Page 10 of Her Alien Mercenaries
They will think that you were enjoying the attention of yourmahoyen,” Zanyr replied.
“While wishing they stood in our place. Well, the ones who do not have mates of their own.” Torren smiled down at her. “And even some of them will be envious.”
The wide-eyed look she gave them told Zanyr all he needed to know. Jenna was uncertain. Was it them? The situation? Something else? He had no idea.
She tugged at her hands, trying to free herself from Torren’s grip. “But I—”
He didn’t let her finish. “No buts. We speak the truth. You are perfect, and to be blunt, I like that every male who sees you will know that we put that flush on your cheeks and covered you with our scent. He leaned down to gaze into her eyes. “You are ours.”
Her pupils dilated and her teeth closed on her lower lip as she considered his words. Then she nodded. “Alright then. I don’t think I can do any better than this, anyway.”
This time, Torren released her hands when she pulled at them. She smoothed her hair with one hand, tucking the loose strands behind her ears. He was tempted to muss her up all over again, but now wasn’t the time. He didn’t understand the source of her doubts yet. He needed more information.
“Come.” He held out his hand to her.
She took it without hesitation. “What happens now?”
He pulled her toward him, crouched, and swept her up into his arms. “Now, we go down to the tavern and spend some time getting to know each other.”
“You’re going to carry me? Oh no, no, no. I can walk.”
“You can, yes. But I’d rather carry you.” He grinned at her. “Indulge me?”
Her uncertainty broke like waves on the shore, replaced by a soft laugh and a smile that eclipsed the sun. “Indulging you sounds like a dangerous thing to do.” Her small hand touched his cheek. “But I trust you.” She glanced over at Torren. “And you as well.”
Her words hit with the impact of a runaway rocket. His desire rekindled, amplified by new feelings that he didn’t want to examine right now.
“You honor me,” was all he said.
“You honor both of us,” Torren said.
“If I can’t trust mymahoyen, this mating is doomed before it even begins. I need to trust you.” She looked down, avoiding his eyes as she spoke. “Isn’t that how this works?”
Zanyr didn’t know how to answer her. He wanted her trust, but he also wanted to earn it. If she knew who he’d been once, the things he’d done, would she trust him then? Looking down at his female, Zanyr made a decision. They couldn’t tell her about their past. Not yet.
He carried her down the stairs while Torren filled the silence with inane chatter. They still spoke in their own language, confident she could understand them.
“Saral has a table waiting for us. They’re not officially open yet, but she knows we’re coming.”
“They’re not open yet? So it won’t be busy? Just us?”
“I gather a few patrons come in early, but it won’t be busy. Anya might not be much for mornings, but no one is going to turn away a paying customer.”
“It’s a bit early for her. She’s not much for mornings, but I was told that Maggie is working already.”
“Oh! I know Maggie. She taught a few classes on colony life and tricks to help us adapt.” Jenna relaxed in his arms, apparently reassured now that someone she knew would be present. That it was another human female probably didn’t hurt, either.
The stairs led to a small alleyway that ran alongside the tavern. The door to the kitchen was propped open, allowing a combination of savory scents to fill the air. Despite having already eaten, Zanyr’s mouth watered. Unlike most taverns he’d come across in his life, the Bar None served excellent food that drew a crowd day after day.
Saral appeared in the doorway before they reached it. The Vardarian female greeted them with a spatula in her hand and a broad smile. “I was about to send one of my mates to the roof to see if you were ever coming down. Come in. Come in. Your table is ready.”
Her gaze fell on Jenna, and her smile grew wider still. “Jenna! Congratulations. The winds have carried you into the lives of two of my favorite customers!”
“You claim everyone is your favorite customer,” Torren pointed out as they filed into the kitchen.
“Because it’s true. You all bring something special to this place. Even Thrash, but please don’t tell him I said that. That male’s ego is big enough already.”
“Are you sure it’s okay for us to be here? I mean, you’re not even open yet,” Jenna said as Zanyr navigated the bustling kitchen space, careful to keep a safe distance from the hot stove as well as the two males already hard at work.
