Primal excitement brewed within him. If she were his, he would have explored the reasons for her reaction. Namely-did she want Valerian to take her against a wall?
Soon, he vowed. Very soon.
His personal suite occupied the opposite end of the palace. An area he'd chosen for the large bathing pool and panoramic wall of windows that offered a breathtaking view of the Outer City below.
What would Shaye think of the luxuries?
Did she like antiques or modern furnishings? Bright colors or pastels? Did she prefer warmth to cold?
She was right; he didn't know her well. But he wanted so badly to learn.
"Thank you for agreeing to take me back," Shaye said. "I know you don't want to, and I'm truly grateful."
He'd never heard such a gentle, tender tone from her. She even wore an expression of gratitude, the sweetness of it softening her features and gifting her with bright radiance.
He couldn't allow her to entertain the false assumption any longer. "I'm not taking you back to your world, Moon. I'm taking you to your new home."
She jolted, her nails digging into his flesh. "You knew what I thought but didn't correct me."
"I did correct you. Now."
"Yes, you're practically a Boy Scout. If this is how you think to win my affections, well, good luck," she spit at him. "You and Joachim should consider dating. You're perfect for each other."
"Does she always speak this way?" Joachim asked, expressing his first doubt about his selection.
"Always," Valerian and Shaye snapped in unison.
"By the way. I'm not staying anywhere near your room," she informed Valerian. "I'd rather return to the sea and drown."
"That isn't an option for you." He had to drag her-gently, of course-the rest of the way.
Joachim watched the interaction with an unreadable countenance.
Finally they reached the outskirts of Valerian's suite.
Aeson exited the main doorway, his face flushed with pleasure.
Having caught his scent, the three humans chased after him. Soon, they trapped him in a circle.
"Be with me."
"No, me."
"I neeeed you."
Then, "Valerian! You came back for me."
All three swung around to beckon him over.
Mated nymphs didn't usually attract females with the same potency and fervor as unmated ones. Still. He pulled Shaye in front of him, using her as a shield.
"Take one and go, Aeson."
"You're taking me." The black beauty stepped forward and clasped Aeson's hand.
He gazed at her with adoration as he led her from the room.
The other two females pouted.
Shaye humphed. "So. You're a pimp as well as king."
He ignored her and waved in his cousin's direction. "Joachim is in need of a lover. Any interest?"
Both women sashayed to him without question.
"You're so big," the darker skin woman cooed.
"And strong," added the delightfully plump redhead.
Joachim backed away, determined to resist. "I've already made my choice?" he said, the words a question rather than a statement. "The...the pale one is to be mine, and I must guard her door this night. For that reason, you...cannot...touch...me. Touch me." The last was an unrestrained moan of helpless capitulation.
They'd reached him, their hands already stroking him.
Valerian almost grinned. "Shaye won't mind if you forgo standing guard at her door this night. A man has needs, and she understands." Or rather, he prayed she understood.
"Needs," the lost-in-a-passion-haze warrior repeated.
"I need your naked skin sliding against mine," the redhead said, breathless.
"I need you, hot in my mouth."
Joachim audibly swallowed. "Valerian," he began, a tremor in his tone.
Shouldn't smile. "Go. I'll see you in the morning."
"The pale one-"
"Will remain untouched." Tonight. Only tonight. "I've given you my word, and I'll keep it." Even if Shaye begged him for more.
The thought caused him to harden painfully. He wanted her to beg.
The redhead shoved her friend and jumped into Joachim's arms. "I'll make you forget her."
"I trust you, cousin." Joachim strode away then, and the woman clung to him.
"Wait," Valerian called. "Take the other to Shivawn. If you'd like a man of your own?" he asked her.
She brightened. "Yes, please."
Joachim held out his hand, and the other woman eagerly rushed over to claim it.
The trio disappeared beyond the corner.
Valerian allowed his grin to peek through. He had Shaye to himself, Joachim otherwise occupied.
"Unbelievable," Shaye muttered.
He gripped her shoulders to twist her around. "Just what do you find so unbelievable?"