“Can’t you let me have this moment?” She scolded him lightly, her voice crackling with humor.
He chuckled. “You were very cool, Sah-ah.”
“No matter what Ziag tries, we’ll defeat him. Together.”
“You have so much courage, my heras.”
“I learned it from you.” Her eyes twinkled and her lips inched higher. “Don’t you owe me a kiss?”
Korben tilted his mate’s chin up and sucked on her lips. She sighed against his mouth and he realized that he would never tire of making her limp in his arms. His precious Sah-ah. She had been so brave today. He could barely contain the pride he felt toward her.
“Ehem.” His brother cleared his throat as he pulled his zapten up beside them. “Sah-ah.”
“Yes?” His mate broke away from his mouth to stare at his brother.
Korben wrapped his arms around Sah-ah, pressing his lips against her hair. His heras still ached when he thought of the Healer in the Heronas’s custody, but this was not the end. Theywouldbe back and when they did, he would free the Healer and cut Ziag’s head off.
Clavas rubbed the back of his neck. His blue skin seemed paler than usual from having been locked up and drained of blood for so many sun rotations but, already, he looked like he was gaining strength.
“Thank you, Sah-ah… for coming to save me.”
Tiegan dipped his chin.
Lans did too.
Sah-ah’s eyes blinked rapidly as if she was confused and overwhelmed by their acknowledgement.
He nuzzled his nose against her ear. “Thank you, my heras.”
“Y-you’re welcome.” She squirmed. “We should get back to the others. I’m sure the other girls must be worried.”
Korben held Sah-ah tightly as they returned to the hideout, only releasing her when they landed and the other females raced out to greet her. Sah-ah slid off Enthara’s back and immediately fell into the huddle of bawling, human females.
Clavas glared at him. “How many humans did you kidnap, brother?”
“Can we focus on the fact that you’re safe now?” He strode to Clavas and clapped his back.
“Ay!” He bawled out. “Watch it!”
“My apologies.”
“I still can’t believe you convinced your mate to invade a Heronas fortress.” Clavas rubbed his shoulder.
“Convince her?” Korben shook his head with a wry smile. "No one can tell that female what to do. Especially me.”
“Something they all have in common.” Lans grunted.
“Actually, Leel-ean is very compliant.” Tiegan shrugged. “I do not have that problem.”
Eema glanced in their direction and her eyes fell on Lans. The brutish warrior gave her a little wave. She scowled and turned away, a clear shunning.
Lans cleared his throat and stomped toward her while mumbling, “Stubborn female…”
Clavas grinned, staring at the warrior who was barreling straight for Eema. “I see Lans has a soft spot for the pale human.”
“You think?”
“I know.” Clavas winked.