Chapter 8

Kalzudaud

Caitlyn was fast asleep in my arms, but my mind would not stop racing. After the sex, the mating inside the hot spring, I had made sure to take the time to set up the tent and prepare a soft nest for us. I wanted her to get all the rest she needed so her mind would be bright and sharp in the morning when I took her to see Sera and the lab. But selfishly, I hadn't been able to resist her when she'd turned to me inside the sleeping bags and welcomed me between her silky thighs again.

Now I lay contemplating the danger I was putting her in. A traitor I still had not identified was after my throne, after the throne that would rightfully be Sera's when she became of age. When I brought my mate to the palace, she would be directly in the line of fire as the one person who could restore Sera's health. All eyes would be on her for the hope she'd represent. Sera was loved by our people, as her mother had been.

That was a lot to ask of a female I'd stolen from Aderia, a lot of scrutiny and pressure she'd be under. Guilt filled me for putting her in this situation without asking her if she could bear it. If there was one thing I knew by now, it was that my Caitlyn had a heart of gold and enough bravery to put many a warrior to shame. She had taken all I'd thrown at her in stride, from the kidnapping to the crash, to the fight with that group of hitmen sent to finish the job.

I had seen how the bond was between my parents. A mated pair was a blessing, and they were connected in ways a male could not understand until he felt it himself. Being with Caitlyn was humbling in that way, too. Once, my kingdom and Sera were my only priorities, they had my complete and utter loyalty and devotion. All of that belonged to this human female in my arms now, and if she told me she wanted to go home, that she could not cure Sera, I would return with her and petition the Aderians for aid instead, even if that would cause a delay Sera might not weather.

"Don't think so hard," Caitlyn murmured sleepily, and her small hand patted my chest. Her pale, human skin was so soft and different in contrast to my gray. She had no battle-form to protect her when danger reared its ugly head. I was her protection now, and I vowed to take it very seriously. Already, my mind was filled with plans on how to ensure her safety at the palace and at her lab. Which men could I trust, and which guards were suspect?

"Still doing it," she said with a laugh. How did she know that when she had her eyes closed? It made me smile to realize she was that in tune with me already, as she should be; that's what mates did. "Talk to me, Kal. What's bothering you?"

I frowned up at the low tent ceiling as I tried to put into words how I felt; I owed that much to her, but I wasn't used to sharing. Iru was my best friend, but I did not tell him about my feelings or my thoughts. This was new. "I treated you unfairly," I said, and when that made her giggle, I tweaked her dainty little round ear and gave her a mock glare. "I shouldn't have kidnapped you and put you in danger like this. I should have asked for your help."

I'd made those choices before I knew her, before I knew that she was my mate. As the king, responsible for Sera and the kingdom, I had felt like being this ruthless was my only choice. Now I wondered about that. She patted my chest. "Water under the bridge, Kal. I'm here now, and you can make it up to me with all the funding my research needs. A little abduction, a little peril. That's worth it if it saves lives."

When she put it like that… No, I still should have asked her for aid instead of demanding it, but I was going to make damn sure to make it up to her. Her words eased my feelings of guilt. She was as driven as I was, just as ruthless in her own way. Ruthless with her own safety if that meant she got what she wanted, we were matched in that way. I smiled and flicked my tail over my hip to brush the bushy end along her silky skin so it tickled. That did not work on Tarkan skin, but it was a delight each time I did it to my female.

"Stop it, Kal!" she laughed helplessly and fought to get hold of my wayward tail. "That's mean!" she admonished with the biggest smile, her brown eyes twinkling with mirth and warmth. She looked liked she'd enjoyed that as much as I had, and it had worked to lighten the mood.

Sobering because dawn was creeping up on us, I forced myself to make a final offer. "I will take you home if that is what you want, and I'd still fund your lab." She gasped, shooting upright to glare down at me. She even crossed her arms over her nude chest and covered her lovely breasts to add a sternness to that expression I did not expect.

"Are you crazy? And leave your niece to die? I would never!" she said indignantly, like I'd personally offended her. Warmth spread through my chest; was that love? Yeah, pretty sure that was it. Love came quick with a mate bond, but damn if she hadn't earned every bit of it. My honorable, caring mate.

"I had to offer," I said to her. "Your safety is as important to me as Sera's. We are about to walk into a den of vipers, and until I can discover who the traitor is, neither of you will be safe." I tugged her down against my chest and held her tightly as I let that reality settle over me. She would not be safe until I'd killed or captured the traitor that was after the throne.

She huffed once, but then softened in my arms. "Okay. You're forgiven." Yes, I loved this female already, and I was going to spend the rest of my life falling even further into love with her. She was perfect.