Page 42 of Their Marked Mate

“You like facts and statistics.” Alex pushed his plate aside and rested his forearms on the table. “Let’s analyze the situation from a scientific perspective. You have been on Rydaria for almost six months now, correct?”

Luna nodded.

“You spent time in all three above ground villages and interacted with a variety of males in each. Is that also correct?”

She sighed, easily anticipating where this was headed. “Yes.”

“Were you attracted to anyone else?” Alex persisted.

“You and Nate are the only ones that I’ve felt a connection with,” she admitted. “But that doesn’t mean I’m ready to dedicate the rest of my life to you.”

“We’re not asking you to accept our claim,” Alex reminded. “We’re asking you to allow us to link our minds so you can resolve some of your misgivings.”

Luna squirmed, looking at each of the males then away. “It’s really hard to believe the link doesn’t brainwash the female,” she insisted. “Why are all of these males so damn perfect?”

“They aren’t perfect,” Nate stressed. “They’re just perfect for the female.”

She dragged her gaze back to Nate and searched his expression. “Give me your word that you won’t manipulate my emotions.”

“I swear, but it’s not necessary.” He reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “The link cannot be manipulated. Each emotion, each thought is simply exchanged. They cannot be changed in any way.”

“Then I’ll allow it.” A shiver dropped down her spine as she heard her own words. This had been the last stop before bonding for each of her friends. Now Luna could see the destination looming. As her mind struggled with the concept, she remembered other things her friends had stressed. There were no secrets between mates. They shared emotions and thoughts, memories and even physical sensations. Secrets. The word echoed through Luna’s mind like a warning bell. She had a very damning secret that she was not ready to share. “Will this allow you to read my mind or just sense my emotions?”

Another concerned look passed between the males, then Alex insisted, “It’s a preview, a taste. Emotions pass back and forth spontaneously, but thoughts must be pushed across the link.”

She could work with that. “All right. Sorry about all the questions. I’m just intimidated by all this psychic stuff.”

“That’s understandable.” Nate stood and moved to stand beside her. “The link can be painful if you resist, so it’s best if you’re good and distracted.” He pulled her to her feet and led her toward the bedroom.

Luna went willingly, but tension gathered in her belly. This would be exciting, even romantic if it weren’t for the secret she was determined to hide. It was inevitable that they learn about the changes she’d made to the formula, but timing was everything. If at least one female had been successfully transformed and more were on the way, one annoying detail wouldn’t matter. At least, that was the defense she had been rehearsing since she decided to change the formula.

Nate took her face between his warm palms and kissed her deeply as they stood beside the bed.

Alex moved in close behind her and ran his hands up and down her arms. “There is no reason to fear this, Luna. In fact, the opposite is true. This will give you complete confidence in the things we say to you.”

Nate released her mouth and looked into her eyes. “Alex and I are both empathic. We can already sense your emotions. This link will even the playing field for you.”

“I know.” Her smile trembled just a little. “I’m ready.”

Nate unbuttoned her blouse and Alex drew the material down her arms. The bra top soon followed and then her skirt. Alex tried to tug her panties down, so she lowered the fastener, which loosened the material enough to allow the garment’s removal.

“The technology in Shadow City is advanced, but the garments are oddly old-fashioned,” Nate commented as he set her clothes aside.

“It was probably a retro fashion trend rather than a lack of invention,” Luna said. Once again, she was nude while they were fully dressed. “Can we all get naked this time? I love to feel skin on skin.”

The males decided to indulge her, so they both undressed. Alex finished first and pulled Luna into his arms. He kissed her deeply, exploring her mouth with leisurely strokes of his tongue. “You taste so damn good, mate.” He whispered the words in between kisses.

Luna returned his kiss and savored his unique flavor. Each of her potential mates tasted wonderful, but she liked it best when their flavors combined.

Nate pressed against her back and eased her away from Alex so he could caress her breasts. “So soft,” he murmured in her ear. “And so damn beautiful.”

Suddenly, Alex tore his mouth away from hers and turned her to face the beta. “Use your mouth on her. I’m going to form the link.”

“Yes, alpha.” Nate grinned, making it obvious that he was happy to follow the order. He dropped to his knees and lifted one of her legs to his shoulder. Turning his head, he kissed his way along her inner thigh. His teeth scraped over her sensitive skin then latched on, biting just hard enough to make her gasp.

“The mark is temporary,” Alex told her. “A bruise rather than a bite. Like the transfer link, it’s a declaration of intent, a foreshadowing of the real thing.”

“Real thing?” she panted, unable to focus her passion-muddled mind.