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ALL YOURS. Dolok took Talia’s hand, wondering if there was a concealed meaning behind Lexa’s words, or if she realized how badly he longed for them to be true.
He’d done his best to allow Talia space when she hadn’t followed them into the cavern and Corran had said she needed to speak with her sister. Would she think he was a weak male if he succumbed to the overwhelming urge to keep her close at all times?
To pass the time, he’d even pretended to take an interest in Torak’s explanation of how the creature that had attacked them earlier had been stripped of its fur, then hung over the fire to cook. After watching two men remove the prepared meat from the flames, then place it on a narrow wooden table, he’d decided that he’d waited long enough and gone in search of Talia.
When he followed her into the large cavern, Dolok saw several women slicing meat from the bones and placing the strips on small platters.
“Is everything all right?” He motioned for Talia to take an empty spot on a bench. “You do not appear to be happy. Did your sister anger you?”
“Where do I start?” Talia’s gaze swept across the room to Lexa, then back to him. “Do you have any siblings?”
“A younger brother. Why?” Dolok took the seat beside her, sitting close enough for his thigh to brush against her leg.
A clan female appeared and set a platter on the table in front of them. Another female followed the first, placing mugs with a clear liquid next to the plates. “Thank you,” Talia said, then glanced at Dolok after they were gone. “Do you ever get the urge to strangle him?”
Dolok gripped the edge of the bench with his right hand. “Do you think I am a cruel male who would harm a family member?”
“I’m sorry, no. I think you misunderstood.” Talia patted his thigh, then laughed. It was the first time he’d heard her make the sweet, melodious sound, and it touched him. “It’s a human phrase that means you’re extremely irritated with someone, not that you would hurt them.”
“I see.” Dolok grinned. “All the time.” He quirked a brow. “Are you having one of those moments with Lexa?”
“You could say that.” Talia cast a frustrated glance at her sister. “She told me that Corran is her mate.”
Though Corran had yet to confide in him, Dolok had suspected the connection. Now that Talia knew, would she be upset, or accept the situation? Would it make things easier for him, or harder? “Does it anger you?
She had taken a bite of meat and finished chewing before answering. “No, of course not. I’m happy for her...for them.”
Dolok heard the sincerity in her voice, yet was confused by the sadness in her gaze and wanted to reassure her if she was worried about her sister. “Corran is a good male. He will take excellent care of Lexa.”
“I’m sure he will.” She lifted another piece of meat to her mouth, then stopped. “What is claiming?”
Dolok choked. He hadn’t been sure what was in the mug, had taken a small sip and discovered it was water. He’d been in the middle of taking a bigger swallow when she asked the question. “Where did you hear the term?” Corran and Gedrin would not have said anything to her, which only left Ross. He would kill the male for approaching her with the information.
“From Lexa, but she wouldn’t tell me what it meant.” She took a bite and expectantly stared at him.
Lack of curiosity wasn’t one of Talia’s downfalls. He’d learned that she always needed to be prepared and didn’t have a problem demanding answers when she wanted to know something. Postponing their discussion wouldn’t stop her desire to understand what a claiming entailed. He would have to tell her, or she’d eventually ask someone else. Dolok blew out a frustrated sigh. “It is a topic best discussed when we are alone.”
Soren appeared on the opposite side of their table. “Are you enjoying the wormalan?” He swung his leg over the bench to straddle the seat.
“It is very tasty. Thank you,” Talia said, then licked her fingers after taking another bite.
Dolok hadn’t felt the least bit guilty about savoring the meat from the creature. It seemed fitting after he’d come close to losing Talia and Gedrin.
“Good.” Soren peered into the mug in front of Dolok and frowned. “We have something stronger, if you prefer.” He waved his hand at one of the females who’d served them their meal.
Dolok was going to refuse, then changed his mind. He didn’t think Talia realized how sensuous she appeared when she sucked the meat’s juices from her fingers. Watching her tongue slowly glide over her fingertips combined with thoughts of claiming her had made him excruciatingly hard. Perhaps dulling his senses might be what he needed to deal with Talia and her inquisitiveness later.
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DOLOK LEARNED THE DRINK Soren offered them was a homemade brew they’d made from plants. It lacked the potency of a dreva, the dark blue ale he’d normally consumed on Tarron, but the bittersweet taste was enjoyable.
After they’d finished eating, they spent several hours drinking and sharing tales about their different cultures. During that time, Dolok had noticed the gradual disappearance of the females, the children, and some of the males from the large cavern. He assumed they were retiring for the evening.
Soren downed the last of his drink, slowly rose from his seat, and stretched. “We require rest before we meet with Tremaine tomorrow. Your crew will be safe if they bed down with the unmated males.” He pointed at Ross and Gedrin, then motioned for one of his men to show them the way. He returned his attention to Dolok and Corran. “If you will follow me, I have private rooms for you to share with your mates.”
Talia said, “Wait, we’re not...”
