Waking up with Lily in his arms was the sweetest sort of torment for Arton. He carefully shifted onto his side so he could study her lovely face. She looked so peaceful in repose, so innocent and trusting. He gently combed her hair back from her face with his fingers. The silky strands slid against his skin making him eager to explore.

She murmured sleepily and rolled toward him, pressing against him even more intimately. They were both fully dressed, but his body stirred, aching to join with hers. Still, he held back, not yet ready to indulge his need for his mate. They might not be true mates in the literal sense of the word, but their bond would be just as secure, just as lasting.

The coming conversation was too important to rush or confuse with sensual pleasures, so he slipped out of bed and showered, then printed a fresh uniform. He was an Outcast, an integral part of this community. It was past time he started looking the part.

She woke a few minutes later, rubbing her eyes as she sat up in bed. “What time is it?” she asked when she spotted him in the doorway.

“Not quite nine. Do you have a transformation scheduled today?”

She shook her head. “It’s too hard on Skyla if we do more than three in a row.”

“Has she chosen an apprentice yet?”

“I don’t think so.” Lily shook her head, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. “But she’s going to have to choose someone soon if she only has two weeks to train them.”

“True. What would you like for breakfast?”

She groaned. “I’m not sure I can eat. Can we talk first?”

“Why don’t you take a shower and wake up. I’ll order your breakfast while you get ready.”

“All right. Something simple, like toast and scrambled eggs.”

“Got it.” He waited until she disappeared into the utility room before he dragged himself away from the doorway. Then he printed a clean uniform for her and placed it on the foot of the bed. Not wanting her food to cool, he waited a few minutes to print her breakfast, then waited in the tiny dining room.

She joined him a short time later, her hair damp, faced slightly flushed. Was the color from the heat of the shower or anticipation?

“So two weeks with your parents underfoot? How will you survive?” She smiled, clearly hoping he wouldn’t be upset by the gentle questions.

“It has been a long time coming,” he admitted. “I’m looking forward to finally developing my own opinions of them.”

She nodded, then paused for a bite of fluffy eggs. “Has anyone heard from Rex Dravon? If Thea is his genetic match, I know he won’t hurt her. But shouldn’t they have been back by now? It’s been over a week.”

“That’s not unusual,” he assured her. “I’ll ask Kage the specifics of Rex’s mission if it will make you feel better.”

“Hearing from, or better yet, seeing Thea, would make me feel better.”

He reached across the table and placed his hand over hers. Awareness arced between them, electric and alive. “She’ll be fine.”

Suddenly a grin parted her lips. “We should probably be worried about Rex. Thea can be hell on wheels when she’s riled.”

She ate for a few minutes in silence, then pushed her plate aside. “All right. I ate, like a good girl. Can we talk now?”

“Here or in the—”

“I don’t care. Just talk to me. Tell me what you’re thinking, feeling. I hate not being able to sense you.”

Like a true mate would. She didn’t have to say it. He saw it in her eyes. “The first thing I need to express is an apology. I’ve been really unfair to you and I’m profoundly sorry.”

She accepted his statement with a nod, but didn’t reply.

“It all started feeling really...real.” He couldn’t come up with a better word, so he moved on. “I was scared. I admit it. I expected you to run for the hills after the memory transfer. I didn’t know how to react when you didn’t.”

She switched to the seat next to him and reached for his hands. He welcomed her gentle touch, hungry for any physical connection with her.

“I knew from the start that you’d suffered some sort of abuse,” she began. “It was obvious you were lashing out. Learning the details silenced my curiosity and allowed me to focus on your recovery. Nothing you showed me changed how I feel about you. I’m not sure anything ever could.”

He shook his head, struggling with a lifetime of insecurity. “It’s really hard to believe that you care for me at all, much less can accept everything I showed you.”

“You’re not that hard to love, Arton. Or you wouldn’t be if you’d forgive yourself and live in the present.”

“I’m trying,” he insisted. “And you make the effort worthwhile.”

Her smile was still a touch hesitant, but her gaze was warm. “So, where do we go from here? How do we make this relationship as harmonious as possible?”

“I take you to bed and make you my anchor.” He held his breath as he waited for her reaction.

She didn’t jump for joy as he’d hoped she would. Instead she released his hands and pressed back into her chair. “What made you change your mind?”

