” Dr. Heylarth explained. “They hoped to use you as leverage.”

“And the bounty?” I rubbed my head. This was too much.

“Well,” Dr. Heylarth, coughed a little. “That was me. I wanted to make sure you were back safely. It seemed the fastest way.”

I slumped against Tharion, suddenly exhausted.

“I’m working with the Alliance to clear things up,” Dr. Heylarth said. “But Lina, I don’t think it’s safe for you to come home just yet.”

Tharion’s other arm came around me, enveloping me in his warmth. “Perhaps,” he said, his voice a deep purr that sent shivers down my spine, “you’ll need to find a new home.”

Heat rose to my cheeks, acutely aware of Tharion’s powerful body pressed against mine. Dr. Heylarth’s holographic eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I saw the fierce general he must have been.

“Now see here, Tharion,” he began, his voice sharp. “I appreciate you finding her and keeping her safe but…”

He paused, seeming to deflate slightly, then shook his head, a wry smile crossing his face. “Well, I suppose I can’t stand in the way of... whatever this is. Not when I’ve apparently been the matchmaker.”

I squirmed slightly in Tharion’s embrace, unsure how to respond. Dr. Heylarth - General Hondarth - my employer and apparently so much more to the rest of the galaxy, fixed us both with a stern look.

“I expect to see you both soon,” he said. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, he added, “I bet you never expected to have a Mondian for a father-in-law, did you, Tharion?”

Tharion stiffened behind me, and I felt a rumble in his chest that might have been a growl or a laugh. Before either of us could respond, the hologram flickered and vanished, leaving us alone in the suddenly quiet ship.

I turned in Tharion’s arms, looking up at his sharp features.

“It seems you have some explaining to do.”

I opened my mouth to press for answers, but Tharion’s intense gaze silenced me.

“Explanations can wait,” he growled, his voice husky. “All I want now is to make you mine.”

The force of his kiss sent a jolt through my body, and I melted into him. My arms wrapped around his neck as I pressed myself against his muscular frame.

Tharion’s hand fumbled with something on a nearby panel. There was a soft whir, and suddenly a bed slid out from the wall.

Our hands roamed frantically, pulling at each other’s clothing. I tugged at his shirt, desperate to feel his skin against mine. He obliged, breaking our kiss just long enough to yank it over his head. His chest was a marvel of musculature, covered in intricate markings that seemed to shimmer in the dim light.

As we reached the bed, Tharion paused.

“Lina,” he said roughly. “There’s something I need to explain. About the claiming bite.”

I blinked, trying to clear the fog of desire from my mind. “Claiming bite?”

Tharion’s hand gently cupped my face. “It’s how Vinduthi males claim their mates. It... changes you. Makes you stronger, enhances your senses. You’d bear my markings.”

I stared at Tharion, my mind reeling from his words. A claiming bite? Something that would change me fundamentally?

I leaned back, needing space to process this. Tharion’s hand fell away from my face, and I instantly missed its warmth.

“I... I need a moment,” I murmured. “It’s a lot to take in.”

Tharion nodded, his red eyes never leaving mine. “Of course. Take all the time you need.”

---