Page 111 of Tharn's Hunt
"And these." He crushes the remaining petals in his palm, then smears the paste over my neck.
The effect is instantaneous. The firebloom stings, but soon there’s a soothing coolness spreading over my skin.
I stare at him.
He stares back, chest heaving, eyes wild with guilt.
Silence.
"Oh, Tharn," I whisper.
He collapses against me, his forehead pressed to mine, his arms locking around my waist like I might vanish. "You are hurt. I fix it."
"They’re hickies, Tharn. Not stab wounds."
"Same thing."
“Jaqs? Are you awake?” Justine’s voice winds through the caves to our alcove, and my eyes widen.
“Shit. Time to face the music.” I just had sex with an alien,myalien, and I liked it.
My gaze falls back to the floor, scanning for my clothes. “Yeah, coming, just…just give me a second.” I find what’s left of my skirt and sigh. "I need actual clothing. These won’t last for much longer.”
Tharn tilts his head, watching me. After a moment of consideration, he crosses to the far side of the alcove, retrieving something from a small storage niche.
It's a hide. Soft, well-tanned, and surprisingly supple. He offers it to me.
"A covering," he projects, his thought simple. "For now."
I take the hide, touched by his thoughtfulness. It's large enough to wrap around my torso and tie at the shoulder, creating a makeshift dress that covers everything essential.
"Thank you," I say, standing on tiptoe to press a kiss to his jaw. "It's perfect for now."
His hands clamp onto my waist, his grip firm, possessive. His gaze drops to the hide I'm now wearing.
"It is temporary," his thought is a low rumble. "I will tear it off you in the dark."
Chapter 31
THE WALK OF VERY LITTLE SHAME
JACQUI
We emerge from the alcove hand-in-hand. Me in my makeshift hide dress, Tharn in my goddamn blouse like it’s some kind of trophy.
The main cavern buzzes with morning activity, and at least a dozen heads swivel our way.
Oh god.
I brace for disgust. Judgment. At the very least, some awkward coughing.
Instead?
The women exchange glances—not shocked, but... knowing. A few smothered smiles appear. Alex actually winks at me.
Huh.
Tharn's frame brushes against mine. "They heard," he projects, shameless.
