Page 65 of Gravel and Grit

Even in this they were one, their scars a match to the other’s.

She quipped that his two-mile wide protective streak was now ten, at minimum, and he responded that his Fluffy Bunny now had claws.

“Iwill carry you, my heart,” Zaek offered a little too sharply when Mira jumped out of the pod and landed lightly on her feet.

She tipped her head back to give him an indulgent smile, but her raised brow told him the answer was no. He grumbled under his breath, but managed to contain the urge to pick her up in spite of her refusal.

They’d been on the ship five day cycles and had just been given the all clear. Both of them were more than happy to be leaving the Med-Bay. In perfect agreement, neither of them planned to make any stops until they reached his quarters.

They’d learned there were human females on board, mated to some of his brethren. He knew Mira was looking forward to meeting them, but they both agreed they needed some alone time first. His need for her was reaching critical levels, and if the looks she was giving him were any indication, hers for him was just as urgent.

The ease with which she moved, the feeling of her small, warm hand entwined with his, and knowing they would be alone and naked very soon all worked to lighten his mood more than it had been since being brought aboard.

Perhaps that was the reason he didn’t ignore the summons.

They were nearly to the quarters he’d been assigned when someone shouted his name as they passed by the common room. He glanced at the speaker automatically and saw Roc headed their way.

Zaek gauged his distance then sighed with resignation when he realized his impertinent friend was too close for them to retreat. He was happy to see the sticky-fingered male, but he would be happier if he was rolling around in bed with his mate.

“I’m glad to see you’re still alive and as hideous as ever, General,” Roc

joked, smiling widely, looking genuinely happy to see him.

Zaek growled, but slapped the smaller male on the shoulder in greeting and returned his grin.

“Hideous? He’s joking, right?” Mira broke in, a confused smile on her lips as she gazed back and forth between them.

Zaek gave Roc a smug smile when the male looked equally confused.

“My mate thinks I am handsome.”

Roc scoffed, “You’re shitting me.”

“I am not. Mira, tell him you find me attractive.”

Mira chuckled and shook her head but dutifully responded, “It’s true. I think he’s sexy.” A mischievous glint entered her blue eyes just before she leaned closer to Roc and stage whispered, “He makes this super cute face when I touch his—”

“Well, it was nice to catch up, as the Earthians say! But we really must be on our way,” Zaek interrupted, his eyes wide and his tail twitching as he hurriedly ushered her away, leaving Roc laughing behind them.

“Troublesome female,” he muttered in response to her giggle, but a smile he didn’t bother to hide tugged at his lips.

“Are you going to take me somewhere to ravish me in retribution?” she whispered tauntingly, leaning closer and giving him a look that had his cock hardening in his suit.

“You may bet your pretty, tailless ass that is exactly what I am about to do. And I will show you that I most assuredly donotmake a ‘cute’ face when you touch my—”

“I’ll take that bet,” she interrupted, laughing.

When they reached his quarters, she darted through the door. Walking backward, she grinned up at him and slowly, torturously, opened the seam of her suit, revealing pale, unmarred skin one inch at a time.

Blindly activating the lock behind him, Zaek stalked her, his gaze tracking her movements as a delighted, anticipatory smile bared his fangs. He followed her through the room, herding her toward the bed. The grin stretching her lips widened, and her muscles tensed a moment before she darted left.

She was fast after so many doses ofdassa, but he was faster. Zaek chuckled as he extended his wing out with a snap and caught her. He had her swept up quicker than she could blink and held her giggling, squirming form to his chest as he strode to the bed.

“I have captured the rare and extraordinary miniature Earthian female!

You are mine forever, now, and you shall be my pet,” he declared theatrically.

“Pet, huh? I’ll show you pet!” she gasped, curling her fingers into claws.

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