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Now women choose that fate. I never understood them…

Until now.

Because more and more, I’m craving the feeling of letting go. Of not having to make any choices. Of just surrendering to the three huge aliens.

“The Old Ways. Yes. The Priests and their prophecies. They predicted for thousands of years that a human woman would be queen, and this would signal the end times.”

I raise my brows. I’ve read a lot about Aurelians, but never that.

Markrin runs his hand through his shaved head. “We’re working for Aelon because we’ve invested in a space station and weapons facility. Aelon pays well. Well enough to get us the credit to start production. The universe is going to be plunged into war, and it’s up to every triad to carve out their own safety.”

“For you and your harem,” I say, imagining the dozens of women who must serve Garrick and his triad. No wonder they can hold back their urges for me. I can’t compare to dozens of submissive beauties back on their space station.

“No harem. We have not earned it,” growls Tar’ank.

No harem. I didn’t know there were Aurelians who didn’t claim a harem. Maybe there’s more to this species than I thought.

Garrick grunts. “I have to go. Tasha will need an escort from Aelon’s quarters,” he says, and I wonder if she will…or if she’ll stay the night.

I saw how wet she got from being punished. She hates Aelon for not keeping me safe, but I know she’s fighting attraction for him…

Just like I’m fighting my attraction for these three men. Because if I give in?

It all ends.

The protectiveness. The way they want to keep me safe, and would face down the rest of the crew to do it.

I’m not their Mate. If Kit was right, then those three animals were the only ones I could be Bonded to.

Garrick cocks his head at Markrin. “Escort Theme to the second visitors’ ward.”

“Wait, bring him here. He’s a good one.”

Garrick gives me a hard stare. He might be honorable, but he’s no pushover. “Please bring him here. He won’t do anything to me. I’ll be safe,” I ask him nicely, trying to keep my voice as submissive as possible.

“I will not let a man near you after what happened.” He spells it out firmly, telling me what I can and can’t do.

Fuck.

His protectiveness is a major turn on, and I’veneverliked possessive guys. Any man who thinks he could tame me has just made me want to be free.

With Garrick…

He’s bringing out something different in me.

I shake my head. “Theme isn’t like that. Men…human men aren’t like Aurelians. They don’t get the same Mating Rage. At least, not as bad as Aurelians.”

The Mating Rage.

I’ve seen it well up in Garrick and his triad, but they’ve always forced it down. Of course I’m grateful for that. I don’t want the three honorable men to lose themselves to their base urges.

But the fact that their Mating instincts are weaker than Kit’s spells out the awful truth. I’m not Bonded to them. Not that I want it—but it’s the only way to have a future with Aurelians.

That’s why I can’t let myself think for a second that anything could happen between us. The only thing I can focus on is getting Tasha, Theme, and me off this ship alive.

And that means playing this triad. Making them think I’m their helpless, submissive little prisoner who needs their big, strong protection, to make their possessive, protective urges well up until it controls them.

Because the second they find out I’m not their Mate?