Episode Twenty-Six Pegasus?is it a Flying Centaur?

N adira

The line is actually getting smaller, thanks to Dhar. Ugh. Even his name is barbaric. For the first time in hours, I believe we'll get to the end of the queue, but I'm not certain I'll be able to go home with three mates. From what I see of the males in line, no one seems particularly promising.

When I glance up from the male we're interviewing who looks like his skin is made of tree bark, I see a new recruit has joined the end of the line.

Taller than all but Dhar, he seems to be standing in a sunbeam, but every time he takes a step forward, the beam seems to follow him. It's not the sun, it's the male's hair. It's so white, it shines.

His face is… perfect. It's possibly the most beautiful humanoid face I've ever laid eyes on. The bottom of his body is equine, his two legs end in hooves, his knees bend backward, and he sports a tail—also pure white. He's got humanoid arms, though. They're thick with muscle, prominently displayed because his gorgeous torso is shirtless.

His chest is human skin and the lower half of his body, the horse-like part, is the most beautiful gold. Most compelling of all are his snow-white wings. This male has two hind legs of a horse and two upper arms of a man, the wings of Pegasus, and the face of a god.

I've completely lost track of tree-man's faltering words and am consumed with watching flying horse-man's every movement from the turn of his long-haired head to the flick of his tail. If he has anything to bring to the table, I'm pretty sure I've found my third mate.

My interest isn't lost on Azael. He's not pretending to pay attention to the male across the plank from us who is forcing his tiny mouth to formulate words. Azael has followed my gaze.

My positive interest in Pegasus seems to be met by an equally negative response from Azael.

As tree-man stands to leave, Azael's lips barely move when he accuses, "Your arousal scent is swirling around us. I imagine there isn't a male in all this rendezvous who can't smell it. It's for the golden male?"

"I didn't think I was aroused, but I admit he's caught my attention."

"Before we're swarmed by every male in the vicinity, let's conduct his interview."

He calls Dhar over and asks him to bring Pegasus to us. Dhar is quick to comply, probably because he's in a hurry to get to the mating portion of the festivities. The crude orc saunters to the male, barely says a word of explanation, and yanks him to the front of the line with a burly hand around the nape of his neck.

A minute later, the four of us are face to face. Azael is making no secret of his disapproval. Although I'm not proud of it, I can't explain or control my body's response to the male's sheer beauty.

The male sits on the stump, pulls his silky white tail across his lap so it doesn't drag in the dirt, and looks directly at Azael, waiting for him to conduct the interview. After clearing my throat, I explain our mission to climb the elevator shaft to take over the tower.

"To kill the humans?" he asks.

"The human males, " I correct. "In order to free any females who wish to be freed."

Maybe I'm mistaken, but I could swear I hear a soft harrumph from the back of his throat.

"The males treat the females as little more than slaves," I say. "Most females would probably be happy to find mates Down Below. Those who don't want mates can either stay Up Above and start new lives, or come down here and be free from harm," I explain.

His response is a grunt this time, clearly nonplussed at the idea of sparing the females.

"My name is Thallose. My species is called starflyer. I would like to enlist," he says, his full attention on Azael as if I wasn't the one who just explained everything.

I have to give my mate credit. He has never, not once, taken over a conversation, no matter how many times the males have tried to shift the discussion from them and me to the man-to-man version they're more comfortable with.

"The time for enlisting will be in the future," I explain, then wait a full minute for his gleaming golden eyes to flick to my face. "At this time, we're assembling a leadership team. They will be the three males I choose as mates. It will satisfy the new rule about human women being part of an inter-species pack. The four of us will spearhead the attack."

When his face doesn't register comprehension, I add. "I'm looking for a third mate. This is Azael. We're already mated and," I tip my chin toward the orc sitting next to me who is leaning closer, "Dhar, who will be…" it takes me long moments to spit the next part out, "forming our matebond tonight."

Thallose shifts his weight, leaning back on the stump and considering things.

"What do you have to bring to the table other than your obvious hatred of humans?" I ask. "How many others of your kind are there?"

"None. There are no others of my kind because others of your kind killed them all." He shakes his hairy mane as he thrusts his perfect jaw toward me.

Well, I guess that brings this interview to a close.

"But I loosely control the alliance of avians. It would take me a while to make a complete list, but off the top of my head I would say two to three hundred would follow me into battle. Some are small, but they can do recon and help with communication. Others could carry someone as big as you." He tips his head toward me. "None I can think of could carry you." He indicates Azael. He doesn't bother to address the enormous orc at my elbow.

This male will bring us an air force and communication. I can't imagine anything that would be more helpful in taking the Tower. Excitement bursts inside my chest. This exceeds all expectations. I'm certain he can't hold a grudge against me forever. We just might be able to pull this off, and sharing a bed with him wouldn't be a hardship.

"Define your expectations of a mate," he asks. This time, his attention is on me.

"My understanding is there has to be, um, intercourse with a mating bite." I shrug. Surely he knows this.

"And after that?"

"I… have no idea. Neither Azael nor I have seen the inner workings of a pack before. Our species are both monogamous."

He leans forward, so close I can feel his breath graze my cheeks. "I want to join your army. In fact, I'd like to help lead it. I've given the massacre of humans a great deal of thought and am ready to make it a reality."

His golden gaze, at least when it rests upon me, is cold as ice.

"I will agree to your terms about allowing the Up Above females to live. They have never tried to harm me or mine. But I have no desire to fuck one."

His nostrils flare as he settles back on his haunches.

"I'll do it, though. I'll mate you. Once. To be part of this pack and to be a general in the marauding army. After that, I want no part of your body."

This beautiful male looks at me as if he can't wait to leave so he can wash his hands. Was it just a few minutes ago I would have been happy to never be with another male but Azael? Why is the starflyer's blatant rejection twisting my guts in a knot?

"I promise sexual fidelity, if that is one of your conditions. And over time, I will figure out a way to give you my respect." He nods his head, letting me know he's said his piece. Then his nostrils flare as if he's just now catching a whiff of my arousal scent.

Leaning even closer, he adds, "Don't expect me to want you, female. Ever."