Dolok tugged on Talia’s hand, cutting her protest short. “We appreciate your generosity.” He was aware that too many males had taken an interest in her, and there was no way he was going to allow her to bed down somewhere else—a place where he wasn’t present. He wanted nothing more than to make her his, to prove they belonged together. He’d had time to contemplate her earlier inquiry about claiming and was more than willing to explain, to demonstrate, if necessary.
He gave Talia a warning glare, then tipped his head toward Soren. “Please, show us the way.”
Soren led them through a narrow tunnel away from the main gathering area and in the opposite direction from where Gedrin and Ross had headed. Dolok didn’t like being separated from his team but had to trust that his instincts about Soren being an honorable male were correct. That he would keep his word and ensure their safety.
One of the first things Dolok noticed when they’d arrived in the caves was the lighting. The deltoirra might lack technology, but they didn’t rely on the use of simple torches to find their way. They’d collected an assortment of glowing stones, fashioned them together in bundles, and mounted them on the rock surfaces. The amount of light the tiny objects provided amazed Dolok. It was like peering into the evening sky and viewing a sprinkling of stars.
They didn’t travel far before reaching one of several lighted and much smaller caves. “Corran, you may stay here. We do not have much, but you should find everything you need.”
“My mate and I appreciate your thoughtfulness.” Corran scooped a squealing Lexa into his arms, then ducked through the narrow entrance.
“Good night. Take care of my sister, big guy.” Lexa’s giggles trailed after them.
Soren proceeded approximately fifteen more feet, then stopped outside another entryway. “If there is anything else you require, please let one of my people know.” He didn’t wait for a response before disappearing in the direction they’d come.
“After you.” Dolok remained standing in the center of the passageway to make sure Talia wouldn’t try to leave.
“Fine.” Talia stomped inside ahead of him.
The room was lit with one of the stone bundles. It had been placed on a naturally formed rock ledge. Sitting next to it was a small square of fur, which Dolok guessed was used to place over the stones to block out the light for sleeping. Set in the opposite corner was a large rectangular pedestal, constructed of wood and covered with furs—the clan’s version of a bed.
Immediately to Dolok’s right, a long pelt had been secured to the interior wall. He unfastened the tie allowing the thick fur to cover the entrance and offer them some privacy.
“Why did you let Soren believe I was your mate?” Talia crossed her arms and expectantly tapped her foot.
Dolok knew he’d run out of time. His hope of wearing Talia down, of winning her over, was no longer an option. He had to tell her the truth, and one look at her seething glare informed him it was not going to be easy. He released a heavy sigh, then closed the distance between them.
“Because you are.”
“That’s not possible.” The shake of her head was weak and conflicted with the hopeful gleam in her turquoise gaze. “I don’t believe...”
Dolok cupped her face, using the pad of his thumb to caress her cheek. He would have preferred a sealed room with a cushioned bed for their first time together. They were minor, inconsequential issues when faced with the possibility of finally claiming her.
“Yes, you do.” He captured her lips, taking possession. Her resounding moan, the way she leaned into him, the scent of her immediate arousal, was proof she lacked conviction.
#
YES, YOU DO. Talia’s denial diminished with Dolok’s confirmation. On some level she’d already known. It was why she hadn’t continued to argue, hadn’t asked to sleep somewhere else when Dolok told Soren she was his mate.
All through their meal, Talia had listened intently to Dolok and Soren trading information about their cultures and their planets. By the time they’d finished, she knew a lot about the cave dwellers, and her mind was filled with vivid images of Tarron.
Lexa had been correct when she’d said their home planet sounded wonderful. After her mother’s death, when Chloe had come for them, Talia had considered the Inferno her home. She hadn’t realized how much she missed living on a planet, breathing natural air, enjoying the daily changes in the weather.
She remembered watching the way Lexa acted with Corran during their meal, the way she’d laughed at something he’d said, then allowed him to place a piece of meat in her mouth. They seemed perfect for each other and happy.
Was Lexa right? Was Talia trying to save the world? Was it time to walk away from the past, to find a new life for themselves? One not constantly filled with danger.
When Dolok’s mouth covered hers, all her troubling thoughts disappeared, and she surrendered to his kiss. A kiss that began with conquering her lips and ended with Dolok nuzzling the side of her neck, his warm breath teasing her ear. “Do you still wish to know about claiming?”
Do I? Talia could hardly think with him grazing her skin with his teeth. She shuddered and whispered, “Yes.”
Dolok loosened his grip, but only enough to put a small amount of space between them so he could hold her gaze. “There will be no explaining, only showing.” He glanced toward the furs stretched flat over the rectangular pedestal in the corner.
The desire flickering in his eyes told Talia that the act of claiming involved sex. She was already aroused from his kiss. The thought of seeing him naked, having his hands all over her, left her with a needy ache.
“Afterward, you will belong to me, and I will never let you go.” He caressed her lower lip with his thumb. “You need to be certain this is what you want.”