If he told her what Kage had done, she’d think it was the only reason he wanted her now. Still, he wasn’t going to lie to her. Trust was impossible without honesty. “Kage has always been your most vocal supporter. He’s threatened to claim you himself several times if I don’t do it first.”

“So you’re protecting me from the overlord?” Challenge shaped her expression rather than amusement. He still had his work cut out for him.

“That’s not what I meant. Kage is convinced you won’t be happy with anyone but me.”

“And what do you think?” Obviously, she wasn’t going to make this easy.

He stood and pulled her to her feet. “I happen to agree with him. I don’t understand why, but my darkness appeals to you. I don’t have to pretend to be something I’m not with you because you love me just the way I am. You have no idea how comforting that is to me.”

“Don’t let it go to your head,” she chided, meandering away from the table and heading for the bedroom. “There’s still plenty of room for improvement. But you’re right. I won’t try to change you. I’ll just support whatever changes you decide to make.”

She was clearly ready to play, but he pulled her to a stop. “Will you explain why you’re drawn to me? Do you even understand it yourself?”

“I’ll do my best to explain if you’ll be honest enough to admit why you hurt those girls. I know there was a reason.”

That was no more than fair. Compromise was the cornerstone of successful relationships. “The guild leaders threatened to kill them,” he told her, relieved to finally have it all out in the open. “If I didn’t try to impregnate them, the guild leaders would have slit their throats one after another and forced me to watch them die. I figured the females would rather be alive and ravaged, than dead. I tried very hard not to hurt them, but frightening them was unavoidable.”

She nodded, apparently satisfied with his explanation. “Do you know what happened to them?”

“They were rescued a few months before me.”

Her gaze narrowed. “Did you have something to do with that?”

Even without an anchor bond she was too damn perceptive. He’d never be able to hide anything from her once they bonded. Not that he wanted to try. Part of the appeal of having a mate was being close enough to someone to want to share everything with them.

“I played a small but important part,” he admitted. “I felt it was the least I could do.”

“And the entire guild has been reformed now?” she persisted. “None of this is going on anymore?”

“Correct. The female who led the guild back then is dead and the entire council has been replaced. The new guild master is moral and just, at least by reputation. I’ve never met him, but my brothers have and they seem to like him.” She caught his wrist and pulled him into the bedroom. It was exactly where he wanted to be, so there was no reason to resist. “Your turn,” he reminded, not quite ready to oblige her. “What draws you to me?”

“My life is regimented, analytical—boring! You’re challenging and mysterious, not to mention powerful in the magical sense of the word. I think it’s as simple as opposites attracting. You are everything my life lacks and more.”

“And if I become less challenging and mysterious? Will I be too tame for you then?”

She laughed. “I’ve felt your spirit, shared your emotions. You will never be too tame for me.”

“Glad to hear it, because I’m done talking.”

She grinned from ear to ear. “Glad to hear it, because I am too.”

They stood beside the bed, kissing and caressing as they undressed each other. For the first time, their joining wasn’t fueled by anger or pain, so they were able to take their time and fully explore each other. He lingered over her breasts as she tried to rid him of his pants. Her frustration was distracting, so he parted the seam and shed the garment with a few quick movements.

Once they were naked, they crawled onto the bed together, lying on their sides as they continued to kiss. He wanted to make this good for her, to prove that he could be tender as well as aggressive and wild.

She suddenly tore her mouth away from his. “Can we form the link now? I want to feel you inside and out.”

He grinned with wicked intention. “There’s more than one way to accomplish that.”

“I want to feel what you feel as you push your cock deep inside your mate for the first time,” she clarified in a sexy whisper.

Desire, hot and demanding, clenched his gut and made his already aching shaft buck against her belly. “It will hurt less if you’re good and distracted while I anchor the link.”

She returned his smile, her expression easily as wicked as his. “So find a way to distract me.”

Unable to resist the challenge in her tone, he pushed her over onto her back and covered her with his body. He pinned her hands to the bed and kissed her deeply. “Are you sure this is what you want? Humans aren’t used to having other people in your minds. The continual input can be—”

“I want this.” She stared deep into his eyes. “I want all of you.”

Then all you shall have. She couldn’t hear his mind voice yet, but the promise echoed inside him. He would share himself without reservation, offering her everything.

After one final kiss on the mouth, he trailed kisses down her neck and across her shoulders. His tongue trailed along the ridge of each collar bone before moving on to her lovely breasts. They were firm and round, not large but nicely shaped. And her dark pink nipples responded so readily to his every touch, every lick or suck. He moved from one side to the other, then back, never getting enough of her softness.

