Page 81 of Dark's Savior

"It makes it official. A small ceremony, nothing more. If we were going by ancient nillium standards, I'd say I've already claimed you now as my mate. But my brother would want it done the modern way, I imagine."

"Ah." Aly felt a sudden odd mix of emotions, ranging from giddiness to anticipation to nervousness. To know he saw her as his mate was beyond surreal and made her heart pound with uncontrolled excitement. But some small voice at the back of her mind was a little unnerved.

He had never asked her. By human standards, you at least asked.

"What if I don't want to be your mate?" She blurted it right out and shouldn't've been surprised when he froze to stare back at her.

"You don't wish to be?" His voice was low and soft, and even from the dim light of their suits, she could see the hurt in his eyes.

It came as a sudden realization to her that nillium weren't used to asking for anything. Nor were they used to being told no. Even Ryziel, though different from his kind, was no exception.

"I do," Aly said and meant it. "But I guess I would have liked to have been a part of that decision, you know?"

Ryziel's mouth tightened. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have assumed..."

Aly thought for a moment then said, "When did you decide I was your mate?"

Ryziel looked everywhere but at her. "When we first laid together."

Aly's brows rose. She had thought his answer might be when they slept together the second time in his bed but not literally their first time when in the crystal garden.

Aly smirked up at him and a sort of ridiculous idea snapped in her head. "How about this? We say we aren't, uh, mated yet because I didn't know. But I will give you this chance now to say we are if you ask properly." He opened his mouth, but Aly put her hand up to say quickly, "After you claim me again."

Ryziel frowned at her, totally confused, but the smile never left her face.

"I get a head start." Aly then turned from him and rushed into the dark. "If I make it to the lair, though, you’re out of luck!" she called back. She laughed and shut off all her lights except for one on her wrist.

It was a silly game, she knew (and hoped she didn't just offend his alien pride) but she was feeling that swell of giddiness again, knowing she had him and he could have her. She slowed in her run, knowing she'd probably trip on a rock if she went too fast. He didn't call out to her, but she didn't stop, knowing he'd catch up to her easily. She dropped down to hide behind a rock and turned off her wrist light. She knew the tunnel to the lair was just ahead. Heart pounding, she turned her light on again and made a break for it, only to be completely swept off her feet before she even got to the tunnel's edge.

Aly let out a little shriek then laughed as Ryziel wrapped an arm around her and threw her over his shoulder.

"Woman, you are full of surprises," he growled. She saw the flash of his teeth and fire in his eyes. He walked a way back then brought her off his shoulder, only to pin her against a rock. "I will, however, assent to your request."

Aly inhaled sharply as he swiftly unzipped then pulled her suit down, exposing her breasts and stomach. His mouth was on her before she could even speak, his teeth nipping and grazing over her sensitive skin. Aly moaned, tilting her head back, allowing him to remove the rest of her suit along with her pack until each laid on the ground before them. She shivered, but his heat against her warmed her quickly. Aly could see little in the dark and through the haze of desire that he pulled from her, she wondered briefly if they should pause and continue in his bedroom. But he didn't seem concerned about sluths or anything at all, and she knew if there was any danger around, he would sense it, so she let it go and gave in with another breathless moan.

Without warning, he lifted her higher, until her legs were on his shoulders. His head dropped down between her legs, and Aly had to fight the urge to grip the horn-like antennas on his head as the slick heat of his tongue grazed her center. She rocked back, her body tightening instantly, the orgasm so intense she had to choke back a scream, a dull cramping stirring in her abdomen. She quivered, clamping her mouth shut, though her cries still vibrated in her throat. He lifted his head from her, their eyes locking as he pulled her back down then peeled his suit off just enough to release the hard length of himself and slide deep inside her. Aly bucked, but he pinned her fast, stretching her legs to set them on each side of his waist. His hulking body moved on her without hesitation, and all Aly could do was cling to him, her hands grasping at his chest and the curve of his neck. Above her own soft cries, she could hear Ryziel's hard breaths turn to low grunts then to deep growls. If she thought to be concerned by the sudden change, it hadn't crossed her mind. Only after another less intense orgasm hit her did she happen to notice his snarling face and unseeing silver eyes.

"Hey." Breathless, Aly placed her hands to the sides of his face. "Ryziel." She knew he had already finished in her once by the throbbing sensation against her stomach. She forced him to look at her, and he blinked as if coming out of a trance. He tried to say something to her, but the sounds came out wrong. Aly softly stroked his face as he slowed his pace against her but did not stop fully. His mouth came down on her throat, and Aly tensed as she felt his fangs graze her skin.

"Will...be my...Aly," he mumbled as his teeth nipped her ear. Aly gripped his shoulders and let him bury his face back into the curve of her neck. "Will you...be mine?"

Aly closed her eyes, and without another thought, said, "Yes."

Chapter Twenty-eight

It was night again at the First House. Ryziel once more stood on the terrace, looking out at the slip of light fading on the horizon. The lanterns were lit, and the scent of flowers filled the air.

"Take your pick, Ryziel."

Ryziel turned and saw his brother sitting at a table nearby, his mouth turned up slightly in a curious sort of grin. "Come on, just one," he said, taking a sip from his cup. "You can have any you like."

Ryziel looked around and saw a set of servant women kneeling before him, quietly obedient. Most he'd seen before, traveling the halls, cleaning, or cooking. But there were several he didn't recognize. Four, to be exact.

"What are they doing here?" he heard himself say, pointing to the human women seated with others, their heads bowed, eyes staring at the ground.

"They are ours," his brother said firmly. "Our women."

Ryziel frowned, not understanding. "That cannot be."

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