Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45651 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 228(@200wpm)___ 183(@250wpm)___ 152(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45651 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 228(@200wpm)___ 183(@250wpm)___ 152(@300wpm)
He kept feeding her, piece by piece, until she felt full and a little giddy from all the flavors.
“Please—no more,” she said at last. “These fruits are so sweet, I’m sure I’m eating way too much sugar.”
“But you must be kept fed,” he murmured, “so you will not lose your luscious curves.”
Miranda rolled her eyes, though heat crept up her neck.
“I don’t think I’m in any danger of getting less curvy anytime soon,” she said dryly.
“Good.” His voice deepened to a rumble that sent shivers down her spine. “I would not wish it. I love that you are an Elite.”
Her throat went tight. Did he really mean that?
Martin had complained endlessly about her weight—about how menopause made her “soft,” and how she wasn’t the woman he’d married. His words had dug into her cruelly, chipping away at her self-esteem until she’d half believed them. And here sat a huge, muscular Monstrum warrior, telling her he loved her curves as though they were a blessing.
Well, if he truly believed that curvy women—or “Elites” as the Kindred called them—were from the Goddess, then maybe he did think that, she speculated.
She reached for the glass of wine that had appeared on the table while they were choosing their fruits, sipping to cover her confusion. The liquid was pale and golden, light on her tongue but with a strange, spicy kick at the end, like cinnamon mixed with fruit juice.
“This is… nice,” she murmured, draining it too quickly. She lifted the glass. “Another, please.”
Korrath’s hand closed lightly over hers, pressing the glass back down. “Careful. Too much of the v’uvla wine can act as an aphrodisiac.”
Her cheeks burned.
“Oh…oops.” She tried for dry humor. “Maybe I’ve already had too much. I’m a lightweight.”
His eyes gleamed knowingly, and she felt her pulse quicken. Was it just the wine loosening her, or was it his scent…his presence?
She didn’t know. She only knew she felt warmer…freer…less afraid of his gaze than before.
He studied her for a long moment, then asked,
“Have you had enough?”
“Yes,” Miranda said, setting the glass down before she could embarrass herself further. “What’s next on the agenda?”
His smile was slow and deliberate, showing a flash of white, curving fangs.
“Now, lovely one, it is time for a massage.”
Miranda’s stomach dipped, half in dread, half in anticipation, as he rose to his full, impossible height and offered his hand. Oh God…how was this going to go?
She had no idea, but it was certain she was going to find out.
8
KORRATH
He led Miranda down a narrow passage that opened into a grove bathed in soft, otherworldly light. The air was warm and damp, fragrant with the perfume of flowering vines. Bioluminescent blossoms hung from branches, throwing splashes of gold and violet across her pale skin.
Despite the beauty of the scene, Korrath had eyes for nothing but his Mature Elite. He breathed her in, his nostrils flaring. Even here, surrounded by the ship’s lush scents, her fragrance was stronger. The wine…the fruits he had fed her…the subtle musk of her Second Heat beginning to rise, they all teased him. His body stirred, impatient for her touch. But he would not rush her, he told himself. She needed to learn to trust him before he could Bond her to him.
Miranda paused in the grove, her eyes flicking to the organic table at its center. It was grown from one of the Mother Ship’s massive root structures, the surface flattened and cushioned with firm moss that glowed faintly from within.
Her brows drew together.
“I thought this was some kind of couples massage—where’s the other table? And where are the massage therapists?”
Korrath stepped close enough that his fur brushed her skin. He lowered his head until his lips were near her ear.
“I am the one giving you the massage, my lovely one,” he purred.
She spun to face him, her lovely eyes wide.
“What?”
“During the Claiming period, a Kindred or Monstrum warrior is allowed to massage his chosen woman and give her pleasure,” he reminded her. He felt a smile tug at his mouth. “We are having our Claiming period now—it is simply a little shorter than usual.” He straightened, looking down into her eyes. “Would you like help undressing?” he murmured.
Miranda backed away, her eyes going even wider.
“You want me to get naked?”
“Yes.” Korrath kept his voice low and steady. “Completely. How else can I massage your lovely curves?”
Her gaze dropped to his hands, lingering on the long, black claws that tipped each finger.
“But won’t you… scratch me?”
Korrath raised one hand slowly.
“You have no need to worry, lovely one. See?” He flexed his fingers with practiced ease, and his claws slid back into their sheaths. Only smooth pads and furred fingers remained. He spread his palm toward her. “My claws are retractable. I would never hurt you. I only want to give you pleasure.”
Her shoulders relaxed a fraction, though her chest still rose and fell quickly. He felt her heartbeat drumming through the air between them. She wanted to bolt—but she also wanted to stay.