Page 64 of Ahelno
“Nope, nope! Put me down, Dakleth!” I said. I didn’t like where this was going.
“Mate safe,” he said, narrowing his eyes at me.
“Mate needs to be put down,” I said. Jeez, it was like talking to fucking Tarzan. “Down, Dakleth,” I said firmly.
He seemed to wilt and slowly lowered me to the ground. “I’m going to sit on that cushion,” I said. “I will be safe there. Come sit with me.”
“Yes, mate,” he said. He followed me and watched me sit. He turned and looked at the guards who were watching us and drew himself up, stepping in front of me. “MINE,” he roared at them.
“Ok, ok, they get it. Andokar, go to the other side of the room so he can calm down. It’s probably best that you all leave us alone for a minute.”
“You are wise, Andie,” Andokar said. “We shall withdraw. Call to us if you need anything.”
“I will,” I said.
They moved off, but kept watch. Dakleth sat on the cushion next to mine, then reached over and effortlessly pulled me into his lap. The Ptexari were pretty averse to touch, especiallyin public, so I was surprised how much he seemed to want to touch me right now. I wasn’t entirely comfortable in his lap, and it became even more uncomfortable as his erection started poking my ass. I tried not to squirm. He held me firm as he scented me all over, rubbing his nose through my hair, behind my ears, around my jawline, as his palms caressed my arms. I was struggling not to get aroused myself, but it had been a long time since anyone had touched me this way, and his own very obvious enjoyment of my body was turning me on.
“Dakleth, no.” I said.
“No?” he questioned.
“No, we are not doing this. I am safe. That’s all. Now let me go back to my own cushion.”
He took a final inhale of my hair and sighed. “Yes, mate.”
“I’m going to get some Oonag for us,” I said. “Can you wait here while I get it?”
“Yes, mate,” he practically deflated like a scolded child.
“Dakleth,” I said. He looked up at me as I stood. “I’m not unhappy with you,” I said. “You defended my honor. It was a little extreme, but I appreciate it. You’re a good male.”
He perked up, and his chest rumbled. “I have pleased my mate,” he said, eyes glowing blue again.
Well, I wouldn’t have gone so far as to say I was pleased, but I let him have it. “I’ll be back in a minute,” I said.
“Yes, mate,” he said, with more enthusiasm.
“Andie,” I said.
“Yes, Andie, mate,” he said. That was probably all I could expect for the moment.
I went to the replicator and ordered two mugs of Oonag. One of the palace stewards, a female, walked over. “The Kingsends his regards,” she said. I looked to the other end of the room and saw King Akapa and the Charonu Prime Minister in a heated discussion. “He sent me because the Prince likely would not be able to stand a male approaching you.” I looked over at Dakleth, who was watching us intently.
“Got it,” I said.
“The King wishes you to know that he expresses much gratitude for your de-escalation of the situation with the Prince.”
“No problem,” I replied, grabbing the Oonag.
“When you deem it prudent, the King believes it would be best for the Prince to leave the room while he continues discussion with the Charonu Prime Minister.”
“Ah,” I said. Dakleth’s presence was a bone of contention. “I’ll get him out of here.”
“Our thanks, Princess,” she bowed her head.
“No Princess. I’m just Andie.”
“As you wish, Lumanela.” I sighed. Whatever, I didn’t have time to argue with the Palace servants about titles right now. I brought the mugs back to Dakleth. “Let’s walk back to the music room as we drink our Oonag,” I said. “I’ll play something for you.”
