Page 10 of Thrilled By Her Protector

“Um, you see, Ox, here men and women decide for themselves when they want to be in a relationship?—”

“And you are unspoken for, yes?” Ox asked, his gaze on her.

Jennifer stopped herself from squirming under his stare and stood at her full height, straightening her shoulders. She felt Zircon watching her from his position in the back of the room, but really, she did not need the added pressure.

“My relationship status is not your concern. On Earth, relationships do not follow the same structure as your planet, at least not from what Daeja has told me. You can’t just claim unwilling females. Here, men and women have equal rights and equal say in who they choose to be with.”

“You mean I cannot challenge for your hand?” he asked.

“Who would you challenge, Ox? I don’t belong to anyone but myself, and I am not interested in that kind of relationship with you,” she said sternly.

“You insult me,” the male growled.

“Why is it an insult if I am just not interested? Don’t you think your attentions would be better paid to someone who reciprocated your feelings?”

“You are playing hard to get then, yes? This behavior is similar to the courtship dance of Drakein females,” Ox replied, but Jennifer narrowed her gaze.

“No, Ox. I am not playing any sort of game with you. I am not interested. Understand?”

“Yes, but a female of age?—”

“This matter is not up for discussion. I am here to teach you, not date you. Return to your quarters until dinner, Ox, and read chapter seven in the guidebook. There is a section that pays particular attention to male and female relationships. Remember on Earth, and everywhere really, the wordnoalways and unequivocally means no.”

Ox looked as if he were about to say something else, but Zircon entered the room fully then. His presence was unmistakable, and the air felt heavy with his natural dominance asserting itself.

“My Prince,” Ox said, bowing in deference to Zircon’s title.

Jennifer watched for any hint he was uncomfortable, but like his brothers, Conny seemed fine with the Drakeins paying their respects. She supposed it was only right. After all, he was born to play the part.

He’s a prince. A real bonafide prince.

“She said you’re dismissed,” growled Zircon.

“Yes, my liege.” With one last glance at Jennifer, Ox left.

“I was handling that just fine without you,” Jennifer told him as she packed her bag.

“I know you can take care of yourself, Jenn.”

“You know, so what are you doing here?”

“Just because I know something to be true, that doesn’t mean I stop worrying or watching to make sure you’re safe,” he replied, and shrugged carelessly. “So, do you truly think that?” Zircon asked.

“What?” she asked, trying to play catch up with what he was telling her.

Why was it always like this? Every time she got within ten feet of the man, her mind went blank, and her hormones spiked through the roof. It was ridiculous. She should know better.

Yeah, but tell that to my ovaries.

“That you don’t belong to anyone but yourself?”

Jennifer froze. She glanced up and met his fiery blue gaze head on. Her heart beat wildly in her chest as she considered her answer. He’d know it if she lied, but nothing good would ever come of her telling him the truth. She just couldn’t give him that kind of power over her. So she steeled herself against the attraction raging inside her.

“That’s right, Conny. I am my own person and I belong to no one.”

His eyes flashed, and not one second later, he had her pinned against the wall. She struggled for a moment, but her Owl refused to aid her against this, against him. It was like her beast wanted the male to dominant her, damn the creature!

“Wrong, baby,” he growled, his husky whisper sent shivers dancing down her spine, “you belong to me.”

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