Page 62 of The Alien Warrior's Mate

“I’m so sorry,” Sara stammered. “We… I…”

“It’s okay. You were enjoying your mating ritual.” Her eyes glittered. “I remember what that was like with Rune.”

“I’m sorry. That was a… ritual?”

“Last night was your first time, right?”

“I’m not a virgin,” Sara said.

“No.” Ga Eun laughed. “Your first time with Korben.”

Embarrassed, Sara tossed her hair out of her face. “Oh. Um… yes.”

“In the Plutonian culture, the first mating is sacred. It’s only supposed to be between the male and the female who have made a commitment to each other.”

“Did you and Rune wait?”

“I mean, technically, we… yes.”

“Why’d you hesitate?” Sara asked teasingly.

“Let’s just say,” Ga Eun gestured to her birthmark that bore the shape of her mate’s face. “This came in faded just like yours.” Her cheeks turned a pretty pink. “But yes, we waited. It was important to him. To both of us. When you mate for the first time, it’s a bonding that shouldn’t be broken.”

Sara twisted her arm and stared at the birthmark that had completely transformed. She now had Korben’s face permanently etched in her skin.This is still so weird.“Is it, like, Fate?”

“No.” Ga Eun shook her head. “Remember, Plutonians are big on free will. They don’t bond until both parties havechosento commit because once you mate,” she gestured to where Rune and Korben were standing, “it’s for life. You’re tied together forever. There’s no separation here unless it’s by death.” Her eyes softened. “That's why you need to make the right choice and test your partner’s characterbeforeyou mate.”

Sara gulped. “I…”

“Didn’t know?” She grinned. “Let me guess. Someone got impatient and agreed to mate before they heard the full story?”

“Forever is a long time.”

“But these guys are good for it.” She straightened. “They were trained by their fathers to protect, honor and cherish women. They practiced the art of self-restraint and faithfulness. It’s not fail-safe. Like I said, this isn’t magic or Fate. This is real work and real commitment, but it’s the best foundation you could ask for to build a lifetime partnership. I treasure Rune’s dedication to me, and he keeps building my trust so that I have nothing to worry about.”

“But I do.” Sara gulped. “I have a lot to worry about.”

“I’m sure Korben was at the beluda for a good reason.” Ga Eun patted her shoulder.

“You think he took Emma for a good reason too?”

Ga Eun shrugged. “Good point.”

“Have you ever fought with Rune?”

“Physically?” Ga Eun snorted. “He’d crush me like a bug, but we argue sometimes.”

“And how does it end?”

“With some really hot, make up—”

The little blue baby gargled happily.

Ga Eun fanned her face. “Let’s just say, we broke more than our share of beds before we figured out how to reinforce our furniture.”

“I thought that headboard was a little too strong,” Sara murmured. “It felt like Korben was trying to break me and that bed last night.”

Ga Eun snorted. “Honey, you’re just getting started. There’s more.”