Page 117 of Tamed By Her Touch

“And that does not trouble you?” Sendar demanded.

Kaelus shrugged.

“Why should it?”

Sendar’s metallic eyes narrowed.

“Because dependence is weakness.”

Kaelus shook his head.

“Every living organism depends on something…air…water…nutrients…other organisms. Mutual dependence is not slavery—it is biology.”

Sendar’s expression hardened.

“For a male who claims to be an outsider, you sound very much like a male of Titus Four.”

“I’ll try not to take offense,” Kaelus said dryly. For a moment he thought the other male might become angry. Instead Sendar laughed.

“You are amusing, Doctor Kaelus,” he remarked.

“I have been told that far too often lately,” Kaelus muttered.

Sendar raised an eyebrow.

“By your goddess?”

Kaelus frowned.

“By my wife.” The more he claimed Clair as his wife and mate, the more real it seemed.

“Of course, of course. By your lovely little wife.”

Something about Sendar’s tone made him want to hit the male. Instead Kaelus walked over to one of the restraint chairs and examined the cuffs.

“Do these still function?”

Sendar glanced over.

“I believe so.”

“Why?”

“Why not? The systems are mechanical and the metal does not corrode.”

Kaelus pulled one of the wrist restraints open. The cuff was wide enough to fit even his massive wrist. When he released it, it snapped shut with a heavy metallic click. The sound set his teeth on edge.

“Has anyone used this room recently?” he asked.

“No. For the males of Titus Four don’t have a savage bone in their bodies anymore.” Sendar sounded regretful—as though the fact that the males of his planet no longer savaged the females was a pity and a shame. What was wrong with the male?

Kaelus stepped away from the chair, glad to put distance between himself and it.

Sendar watched him for a moment.

“You are very protective of your Clair, are you not?”

Kaelus looked at him sharply.