So completely unlike my feminine, delicate mate.
Quinn.
Her name rolled around in my mind, and I knew I would proudly and gladly stand guard at her door all night.
I saw her peek out the window, and my cock went rock-hard at the sight of her. Then she opened the door and came out onto the stoop. “Bahre? What are you doing out there?”
I heard her exasperated voice, but my gaze was fixed on the way her pale blue clothing became instantly soaked from the rain. The fabric caught the soft glow from the lights on either side of her front door. A sleeveless shirt and pants—that were so short they must have another name—that stopped mid-thigh. Her arms and legs were bare. I could discern decorative elements on the top that made her even more delicate, contrasting our differences even greater. She was the sexiest thing I’d ever seen the way the skimpy outfit clung to her lithe frame. My gaze followed the water’s path, and I fought not to step forward and trace that same path with my tongue. I wanted to explore and touch and taste every inch of her body. Everywhere. Skin. Lips. Hard nipples. Pussy.
Soon, I would. For now I bowed slightly at the waist and responded to my female’s question with every cell in my body devoted to her. “I am protecting your home, and you.”
Her lips opened. Closed. She crossed her arms, and I noticed her bare feet were firmly planted in a small puddle. A glossy pale pink color coated her toenails as well as the tips of her fingers, a shimmering glitter of some sort making them sparkle like tiny stars were embedded there. She was so beautifully adorned, so perfect. Unblemished.
“Bahre. You shouldn’t be out here. Go back to the studio.”
I rose to my full height and watched as she squinted in the rain, her gaze taking in more of me this time, as if she’d been afraid to see me in the light but welcomed the cover of darkness to hide her interest. I both welcomed and feared her inspection. I was hideously scarred and thankfully most were covered by my clothing, but I was a male of honor. Worthy. A strong protector. I would win her heart with my devotion and strength, not my pretty looks.
I was not Braun.
“Bahre?”
“Yes, my lady?”
“Are you going to answer me?”
“I did.” I crossed my arms and resumed my former stance. Resolute. I was not leaving her unprotected. No discussion was necessary.
A perfectly arched brow curved up. “Seriously? That’s your response?” She shoved her wet hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ears as if stalling for time. It was not pristine and perfect as it had been when I’d first seen her on the news program, but it did not mean she appeared unkempt. Watching her touch her hair had me wonder if the gesture was what she did when she was uncomfortable. I had much to learn about her.
I nodded. “Yes. I made a vow. I am yours. I will protect you. I will provide for you. I will care for you and see to your pleasure.” Even in the dim lighting I could see her cheeks turn a deep shade of pink.
“Why?”
Her question was spoken in earnest, and I answered in kind. It seemed she truly didn’t understand our connection.
“Because you are mine,” I replied. It was simple to me, but I elaborated for her. “My beast has chosen you over every other female we have ever encountered.”
Her eyes flared wide as her mouth dropped open. She had perfect, straight teeth. “Oh my God. You’re serious. This can’t be happening.” She was soaked now, but the rain was not cold. If she were chilled, I’d insist she go inside, but I was enjoying the view.
“This has happened, Quinn. It is a fact. A given. I am Warlord Bahre of Atlan, and I am yours.”
“I don’t want kids.” She blurted the information out as if that would sway my intentions toward her. Perhaps others might find this a problem, but not me.
“Your happiness is my only priority. Children are irrelevant.” I spoke the truth. If my mate wanted a dozen offspring, I would fuck her into oblivion and bounce the resulting babies on my knee. See them grown. If she wanted none, I would cherish her alone and be content.
Very content.
I would still fuck her into mindless oblivion, as soon as she allowed me to do so. First, I had to earn her trust. She was a wary one. Once she was comfortable with me, knew I would not harm her, she’d have to overcome my appearance. My mate was not extremely small, as some of the human women I’d seen were. However, I was an Atlan, and I feared my size might frighten her because standing here on her stoop, I loomed over her. Dwarfed her delicate frame.
“This is crazy,” she said, flinging her arms up. Drops of water went flying. She shivered. “You can’t just choose me. You don’t know anything about me. Like, nothing.”
“A problem easily remedied. I will learn. You are cold, mate. Go inside and put on warm, dry clothes.”
“What about you?”
“I have endured much worse than this warm rain.”
Quinn tilted her head to the side and looked at me. Studied me as if deciding something. Something important. When she bit her lip, my beast could barely hold back a growl. “You’re going to stay out here in the rain all night?”
I nodded.
“Even if I told you to go back to the studio so you can sleep?”
I nodded once more. “It is my honor to protect you.”
She sighed. “This is ridiculous. Come inside. But you’re sleeping on the couch. And tomorrow you’re going back to the Bachelor Beast program. Got it?”
“Agreed.” I did not care where I slept as long as she was near. Tomorrow she would return to her work at the station, so naturally I would accompany her there. As for the
