Now, he was forced to step away from her dripping heat, wishing that he was between her legs instead of simply staring at them.

Sim-pony was still pressed against the wall. She looked like a wilting flora. Sweat beaded on her upper lip. And also on her neck, though that glistening could be the evidence of his tongue’s journey down her throat.

He watched the way her venas popped. Watched her dark skin. Watched as she bent her head back. His fingers itched to bury inside her, but he closed them into fists to keep them away.

“It is an emergency summons.”

“Go.” She plucked the band of her undergarments, hiking it up. Each time her knuckles brushed her skin, she cringed as if she had been electrocuted.

Tiegan knew that Sim-pony had been agitated by his hands and would be highly sensitive until her heat was pierced or she found some way to cool down. He hated that he had not been able to satisfy her. Though he, too, was battling a discomfort of his own, he was more bothered by her unease.

Tiegan cleared his throat. “I will call one of the other females to help you.”

“With what?” Sim-pony’s eyes doubled in size.

“A change of clothes.”

“I don’t need it.” She shuffled her legs together and grimaced, unable to hide her sensitivity.

His chest rose and fell. “I am aware. What you really need is for me to mate you.”

Her head whipped up. She looked embarrassed and slightly horrified.

Tiegan could not resist smiling a little. “But until then, you will need a change of undergarments. That is something your comrades can provide until I can take off your tunic and bring you the relief you seek.”

Her sharp look made his pants tighten. Tiegan’s body longed to be buried inside her, but he could not spare any more time. The emergency summons demanded his presence.

She huffed. “You must think you’re all that.”

“I have never entertained such thoughts.”

“Isn’t there an emergency?”

“There is.”

“Then leave.” She fanned her face. “All I need is a cup of water and a cold shower.”

Perhaps these were human coping methods?

“I’m fine,” Sim-pony mumbled when he remained before her.

She was not.

He could not hide his disappointment. “I am sorry.” He walked up to Sim-pony and pressed a firm kiss on her head. “I will be back.”

“Go,” she croaked, pinning her thighs together.

With great effort, Tiegan pulled away from her and charged down the hallway.

On the way, he bumped into Si-Moon.

Zar’s mate looked him over and grimaced. “Bad timing?”

“The worst.” He cleared his throat pointedly.

Her dark eyes shifted back up. “Zar too. He got some kind of call. It must be important for him to run off in the middle…”

“Indeed.” He checked his comms and saw the red light blinking continuously. “I was also… interrupted.” He rubbed the back of his neck, stumbling over his words. “Sim-pony is in need of,” he tilted his head, searching for the right terms, “an extra undergarment. Can you assist her?”