Page 67 of Tamed By Her Touch

Kaelus frowned.

“With you? I thought we were to be housed near the laboratories.”

“Our home has a guest wing,” Maera explained. “You will have privacy. But during the day, you will accompany us. You will observe our customs and learn what it means on Titus Four for a husband to honor his goddess.”

Clair turned slightly in Kaelus’s arms. Her eyes were already sparkling.

Kaelus knew that look—she was going to enjoy this far too much. But they still had work to do.

“If we agree to this—to live with you and learn your ways—will you allow us to do at least some research?” she asked. “Lives are on the line, after all.”

“Yes, of course.” Varell nodded. “You will be granted limited access during the time you live with us.”

“And after five days?” Clair asked. “Will we get full access then?”

“After five days, if Doctor Kaelus demonstrates that he understands our values, he will perform the Vow of the Goddess before members of the Council of Elders,” Varell said. “Afterward, if the Council accepts the sincerity of his vow, you will be granted full access to the Blood Archive and our medical laboratories.”

Kaelus stared at him.

“You want me to perform a mating ceremony?”

“A vow of devotion,” Maera corrected.

Kaelus shook his head.

“But…we are already mated.”

Varell frowned.

“So you tell us. But you do not treat your wife like a man who reveres and worships his goddess.”

Sendar spoke for the first time in several minutes.

“A true mating is usually quite easy to recognize,” he remarked.

Kaelus turned his head to look at the copper-haired male. There was something in his tone he disliked—something almost mocking.

Varell gave Sendar a warning look.

“Now, now—our visitors are unfamiliar with our customs, so it is our duty to teach them—not to berate them.”

“Of course,” Sendar said smoothly. “I meant no offense.”

Kaelus did not believe him—not one fucking bit. But he couldn’t give further offense, so he kept his mouth shut.

Sendar turned toward Kaelus.

“If it eases your concern, Doctor Kaelus, I would be happy to assist with your preliminary scientific work while you undergo your…instruction. There is much basic data we can review without granting access to the full Archive.”

“Thank you,” Clair said before Kaelus could answer. “That would be very helpful.”

Sendar smiled at her and made a small, respectful bow.

“My pleasure, Doctor Donovan. I am always happy to help such a lovely goddess as yourself.”

A low, possessive growl rose in Kaelus’s throat and his arm tightened involuntarily around Clair’s waist.

“Easy, big guy.” She elbowed him gently. “I’m sure Doctor Sendar is just trying to help.”