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Our foreheads touch and in the quiet space between our mouths where not even the savage wind can reach, I whisper, “Warrior, what do you need?”
I just couldn’t block that out. In a way that can only be described as ancient and primal, it called to me. The oasis. A lush green plant, that rich fauna, a gentle heat. No. Don’t get sucked in. Fight! Kill! But how do you kill an oasis? Not even the desert can do that.
“Are you certain? I have read that untried females often feel pain.” She shakes her head, and a single droplet of water escapes her gaze and winds its way over the curve of her cheek. “I am not untried.”
But am I worthy of her? I have not mated before this, but I hope to honor her.
“I cover your flesh with my flesh. I cover your heart with my hearts. With this union, you are claimed. To serve as Voraxia’s Va’Rakukanna. To serve as Nobu’s Xhea. To be my Xiveri mate. With this union, I am yours. To be your Okkari, to be your sword, to be the sire to our unborn kits, but to be your servant above all else.”
My chest clenches. I haven’t ever been talked about…not like that. Because when he spoke to the people around him, he didn’t tell them about my beauty. He told them about my might. Warrior, what do you need…
“I don’t hate you.” Startled, I have no answer for her. She blinks up at me. “I hate me.”
Fight! Now stand. Stand! Open your eyes. No. I’m scared. I’m not scared of anything. I’m scared of everything.
is a brave female who continues to fight, as you do, after such a dishonor — his, certainly, not yours.” “It’s…embarrassing,” I wheeze. I don’t need to speak color to know that shock is the sentiment echoed around the room. “Embarrassing? Nox, my Xhea. Forgive us, but here on Nobu what you have faced only increases your honor and the respect we feel for you. To have a Xhea who has fought battles and survived horrors. It is truly an honor to welcome you, even if we do wish that these were battles you had never fought, and horrors you had never been through.”