The Scorpion's Mate (Iriduan Test Subjects #1)

by Susan Trombley

It figured I got abducted by a blue-skinned alien that wasn’t masculine and of the barbarian variety. Oh well, what was one more disappointment? This was so not going like it did in the romance novels.

Despite all the danger we were in, I marveled at his strength. We were still in danger though.

The fact that he remained on his knees as he held out the eel made it look like he was making an offering. This goddess would prefer a steak, thanks. I shuddered, holding up my hands. “I’m good! Really!” I patted my round stomach. “Plenty of stored calories to keep me going. No need to eat… that! You enjoy. Urk.” I put a hand over my mouth, swallowing the lump in my throat that burned like bile. “I can catch more. I will feed you.” “Yea… no.” I shook my head, backing away. “I’m not really a fan of raw seafood,” I cast a skeptical glance towards the water, “or sewer food. Whatever this is. I’ll just tough it out.”

“Claire is angry.” His wings extended, quivering behind him. “But why? You did not wish to eat my prey, and I do not threaten your territory.” I curled my fingers around the wrapper. “Those aren’t the only reasons someone might be angry, Thrax!”

“My body can afford to go without it for a while,” I snapped, trying to pull away from him, but his grip tightened on my chin until it was almost painful. “No. Your body will wither without food.” I gestured to my stomach. “Yeah, I wouldn’t mind some withering in this area.” He tilted his head, his gaze fixing on my stomach. “I do not understand. Why would you wish to wither?”

“You remind me of home. Of my freedom. I would do anything for you.”

“I’m sorry, Thrax. About what they did to you.” He pressed his face into my palm. “I am not.” His eyes met mine. “I would go through it all again, knowing you would be at the end of it.”

“Do you ever miss the before-time?” His upper hands stroked over my hair. “No. You weren’t there.”