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“I’m not going anywhere. Speak your mind and I’ll listen, my love.”
He squeezed my hand before continuing.
“I’m deeply sorry for losing sight of you at the gala. You wouldn’t have been taken if I did my job.”
“Don’t blame yourself,” I insisted. “Jocelyn snatched me the second you looked away. It wasn’t your fault.”
He sighed. “It’s just—” He swallowed hard. “If I’d lost you forever, I’d never have forgiven myself.”
I turned his face gently to meet my gaze. “Yet here I am,” I said with a smile.
“I suppose you are,” he chuckled. “Elara, I’ve had the time of my life with you, despite everything.”
“Me, too,” I replied, shifting closer. “A relationship, huh?” I asked excitedly.
“I suppose it’s official now,” he said. “But I want more than that. I want to take this beyond the stars with you.”
My heart pounded as the air grew suddenly heavy. “Yes?” I whispered.
“What I’m trying to ask is... will you be my mate?”
His words snatched my breath away. I gasped in disbelief.
“Does that mean what I think?”
“Yes, Elara. I want you forever.”
“But can we, with me being human and you, Vinduthi? How would it work?” I babbled nervously.
Draven gently hushed me. “I’ll explain everything, but know I want this desperately.”
“I believe you,” I said. A million questions flew to my lips, but a knock at the door interrupted us.
“Let me look.” Shoulders tense, I approached the door screen. Was it another enemy?
Instead, it displayed a male Vinduthi waiting patiently outside. “I think it’s one of your men.”
Draven grinned. “Not exactly. It’s Alkard. Let him in.”
I opened the door to the hulking Vinduthi, purple traceries lining his gray skin. Seeing me, he bowed his head politely.
“You must be Elara,” he rumbled, shaking my hand firmly. “A pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise,” I replied, slightly nervous being face to face with my official owner. But he didn’t mention that, simply letting me step aside. “Draven’s awake if you want to see him.”
“Alkard!” Draven called from the bed.
Alkard strode past me as I shut the door and joined them.
“I heard you took some shots,” Alkard remarked. “Wanted to see how you’re recovering.”
“Here I am!” Draven spread his arms wide. “Let me formally introduce you two. Alkard, this is Elara, my intended mate.”
“Is that so?” Alkard glanced my way as I grew tense. What if he refused? “Well, congratulations to you both,” he said instead, easing my anxiety.
“You’re just in time, my friend. Elara had some concerns about a human pairing up with us. You’re the perfect one to answer her questions.”
“Ask away,” invited Alkard.