He’d confirmed that she was his mate, knew how to manipulate her body until he got what he wanted, yet he was giving her the choice. Decide to walk away or stay with him forever.
Talia’s heart melted. Somehow during their short time together, she’d let down her guard, had fallen in love with him. Everything—where they would live, what they would do, even finding Tremaine—seemed trivial when compared to spending the rest of her life without him.
Talia slid her arms around his neck. “Show me.”
Dolok gathered her into his arms, setting one knee on the edge of the bed, then gently placing her in the middle.
“Remove your clothes.” His voice came out in a deep purr. He tugged his shirt over his head and tossed it on the floor.
She’d expected a little foreplay, a way to be comfortable with each other first, before baring her naked body to him. Talia was slightly embarrassed by the request, but she’d asked him to show her and wasn’t going to back out. Rolling onto her knees, she quickly removed her shirt, then sat back to pull off her boots and pants.
When she reached for her bra and panties, Dolok’s hand froze on the snap of his pants. “Beautiful.”
Talia loved his animalistic growl, the way he studied every inch of her as if she were a treasured jewel. Smiling, she sat back on her legs, her gaze lowering to the bulge straining below his waistline. “Your turn.”
Dolok quickly removed the rest of his clothes. She bit her lower lip and admired the view. He was a sculpted work of art, his golden skin covering a wide expanse of toned muscles, thick thighs, and male parts that had her staring.
He caught the direction of her gaze and grinned. A gorgeous grin that made her blush and sent a wave of heat pooling between her legs. Starting at the end of the bed, he moved like a predatory animal, slowly crawling toward her, stalking her.
He knelt in front of her, leaned forward, and, without warning, reached behind her, grabbed her ass, and pulled her onto his lap. Talia squealed, gripped his shoulders, and straddled his thighs.
“Ready?” A hint of satisfaction glistened in his gaze.
Talia nodded. Whatever claiming entailed, she hoped it entailed a lot.
“Then let us begin.” He used the arm wrapped across her hip to pull her closer, his erection rubbing between her legs.
The man loved to dominate. He cupped her nape and placed his mouth over hers. There was nothing gentle about the way he taunted, teased, and took control. He delved deeper with his tongue, leaving her breathless and wanting more. They were both panting by the time he ended the kiss.
Talia saw the markings on his shoulder, couldn’t help skimming her fingertips over them, then smiling when he shuddered.
He released her, pressing her back on the furs and spreading her legs to make room for him to settle between her thighs. He trailed soft kisses along her navel, slowly working his way upward. She gasped when he latched on to one of her breasts, sucking the nipple into his mouth. While he used his tongue to torment the tip, he reached between them, stroking her sensitive spot, sending blissful shivers through her body.
By the time he finished giving her other breast the same amount of attention, she was more than ready to have him inside her. “Please,” she murmured. “I need...” She arched into him.
“I know.” He rose over her, bracing on his elbows, then shifting his weight to enter her. His movements were slow and tentative, gliding into her until he was completely seated. He pulled back, then shoved into her hard and deep. Talia moaned at the overwhelming pleasure.
Each blissful thrust pushed her closer to the pinnacle of release. She would have reached it too, if he hadn’t stopped moving. “Talia, tell me that you belong to me.” His desire-filled gaze locked with hers. “I need to hear you speak the words.”
Is he kidding? She could hardly think, let alone form understandable words. Frustrated, she wrapped her legs around the back of his thighs, urging him to move. He was too big, too strong, and her efforts were useless.
“Talia.” There was a seriousness in his tone, bordering on desperation.
Was this an important part of the process, the part that linked them together forever? If that was the case, she wouldn’t deny him. “I belong to you.” The words came out effortlessly, the truth of how much she cared for him spoken with each syllable.
It was all the incentive he needed to thrust into her again, to guide their passion higher. “Mine,” Dolok growled, driving into her at a new angle, hitting every pleasurable nerve, and sending her over the edge. She threw her head back and screamed his name, her climax ripping through her in one delicious wave after another. He continued his pace, then thrust hard a final time, finding his own release.
Dolok collapsed on top of her, bracing his chest with his elbow to keep some of his weight off her. After a while, their breathing returned to normal, and he rolled onto his back, taking her with him.
“That was...” Mind-blowing. Lexa’s earlier words drifted into her thoughts.
“I would have to agree,” he said. “Though there is a final part of the ritual that requires a visit to Tarron.” He placed his finger against her lips. “We can discuss it later. It is enough that you have agreed to my claim.” He tucked some strands behind her ear, then pressed his mouth to hers in a gentle kiss. “Rest...for now. I have no control where you are concerned and intend to spend the remainder of the evening making sure you have no unanswered questions about a claiming.”
Talia snuggled closer and draped her leg over his thighs. “I have a feeling it’s going to take two or three more lessons.” She closed her eyes, drifting to sleep with the sound of his hearty laughter.
