Page 19 of Infala: The Priest's Temptation
“Thank you.”
“To answer your question, let’s just say that sometimes in the past, even the most sacred of vows were not enough if one’s Infala awoke. And as children can only be conceived between divergent races if the Infala bond is present, such unions could causeproblems.”
“Wait, you’re saying pregnancy isn’t an issue without the Infala if you’re from different races?”
“Yes. You should know this.”
“I, uh?—”
“But, of course, your world is new to the Conglomerate.”
“Yeah, there’s a lot to learn about intimate stuff I suppose.”
“Indeed. But youdoknow that the sexual infections of uninitiated worlds are a thing of the past, do you not?”
No STIs? And no unwanted pregnancies? Holy hell, no wonder these guys need more than just a vow.
“Uh, yeah, of course,” she lied, still amazed at what she’d just learned.
“It was because of some early instances the order devised the blocking runes. It helps the weaker among us and ensures none will break their vows.”
And there it was. This gorgeous man had not only taken a vow, but he’d modified his own body’s rune thingies to reinforce that vow. She understood why, but with the connection she felt between them, the ease of laughter and conversation, Ella couldn’t help but wonder what might have been if only not for his priestly situation.
Still, she could enjoy his company for what it was. She was the one friend-zoned this time, but it wasn’t something she could take personally. And so it was she spent the afternoon soaking, snacking, napping, and having an all-around fantastic day with her alien friend.
It was only when they began to pack up to leave that the exertions of the walk there presented themselves in just the first few hundred meters.
“You look unsteady,” Draikis noted with concern. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I guess my legs are a little more tired than I thought.”
He paused a moment, then took her hand and turned back to the springs.
“What are you doing?”
He stopped and turned to meet her gaze. “I would not risk you falling on the walk back. Not if it becomes dark along theway. You need to recover. It was my fault for pushing you too hard.”
“Nonsense. It’s not your fault. I’m fine.”And you can push me hard anytime you likeshe silently added, her mind drifting back to his fantastic cock. Something she’d seen many times over the course of the day yet remained equally impressive.
“No, it would be foolish. You need to conserve strength for the application of your runes. Rest is what’s called for. We have enough supplies, the weather is good, and the air by the springs remains naturally warm, though I can also make us a fire for the night.”
“Are you sure? Won’t the others miss us?”
“I’m positive. And no, they will not be concerned. If we were to be gone for another day, perhaps, but they knew we were on an outing. Now, come. Sit and relax. Eat something. I’ll gather wood and make a fire, then we can get an early night’s sleep.”
She did as he asked, sitting far enough from the springs to not feel damp from the humidity but close enough to be relatively warm. The fire he started soon shifted that to downright toasty, and not long after, the two curled up to sleep.
Well, that was certainly one hell of a day,Ella mused, nestling close to Draikis, the little spoon to his big one, his warm arm draped over her like a comforting weighted blanket.I guess we’ll wait and see what tomorrow brings.
CHAPTER NINE
Ella slept comfortably, her body cushioned by towels as well as Draikis’s robe. She objected, of course, but he insisted she take it.
“I will be plenty warm, do not worry. More important is that you are properly cushioned. It is the ground we will be sleeping on, after all.”
“The grass is pretty soft.”
“Yes, but please, humor me.”
