Page 12 of Borgaz

“So you say,” Temel said calmly. “But if you intend to court her -”

“I do not.” He dragged his gaze away from the sight of Mary’s glowing face and forced himself to move away from the window. “I am no fit mate for anyone.”

They stared at each other for a long moment, and then Temel shook his head.

“You do not give yourself sufficient credit.”

“She deserves better.” Even though the thought of another male courting her brought all his most possessive instincts roaring to life.

“Perhaps she simply deserves to be happy,” Temel corrected him, his eyes sympathetic. “And perhaps you do as well. Shall we rejoin the others?” he added without giving Borgaz a chance to respond.

Temel strode into the brightly lit kitchen, and Borgaz followed him.

Both females were still talking animatedly, and Harkan listened with a faintly bemused expression on his rugged face. Borgaz didn’t blame him. He’d only exchanged a few sentences with Rosie before leaving earlier, but she’d proved herself to be just as forceful and opinionated as Mary.

Both females broke off as they entered the room. Temel nodded to them, then went to check on Naffon while Rosie beamed at Borgaz.

“Thank you for helping Mary today.”

“I didn’t ask him too,” Mary muttered, blushing as she looked at him, and Rosie laughed.

“You’ve been in the city too long. You know that we all help each other out here.”

“An admirable sentiment,” Kalpar said dryly from his position by the stove. “As long as those offering to help actually know what they’re doing.”

“There is nothing wrong with cutting the beans the way I do.”

“They will be better this way.”

Harlan frowned at Kalpar’s condescending tone, but Rosie only laughed again.

“Don’t worry. I’m perfectly willing to let you cook.”

Despite her statement, she levered her pregnant body off her chair to go and inspect what he was doing, Harkan hovering behind her. Her pregnancy had meant little to Borgaz before, but now he found himself picturing Mary ripe with child and anunexpected flash of longing filled him. No. He was no fit mate for a female, let alone a fit parent. But when he tore his gaze away and looked down at Mary, perhaps some of that longing remained in his gaze. Something flashed between them and he took a half-step closer before he came to his senses.

“I need to report,” he muttered, and fled.

CHAPTER 7

Impossible male,Mary thought as she stared after Borgaz’s departing figure, and yet… There was something about him that appealed to her, something more than that big, muscular body. A sense of connection, perhaps.

Which is ridiculous. He’s an annoying alien warrior and I’m a farmer.As usual, the prospect filled her with a mixture of dread and excitement. She had no illusions about the amount of work involved, but at least she wouldn’t be dependent on anyone. She would never have to leave her home again.

Rosie returned to her side, leaving Harkan at the stove having a low-voiced conversation with Kalpar. The sardonic warrior had intimidated her at first glance, not so much because of his appearance - he was tall and lean with pale lavender skin - but his glowing silver eyes disconcerted her as well as his swift and slightly dismissive appraisal. He became less intimidating when he bent over his pots and although he had a dry sense of humor, it wasn’t malicious, and she gradually relaxed.

“I know that dreamy look,” Rosie teased.

“No you don’t - unless it’s because I’m dreaming of ways to put Borgaz in his place.”

“Unh-huh.” Her friend was clearly not convinced, her own gaze turning dreamy as she looked over at her mate. “You should give him a chance. They’re not like human men.”

“You’re really happy?” she whispered, even though Rosie’s glowing expression left little doubt.

Harkan was also big and intimidating, with minty green skin and dark hair that also had a green tint. He clearly adored Rosie, but he had the same dangerous air that all of the males had. Even Temel, the sternest and most reserved of the males, had it, and the thought of trusting someone like that with her future made her nervous. Not that I intend to trust anyone with my happiness, she reminded herself.

“Happier than I ever imagined,” Rosie said firmly and although Mary was happy for her friend, she couldn’t help a slight pang of envy.

When she had lived in the valley before, Rosie had been the quiet one, too shy to show an interest in any of their neighbors or the men in town. Mary suspected that Rosie’s father had been at least partially responsible - he’d always been a mean man, more likely to criticize than praise. Back then, she had been happy to flirt and indulge in hidden kisses behind the barn, or even more than kisses.

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