Enticed By The Corsair (Corsairs, #3)

by Ruby Dixon

“Promise me,” Tarekh says in a low voice. When I glance over, he continues. “Promise me that if she’s dead, you’ll put an end to me, too. I won’t live knowing that I failed her.” I stare at him. We’ve been through a lot, he and I, and Tarekh’s always been light-hearted and easy-going. This isn’t him. But I’ve never been mated. I don’t understand what it’s like. This sits wrong with me. But I also know what it’s like to want to die. So I nod.

Her eyes aren’t hidden by shadows. They’re gone, nothing but dark, angry scars remaining in their place.

Something deep inside me instinctually recognizes her as mine. I’ve heard other mesakkah talk about it. How when they meet their female, they just know in their gut that she’s the one. That the connection is lightning fast and soul-wrenchingly deep. Always thought that was garbage until now.

My heart skips a beat at that smile. For that, I’d do anything. For her, I’d move asteroids and fly through black holes, unafraid. I’m hers in that moment. Completely and utterly hers.

“Someday it'll happen for you, too, my friend.” He just snorts.

“Mesakkah cap our horns when we come of age. It's a sign of adulthood. Of civilization. I don't know why we do it, just that if you don't cap them, you're looked at like some sort of wild man who just emerged from the jungle on a very backwards moon.”

“I'm not always going to think ahead, love. There might be times I kef things up because my first instinct is to charge in. But say you'll love me anyways.” “How could I not?”