Zander sat beside her and stroked her breast.
“Wait.” Tai dragged his hot gaze from Aria’s puckering nipples, then shifted to Zander. “There is something we haven’t discussed yet. There is someone Aria will not be happy leaving behind, so I think we should be open to adding another to our relationship.”
Aria stared at Tai. What was he talking about?
Zander’s face darkened and he drew away his hand. “She’s involved with another man?”
Tai turned his head, hiding the wink he sent Aria. “His name is Rex. She’s been living with him for years.”
She almost giggled. He was talking about her cat.
“But she is bonded to us.”
“Zander, she made a commitment to Rex, and we should respect that.”
Zander pushed himself to his feet, anger vibrating from his totally naked, yet formidable body. “No. I will not stand for it.”
He pinned her with his gaze, but she calmly stared back. Even with his powerful air of authority, she did not feel intimidated. With the nature of their bond—the way she could sense the depth of his love at all times—she knew her would never use that authority against her.
Tai’s eyebrow arched. “Really? What happened to the two of us ruling equally?”
Zander sucked in a deep breath, then moved to the bed and sat down beside Aria. He took her hand and his gentleness touched her.
“What is it you want, my love? Is this Rex important to you?”
She glanced at Tai, who stood behind Zander with a big grin on his face. He nodded.
What the heck? Zander had put Tai and Aria through hell with his test. He deserved a little good-natured payback. She drew in a deep breath and gazed at him with a serious expression.
“Yes. I really want him here.”
Zander exhaled, then released her hand and stood. He paced across the room. “If it is what you desire, and since Tai is agreed, then so be it. This Rex can come to Sa’oul.”
“And live with us?” Tai pushed.
Zander’s jaw clenched. “Yes, and live with us.” He turned to Aria. “But if he does not want to move here, tell me you will not insist on going back to Earth, because Tai and I—”
“If you’re worried Rex will be intimidated because he’ll be sharing a bed with Aria and two kings, don’t be, my brother. Rex is already here, and I think he’s quite happy with the situation.”
Aria’s gaze darted to Tai. “He is?” Had Tai really brought Rex here? She hopped to her feet. “Where is he?”
Tai opened a door to another room in the suite and returned a moment later with a gray tabby in his arms. Her heart swelled at the sight of her beloved cat, and at the thoughtfulness of Tai’s gesture. Rex murmured as Tai petted him. Obviously, the two of them had bonded.
“Rex.” She grinned as the cat leaped from Tai’s arms and sauntered toward her. He nudged his head against her hand and she petted him while he purred loudly.
Zander glowered at Tai. “This animal is Rex?”
“Yes, and Aria would never have been happy leaving him behind.”
Zander watched Rex roll on his back and purr as Aria rubbed his soft furry belly. The edge of tension left Zander’s expression, and he chuckled.
“Well then, brother, you made a very good decision bringing him along. Welcome Rex.”
Rex allowed Zander to pet him a couple of times, then leaped from the bed and curled up in an upholstered chair.
Aria glanced at Zander, then at Tai. “Well, now that that’s settled, why don’t you show me some of the benefits of marrying the two of you?”
“Our pleasure, Queen Aria,” they said.