Page 9 of Bound to the Tiger Scout
“I’m certain you’ll make many friends in this new life.” I flexed my fingers against my side, trying not to snatch him up. “In fact, I know two humans I would very much like to introduce you to.”
“Other applicants?”
“No, Owen and Logan are members of the delegation. They’ve both assisted the program from time to time.”
Squire nodded slowly as he nibbled on his bottom lip, turning it a brighter shade of pink. I stood there trying to discreetly take deep breaths and calm myself so that I didn’t start sucking that lip of his to see how much more pink I could make it.
“Well, um,” he said, “we can go then. I’m ready.”
Squire squared his shoulders and looked me in the eyes. It was the sexiest thing I’d ever seen.
I made some sort of growling noise as I turned away to lead him toward the exit. A tiny, insistent part of my brain that storedall my professionalism started braying that I should at least let Layleen know I was leaving. Thankfully, I spotted her sitting down in a refreshment area and rubbing her belly, a deep frown pulling at her brow. I veered in her direction, making sure Squire was following me.
“Are you well?” I dared ask her.
“I’m pregnant.”
I nodded and switched to Norlish. “I’ve found my mate and am?—”
“What?” She nearly toppled off her chair as she leaned to get a look at Squire. “You did what?”
“He does not know, and I am not yet prepared to explain, so please refrain from alarming him.”
Her blue gaze flicked back and forth between us before she stood from her chair and smoothed out her tunic. “Are we heading back to the ship then?”
“Yes.”
She gave me a nod before walking toward the exit. Apparently, “we” meant her as well. That was, honestly, probably for the best since it was possible the shuttle pilot would not be enough to deter me from seducing Squire on the flight up to the ship.
“Is everything alright?” Squire whispered from close beside me.
I put my arm across his shoulders before I even really thought about it. “She’s rather pregnant.”
“Ah,” he said like my explanation was enough. That he stayed under my arm as though he was comfortable with it on him sent desire careening through me. Thank goddess I’d worn a robe today instead of pants and a tunic—I was nearly fully erect but at least I wasn’t being uncomfortably restricted.
The exit took us up two flights of stairs to the roof where the shuttle waited. I felt slightly bad about leaving everyone elsewithout transportation. It would only be for a short time, of course, as the pilot would come right back after we disembarked. But still, there were only the three of us on a sixty-person shuttle.
“There’s my mother,” Squire said as we walked near the edge of the roof to the rear of the shuttle. He smiled and waved down at someone in the crowd of people below. Several news cameras pointed up at us.
I couldn’t take him away without asking, “Did you want to speak to her?”
“No.” He walked up the ramp in front of me. “She won’t understand.”
I felt badly for Squire’s losses but did truly believe that he would have a much better life away from those oppressing him. And I would do my utmost to make it so he might thrive and know every joy.
The Cero pilot came out from the cockpit, his violet gaze scanning over us. In Norlish, he asked, “Is there a problem, sir?”
“No, everything is fine,” I said pleasantly. “Please take us to the ship before returning.”
He looked confused, but simply said, “Yes, sir.”
While he prepared to leave, I turned to help Squire get situated only to find Layleen assisting him. I took a seat opposite them as she showed him how to secure the restraints crisscrossing his chest. The black rope-like material against his body gave me such wicked thoughts that I had to look away.
Fastened into my own seat, I rolled my eyes as Layleen gave me a reproachful stare before she finally sat. No doubt she could scent the state of my arousal, which was entirely embarrassing. I clasped my hands in my lap to hold my cock down and I closed my eyes. Taking measured breaths, I tried to calm myself for everyone’s sake.
Layleen, bless her, filled Squire in on what to expect of the trip. “The shuttle has technology that will allow us to leave the surface easier than your shuttles do, but we will still experience some pressure as we leave the atmosphere.”
Squire nodded at her. “I was trying to learn about some of that, but it was a lot.” He huffed a laugh.
