Page 40

A few times I’ve stepped out onto the sprawling terrace balcony that juts out from the small library and looked out over Preska while Alik sleeps. The way the sun and shadows collide right at sunrise is stunning. I especially love the way the sunlight hits the dew that clings to the leaves of the trees. Of course, seeing the foliage is a reminder that the rebel camp used to be hidden deep inside the rainforest that spreads out on the far side of the city.

Every time I think of the rebels, I not only think of Janik, but also of Mohneek and her lover and the fact they’re still out there somewhere. Most likely scheming and planning. I worry more Bohnari are going to die, including Alik and the queen.

“You look as though you are thinking hard,” Alik says in a voice husky with sleep.

I turn my head on the pillow and smile softly. “Maybe just a little.”

“Care to share your thoughts with your mate?”

What can I tell him that won’t make me sound like I don’t want to spend this time with him? I must hesitate too long, because Alik cups my jaw.

“What’s wrong, Devon?”

I lay my hand over his wrist. “Nothing’s wrong, per se.”

“Yet you are bothered by whatever thoughts run through your mind.” He doesn’t phrase it like a question.

My only choice is to give Alik something. “I’m worried about Mohneek and Orvak and the fact they’re still in hiding and that the only potential lead Carrik had is now dead.”

He rolls onto his back with a long sigh and stares up at the ceiling. “I’ve been doing everything I can to avoid my responsibilities, haven’t I?”

I lay my hand on his chest. “Hey, I’m not saying that or blaming you in any way. You know that, right?”

Alik covers my hand with his. “I do know that. But it doesn’t change the fact that I’ve been doing that very thing.”

“No one is going to think less of you for taking time to recover. You spent two months trapped inside your own head and kept in a cramped space so you didn’t hurt yourself or anyone else. Anybody would need to take a fucking break from the stress of their life after that.”

He turns his head toward me. “Except I am the prince. No longer the only one, but a prince of Bohnari all the same. My duty is to protect my people, and I have done a poor job of that as of late. I have left…Janik to fend for himself. I have ignored the repeated comms I’ve received from Horek, because if I didn’t speak with him, I could ignore the problems that exist outside these rooms.”

“Baby, I’m sorry you’re hurting so badly.”

Alik once again rolls on his side in my direction. “The worst part is, I have not been a great mate. I have kept you in here with me and away from your sisters. You haven’t even been back to the female’s dormitory to pack your things and have them brought here to place beside mine. I have been selfish.”

“No, you haven’t.” He opens his mouth, but I place my finger over it. “You haven’t. I’m a grown woman. I could have left our rooms at any time to go visit my friends. I chose to stay in here with you. To spend this time with you. Have I missed the world outside of here? A little, yes. But no matter how much I may have missed it, I wanted this time alone with you more, because it’s important. You are important. You’re my mate, and I’m one step closer to falling completely in love with you.”

Alik’s eyes widen, and I laugh. “Don’t look so surprised. Baby, how could I not fall in love with you?”

“You said you are a single step closer. What do I need to do to help you take the final one?”

“Fuck me so hard I forget my name.”

He smiles broadly, exposing the tips of his fangs. “With pleasure.”

I stretch and wince a bit at the soreness between my legs. Alik did exactly as I asked him to and every second of it was perfect. The last thing I recall before passing out is whispering those three little words. At least I think I said them. If not, I plan on correcting that mistake as soon as my mate wakes up.

Instead of waiting for Alik—because the chances of us not leaving this bed are high if I don’t—I head for the hygiene room to wash. When I get out, I’m going to have to comm either Olivia or Quinn to borrow some clean clothes for the day. My next task after that is arranging to get back to my apartment so I can pack. I may be able to wrangle some help from the girls. I don’t want strangers riffling through my stuff.

Once I’m clean and brush my teeth, I re-braid my hair since I don’t have any of the products here I need to shampoo, condition, or style it properly. They’re all back at my place. I wrap the towel around me and step into the bedroom to find Alik awake and sitting up. I cross the room and kiss him good morning.

“I’m pretty sure I told you this in the wee hours of the morning after our funny business, but I want to make sure I did it again first thing after you woke up. I love you.”

“I love you as well, my heart’s fire.”

After another slow kiss, I palm Alik’s cheek. “Good, because it’s time.”

He nods. “It is.”

“Why don’t you go get cleaned up, and while you’re in there, I’m going to comm one of the girls to lend me an outfit to wear. After that, we’ll figure out how we’re going to conquer the day, okay?”