Page 50 of Lorran
Oh. Definitely Mahdfel.
Wyn pulled her hand back, no longer interested in the berries, no matter how dripping with dew they appeared.
“I’m not alone. Lorran’s here,” she answered, ignoring the part aboutproviding. That felt like a trap.
Caldar leaned in and sniffed the air. “Hmm, dust. A touch of damp. No male, though he has covered you in his costume.”
His gaze swept over her, lingering at where the shirt sagged on her shoulder, exposing her collarbone.
Wyn gathered the excess fabric of the collar in one hand, drawing it tight. Not that she was hanging out or flashing her bits; something about the man made her skin crawl.
“You need to leave,” she said, moving to close the door.
He stuck his foot in the door. “Do you not want my berries? I picked them this morning. They are especially…sweet this time of year.” He damn near licked his chops.
Her first thought was about fungal spores. Her second was utter revulsion at taking anything from him.
“Sorry, I’m allergic!” She stomped on his foot, forcing him to move it. The man was taller and stronger than her. If he refused to leave, she couldn’t make him.
He yelped in surprise. “Female—”
“What is going on?” Lorran appeared behind Caldar’s shoulder.
Caldar turned to face Lorran, his back straight and shoulders square. Taller than Lorran by a few inches, it seemed like it was trying to intimidate using his height.
Just a bully.Wyn knew her fair share of bullies. Always the biggest kid in her class, she had been an easy target for the usual uncreative jokes and pranks.
“I brought sustenance since you were unable to provide,” Caldar said.
“You are incorrect.” Lorran lifted a hand to display a bag. “While I prepared your crewmate for burning, I was also able to acquire provisions. You may take your offerings elsewhere. Perhaps there is a widow nearby who would welcome your sniffing around.”
They stared at each other.
Caldar looked away first. He knocked his shoulder into Lorran as he moved past.
Lorran watched the male saunter away.
“What was that—” Wyn squeaked as Lorran pushed her through the door, against the wall, and kissed her hard. Fierce and determined, not at all like the sweet, exploratory kiss from before, he left her breathless.
He growled into her mouth, demanding more, and taking it. Wyn melted against him, the universe shrinking to just them and the points where their bodies touched. One hand grabbed a fistful of her hair and the other stroked the column of her neck.
He pulled away, lips swollen and his eyes gleaming.
So blue.
“You are mine,” he said, his voice a rumble that resonated in her chest. “Say it. Tell me.”
“I belong to you?” Oh, wow. The volunteer center’s pamphlets didn’t cover this.
He tugged on her hair again, forcing her head to the side to expose her neck. It was a jerk move, designed to control her, but her traitorous lady parts were on board with the display.
He pressed his lips to the curve of her neck, where it joined her shoulder. “Tell me, Wyn. That other male…you aremymate. Mine. I will not let another take you.”
She worked her hair free and pushed back the hair covering his face. It was surprisingly soft.
“Hey. Hi. Hello,” she whispered as she stroked his hair. Tension eased out of his body.
He relaxed his hold.
