Ginny

GINNY

S eriously, could I have got all of this wrong? When Asteron makes a gesture of his finger across his neck, all the while glaring at me like he wants to eat me…am I actually going to be some sort of ritual sacrifice?

Bollocks.

The awful noise, like five trombones blowing discordantly, ceases abruptly. My body goes rigid, straight into fight or flight, as Asteron looms over me, his size never more apparent than right here and right now, in this room filled with Xnossons who all seem to be holding their breath.

"Here, in front of all the clans, I present the female who will be my bride," he announces. "A human female who will be my queen, rule by my side, and bear my young. I present to you, Gina of Earth."

He takes my hand and then lifts it above my head, like I'm a boxer who has won the prize fight. For a beat, there is silence in the room. Until it erupts with cheers, snorts, roars, and howls. Xnossons clearly don't stand on ceremony and when they like something, they like it loudly.

Or at least I hope they're liking this. If not, I'm looking at a full-blown riot.

I risk a glance at Asteron. He's looking out over the assembled throng until his eyes meet mine and I see something there.

Something I've not seen before. But he blinks and it is gone. I'm not sure what it is I see. Not when he's refused to have much to do with me, other than in the bedroom, where I'm seemingly unable to stop myself falling for his charms, and he won't let me out of my quarters without a guard to follow me around as if I am not trusted.

But he's just declared me to be his queen in front of everyone, and not only am I confused, I'm quite terrified as well.

What does this all mean?

As if he reads my mind, Asteron dips his head and puts his lips next to my ear. "I can explain everything, my sweet mate, in good time. I promise you will be safe and protected," he whispers.

If it was meant to be a reassuring comment, it's only served to set my teeth on edge.

"What happens now?"

"Now, we feast, and the whole of Xnos will see you belong to me," Asteron says loudly. "To the feast!" he roars.

There is an exodus the likes of which I've not seen before, other than to describe it as a stampede. I admit, my appetite disappeared as soon as I saw the dress I'm wearing and the reality of my situation hit home. I barely nibbled at the food on offer pre-ceremony and my body is craving carbs.

Although the chances of being able to fit in much in this dress are limited.

Asteron turns me to face him.

"You are the most beautiful creature in all the universe, my queen. We only need to get through this feast and then we can be alone. I have arranged for us to spend the rest of your fertile period at my favorite retreat."

"Asteron." I look up at him. He is so regal in his fine robes, which still bare his chest and abs which always have me salivating. "I don't understand any of this. I thought I was just a contract, a vessel…"

His lips are on mine before I can finish the sentence in a kiss which is literally out of this world. His tongue sweeps my mouth, and I'm gathered up in his arms, my own limbs loose and lost as I'm kissed to within an inch of my life.

"I'm sorry, my , but I will explain everything once this day is over," he says as he releases me, my heart fluttering in my chest.

Asteron has taken my breath before, but never like this.

"Okay..." I manage to force out. "I can walk," I add with a little more ease as he carries me off the stage where there are now two thrones and through a side door. My three guards, big burly Xnosson males join us as we make our way down a passage I've not been in before.

"I'm sure you can, but I want to carry my bride," Asteron says, his voice gentle. "I want this to be how I want it to be and with no other rules preventing me."

"Then you have my permission to carry me, my king." I laugh.

And for the first time outside of the bedroom, I see a smile on Asteron's face, and I realize I put it there.