Page 13 of Borgaz

Now her friend was the happy, outgoing one, clearly enjoying her relationship with her new alien husband, while Mary felt cold and isolated. Not entirely cold, she amended as Borgaz returned, his eyes immediately going to her and her body flushing with heat despite her best intentions. The feel of hisbig body behind hers on the ride over was still clearly etched in her mind, not to mention the improbably large erection she had brushed against when she slid down from the horse - an erection for which she was responsible.

Her nipples tingled at the memory, but she shook her head and forced a smile.

“Well, I’m glad you’re happy, but I’m not looking for a relationship,” she whispered, before looking over at the two males who accompanied Borgaz.

Temel had returned, along with a new alien - another tall male, this one with golden skin and faintly cat-like features, the resemblance enhanced by his wild mane of golden hair. Bright blue eyes immediately focused on her face.

“Ah. I heard we had a charming new visitor. I hope this old grouch hasn’t ruined your opinion of us.”

He elbowed Borgaz as he spoke. Borgaz sighed and cuffed his head, not gently, stepping between the new male and Mary.

“Shut up, Naffon.”

Naffon’s expression darkened, and she watched in horrified fascination as his fingers flexed, gleaming claws appearing at his fingertips. He raised one of those clawed hands behind Borgaz’s back and she had a sudden terrible feeling that he was planning to return the blow. She started to voice a warning, but then Temel gripped Naffon’s shoulder.

“Shall we eat? You would not want to disappoint Kalpar, would you?”

“Wouldn’t I? After he made me shovel shit all day?” Despite his embittered words, Naffon relaxed, the wild light dying from hiseyes as he grinned at her. “This farming business is not for the weak of stomach.”

“No it’s not,” she agreed, returning his smile. There was something oddly boyish about him, a strange contrast to the wildness she had just witnessed.

Naffon came to join her at the table but once again Borgaz intercepted him, plunking himself firmly at her side instead. Naffon shot him an amused look, then winked at her and moved on, while Rosie hid a laugh and leaned across the table.

“I was a little scared of them at first too,” she murmured, “But they’re just big puppies, honestly.”

“Puppies with fangs,” Mary muttered under her breath, but her friend laughed.

The evening meal proved to be more enjoyable than she anticipated. Everyone crowded around the big wooden table, and the males eagerly dug in to the roasted meat and vegetable stew that Kalpar had prepared.

“This is delicious,” she said sincerely.

“It is acceptable.” Kalpar frowned at his plate. “I must arrange for additional spices.”

“As if I didn’t anticipate that,” a deep voice interrupted, and she looked up as S’kal, her wagon master, entered the kitchen.

He looked even larger in the confines of the kitchen, but his smile was as friendly as ever.

“Little Mary. I am glad to see you again so soon. I intended to come by and check on you and see if you needed any help.”

An odd grumbling noise sounded next to her and all the males tensed as she turned to look at Borgaz.

“Did you just growl?”

“No.” Despite his denial, the barked word was a harsh growl, his eyes fixed on the big newcomer. “Mary does not need your assistance.”

S’kal’s hands fisted at Borgaz’s tone, but he only raised an eyebrow.

“Is that your decision?”

Borgaz’s body was so tense it was practically vibrating, his chest rumbling, and she poked him with her finger. Ouch. It was like poking a boulder.

“Stop that,” she muttered before turning back to S’kal. “No, it’s not his decision. But although I appreciate the offer I don’t need any help. From anyone.”

S’kal dipped his head in acknowledgment before Temel directed him to take a plate and join them. He sat down at the far end of the table, then smiled at her again before digging into his food.

“How do you know him?” Borgaz asked, still growling.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but he was the wagon master of the caravan I traveled with. And he was very nice to me so stop being such a grouch.”

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