“So where are you taking me today?” she asks when I arrive early the next morning to rescue her from her lovely cell once again.

“I thought you might like to see the lab where I do most of my work,” I say as I lean against the doorway.

“You work in a lab?” She looks incredulous and I decide not to be offended.

“I’m a scientist, much like you are.” I struggle to keep the amusement out of my voice. I step into the hallway and motion for her to join me.

“Seriously?” She steals a quick sideways glance and the disbelief is plain on her face. “I assumed you were a member of the government, like your brother.”

I shake my head. “No, that wouldn’t have been the right fit. My brother and I have had different interests since the start.”

“So what kind of work do you do?” She takes a step closer and links her arm with mine. A primal jolt of lust surges through me when we touch. I wonder if she has any idea how intoxicating her very presence is to me.

“My primary work as of late involves developing food sources for our people that can thrive in the cold weather and the lack of sunlight.” I dip my head to hers as I say it, taking in the clean floral scent of her hair. “We have to mass-produce a lot of our food since we don’t have sufficient space inside the climate-controlled dome for growing crops or raising livestock of any sort,” I explain. “Most of our food consists of the mass-produced bars you sampled yesterday. Not the most appealing things ever seen but it keeps people from starving.”

“I didn’t see anything that unappetizing the night of our dinner with your brother,” she says.

A heavy sign escapes my lips. “I’m sure you’re observant enough to notice that my brother cares much more about his own well-being than that of his people.”

“That burden fell on you I suppose,” she says, “since it seems you were the one born with a heart.” She slides a hand over and rests it on my chest. I wonder if she can hear it pounding away at breakneck speed.

“It’s true; we’ve had different personalities since we were children. Unfortunately, my father preferred that his successor protect our family’s wealth and good standing.”

“Caring for others must be a recessive trait in your family.” She leans in and rests her head against my arm as we walk. “I’m glad it didn’t pass you by.” Her affection feels so good and so natural. I’m a rational person and I understand that her alignment with me is borne out of a need for survival more than anything else. I just don’t care. I have a chance to show her the man I can be and I plan on taking it. On winning her over. On making her mine. No matter what plans my brother has.

“Do you think you would’ve been happy as ruler?” Her question interrupts my thoughts and brings me back into the moment.

“It’s pointless to wonder. My brother was destined for the position he now holds. And I do what I can from the position I now hold. It works out for everyone.”

We come to a nondescript metal door. I swipe my palm against the access panel and the door slides open without a sound. I step inside and she follows closely behind. I watch as she takes in the room around her.

I wonder what she’s thinking. “Does it remind you of your lab?” I ask. It’s cluttered and creative and filled with unique plants and artifacts. The walls are plastered with sketches and drawings.

“Not even close, but I love it.” She reaches out and traces one of my drawings with her fingertip. “Mine is cold and clinical. And orderly. Yours has so much creative energy in it.”

I want to show her everything I’m working on. I planned on brainstorming ideas and getting her thoughts on how to proceed. But all I really want to do is take her into my arms and kiss her. So, I do.

I take her hand in my own and pull her closer. She doesn’t resist. In fact, she races into my arms as if it’s all she’s been thinking of, too. I snake one hand around her waist and she lays her hands on my chest as our bodies press together. My heart is racing as it never has before when she tips her face up to mine and our lips connect. The kiss is chaste at first, but my body isn’t getting the message; my cock is swollen and standing at attention, pressing against her with a force she could hardly miss. It’s not the only thing throbbing with pleasure — my mind and my soul are buzzing with bliss. Finding one’s mate is an exquisite joy. My Natalie appears to be of the same mind. I’m content to start slow but her lips open against mine and her soft, sweet tongue presses against my lips, seeking entrance.

I hardly need to be convinced. I open my lips in response and our tongues dance together, savoring each other’s taste. I trace her lips and our kiss deepens. My hands begin to explore as well, sliding from her slim waist to the perfect curve of her ass. I pull her closer, until we are grinding and mashing against each other in a pantomime of the act we both clearly want. Her sexy groans and whimpers drive me closer to the edge but I don’t want to get there before she does.

I dip my head to her breasts and tongue her hard nipples through the thin material of her tunic. She gasps and pulls me closer, arching her back to offer herself to me. I move my hand to the waistband of her pants and slide my fingers under the fabric in search of the magic place between her thighs. My fingers probe the tender, swollen flesh there and she cries out and bites my shoulder. The ferocity of her reaction unsettles me.

“Do you want me to stop?” I whisper against her ear.

“God, don’t you dare.” She turns to look at me. Her cheeks are flushed and her eyes are heavy-lidded with lust. I’m delighted and relieved to discover she looks so happy. I’m glad I’m not the only one having a life-changing experience at the moment. She raises her leg and hitches it over my hip, further opening herself to me.

I heed my mate’s orders and turn my attention back to her pleasure. I continue to stroke and explore the slick warmth with my hand as she grinds herself against me, as lost in the feeling of the moment as I am. She bucks against me each time my fingers brush the firm little nub of flesh above her entrance, so I focus my ministrations there.

Her moans grow louder and she presses against me with increased intensity when I pluck at her button, until she clasps herself to me as little shudders ripple through her body. I hold her tightly to me and don’t release her until they pass. When they finally do, she practically collapses in my arms.

“You have no idea how much I needed that,” she says as she kisses my neck and jawline. Everything’s been crazy and I’m so stressed and worried. I needed to just step back and forget about everything for a while.

“I’m glad I could be a distraction for you,” I say as I start to extricate myself from her arms.

“You know it’s more than that,” she says, looking deep into my eyes. “There’s a connection between us. It’s special, and I feel it too.”

“I was hoping you felt it too,” I say as I take her back into my arms.

“I do feel something else right now, though, that is a little concerning.” Her brow is crinkled and for a moment I’m worried. Then she slides her hands down to my throbbing manhood and sinks to her knees. “I’m worried what might happen if we don’t release all the pressure you’ve built up.” The corners of her mouth turn up in a smile as she works at the fastener on the front of my trousers.

The universe did well when it chose her as my mate.