Perhaps her body would be grateful if I ignored her words and just took what we both desire.
Everything about Ashley feels right. There’s no doubt in my mind that she is my fated mate. My very being screams that truth to me.
I know that there’d be no greater ecstasy than in claiming Ashley’s innocence, and Bonding her to our triad for the rest of our lives.
I know there’d be no greater pleasure than flooding her with my hot seed and claiming her as my own.
Nothing is holding me back…
…except her words.
Except for the fear in her eyes.
And as much as I want to – need to – I will not push her into this. She must make the choice willingly, of her own volition.
So, I take a deep, shuddering breath, and try to calm my inflamed urges.
“Y-yes, my pet,” I stammer, shaking my head. “I will bring her to you.”
I’m almost glad for the excuse to step out of the bathing chamber, and Conan and Augustus follow. If we’d remained, I’m not sure the three of us could have resisted Ashley for much longer.
As we step outside, we find a servant in the hallway. Danielle has had time to do the rounds – to tell the rest of Peter’s slaves that they’re free to go, if they so choose – and I assume that the servant is one of the ones who chose the option of remaining.
She might have heard about Peter’s estate and business being subject to a… What could you call it?
A ‘hostile takeover’?
…but this is the first time she’s met her new masters – and the servant’s eyes widen in alarm as she sees us.
It’s not just the fact that the three of us are towering Aurelian warriors – the first of our species to set foot on this independent world in more than a decade – although that would be enough to leave most humans stunned.
No – two of us are still dripping in the blood of our enemies – not to mention the water of the pool, while the third is completely naked.
To us, that’s nothing. We’re natural warriors, and Aurelians don’t feel shame about nudity the way that humans do. There’s nothing to be ashamed of in nakedness, or in sexual arousal. That’s simply our natural state…
Nevertheless, the blood and Conan’s raging erection clearly startled the young servant.
“Go and find Danielle,” I demand, “and bring her here.”
For a second, the servant hesitates – and then she scurries off, eager to be away from us.
I don’t blame her.
Now the three of us stand alone in the corridor. I turn to my battle-brothers, and see my own concern mirrored on their faces.
I can only hope that Danielle can calm Ashley’s qualms about being with us. There’s no way for me to do it with reason and logic. There’s something holding her back from letting us claim her – to find out once and for all if our instincts are right, and that she is our fated mate.
But we cannot demand she submit – nor would be.
That is a decision she has to make on her own.
But what if Ashley decides she doesn’t want us?
I know that thought shouldn’t belong in my mind. Surely, it’s inconceivable that our mate wouldn’t want to embrace her destiny with us…
…but only time will tell.
“We need to get this business working.”
There is nothing we can do to make Ashley’s decision any quicker, but there is a lot we can do towards building our new empire.
“Augustus – come with me,” I order. “The detailed ledgers should have arrived.” I turn to my other battle brother. “Conan – we don’t know yet who we can trust. Until we can get an entirely new staff of men guarding us, we need to be extra vigilant. There’s only one thing that matters on this planet.”
Not fortune. Not glory. Not our new business empire.
No, the only thing that matters here is our mate.
16
Ashley
Once the three Aurelians leave the room, I’m left alone with my thoughts.
Still shivering with pleasure from my orgasms, I take a huge white towel from the rack against the wall and wrap the soft cloth around my shoulders.
Peter Paradooli loved the luxurious things, and would often wear comfortable robes and towels like the one I’m snuggled in right now. Meanwhile, we servants and slaves would shiver as we stood serving him – not because of the cold, but because we were always afraid of the consequences of his next outburst.
But those days are over – for good.
I don’t feel that way about the Aurelians. The rest of this world might have reason to fear them – but I don’t.
They may push me to my very limits – but, as they just demonstrated, would never go beyond them. Those three gorgeous men were trembling with desire for me – and yet left the moment I told them to.
I know they’ll never do anything I don’t want them to – and I can feel the passionate, protective affection they have for me.
But will that change if we aren’t Bonded?
And, just as pressing…
Will it grow excessive if we are?
The Aurelians would never push me beyond my limits – but they do push me. I’m terrified that they’d instantly step back from me if they learned that I wasn’t their fated mate…
…but would they overwhelm me if I was?
All I know is I need to speak with my best friend.
As if on cue, the doors to the bathing chamber swing open, and Danielle stands in the doorway.
She’s clearly exhausted – but then again, so am I. We’ve all been through a lot in the last couple of days.
Poor Danielle’s dress is tattered, and her eyes are fraught. Her gown must have gotten ripped during the fighting, but at least she’s unhurt and safe.
The
