I have a sinking feeling he does.
We eat in silence, and I'm not entirely surprised that Rektar cleans his plate again. He gets seconds, and when there's only a little left in the pan, Rektar sits back with a heavy sigh, patting his stomach. "Delicious."
"Glad you liked it," I say politely, trying not to let my conflicting emotions show. "Since there's some left and we're heading into town, let me wrap this up for Khex. I bet he could use a nice breakfast—"
Before I can finish the sentence, Rektar pulls the food toward him and shovels the rest of it onto his plate. "Think I'm still hungry after all," he mumbles, and continues eating.
Weird. I head to my room and put on my walking shoes to go into town. I wrap a shawl around my shoulders, knotting it tight and tucking it into my bodice so my cleavage is covered. I don't want to make Rektar more uncomfortable than he already is. Maybe one of my friends in town will be able to decipher Rektar's mixed signals, because I sure can't.
If he'd just look me in the eye and smile, I'd feel better about all of this. I don't regret what happened last night—heck, if anything, I'd love to do a repeat, maybe even get a little action for myself. But I need a sign of encouragement from him.
Instead, when I go back out to the main room of my small house, he stands by the door, his dishes in the sink and the table cleared off. His hands are clasped behind his back and he's perfectly still, as if he's waiting to leave. He casts a look in my direction but doesn't raise his gaze. "I am ready to go into town whenever you are."
It's hard not to be disappointed. "Sure, I'll drop you off—"
"No," he says quickly. He lifts his gaze to mine and then just as quickly drops it again. "It is important that you stay in town. Just wait for me."
"Is something wrong? Did you find something else last night?"
"No." He rubs his ear. "I just…" He makes a strangled sound in his throat. "Please honor my request, Lucy."
"Of course." Now if he could just quit being so weird…
9
REKTAR
Lucy is beautiful this morning. Her dress emphasizes the ample loveliness of her form, and her dark hair swings against her shoulders in soft waves. She reeks of the choking perfume, but I try to breathe through my mouth instead of my nose to lessen it. Even the perfume can't take away from her attractiveness. Her smile is utterly becoming and her breasts are…magnificent.
I hate each time that I must drop my gaze and not look at her, but I don't want her to feel as if I'm intimidating her. I need to get this right. I need to get it ALL right.
I must confront Khex and let him know I am claiming the female for myself. He does not have feelings for her other than a general affection, but I wish to stake my claim before that changes. Lucy is very beguiling, and just being in her presence makes me forget all my teachings. I forget not to stare at her. I forget to give her distance so she does not feel afraid. I forget everything I have been taught about humans, and it's frustrating. The last thing I want is for Lucy to be afraid of me, but if this continues, my control will break and then she won't want to be anywhere near me.
Lucy parks her sled in front of the Port Custodial Offices and glances over at me. "Is this good?"
I nod. "Thank you. I hope I will not be long." I just need to lay claim to her, let Khex know I am going to be busy for the next few days with my mate, and then drag her over to the Registrar's office so we can formalize this. Mesakkah aren't much for ceremonies when taking a mate, but I know that it is important to humans to establish a proper bond in the eyes of the government. Given the circumstances, it will also be wise for us to ensure that everyone in Port knows that she is now going to be my mate and that she is off limits. That I will protect her with everything I am.
And while I am a bastard with no name of his own and no house to claim, I hope Lucy can see past that to mate with me. She touched me last night, and that gave me hope. She smiled as she caressed my cock and spoke so sweetly to me.
In that moment, I was utterly lost. Lucy is mine.
Lucy hesitates and then gestures at the store. "I guess I'll see if they've got any new supplies in. Is that okay? Or do I need to stay close?"