Chapter 48

In the morning, Rikash ordered his second to the combat ring even before he left the mating platform, lying on his back amongst the fabric scented by him and his mate, and with his female submissive half sprawled over his chest, her hand against the beat of his heart. Nadyr might covet Rikash s position and his mate, but Rikash had both. He eased out from under Amelia, and her eyes opened briefly before the weariness of growing his kit sucked her back into sleep. Yes, he thought, smoothing her hair back from her face. Sleep my little mate, grow my kit. He hoped that when he returned, she might be inclined to show him more of what she meant by love. He had enjoyed her demonstration from the previous night. He had liked her hands on him, the gentle touches designed to bring him pleasure but not sexual release. He had enjoyed spending the night with his body curled around hers, feeling the soft flow of her breath in and out, the expansion and release of her ribs against him.