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“We agree with you.” Neloff moved closer, his body warming her back. “But remember, I was a hair’s breadth away from doing the same thing. If Cylex’s ship hadn’t completely outgunned mine, I never would have let you go.”
Excitement tingled down her back. Their courtship would have been very different if she’d started out as their captive. She was thankful for their patience, yet part of her wished they would just take control. She was tired of the emotional tug-of-war, tired of the uncertainty. Yet something within her just couldn’t let go.
“All we’re saying is the Citadel brings many of these rash actions on themselves,” Kyrex concluded. “That’s a point my father stressed during the negotiations. He wanted to make sure Zevon?—”
“Your father?” She placed her hands on his chest and stared up at him in disbelief. “Your father was here at the Citadel and you didn’t even introduce us?”
“My father was here for a meeting with Zevon. I explained that I was officially courting and that I was anxious for you two to meet. My father agreed to have dinner with us when we return from Torret.”
Allowing her annoyance to slip away, she nodded and slowly exhaled. “I can’t stand Laidon and I doubt that will ever change. However, I am curious about the rebels. They’re the only ones brave enough to take on Jevara directly. Everyone else seems to be playing defense.”
“Is that your way of saying that you’d like to be part of this mission?” Kyrex moved his hands to her shoulders and pulled her closer.
“Yes. I’d like to go to Torret with you and Neloff.” She looked into his eyes and opened her mind, allowing them to feel the conflict raging inside her. She knew they were her mates, had been certain of that fact ever since the mind link activated. But her life had always been regimented and routine. Exerting authority felt unnatural. She was trying to be more assertive. But she was honest enough to admit that she was more comfortable following the lead of others. “I’m concerned that they’ll try to steal me away from you. Can you think of a way to ensure that I’m safe from?—”
“You are always safe with us,” Neloff objected, sounding insulted. “We would never allow anyone to harm you.”
Kyrex’s dark eyes gleamed and a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Get naked and on your knees and we will discuss your choices.”
Relief washed over Eden followed immediately by a tingling wave of desire. Clearly, Kyrex understood what she needed from them. As soon as Neloff’s initial surge of protectiveness subsided, he’d understand too. She was ready to take the next step in their relationship, but she needed them to make the first move. She didn’t care if that made her weak. Not everyone was born to be a leader.
She unfastened the belt on her wraparound dress and then released the inner catch. The sides slid apart and she shrugged the material off her shoulders. The loose sleeves slid down her arms as the dress slipped to the floor and pooled around her ankles. Bending at the waist, she picked up the dress and draped it over the back of her chair. She kicked off her shoes and pushed them under the table. Finally, she sank to her knees and placed her hands palm up on her thighs.
Neloff moved to stand beside Kyrex. Now they could both see all of her.
“Spread your legs,” Kyrex ordered, his voice low yet warm.
She moved her knees apart and waited.
“We’ve been patient with you,” Kyrex reminded. “You’ve had more time than most to make your decision. Our courtship ends tonight, Eden. Are we your mates? Yes or no.”
“Yes,” she said without hesitation.
“Do you know how much we love you?” Neloff asked, his expression even more intense than Kyrex’s.
She looked at him, a soft smile curving her lips. “Yes.”
“We intend to claim you, to use your body ruthlessly and form an interactive soul bond,” Kyrex stated, his dark eyes boring into hers. “Do you consent to this claiming? Are you ready to be our conduit?”
Now that they’d taken control, she felt braver, more secure. “I desperately want you two to claim me, and I am thrilled to be your conduit.”
Kyrex leaned down as he tilted her head back. His mouth sealed over hers in a deep, demanding kiss. “If anyone dares to touch you or even upset you, they will pay dearly for their foolishness. You belong to us now, and always will.” His second kiss was filled with possessive passion. The bold thrust of his tongue was his first claim on her body. “You will soon be our bonded mate.”
When Kyrex finally released her, Neloff was there. He brushed the hair back from her face and caressed her lips with his. “I am sensing fear.” Another light kiss. “Tell me what frightens you.”
“I’m ready for this. I want to be your mate, but I don’t want to lose myself completely. I need to retain some part of who I am now.”
Neloff pressed his lips against her forehead then whispered, “We do not want a mindless slave. We want a smart, creative partner. Someone who will challenge us when our thinking becomes too staid and support our wild ideas when no one else believes in what we’re doing.”
Her smile broadened. “I can do that. I look forward to doing that.”
“We will all work together toward common goals,” Kyrex assured her. “Anything that is important to you is now important to us.”
“That sounds perfect.”
“Good girl,” Kyrex muttered as he motioned toward the bed just visible in the adjacent room. “On your back, on the bed.”
Eden started to stand up, but Neloff shook his head. “Crawl for us. Keep those legs nice and open so we can see what’s ours.”
