Kaede glanced between my Oetsae and me. “I agree that she shouldn’t need an exam if she is healthy. I don’t believe we should stress her unnecessarily.”
“Why do you say that?” Zyxel interjected.
“Oh Stars,” Kaede hissed. “How do you think she got that scar? Once again, someone strapped her down on a medical table without her consent, and she almost died. A medical examination in an unfamiliar setting would only upset her.”
“Do you agree with this?” Zyxel addressed me, ignoring Kaede’s outburst.
“Yes,” I sighed, closing my eyes. I could already sense an argument brewing. It wouldn’t surprise me if Kaede threatened Zyxel, defending my wishes to the male who had declared me his fated. “Every time I lie on a medical table, terrible memories resurface, and I’m already struggling to keep it together.”
“Whether she agrees doesn’t matter,” Kaede growled. “This is my ship. If she doesn’t want to, then none of you have the authority to force her hand.”
“Kaede,” I whispered as I cupped his face, directing his eyes to mine. I needed to cool Kaede’s temper before he did anything reckless. Though I didn’t want Zyxel as a mate yet, I also didn’t want him thrown off the ship for trying to help. “Thank you for standing up for me, but I believe they understand.”
Chest heaving, he gazed at me with darkened eyes.
“I need to go.”
“What?” Tilting my head in confusion, I studied him. “Why?”
“I believe this conversation is over.” He leaned down and gave me a branding kiss before shooting a glare at those watching us. “I have work to do.”
“Are you sure?” I asked, touching my swollen lips.
“Positive.” His gaze softened as he gave me a squeeze and a peck on my forehead before releasing me from his embrace. “I will see you for dinner.”
“See you soon,” I muttered, still a little confused by his sudden change of attitude.
Suddenly, the two Oetsae disappeared. Kaede halted in front of the galley doors, shooting a glance over his shoulder. “Remember, Zyxel, Selena invited you as a guest on this ship. If I had it my way, none of you passengers would be here. Don’t make me regret allowing you to join this journey by harassing Selena. If I catch you doing anything to hurt her, I will personally toss you off my ship.”
Chapter Thirty-Three Selena
“What was that?” I asked, watching Kaede disappear behind the galley doors.
“Kaede’s instincts were demanding he claim you in front of Zyxel,” Vowels explained, his mental voice oddly strained. “It was safer for him to leave instead of doing something he would soon regret.”
“What?”
“I believe you call this practice peacocking. He wanted to stake his territory by marking you against the wall.”
While I didn’t mind his aggressive passion, it concerned me that he was fighting his instincts. I didn’t want him to be in pain while delaying his mating cycle.
“If that is the case, then why did you and LUI disappear?”
“We intended to halt the course of the conversation to help calm the situation. LUI is loyal to Kaede and wouldn’t disobey his wishes. The same goes for the other Oetsae fused with the Abyss. They only act in his best interest, even if they may not agree with or understand the matter. Zyxel asked LUI about your health because he was trying to look out for you. He didn’t understand the bond between us and what it entails, nor why you haven’t sought out LUI for an examination since our departure.”
“Why are you having secret meetings concerning me?” I turned and walked toward the male I had been avoiding since our date. Zyxel recoiled in surprise at my advance as I halted a short distance from his face. His tail tightened in its coil defensively as he prepared for an argument. “Are you trying to pry into my life behind my back? If you are, then I’m putting an end to it now.”
“I was only trying to help.” He lifted his hands in surrender, his fiery eyes convincing me to forgive him. “I’ve never encountered anyone as shrouded in mystery as you. How am I supposed to take care of you if I know nothing about you?”
“I don’t need anyone to take care of me,” I muttered, looking away as I stepped back. The words tasted sour as soon as they escaped my lips because deep down, I knew they weren’t true.
“And yet you allow your guard to dote on you.”
“He’s mine,” I hissed, glaring at the crimson male. “Kaede traveled to another galaxy to rescue me—once again. Of course, I allow him to take care of me. He’s already proven himself.”
“That male is dangerous,” Zyxel spat, his eyes hardening as he dropped his hands. “I don’t see how you can trust him when he continues to test his limits. He’s going to snap and there won’t be anything you can do.”
“He has it under control. We both do.”
“You both think you do,” Zyxel hissed. “It’s clear to me by his matching horns and fangs that he’s part Ezzaska. His temper toward the unmated males on this vessel further proves that he’s about to lapse into his mating cycle.”
“He’s always had a temper. That’s just who he is.” I shrugged. “When he can’t hold back his mating lust any longer, we’ll deal with it.”
“Selena, I don’t want to fight you about this, but I beg you to heed my warning,” Zyxel pleaded, his voice instantly losing all its bite. “You may not want me as your mate, but that doesn’t mean I can stop caring about you.”
Sighing, I glanced away as I combed my short hair back in frustration. I couldn’t control his feelings; I barely had a hold on mine. There was no reason for me to keep avoiding this male. He had respected my wishes and never
