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“But I saw your quick when I touched you,” Costa whined.

Tellar pushed past the younger women and studied Aculus’ shell where Costa had been stroking his chest. He glanced at his wives and shook his head.

“I think you were mistaken,” Tellar informed Costa.

“But I saw,” Costa insisted.

“I’m sorry. Sometimes when we want something so much our eyes deceive us,” Bregma consoled the dejected woman.

“Don’t get discouraged.” Umerus wrapped an arm around Costa.

She almost felt sorry for Costa—almost.

“Join me for the morning meal?” Tellar asked Aculus.

“Thank you, Patrem, but I need to put on more than this robe, then I’m escorting Nadzia to the clinic,” he said, nodding to her.

“I’m ready when you are,” she agreed.

Aculus cast her a grateful glance before swiftly retreating into his apartment. They hadn’t discussed leaving but it was apparent Aculus needed to get away.

She debated waiting in the corridor, but headed for her suite instead. After yelling at everyone it felt awkward hanging out with the disappointed women. She also felt guilty since she was basically the cause of this snafu.

What are we going to do?

She had no clue how Aculus was going to break the news to his family or his conclave. This incident was uncomfortable enough.

“I’m not really looking forward to the coming conversation,” she muttered under her breath, running an agitated hand through her hair.

“What was that?”

She spun to see Axilla had followed her.

“Nothing.” She smiled awkwardly at Aculus’ mother.

Axilla was studying her shrewdly, her neck in particular.

Shit. I forgot to cover up his bite mark.She tossed her hair over her shoulder but there was no point, Axilla had already seen the incriminating evidence.

“I was wrong. This does involve you.” Axilla circled, sizing her up. “You’ve spent a lot of time with Aculus.”

Crap, she knows.

“And it’s more than a casual interest.” Axilla brushed aside a strand of her hair, uncovering the poorly hidden bite mark.

Fuck!She had no clue what to say.

“Nadzia,” Aculus called from down the hall.

Oh, thank God.

“Ready!” she shouted back. “Sorry. I really should be going. My mother needs me.” She smiled uncomfortably again at Axilla then hustled toward Aculus.

Axilla’s swift footsteps followed her.

I should’ve known the woman wouldn’t let it be. She’s as stubborn as a mule.She walked as fast as she could without breaking into a run.

“We need to go. She saw my neck,” she hissed to Aculus.