Page 134 of Interion

I put on the lingerie and wrapped myself in a long silver satin robe. My stomach rumbled again, and Kiara scratched at the floor. I opened the vanity drawer to grab a brush and spotted the two vouchers for Lemon’s that I’d gotten from Adele. My belly rumbled once more. Could I order delivery? I grabbed both vouchers and left the room to look for my phone, but Kiara shot ahead of me, weaving between my feet and making me stumble, then bounded downstairs and stopped near her food bowl, which was already full—practically overflowing—on the coffee table.

Downstairs, I found Zion standing near the stairs. His hair was loose, styled in a way that accentuated his square jaw. He was well-dressed—a turtleneck underneath and an elegant gray overcoat on top. His eyes shone intensely.

“Hello, doctor,” he said, his voice eager.

I didn’t know whether to worry or melt at the playful, sexy tone of his voice. My toes curled.

“Hello, general,” I responded in kind.

“The walls of this house told me you’re hungry,” he joked, and I blushed. My stomach must have given me away, but if he heard that, he definitely heard me talking to Kiara too. “So, I’ve been thinking about something.”

“I hope it’s food.” I smiled, famished.

His hands opened and closed at his sides, nervous.

“Do you want to go out to dinner with me?”

My smile faltered at his words. I wondered if I’d heard him right, but Zion just kept waiting for an answer. When it finally clicked, a spontaneous, satisfied smile spread across my lips as I noticed how nervous he seemed about the invitation. There were entire constellations in his eyes as he waited for my response. Their brightness stirred something in me, making warmth spread through my chest. I was looking at my partner, my equal. I melted, remembering the sonar’s words: “the one who will save our people.” The phrase echoed in my mind, and I was so happy my heart seemed to overflow with light.

“Are you asking me on a date, general?” I saw the brightness in his eyes dim a little and his smile wavered, but he held firm.

“I offer you my hand and you already want the whole arm? Have mercy on this poor soldier.”

“The arm? You have no idea what I want.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted them, but his gaze intensified as it swept over my body, and my toes clenched tighter.

“At the moment, I can only offer you my hands,” he said, clearing his throat to keep his voice steady.

“Your hands are enough for today.” I smiled, descending the stairs and placing the two vouchers in his palm. He stared at them, confused—he’d been expecting my hand, not papers.

“I won the vouchers in a bet with Adele. I suppose today’s a good day to use them, but I need to get ready first. Can you wait a bit?”

“Take all the time you need. I’ll be right here.”

His smile had me hooked, but I remembered I needed to be quick.

“I’ll be right back.” I practically ran up the stairs.

My heart might as well have been a hummingbird’s wings, with only my rib cage keeping it trapped in place. No heart had ever beaten faster than mine in that moment, and with each beat I grew more anxious. Kiara looked at me mockingly from her spot near the window, as if she knew exactly where my thoughts were heading.

“Okay, I know you’re judging me and I don’t care,” I whispered to her while applying my makeup. Just foundation and concealer to hide the dark circles, mascara to make my eyes pop, and a burnt rose lipstick to add some color to the whole look. I chose black high-waisted jeans and a black long-sleeved crop top. On top, I added a nude overcoat and pinned golden clips in my hair, creating a teased topknot while letting my wavy hair fall free.

I was ready, but I wasn’t prepared.

Δ

“Your female is in heat.”

Zion choked when he heard Kiara’s mental voice. She wasn’t anywhere in sight.

“What?” he asked, though he didn’t want to hear it again.

“Your. Female. Is. In. Heat.”

She repeated it slowly, pausing between each word so there’d be no doubt. He still didn’t know what to say.

“Yesterday she came back from your room reeking of heat, and not even that stinky spray could cover the scent.”

Zion choked for the second time. So the lavender scent that had irritated his nose was actually meant to cover Kyller’s intimate scent. He started laughing to himself, sitting there on the couch. Last night he’d been so shaken he hadn’t paid attention, but now it made sense. She must have seen him naked, and even though he didn’t want to admit it, he felt ecstatic knowing his partner desired him too.