Page 114 of Grulen

“As you wish.”

At her door, she thanked Largon and entered without saying a word to Grulen.He followed her.She kicked off her shoes and started taking off her jewelry.She glanced at him.

“Go ahead and say what you want to say so I can get some rest.”

He dropped heavily onto the couch.His elbows dug into his thighs, and he rested his head his hands.

“What do you need from me to give me another chance to prove to you I love you?”

Her arms raised taking pins from her hair, she froze at his question.

“How did we get to love?”

“Oh,ciebala,I became infatuated with you the first time I saw you on Nulorn.Once I got to know you, I prayed to the Goddess that no female waited for me so I could show you how I felt.I had every intention of asking you to true mate with me when you were ready.”He pounded a fist into his thigh.“Then I regained my memories and that stupid vow tripped me up.I reacted badly trying to reconcile my feelings about mating before and after my accident.”

“If you love me, how could you just turn away?’The pain in her voice hurt his soul.I did that.I’m such a naroon.

“I know you don’t believe me, but I thought I was doing the right thing.The way I felt, I believed I would always hold some of myself apart from you to spare myself the pain I saw in my village.That wouldn’t be fair to you.You deserve to be the sun, moon, and stars to a male.”

She moved closer and he held out his hand.His heart clenched when she gingerly took it.He tugged lightly and had her sit next to him.Her scent and warmth seeped into his soul, and he immediately felt hope.

“You hurt me badly.”

“I know and I can’t apologize enough.If you give me a chance, I will never turn you away again.I don’t think I can.I’ve been miserable without you.I don’t want to live it again if I have a choice.”

“Bad things could still happen, Grulen.I could die from some weird disease in a decade or get hit by a flitter.”

“I know, but my father and friends helped me realize that I was already in pain, and you were alive.If you died too early, even far from me, I would still feel your loss.But if we spend the intervening time loving each other instead, I would have beautiful, happy memories to ease my loss rather than regrets.”

She reached up to caress his face.It dawned on him that not once in all their interactions had she ever given any indication she saw his scars from the accident.One more reason to love her.

“I don’t want to live on a ship.I’m going to work at Phoenix House.”

“I thought you might feel that way.I’d like you to consider a compromise.”His fingers rubbed hers.

“What?”

“Durek asked that I complete one last round trip to Earth on theInvictus.We’ll be picking up Earth delegates to visit Costonia and finalize treaties.He wants me to transfer to security and participate in high-intensity training with Tolvex.Once we return, I’ll be part of the team providing security for Phoenix House, the gated community, and new village.I can also teach part-time at Phoenix House.I’d like you go with me for that last trip before we settle here.Durek assures me he’ll approve it.”

Tears filled her eyes.

“You’re okay with giving up travel?”

“Yes, so long as I’m with you.I just don’t want to be apart from you for the three or four months it will take to go back and forth to Earth.”

“I accept your compromise.”She leaned forward and kissed him gently.

“Does this mean I’m forgiven?”he whispered.

“Yes.I’ve been miserable, too.I love you, Grulen.”

He slid to the kneel on the floor in front of her.He held her hands in his.

“Will you true mate with me, Morgan Calloway?Will you be mine for as long as the Goddess blesses us?Which I sincerely hope is forever and beyond.”

“Yes, Grulen Jevax of House Midnar.I would be honored to true mate with you.”

He rose to kiss her.Her arms wrapped around his neck, and she arched into him.Her breasts rubbed against his chest.He growled as his hands found her ass and squeezed her cheeks.

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