His pupils flared those interesting flames in their depths. “I will not leave you alone.”
“Daegan.” I glanced around the cavern, searching for the dangers he saw, then pointedly back at him. “I understand that octo-monster was creepy, but you’re not my keeper.” I poked him in the stomach with my pointer finger. “I can take care of myself, and I am not going to pee with you standing right here. Understand?”
He growled. And fuck if that didn’t get my hormones racing. “Elena.” His tone deepened an octave, and I was screwed. “I will turn around. I will head up this incline. And I will not watch.” His face came within a hand’s span of mine. “But you are mine to protect. Do not forget this.”
Giving me no chance to respond, he pivoted on his big booted foot and walked a few paces further up as he’d said. It wasn’t the privacy I’d like, but it was a fair enough compromise. I didn’t push the issue…for now. The bonus of our mini confrontation was more insight into Daegan’s psyche, and the painting of him in my mind’s eye continued to grow. Rich colors and textures were being added where there had been a bare sketch before.
I see you, my alien warrior.I smiled inwardly, not quite as peeved as I had been.
After taking care of my body’s needs, well at least one, I crept up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. I expected him to jump, he didn’t so much as twitch. Without turning, he asked, “Finished?”
“Not exactly.” I had a plan now, one that was hard to keep from showing on my face. But I needed to give my stubborn male a little more time, so I improvised. Walking up stream, I motioned for him. “Let’s search the cavern for an exit while we have sunlight.”
“I’ve found none.” He followed behind. “But let us see.”
It didn’t take much time, but I led him to the spot in which we’d fallen through the sands. The octo-creature’s body had slid back toward the crevice from where it came, much to my relief. I didn’t think it would turn into a zombie or anything, but its bulk unnerved me. The first part of the cavern was an almost perfect oval with no tunnels or passages to speak of.
The second area where our purple-moss bed laid was narrower and more rectangular. The spring seemed to sprout here from a point in the cavern wall. Not quite a waterfall, it had a horizontal slit through which it flowed about knee height from the ground. It too, unfortunately, had no human—or warrior—sized exits. Since we’d already seen the one tiny hole where the spring escaped the cavern in the last area with our fish-laden pool and makeshift bathroom, I didn’t bother returning to it.
“I am sorry, my Truxoria.” Daegan looked at me for the first time in hours, his gaze holding mine captive. “We must wait.”
The fire in his pupils dimmed. With it, the final piece of the puzzle clicked into place. The painting of my alien was clear. “Daegan,” I said firmly, refusing to let his inner flames cool to embers just when he had gained his life back. “The only thing you have to apologize for,” I stood before him, my face level with his chest, but I would not let him turn away from me, “is not making me your mate ineveryway.”
He exhaled, a breath of emotion in the simple act. “I have failed you, and I am undeserving of you.”
Ire rose in me again as fast and furious as a speeding comet. He’d saved my life with his quick thinking and watched over me as I slept. He held me and comforted me after my nightmare memory. When had he failed me? I refused to allow such darkness between us. “Listen to me, my mate.” I used the word that bound us together, loving the feel of it on my lips. His nostrils flared and his eyes bore into mine. “You’ve done nothing wrong, except…”
I let the moment stretch between us so he would have no doubts to the truth. Or to my feelings. He remained motionless as if he’d wait for all eternity for my words.
“Hmm,” I let my lips buzz against his skin, kissing one flat bronzed nipple. Then, I grabbed his shaft over his leathers and gave a loving squeeze. “Except deny me this cock.”
The fire in his eyes sparked. “I would deny you nothing, my Elena.” The swirling amber of his irises glowed with the inner flames. “But, do you want one so unworthy?”
Releasing his cock, I grasped his face in both hands. “Daegan, hear me.” I kept my tone kind yet firm. “The doubt or shame your feeling is not true. You’ve saved my life and given me more than I could ever ask for. You’re a male of honor.” I let me hands travel around his neck to pull him closer. “All these emotions are new for you, and they’re confusing as hell. But trust me when I say,” I laid a light kiss on his lips, teasing him with the promise of more, “I want you now and always. And I’ve never experienced this before. So it’s new for both of us.”
His large hands spanned my hips, tugging me closer. “You must promise me to never die then. I cannot bare it.”
“Is that what’s got you twisted?” I snuggled into him.
“You almost died several times.” He buried his face in my air, inhaling deeply. “And I have but found you.”
“We can’t control the future or what will happen.” Emphasizing my point, I traced the white scars along his bronzed skin. They added to his masculine beauty by showing that he was a survivor, a fighter, a warrior, and all mine. “That’s why we live each moment as we can.” I let my fingers wander lower over his abdomen. “And in this one, I want you.” Tugging the waistband of his leathers, I snapped them against his skin. “Bond me to you, Daegan.”
This time the flames in his pupils flared into an inferno. “Crex, Elena.” He placed his hands under my thighs and hoisted me up. “What you do to me.”
“Show me,” I prodded. My nails sunk into his shoulders. “Now.”
“Yes, my Truxoria. As you wish.”
9
Daegan
Nothing preparedme for the tornado of emotions that warred within my hearts. But one request from my mate changed everything. I would do all within my power to make myself worthy of her. She deserved no less. And I’d begin with wringing every drop of pleasure from her body that I could. I’d show her the warrior she desired, the warrior I was. I would not be weak when Celestia had granted me a strong and fiery mate. I’d grant her every fantasy. She’d scream my name to the cavern’s ceiling many times before we left this place. I’d make sure of it.
I shucked my leathers, allowing my cock to spring free. Her gaze glued to the sight, and she licked her lips. It almost undid me, but I would not allow my lust to rule me again. I had other plans first.
Laying her on the bed of moss, I removed the fabric she used to cover her breasts. If it were up to me they would always be bare. “Hands above your head, my mate.” I took the material and bound it around her wrists. “Now keep them there.”
