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Their protective, possessive urges will swell up. I won’t have to pretend. It’s all real. When I’m near them, it’s the only time I’ve felt safe in my life. I’d walk up to him, stare up at him, let myself tremble. Show him the vulnerability I’ve hidden all my life.

I’ll let myself, for the first time in my life, just let go and stop being tough and untouchable. I’ll let myself explore what he makes me feel. I’ll give in to his possessive, protective aura and surrender to the huge alpha.

Heat floods between my legs. My nipples harden to sensitive buds. My body feels like it’s on fire, and I squirm, knowing I will feel this until I sate myself with the Aurelian triad.

My fingers move towards the button to open the door…

I force them away, panting, feeling I’m possessed.

My heart aches because I know if I press that button, I’ll ruin the plan and our chance for escape.

Because if I let them in? I’ll surrender to my desire. They’ll realize in the rough mating that I am not their Fated Mate.

They won’t guard me anymore. It’ll be a different set of Aurelians posted up when Garrick, Tar’ank and Markrin are free from my spell.

I’m no fool. It’s just biology. They have the scent of a potential Mate, and they feel a deep need to keep me safe.

Kit had the scent, too. His was so powerful he died for it. Compared to Kit? Garrick and his triad barely even want me.

I slam my fist against the table and wince instantly at the pain. I forgot my wrist was hurt. Tar’ank healed it so expertly, it was good as new. It stings. I get up and strip, throwing my disgusting clothes on the floor and walk to the shower. This one will be better than the one in my old cell that froze me half to death.

I collapse on the shower floor, feeling weak. “AI, make it nice and hot,” I say, and let the steam and heat wash over me.

The water cleans my body of dirt, sweat, and grime.

It can’t cleanse my mind of the utter need.

Garrick and his triad make me feel something I’ve never felt before. I’ve never been ashamed of my desires. They have never been this powerful. They turn me into a bitch in heat. They turn me into an animal, losing everything to the need to surrender to them.

How the hell am I going to get away from three big bulls lost to the Mating Rage?

Will I even want to?

Even without the Bond…

I could be the first of their harem. I could stay with them, at least until they start picking other women.

I know where that leads. It leads to me leaving, heartbroken, just like Nami. Panic grips me. “No!” I yell out to the word, and the AI shuts off the water. I sit, exhausted on the shower floor as the steam clears.

That is not my future.

That is not my fate.

I willnotbe just another toy in some alien warriors’ harem, no matter how they make me feel.

I’m exhausted. It’s this deep, dull feeling, more mental than physical. The AI dries me off, and I force myself to get to my feet and walk to the huge bed. I don’t bother to put on my clothes. I can practically smell them from here.

I snuggle under the covers, sneezing twice from the dust, and rest my head against the pillows, yawning.

Sleep finds me fast.

9

Sawoot

My eyes open.

What? Where am I?