Page 68 of Dark Prince's Mate

He climbs down the steps into the water and sits down next to me.“I’m not sure I understand what you’re talking about.”

“It’s…” How do I explain AI and computers to a person who’s essentially from a medieval society?“You know what?Never mind.The key thing is, that could explain the mating phenomenon.You and I are literallyprogrammedto be drawn to one another.”

“That’s what being mates means,” he drawls, locking his hands around my waist and pulling me onto his lap so that I’m straddling him.“We’re fated to be together.”

“Not fated,programmed.Like two pieces of software.”

He nuzzles my temple.“Uh-huh.”

“Do you realize what that means?”I lean back on his lap.“If it’s been done before, here on Zerra, there’s a very probable chance that humans on Earth will also succeed in developing into a species like the Alit.”

“Perhaps,” he says, his lips quirking.

I pout.“You’re not taking me seriously.”

“Oh, I am.”He strokes his palms down my thighs, grips my knees, and spreads them wide.“I just have other things on my mind right now.”

My reprimand is half-hearted at best.“Aruan.”

He goes from playful to serious in a second.“I want you, Elsie.”

My core tightens.I wrap my arms around his neck, knowing I’ll need to hold on.“Nothing has stopped you from taking what you want before.”

He encircles my waist and yanks me hard against him.“There’s something else you need to know about an Alit’s age, specifically about a female Alit’s maturity.”He smooths one hand up my side to cup my breast.“It takes only a few moon cycles for an adult woman to become fertile once she’s mated.”

My stomach contracts at the mention of the risk we’re taking every time we have unprotected sex.

Reading my mind as always, he says, “If it’s that important to you, we can wait.”

The declaration takes me by surprise.“Really?”

“Yes, really.”

“I thought you didn’t want to.”I search his eyes.“Wait, I mean.”

His gaze plays over my face, his expression honest and open.“I already told you.I want you to be happy.”

“Having children is important to you.”I can sense it through our bond.I can feel how badly he wants that.

He gives me a crooked smile.“It’s not going to happen overnight, so I may as well wait until you’re ready.”

“Why?”The word is a mere whisper.“What’s changed your mind?”

“You’re making an effort for me.I want to make one for you too.”

Wow.This is huge.Aruan is willing to compromise.For me.

“It’s not that I don’t want kids.It’s just…” I hesitate.“Things are a little crazy right now.”Waving a hand through the space, I continue, “This is a lot to take in, and there are so many pitfalls to navigate.”

He brushes a thumb over my nipple, sending ripples over my skin.“Pitfalls?”

“Obstacles to overcome and problems to solve.”

The light in his silver eyes is earnest.“I understand.”He draws lazy circles around my breast with a finger.“We won’t talk about it again until you tell me you’re ready.In the future, I’ll keep potions handy that’ll prevent you from conceiving.”

Is this the same man who’s keeping me captive here?

His voice heats.“In the meantime…” He slowly lowers his mouth to mine, making his intention clear.“I’ll pull out.”

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