She wasn’t happy with his comment. He was certain Earthlings valued pets above all else by the research he’d conducted.
“I was too busy traveling on expeditions to have a cat or dog. I would have loved to have a pet, though. What else could we talk about? What about your job?”
“I work on the taskforce.”
“What does that do?” she asked.
“We keep the order and maintain safety.”
“Kind of like police, I guess.”
She didn’t need to know all the details of what was required of the taskforce. He nodded.
“And Ella likes to find new rocks.” He cupped her hand holding his special stone. The glow peeked out through their fingers. “I’ll show you things you’ve never even dreamed of. One day, I hope you will love me as your mate.”
****
The moment felt intimate. Dhiro was so genuine, honest, and sincere, unlike just about every man she’d ever met in her life. She didn’t have to worry about being lied to or coerced as he was refreshingly blunt and straightforward. His demeanor was already growing on her.
“What happens if your females become fertile again, but you’re already stuck with me?”
Compared to the women on his planet, Ella looked like a scrap to be tossed. She’d only just arrived, and her insecurities were already rearing their ugly head. If Dhiro lost interest, she’d be stranded alone on an alien planet for the rest of her life.
“I’m not stuck with you, Ella. I’ve chosen you. I will always be proud to have you as my lifemate, and nothing will change that fact.”
“This all sounds well and good, but I’m not certain we’re compatible.”
“I’ve already told you our species can procreate.”
Ella wasn’t referring to their DNA, but rather the size of his cock. She wasn’t sure of a way to mention her trepidation without burning to ashes with embarrassment. Her cheeks already felt uncomfortably hot. “Our bodies are different. You’re like twice the size of me.”
He tilted his head to the side, and she knew he wasn’t clueing in.
“You’re too big … to copulate with me.”
The look on his face appeared very human. He actually smirked. “I would never plunder your body or make any experience unpleasant for you. I will thoroughly prepare your body to accept me. In time, you will be glad I am not built like a human man.”
Her mouth practically salivated as she imagined every kind of filthy scenario. What was happening to her?
“Your pheromones are potent. Would you like me to pleasure you?”
Her pussy clenched. She wanted to say yes, but reluctantly shook her head instead. “That should definitely wait.”
“After the courting?”
“Yes.”
He stood up and left the room, returning soon after with some folded clothes on his arms. He held them forward. “Feel free to cover yourself, then I will show you around the property.”
Ella stood up, still grasping at the scraps of her old clothes, and quickly slipped on the simple white dress. The material slid over her skin like velvet, barely caressing her skin it was so light. It was much too long. Before she could complain, he was squatting in front of her, cutting the length just above her ankles with a small, curved knife.
She stared down at him while he cut the delicate fabric. His shoulders were corded with muscle. He’d only slipped on a pair of pants, the rest of his body pleasingly bare. She bit her lower lip to resist the urge to reach out and touch him.
When he glanced up with a side-eye, she knew he scented her arousal again. It was going to be difficult for her to play hard to get with this guy.
He stood and offered her his arm, and she took it as she had in the dark on Earth. Then he led her out the rear entrance of his home. Immediately, a monster charged them. She grabbed his arm in a death grip and closed her eyes tightly.
“It’s okay, Ella. It’s just my pet.”
When she peeked open her eyes, the massive creature almost appeared to smile. It looked like a mix of an elephant and a teddy bear. “What is that?”
“He’s a glyer. I’ve had him since birth. No need to be afraid.”
“Are you sure?”
Dhiro smiled down at her. “I am certain. He is very obedient to me.”
She exhaled a nervous breath. “I guess I see why you keep him outside now.” Ella chuckled. “What’s his name?”
“Name?”
“Don’t you name your pets here?”
“No.”
They continued to walk through the gardens. “Well, I definitely think you should. I think he looks like a Scruffy.”
“I will name him Scruffy.”
The giant animal tagged along behind them and the earth beneath them seemed to tremble with each step.
Everything was new to her, and she didn’t want to miss a thing. When she looked up, she realized the sky had a pinkish hue … and there were three moons. She pointed, almost jumping up and down in excitement. “Three moons, Dhiro!”