She was shifting restlessly and arching her back by the time he continued his downward exploration. Her belly quivered and his torso wedged open her thighs as he settled on his knees between her legs. She was methodical and reserved so much of the time. Her freedom in bed always surprised him. It didn’t seem to matter how demanding he became or how forcefully he took her. She was always responsive and selfless with her responses. Well, it was his turn to give. His turn to comfort and please.

He opened her wider, bending her knees to make room for his broad shoulders. Then he kissed his way down her thighs, skipping over her sex so he could tease both sides before focusing on his target.

She pushed both hands into his hair, not tugging or guiding, just sifting the strands through her fingers. This was her night, so he allowed her to touch him any way she wanted.

Finally settling his lips over her slit, he inhaled her tantalizing scent, letting it soothe and arouse him. If her wetness was any indication of her need, she wouldn’t last long once he touched her clit. So he teased her folds, circling her passage and sucking gently on the delicate flesh. She rocked her hips, pushing up with her heels to increase the pressure of his mouth.

He ignored her obvious need, parting her with his thumbs instead so he could fill her with his tongue. He needed to form the link. That was the reason for his actions. Well, one of the reasons. He also loved the taste of her arousal and the noises she made while he devoured her soft sex.

He closed his eyes and used the motion of his mouth to guide him into her mind. He penetrated carefully, slowly, pushing deeper both physically and metaphysically. She moaned, shuddering violently as his energy branched out, saturating her being with his intensity.

As he prepared to anchor the link, he felt compelled to ask her permission one last time. He was already in her mind, so audible words were no longer necessary. Do you accept my claim? Will you be my anchor and my mate?

Lily’s eyes flew open as his questions echoed through her mind. She’d heard his voice inside her head before, but it was so much clearer now. Wanting to make sure he heard her, she spoke and thought her response. “Yes. I accept your claim. I want you as my mate and will gladly be your anchor.”

He shifted his mouth slightly, catching her clit between his lips. Knowing what he was about to do, she closed her eyes and tried not to tense. He sucked gently at first, then with more urgency as distraction kept her orgasm at bay.

His lips released and his tongue took over, circling her clit just the way she liked. Still her stubborn climax remained just out of reach.

“Anchor the link. If I feel your emotions, it will make me come,” she whispered.

Something shifted inside her mind and sensations blasted through her. Consuming desire and aching need exploded in a staggering burst. The intensity burned away her inhibitions and triggered her orgasm, just as she’d predicted. She came in hard, clenching waves, back bowed clear off the bed.

He lunged upward, joining their bodies with one sharp thrust. A pain sharp, yet fleeting, flashed through her mind and then there was only pleasure. She cried out and circled his waist with her legs. He started moving immediately, unable to hold himself back any longer.

She dragged his mouth down to hers, needing the tender intimacy of their kisses. His lips slanted over hers and he pushed into her mouth, her taste still strong on his tongue. Their emotions flowed from one mind to the other and back, weaving together so completely that one became indistinguishable from the other.

She unhooked her ankles and drew her legs up along his sides as his strokes lengthened and sped. She concentrated on where their bodies joined, savoring the erotic slide of his shaft as their emotions tumbled and swirled.

But now she could feel what Arton felt too, the firm grip of her inner muscles and the way her core seemed to hug him as he withdrew. It created an entirely new dimension to the exchange, making it more dynamic, more profound.

His kiss grew almost desperate and sexual hunger consumed rational thought. They strained and struggled, both determined to share themselves without reserve. They reached the end together, tumbling into sweet oblivion at the same time.

He cried out, clutching her to his chest as he buried his entire length inside her. She wrapped her arms and legs around him, clinging tightly as wave after powerful wave crashed down upon them. Pleasure pulsed on and on, stronger and more intense than anything either of them had ever experienced before.

Having only the strength to roll them to their sides, Arton collapsed, stunned yet replete. “I love you, mate,” he whispered against her hair and tenderness flowed into her mind.

“I love you too, mate.” It took her a moment to figure out how he’d done it, but she soon blanketed him with affection.

Say it again, but like this. I love you with all my heart and will love you as long as I live.

She closed her eyes and found their link, sending her thoughts for the very first time. I love you more and I loved you first.

Well, I love you better, he countered playfully.

She laughed, joy making her feel almost giddy. I never dreamed this would happen to me. I thought it was impossible.

