Page 8 of Bound to the Tiger Scout
I buttoned up my shirt and nodded at my lap. I felt like such a tiny speck of nothing.
“As for you,” he said, “if you’re still interested in the program, I’d like to take you up to the ship today and begin your training.”
Everything in me stilled. What’d he say? I looked over at him slowly, suddenly wondering if I’d dreamed all of this and was actually home in bed. I almost wanted to pinch myself.
“What?”
That teasing grin of his was back. “Do you want to leave Earth with me, Squire?”
His goddamned voice was doing that thing again and getting me all hot and bothered. I had to swallow before I could say, “Yeah. Yeah, I do.”
I could’ve sworn he started purring.
CHAPTER 5
GHOSHA
Finally! Blessed goddess, I’d found my mate! From the moment I could scent him, I’d known exactly who Squire was to me. A more compatible match I would never find. He was my one and only.
Of course, though I desperately wanted to claim him in every possible way right here and now, I resisted and chose my words carefully. Dear Squire was in a tremulous emotional state, what with finding freedom after years of oppression, so I couldn’t simply declare our connection and whisk him away.
Well, no, Icouldwhisk him away, but it would have to be under false pretenses for the time being. I’d let him think he was going to be a sex worker in my brothel—that he was escaping his former life like that. He’d calm, relax, and find the peace that had been missing from his life. I’d seduce him, call it training, and gain his love and trust.
ThenI would tell him that there was absolutely no way he would ever have sex with anyone other than me for the rest of our lives. I was sure, by that time, he wouldn’t want to. He’d happily be mine.
“I can just go? Right now?”
Squire’s lust wafted off him in waves that filled me with longing. Was he already so affected by my pheromones? Did humans respond so quickly? It thrilled me to know that he already desired me.
“We can leave immediately,” I told him with a smile.
If anyone protested my departure, I’d simply tell them I’d found my mate. None would complain after that! I’d just say it in Norlish so as not to alarm Squire.
He chuckled in a way that sounded surprised. “Oh shit. I never thought… We’re just going to Nor? That’s?—”
“Oh, no, forgive me,” I hastened to correct him. “It will be some time before another ship arrives to take us to Nor. We can, however, go to the ship already in orbit, theZaaqnall.”
“Zawk-nall?” he asked with his adorable accent.
“Correct. It means roughly…” I thought about it for a moment. “We come in peace.”
He grinned up at me. “You’re kidding.”
“No. Why?”
“That’s what all the aliens say in the movies. Right before they start blowing things up.”
Wonderful. Hopefully, no one else had been asked to translate that for the humans.
“Even if I’m just going up to the ship, though, that’s still cool,” he said on a laugh. “I never thought— I mean, Ididthink about going, but not right away. Oh,” he said and his face fell, “I didn’t bring stuff with me. Like I didn’t pack a single thing.”
“Are there things you need? Medications? Mementos? We’ll provide clothing and toiletries.” I’d give him anything he wanted beyond that as well. “I can see about sending one of the officers, perhaps, to collect whatever you need from your home.” Because I could not in good conscience send him back into the world where his mother and her pastor might get their hands on him.
Squire went quiet then, his gaze drifting away. I had an urge to ask if he was well, but then I noticed the emotions playing across his face. He was thinking deeply, frowning, cocking his head, no doubt having an entire conversation with himself in the safety of his mind. I was pleased that he gave it so much consideration instead of rushing to a conclusion. I relaxed and waited for his answer.
“There’s nothing,” he said quietly. He looked up at me and blushed before showing me the timepiece on his wrist. “I have my dad’s watch and that’s the most important thing I own. There’s my phone, but…” He shrugged and looked away. “I don’t have anyone to call anymore.”
Goddess, how was I going to resist smothering him with affection? He seemed so lost and alone, all I wanted to do was squeeze him and reassure him that everything would be just fine.
