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“No, not tonight,” he assured her as he strode past the estuary, collecting her clothes on the way.

It wasn’t until he reached the door, he realized they had a problem. His quick was still completely exposed.

I can’t have anyone see me like this.He glanced back at Nadzia, his gut clenching.

It wasn’t just the fact that this was a side of himself reserved for his mate that made him pause at the door. It was the complications that went with being seen by his crew. Soon they’d be on Osi, and word would travel fast that he’d found his weakness. There would be implications. Nadzia might be willing to grace him with her affection for a night or two, which was still a total shock. But he doubted she was ready to hear she was his female, much less go through the Trials his people would subject her to.

Neither of us would survive that.

The realization dampened his ecstatic mood and his shell instantly responded to the shift, sliding back into place, shielding him from the intangible threat. With an accepting sigh he headed into the corridor and for her quarters.

“Goodnight.” He tucked Nadzia into bed.

He wanted to climb in with her, but had to be satisfied with a parting kiss. Despite being asleep, she responded. It stoked his hope that had started to wane. He forced himself to pull away after feeling his shell slip again.

“You are mine, ivory beauty,” he whispered, his chest feeling tight.

He knew it, now he just needed to convince her and the Conclave.

Five

Not Gonna Happen

Nadzia

Nadzia awoke with a lazy yawn. As she stretched, she remembered what had happened before she lapsed into oblivion, and a smile tickled the corners of her lips. Aculus had every right to be cocky. The man was gifted.

And holy shit!His skin, or quick as he called it, was amazing. She never imagined anything so stunning.

She paused and looked around, half expecting to see Aculus. She didn’t recall walking to her suite. He must have brought her here, but he certainly hadn’t stayed. Her brow furrowed, not sure if she should be relieved or disappointed.

Nope, it was a one-time thing to get it out of his system.She shook off the conflicting emotions.

She got up and wandered toward the washroom. On her way she noticed her clothes on the chair.

Well, my panties are still here.It wouldn’t have shocked her if Aculus kept them as a souvenir.

In the washroom she swiped her hand over the sensor and the toilet slid out from the wall. It took a moment for it to shift to the right height and width, remembering her last setting. The commode was obviously made to accommodate whatever species might be staying in the room. She did her business then hopped into the bathing stall, and hit the sensor picking the waterless cleaning mode. It actually did wonders on her hair and apparently conserved energy from what she’d been told.

Although I’m not sure how. They seem to be able to replicate anything.This was one of those questions in a long line of questions, all fighting to be front in line.

As she rubbed her hands over herself spreading the warm cleaning foam she snorted, recalling when Aculus demonstrated the shower. He’d suggestively rubbed his hands slowly down his chest while wagging his brows at her until she laughed at how absurd he was being. Now that she knew him better, she was stunned he hadn’t insisted they get undressed so he could better demonstrate how it worked.

“That man is a walking hard-on,” she laughed, then smiled.

It was actually pretty kind of him to bother showing her, since Abby and Ash had run off to play sucky face.

Ugh. You seriously need to stop. You had your fun. Aculus had his fun. That’s it. Nothing more.

She finished bathing and got dressed in one of the shimmery green tops and black skirt the computer whipped up then headed out of her quarters.

Breakfast or visit Dad first?She looked up and down the corridor.

She opted to head to the clinic since undoubtedly her mom would be there.

Maybe I can drag her to breakfast and make the stubborn woman take her own advice.

She started toward the clinic, rounded the corner and came face to face, or more like face to chest, with Aculus. Reflexively she put her hands up to stop herself, and felt the stacked abs beneath his suit. A shiver coursed through her and her nipples instantly hardened. Aculus briefly glanced at her breasts before focusing on her.