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The alien took a step toward her and offered his clawed, three-digit…hand. “Against all expectations, you appear to be a reasonably intelligent being. I still require a nest-guardian, and you may be well-suited for the role. Certainly, I’ve never seen anyone with such a fearsome aspect.” “Is that supposed to be a compliment?” she demanded. “Did it not sound like one?” He seemed puzzled,
“Are you…proposing to me?” “Yes, Terrible One. You are the most hideous mate anyone ever brought back to Barath, and so you will drive all predators away from our nest with ease.” He churred again, a soothing sound, actually. “Thanks? But you need to work on the endearments.”
“Come on. How bad could it be?” That was a rhetorical question, but nobody had explained that concept to dogs because he answered, “They could eat us. Burn us. Or put us in cages. Not all at once.” “Thanks.” “I’m here to help,” said Snaps.
A terrifying alien was trying to haul onto the platform, head and shoulders already on board. It slashed at her legs with fearsome claws and the pain nearly dropped her to her knees. Adrenaline kicked in—fight or flight—and with both nestlings screeching in her ears, she reacted, kicking the climber in the skull with all her might. As the combatant fell, she shouted, “This is Sparta!” Because obviously.
This was like a seriously fucked-up game of King of the Mountain, one where she was also babysitting a pair of infant twins.
If her dog wanted to plant alien beings in the Kith B’alak private garden, who was she to stomp on his dream?
His beta tendencies and lack of self-esteem might even be what had gotten him passed over in prior Choosings. But Beryl wasn’t in the market for an alpha asshole, so that worked out great. If you had to be abducted by aliens, it was good to wind up with one who respected your boundaries and preferences.
What the hell. Rules were made to be broken.
Being desired was a hell of an aphrodisiac.
“I have never pleased anyone without trying. Never felt that who I am is enough. You are a miracle, Beryl Bowman. My miracle.”
Before, he had been less aggressive, less sure of his ability to attract and keep such a magnificent nest-guardian, but she was slowly boosting his self-confidence, filling him with surety of his own worth. I deserve her. I deserve to be with her.
That was the best damn thing about dogs. If she went to the bathroom for two minutes, he was so gleeful when she came out, like: It’s you, my favorite person!
“My greatest fear is that I will lose Beryl Bowman, my dearest Terrible One.” “Beryl does not get lost,” Snaps said. “She only finds. She found me. She found you. And we are still found, see?”
“Kindness is its own reward. Cruelty exacts its own price. Peace and prosperity, my beloved friends.”
Fear tapped at the edges of her mind, but she didn’t let it take hold. This is an adventure, dammit.
