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“If you are my Fated Mate, I need to know.”

But there’s only one way of knowing – and he knows I’m aware of that.

As if on cue, Iunia’s cock surges against the fabric of his black shorts. I can’t help but stare at the thickening snake. It’s big –toobig.

“I know you ache for us,” Iunia states plainly. “You try to hide it, but I can taste your need. You smellright, Tasha. Not only that, but you’re brave. You’re capable. The Gods would be kind to grant me such a mate.”

He stands there, stock still – just a few feet away from where I’m sitting. I can see his muscles tensing beneath the tight fabric of his workout clothes. I know his instincts are telling him to race forward and grab me – totakeme.

Part of me – a dark, twisted part – wishes that he would.

But instead, I hold up one finger.

“Now, hang on a damn second. What aboutme? I don’t see myself spending the next few thousand years as some sort of…breeding chattelfor Aurelians.”

At its core, that’s what you become through the Bond.

For all things Queen Jasmine, the human Queen of the Aurelian Empire, has done to promote the rights and privileges of humans within the Empire, she also pops out children like it’s her job – which, I suppose, it is.

Her triad makes the mating a public affair, too. I’m told you can watch as she’s seeded by her Emperor and his battle-brothers. I’ve never been tempted to seek out the video feeds, but I’ve talked to people who’ve watched the event – like one of those pay-per-view sporting events, only depraved and x-rated.

Those same people told me that her triad fucks her like animals – losing themselves utterly in their passion. Aboard the Wayward Scythe, whenever the subject turned to Aurelians, I’ve always left the room – but when you’re on a cramped ship, enclosed with a crew you can’t get far away from, the lewd discussions are inevitably within earshot.

Iunia stands in front of me, and promises: “You are who you are. The Bond cannot change that.”

He steps forward, walking directly in front of me – staring down at me. He’s so muchbiggerthan me. While I’m sitting down, he towers over me like a skyscraper; and his body is engineered to similar perfection. I can see every vein in his biceps pulsing as the blood pumps through him.

I can’t take it anymore. I stand – and that’s all the permission Iunia needs.

Without a word, he leans forward, gently touching my cheek. The huge alien stares down at me tenderly. I fear it’s the last tenderness I’ll see before the mating frenzy overcomes him. This is the last glimpse of his true personality I’ll get before he becomes a beast.

Then, Iunia grabs me. He picks me up effortlessly – as if I’m weightless. His hands reach down to cup my ass – a cheek nestled in each palm, like my ass was designed to fit within his huge hands.

The burning sensation of my spanked ass in his hot hands is nothing compared to what I feel like when he kisses me, though.

Oh, Gods!

So,thisis what it’s supposed to feel like.

Iunia’s lips find mine – hungry, desperate, and aching for me with every ounce of his being. Every kiss I’ve had before – every sweaty coupling, every contact with another human man – suddenly pales in my memory. All my experiences combined is meaningless before Iunia’s tender kiss.

Nothing can compare to the fierce hunger that lurks inside these Aurelians. Iunia’s cock is pressing against my body – separated only by the fabric of his shorts and the thin cotton of my panties. His dick is huge and ravenous for me - and it’s as if I understand masculine desire for the first time in my life.

Suddenly, Iwanthim.

My body isbeggingfor Iunia. He’s just so fucking huge, and powerful, and sexy. His big hands swallow me up as I wrap my legs around him and he grinds my body against his.

Iunia’s massive chest presses against my breasts as he kisses me hard – his thick tongue invading my mouth. I can feel his fast, heavy heartbeat as he holds me close.

Heat flushes between my legs. I’m now aching for this warrior.

Then, suddenly, Iunia breaks off the kiss. He’s gasping as he looks down at me – his eyes flashing protectively. He strides forward, carrying me in his massive arms over to the enormous bed. I wince, ready for the pain of being dropped on my sore bottom – but, instead, Iunia lets me down lightly and tenderly.

Everything about this man is tender. He’s one of the fiercest and most brutal warriors I’ve ever laid eyes on, but he treats me like I’m made of porcelain.

I lay back on the bed, looking up at him.

Iunia pulls his shirt off, and I can’t help but stare as he reveals inch after inch of his incredible, marble-white physique.