Things only become impossible when people stop trying.

That wasn’t always true, but it was a sweet sentiment and she was way too content right now to debate with him.

“Was Kage angry when you told him you were going to switch anchors? He had access to harbinger energy for a really long time.” He tensed and dread trickled into her mind. She pushed back enough so she could see his face. “Why the dread? What happened?”

“I was still being stubborn, trying to protect you from my pain.”

That surprised her. She thought Kage had been the one to take it badly. “What did you do, or what did he do?”

“I’ve never heard of anyone strong enough to do it, but he basically forced me out of his mind and destroyed the anchor bond.” He shuddered and flashes of pain so intense it made her stomach heave radiated across their link. “It wasn’t pleasant.”

“That’s what Skyla sensed when she healed you.”

He nodded. “I’m anchored to my mate now. This is how it was meant to be, but damn that hurt.”

She snuggled back into his warmth and returned her head to his shoulder. “Serves you right for being so stubborn. I’ll have to thank the overlord next time I see him.”

“Keep talking about Kage and I’ll have to remind you that you belong to me and only me.”

She grinned against his chest and said, “He is rather handsome.”

With a predictable growl, he swept her beneath him and staked his claim on her eager body all over again.

* * *

ARTON WOKE UP SLOWLY late that evening. Lily was still curled against him, soundly asleep. But then it had been well into the afternoon before they satisfied their hunger for each other enough to rest. He carefully disentangled himself from her delightfully clingy arms and eased himself off the bed. He wanted to check in with Kage, let him know his rash impulse had worked and he’d be seeing very little of him or Lily for the next few days.

Half an hour later, Arton found the overlord on the observation platform enjoying a colorful sunset with Skyla. They exchanged conspirators’ smiles as Arton approached. “You two look entirely too pleased with yourselves,” he grumbled.

“Well, you look better than you did last night,” Skyla said brightly.

“Did you sleep well?” Kage smirked and Arton wanted to slug him.

“You both know damn well that I claimed Lily. Just say congratulations.”

“Congrats, brother.” Kage surprised him further by giving him a bear hug that nearly crushed his ribs.

Skyla hugged him next and kissed him on the cheek. “May you make each other deliriously happy.”

“Where’s my father?” He didn’t realize what he’d done until he saw Skyla’s startled expression. He never referred to Kryton as father, at least not to his face. “Has he disowned me or something?”

She smiled, clearly thrilled by the change. “I just wish he’d been here to hear it.”

“I suspect I’ll slip again, so don’t be too disappointed.” Then he surprised her by returning the kiss on her cheek.

“If this is getting all sentimental, I’m leaving.”

Arton laughed and waved him back. “I just came to give you the news and to explain why we’d both be MIA for the next few days.”

“You have three days,” Kage told him, “then I need Lily back in main medical assisting Dr. Foran. We only have Skyla for another two weeks. We must make the most of them.”

“Understood.” He looked at Skyla and smiled. “Tell my father I said hello.”

“I will. And by the way, I already talked Kryton into a compromise and Kage here has approved it.”

He looked at the overlord curiously. “What compromise?”

“The elder General Lux has agreed to keep our location secret from the younger General Lux if I allow Kryton to transport any female who wishes to leave back to Earth.”

The deal was so shocking, Arton could only stare. What if half—or most—of the females decided to leave? The Outcast dream of a world all their own would crumble before it had time to take shape.

A world all their own? He was pretty damn sure this planet didn’t qualify with or without the females.

“Spare me your wide-eyed shock,” Kage said. “We both know we can’t keep them if they really want to go home. I was just hoping to give their mates enough time to convince them that they wanted to stay.”

“Then I propose another stipulation,” Arton said, not yet ready to give up on the dream. Thanks to Lily, he was finally feeling part of things rather than an outsider looking in. The new perspective filled him with determination. This was a dream worthy of the fight. “Each female will be given the opportunity to leave, but only after she’s met at least three of her potential matches. She needs to know what she’s rejecting before she can make the best decision.”

Skyla thought for a moment, lips pursed, gaze averted. Finally, she nodded and looked at Arton. “It will take some work, but I think I can get your father to agree.”

“Good, now I’m going back to bed where my newly bonded mate is waiting for me.” Just saying the phrase brought a happy smile to his lips.

“Have fun,” Kage called.

Arton only waved, his thoughts already focused on the woman he loved and the future they would build together.