Page 99 of Grulen

“What happened with the traitor?”

Wurvez growled.

“Pluvi Frulix is in custody.The male is insane.He murdered his nephew, Lerix Sproid, and doesn’t remember doing it.We found evidence that he was being brainwashed as well.”

“By whom?”Is there another traitor?

“Unknown.”

Grulen looked at Ava.

“Congratulations on your mating.You know he pined for you while we were on our mission.And he raved about your cookies.”

He wrinkled his nose in confusion when Morgan snickered.

“Is cookies an euphemism for something else?”

Ava giggled at Morgan’s question.

“I don’t think so, but with these guys you can’t always tell.”The human females smiled at each other.“I made food for midday meal.”She pointed at the units they’d placed on the edge of the table.

“Oh, that’s right.You’re the chef.I’d like to compare notes with you.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Grulen ate quietly and let the others carry the conversation.He filtered through his memories and recalled he’d made a vow to himself to never take a mate.His gaze settled on Morgan’s face as she chattered with the others.His heart heavy, he realized he should extract himself from their romantic relationship to keep the promise to himself.He rubbed his chest over his heart.

I thought waiting until I knew if I had a female waiting for me was the only possible dishonor.But it seems I’ve behaved dishonorably anyway.Goddess, forgive me for the pain I will cause her.

After their guests left, Morgan cleaned up the dining area while Grulen sat in silence.

“Karid and Ava are a fun couple.Lin opened up more today.”

He nodded.

“How are you?It must be disorienting to experience forty-one years of memories in such a compressed time frame.”

He drew back when she placed a hand on his face.Her frown pierced his heart.

“What’s wrong, Grulen?”

“Morgan, I think we should stop seeing each other.”

Shock filled her eyes.

“Why?”

He stood and paced.His tail flicked sideways repeatedly.

“My father was devastated after my mother and sisters died.All the adult males became shadows of themselves at the loss of their mates.It wassolarsbefore things got better.”

“That’s understandable.They experienced an inordinate amount of loss in a short period.I imagine everyone was in shock and grieving.Usually, people have others who aren’t also grieving to help them through it.They didn’t have that luxury.I’m not sure what that has to do with us.”

“When I got older, I vowed never to take a mate.I never want to be in a similar position.”

“So you want to break up so you won’t feel grief or pain?”Her face fell.

“I want to keep my vow.It’s the honorable thing to do.”

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