Page 56 of Game on Askole

My shoulders sagged. Had I started the change? I didn’t feel any different. No scales popping up, and I still had my hair. Should I take Tihar up on his offer? It was such a life-altering step. We had known each other for such a short time. Everyone had bad habits. Did Tihar throw his underwear on the floor or fart excessively?

In the pro column, Tihar had always been there for me. I knew he would make a great wingman, but a mate? Who knew? I had two choices: Lothel or Tihar. I wanted to smother Lothel in his sleep. Tihar? The urge to lick him all over was growing stronger every hour. His torso was sculpted perfection, and who knew black scales could be so sexy? Tihar’s tentacles reminded me of long dreadlocks that moved.

The thought of sleeping with Tihar didn’t freak me out, and his promise of a thousand nights of utter ecstasy made my pussy clench. Could I live with fangs, claws, tentacles, and scaly skin? Yeah, I could.

“Me like Tihar,”KeeKee whispered encouragingly.

“Me too.”I took a deep breath.“You’re positively sure you want me as a mate, Tihar?”

“You are everything I want in a mate.”

Damn. His answer was perfect.“You’re the best thing that has happened to me in a very long time. You are my chosen.”

Chapter Eleven

Tremendous power roiled through sickbay. Yippee! I was going to meet the Overlord in my underwear.

KeeKee burrowed into my hair and shivered.“Big scary come.”

Poof!Detja and the biggest, meanest-looking Coletti warlord stood there. And I thought the Overlord’s warning vid was intimidating. In person, he was even more terrifying. Zarek’s black battle suit emphasized his huge frame. He wore large gold warrior’s bracelets with an elaborate design. An etched gold headband held back his gray warrior’s braids.

Tihar grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around me.

Sariel extended his arm, and the Overlord clasped it.“Welcome aboard, Zarek.”He turned to Detja and bowed slightly.“You are well, lady warrior?”

“I am.”Detja’s gaze roved over Shandev’s body before settling on me.“Do all Jones females create havoc wherever they go?”

I shrugged.“Yes, ma’am, it’s in our DNA.”

“My Sarah took down the assassin, Shandev, and gave emergency aid to Yann, saving his life,”Tihar responded proudly.

Aw, he was sticking up for me.“Thanks, babe.”

Zarek’s cold amber eyes me surveyed me from the top of my bloody hair to the tips of my bright red toenails peeking out from under the blanket.“Are you sure you want to become Askole? I can stop the transformation.”

Damn, he was giving me an out. I winced as Tihar’s grip became painful.“I’ve made my choice.”

“Truth or a lie?”Without warning, Zarek invaded my mind and shifted through my memories.

A jolt of raw fear shook me. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t break the connection or stop him. I flinched as Zarek tugged and yanked. A burning sensation built behind my eyes. Holy Mary Mother of God, he was going to fry my brain.

“Your brain is safe,”Zarek said, a thread of amusement in his voice.“I merely strengthened your shields.”

“You did? Why?”

“Your psychic shields are not strong enough to keep Malik from shattering your mind.”

“Oh. Thanks. You’re not mad I screwed up your breeding plans?”

“Sariel is a trusted friend. Finding your true mate is important in both our cultures.”The Overlord switched his attention to Sariel.“Tihar and Sarah have bonded psychically.”

“We cannot break the link without serious mental damage,”Sariel agreed, tapping his gauntlet.“This is the bride price we are offering.”

Zarek touched an icon on his bracelet and read the information scrolling across the screen.“Your offer, while generous, is not enough for a warrior with Sarah’s skills. Her psychic abilities are rare and highly sought after.”

Detja waved her hand at me and Tihar.“Go. Complete the mating bond.”

“Yes, my lady.”Tihar scooped me up and did Mach 1 down the corridor.

---