Page 60 of Their Marked Mate

“Ask Carlos,” Nate suggested. “He can help you assess the risks and benefits.”

She nodded then shifted her gaze back to Alex. “I know you’re going to punish me for this. May I ask what you intend to do?”

“That depends on who is asking.”

His response confused her. “What do you mean?”

“Over the past three days four different alphas reminded me that our courtship has lasted more than thirty days. By village law one of three things must happen. Because this will be your second courtship, you must interact with at least three different alphas before you allow one to court you.”

She had no interest in starting the process over again. She was ready to let Alex claim her, but she was curious about the rest. “You said three options. What are the other two?”

“If you meet with three alphas and none interest you, Nate and I are allowed to court you for an additional thirty days.”

That seemed silly when she was ready to move beyond courting. “Or?” she prompted as her smile broadened. “What’s my final option?”

“You can stop torturing us and let us claim you.” Alex lowered his voice to a sensual growl. “And that’s the answer to your question. The punishment for the village geneticist would be much more intense than for the female I’m courting. And the punishment for my mate would be less intense than for the female who refuses to let me claim her.”

She laughed, welcoming the ripple of joy his teasing triggered. “Well, it sounds like my wisest course is to let you two claim me.”

Alex wrapped his arms around her and drew her forward, then he grabbed her behind with both hands and squeezed. “I’m still taking a belt to this delectable ass. There is no way out of that.”

She’d screwed up and Rydarian rules were harsh for a reason. Without having to be told, Luna undressed. The sooner she got the punishment over with, the sooner they could move on to sharing pleasure.

Naked and resigned, Luna knelt before her mates. She opened her thighs and lowered her gaze, not saying a word. She’d thought she knew best. She’d been angry and resentful, so she made a series of bad decisions. She’d allowed her ambition to cloud her judgment, and Shannon had been hurt as a result.

“Is your submission offered willingly?” Alex began, his tone stern yet caressing. She had no idea how he accomplished both, but it was something uniquely Alex.

“It is, alpha.”

“Then crawl into the bedroom and kneel beside our bed.”

Luna tensed. This was new. He wanted her to crawl for him? Wasn’t kneeling here naked humiliating enough?

“Is there a problem?” The warmth left his tone, leaving only authority.

“No, sir.” She lowered her hands to the floor and began to crawl. As her arms and legs moved, she became progressively more aware of the rest of her body. Her breasts swayed and her pussy and ass were on full display. It was undeniably humiliating, but something about it stirred her dark desires, made her restless and needy. She wanted them to look at her, wanted them to lust after her.

By the time she reached the bed she was breathless and achy. Her pussy was growing wet and her nipples had tightened into distended points. Could they smell how aroused she was? She hoped that the reaction pleased them.

“Stand up then bend over the bed and spread your legs,” Alex ordered.

Luna maneuvered her legs beneath her and stood. Then she turned toward the bed and bent from the waist. The position was familiar. Alex loved to fuck her like this. It allowed him to slide his hands all over her body while he took her from behind. She stepped her legs apart and arched her back, giving them a good view of her sex.

Alex moved in close behind her and traced her slit with his fingertips. “Such a needy pussy.” He circled her clit a couple of times then teased her entrance. “We’ll enjoy this soon enough. But before pleasure comes pain.”

It was the only warning she got before his hand spanked her upturned ass. He warmed her cheeks with stinging slaps, not stopping until both sides were warm and throbbing.

“Why am I punishing you?” He rubbed her bottom, intensifying the heat.

“I didn’t listen to your warning, so Shannon was harmed by my formula.”

“Shannon has been claimed by her genetically compatible mates,” he argued. “The claiming was sudden and intense, but the outcome is what you intended.”

She didn’t argue with him. She hadn’t intended to create an omega and he knew it, but she understood the value of choosing her battles.

“Will you implement the transformation protocols using Babcock’s formula?”

“Yes, alpha. If that’s best for the entire village, then that is what I’ll do.”