Page 72 of Xefe
“Don’t say it. Not here.” Xefe looked around, conscious in a way he had never been before. Could his woman be right about surveillance as well?
“She made it move! And if it happened to you, it could happen to any of us. That would mean your one ishere. But what of going home?” Loxo pondered for a moment, his eyes wide. When he saw the blank expression on Xefe’s face, he clapped him on the shoulder. “There is time for questions later. You need time to enjoy your earther’s magical abilities.” His purple eye swirled as he flashed his canines. “Somewhere you will not be discovered.”
Xefe didn’t hesitate. He raced toward Hermosa, swept her up into his arms, and threw her over his shoulder. All of the spikes on his back softened and wrapped around his middle.
“Put me down!” She smacked him on the back, but for once, didn’t scream.
The other women laughed out loud.
She is probably reveling in her win. Earthers love to gloat.
“Stay with the earthers, Loxo. We will go together to get uniforms.”
They cheered, and Loxo said, “Understood, First. I guard them with my life. Supreme first!”
Loxo’s voice faded as Xefe raced across the field toward an abandoned cave. These paths were as familiar as his rod in his hand. He knew exactly where to take his talented foe. The feel of her in his arms burned away the last of theGlrtsstlllloroggg’scontrol. If she were his mate, he’d never be able to numb himselfagainst her. His markings and her claim had branded him internally, making him forever hers.
“Where are we going?”
“Need privacy. My cave is too far.”
“Well don’t expect us to do anything because I’m super pissed at you. I’m going to keep my magical mouth shut!”
“If your words were true, you would be thinking about all the things you promised.” He palmed her firm ass, the luscious and roundest part of her frame. He’d never understood how irresistible bare flesh could be with no protective armor. “Speak. Earther.”
She moaned low in her throat, and his rod swirled, pushing up for freedom.
“You need me.” The words were a revelation, a slow burn travelling through him, searing and changing him.
“I don’t!” She groaned again.
Xefe took her to an alcove. Golden vines ran along the walls and ceiling, emitting a soft glow. He set his female down in front of him. Her scent triggered his fire. The other day, when he had touched the silky liquid between her thighs, it was ecstasy for someone who had waited for his mate his whole life. But he had been in denial. Didn’t want to believe she was his.
He examined her smooth bronze skin. The warm tones looked lit from within, reminding him of his favorite spice. Her eyes were a lighter color of the same brown. Spiraling curls ran riot over her shoulders and back, a strand caught on her straight nose.
I must know.“Did you speak true?”
She crossed her arms, refusing to look at him.
“Was it all for show? Your claim of magic?” His whole body tensed, desperate for a truthful answer. She would do anything to survive. Lie. Cheat. Manipulate. And yet, his body had begunto change, to ready itself to accept her as hisalmax. He was one word away from believing it.
“Why do you care? You left me all alone in that place. You’ve ignored me for days! Well, now I’m taking care ofme.” She sliced her hand down. “I got you to move for me, that’s all that matters. All with mymagicmouth.”
“I know this. Tell me now whether you spoke true, or if you lied for your personal gain.” He fisted his hand in her glorious hair, fascinated with how it danced and curled around his fingers.
“You mean whether I want to take you inside my mouth?” Her chest heaved. “Why should I tell you my secrets when you share none of your own?”
When Xefe saw the shimmer in her eyes, he realized he’d harmed her. Hurt her because of his neglect. He’d been locked in the freeze, and it had been an escape. If he hadn’t overdosed, he never would have stayed away from her. He’d only made it days, even with theGlrtsstlllloroggg. “I am sorry, little one. I have no words to assuage your hurt. I made a poor choice and stayed away from you. I will never do that again. But I will only ask once more. Were they true?” His whole being stilled, his innards stalled until she told him what he wanted to hear.
“You’ll stop numbing yourself out? You’ll stay with me?Helpus?” Hermosa wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
“I will do everything in my power.” Xefe wiped away a drop of moisture from her cheek. Unwilling to examine his words too closely. He sensed he would have the struggle of his life deciphering his loyalty.
“I’m choosing to believe you. Hoping we can have a new start because I spoke the truth. Every word.” She sighed. “I’m still mad at you. And God, yes, I ache for you. Need to touch you. Feel you.” She closed her eyes and rubbed her cheek against his palm.
She was soft. And so willing. He loved this side of her. “You humble me,” he told her. And then he demanded. “Show me.”
She smiled and gestured toward his pants. “Take them off.”
