“Knowledge that she was with Ryko would have risked more than one female.”
“I know how to keep a secret.” My hand goes to my belly. I haven’t told him the news yet. I’ve been waiting for a moment alone with him, which we haven’t had since I discovered I’m pregnant.
“What’s going on, Atox? I mean, beyond you keeping this secret from me. You’ve beenharshsince you returned. It’s like someone built a wall between us overnight and you don’t care to break it down to reach me.”
“No wall will keep me from you, female. No matter how tall, how wide, or what material is used, no wall can keep me away.”
This is the Atox I know. The determined, loyal male who will let nothing come between us. I slide my arms around his waist. “I’ve missed you.”
“You appear well.”
“I am, but you’re not. I hear it in your voice. You’re troubled and you’re lashing out at me instead of talking to me. Please, Atox, tell me what has you so upset.”
“You will not like it.”
“I like it less that you’re keeping your distance from me. After the risha, I thought we were becoming closer.”
He presses his torso against my backside, that damn thin loincloth doesn’t hinder his hard cock from nestling between my ass cheeks despite the underwear I retrieved from my belongings.
“That’s not the type of close I meant.”
“But it is the type I enjoy.” The lightness in his voice and knowing he still wants me lifts my heart, but what we are building together requires an intimacy deeper than sex.
“Sitting on your gorja is better suited for talking. You can enjoy me later.”
“I will definitely enjoy you later, my little warrior.”
“I’d like that. But we need to talk first. Your troubles are supposed to be my troubles, Atox. We are one another’s light and strength. Isn’t that what you said to me?”
“Yes. But it is my duty to protect you.”
“Leaving me in the dark doesn’t protect me. It fosters fear. Please, don’t shut me out.”
His lips nuzzle my neck, then my ear. “You are my everything, Paloma. Which is why I struggle with what I’ve done.”
My stomach knots, but I remain calm because he’s willing to talk with me.
“What did you do?” I ask in a whisper, as if whispering will lessen the shock.
He leans his forehead against the back of my head andbreathes in the scent of my hair. His unease practically strangles me, but he won’t be rushed into telling me what’s troubling him.
“Your words don’t need to be perfect, Atox. Not for me. I won’t judge you. No matter what, I am and always will be your mate. I made that commitment to you, through the risha, because I love you, and nothing can change that.”
The silence stretches on as he runs his hands up and down my arms. “I sent several dozen warriors to the human colony.”
“Oh, God. Please tell me your warriors didn’t attack.”
“Not yet. Soon.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
ATOX
It’s possible I’ve been rash in my decision to attack the human colony. Never more have I questioned myself than when my mate twists her torso to face me on my gorja.
“You can’t,” she says, the shock on her face clear. I can feel her horror, and it doesn’t sit well with me.
“I can, and I must. If we let the humans double cross us, then we will be the target of every other species on Kovos. And there will be dissent within my people.”
