When She's Wary (Risdaverse, #11)

by Ruby Dixon

There’s something about Jrrru that makes me pause, though. It’s like some part of me instinctively knows he’s not out to hurt me. That he really feels as lonely and isolated as I do. I know he’s right about how praxiians aren’t liked on this planet. They’re one of the larger civilizations out in the galaxy, and when humans look at them, we see enemies, not friends. I can just imagine how he feels walking into Port. He must be very close to his brother to give up his job and stay here with him. The same brother that just got married and is probably wrapped up in his wife. No wonder Jrrru seems so rudderless and lost.

Are we having a normal conversation? Why am I enjoying this so much? It’s like my whole day just got that much better simply because he showed up at my doorstep. I don’t even need noodles. Not really. I’ve gone without for weeks now and I’ve managed on a porridge of beans and some other junk I toss into a bowl. Seemed easier than going into town for noodles…but now he’s made it all easy again. It’s like he really has my back, and the feeling is staggering. Overwhelming.

“I just need you to understand that I want to go as slow as you need, Tabitha.” He strokes my cheek with the backs of his knuckles. When I nod, he continues. “But…I also need to paint your door or I’m going to crawl out of my skin.” Paint my door…? Oh. He wants to mark me as his. As claimed. Even after kisses and reassurance, he still needs this. And maybe I’m feeling a little bold anyhow, because I tell him, “I’ll let you as long as I get to watch.” Jrrru sucks in a breath. His lips part and his purring grows louder, even as he rubs and nuzzles his face against mine. His voice is a near growl when he speaks. “I would love that.”

I think of Jrrru, and how safe I feel when he’s around. Maybe I don’t need an arsenal behind my door and pit traps dug in the yard to feel safe. Maybe I just need to let Jrrru in.

“Okay, if you’re asking, then I need you to know that if you asked me to stay, I’d stay forever.” I smile, resting my chin against her hair. She fits into my arms perfectly, this woman. All of the ramped-up stress I felt earlier is gone, and not just because her hand is still on my cock. It’s because she’s here in my arms, and she’s relaxed and happy. A relaxed, happy Tabitha makes me happy, too. “Then stay forever,” she says, voice soft. I go still, stunned into surprise at her response. “Wait. Really?”

Her eyes take on a flicker of hurt and she withdraws her hand. “I want you to want it, too.” I’ve said the wrong thing. I’m trying to be so very careful with her that I’m making her think I don’t want her. Nothing could be further from the truth. I want her so much that it’s utterly distracting. I want her so much that my hunger is completely taking over my every waking thought. Before she can pull away further, I lean in and close the distance between us, kissing her again. “I want you. I want this. I want us.” “If you’re sure—“ I kiss her again, just so she knows I’m absolutely sure.

“You don’t thank your partner for making you come. That’s your mate’s job.” He buries his face against my neck and breathes deep, holding me tight against him. “And you’re mine now.” “Am I?” I hook one ankle behind his thigh, wanting to cling to him like a leech. “Oh yes,” Jrrru says with a chuckle. “There’s no getting rid of me now that I’ve got my scent all over you.” Good. Because I don’t want him going anywhere.

We fall back onto the floor with her atop me, and I hold her close. “I’m obsessed with you. You’re my mate. You know that, right?” “I love you, too,” she whispers. “Help me get our new pets back to the barn?” “With pleasure.”

“Don’t thank us,” says Chelsea, coming out of the kitchen. She has a big metal spoon in one hand and a beaming smile on her face. “You’re family. Of course we’ll accommodate.” Emotion lodges in my throat. Family. I haven’t had family since I left Earth. I’ve been alone for years. But, looking over at Jrrru, I realize that’s another thing changing in my life. I’ve got family. Pets. A home. And the best mate a girl could ask for.