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“Prior to that, my clan lived higher in the mountain. Our homes were crafted from bribard hides.”
“Why leave the only home you’d ever known?”
“The gods invited us to live inside their exoskeletons once more. Should we leave them empty? Our ancestors lived within their bones, I suppose you could call them.”
“I guess it didn’t sink into me that we were sleeping and eating inside their corpses.”
“I suppose we are. We don’t think of it that way. Our ancestors lived within their structures, and now we do once more. They keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Their exoskeletons are much nicer than our old hide homes. Everyone agrees.”
“I still find all of this amazing.”
I grinned. “I’m glad you think so.” One more reason for her to stay?
“What about jewelry?”
“If you wish for precious stones to wear about your neck or in your ears, I’ll collect them for you.”
“Where? In your precious stone treasure trove?”
I sensed confusion in her words. I also sensed her tension was rising, though I couldn’t imagine why she was unhappy to hear about all the wonderful things the gods would do for her when she agreed to remain here as my mate. “I can show you after we bathe.”
“No laptops or cell phones. No Wi-Fi, though I don’t imagine there’s much I’d Google at this point other than Zuldruxians, which I’m sure will bring up nothing.”
We reached the end of the tunnel and paused with the vast network of pools spread out in front of us.
“Your gods even gift you with mates.” She was definitely beginning to sound surly.
I savored the sound, actually, because it made fire blaze in her eyes and her heady musk of arousal fill the air. Did she realize she liked me more when she tried to squabble?
“So far, I’m the only one gifted with a mate who I’m greatly devoted to.” I added the last, hoping to sooth her.
“The only gifted mateso far.”
The female with red hair had not been found. My males had returned yesterday and shrugged. Had she been gifted to another Zuldruxian? “You’re special. The first for my clan.”
“That’s not reassuring.”
I led her to the right and through another tunnel, continuing until we left the sound of clan chatter behind. The cave system was a network of tunnels containing many small alcoves with private pools. I was taking Vanessa to one I’d enjoyed many times when I wished to be alone. Prior to today, we’d bathed in those behind walls of flowering vines or crystal spikes.
“The other women from Earth are mates-in-waiting,” she said. “They’re prisoners, held in suspension until your gods decide it’s Christmas time and they need to be stuffed inside someone’s stocking.”
“What’s a stocking?”
“That’s not the point.”
I stopped and lifted her, pressing her against the smooth stone wall. Her legs naturally went around my waist and her hands latching onto my shoulders, both encouraging signs.
“I’m going to kiss you, my pretty mate,” I said, staring at her mouth I couldn’t wait to consume.
“Why?”
“Because I need you.” I said it simply. Could she hear the sincerity in my voice? “You’re not mad atme.”
Her lips pursed. “Maybe I am.”
“You’re mad at our gods.”
“Definitely that.” Her body softened. “I’m sorry. I see what you’re saying. I’m irritated with their high-handed ways, and I’m taking it out on you. I don’t mean to. This . . . is a big adjustment for me.”
