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terrified, and she wasn’t just afraid of the Krell. She feared him. Kord could smell it. Unforgiveable. How could she ever trust him after what she’d seen?
    He’d already failed her as a mate, and the claiming lust would come upon him soon. If the suppressor drug hadn’t changed the normal duration, his latent period might last at least two or three cycles. Perhaps he could repair the damage in the time he had left. If not, he’d claim her, whether she’d developed any true feelings for him or not. Afterward, she’d love him with as much intensity as he loved her right now.
    Kord would react no differently than any of the warriors before him who’d claimed their mates. From the beginning of Tauran recorded history, his warrior brothers spent their latent time trying to win over the affections of their chosen females. Instinct drove them, sometimes blindly. The desire to pleasure a mate was natural for them.
    However, claiming lust was biological, ingrained deep within their DNA. The marking glands near his wrist would activate and produce his own unique claiming scent—a powerful drug, which he’d spread over every inch of his female’s body. Afterward, she’d be his willing mate. She’d carry his scent, and no warrior would ever try to take her away from him. The fact soothed him, but like the mated warriors who’d preceded him over thousands of years, Kord hoped and wanted to believe his female would have true feelings for him.
    Despite the mystery of why she’d lied to him, he loved her, and seeing her shrink away cut deep into his heart. Since he had no other words to use that she might understand, Kord sank to his knees. No longer towering above her, he hoped by his action she’d realize he meant her no harm. Hesitantly, he reached one hand out toward her, palm up, and waited for her reaction. She glanced at the offering in fear, but didn’t move away. Her response gave him a flicker of hope.
    “Sandra safe,” he repeated, trying with all his might to keep from growling in frustration.
    She looked up at him, and he smiled. She’d seemed to like it when he’d smiled before. At the time, her scent had blossomed into full-blown arousal. He’d give his life to change her fear into desire once again.
    He took a chance and curled his fingers, beckoning her to take his outstretched hand. Their time was running short. His companions would return soon.
    “Sandra,” he urged, using the name she’d given him while hoping she understood he meant her no harm. The language barrier became more exasperating with each exchange between them. If only he could talk to her and explain everything, she’d begin to trust him.
    She stared at his hand, almost as if she feared he’d make a sudden move to capture her. Since he was unwilling to give up and do just that, Kord held his position, hoping his female would realize he’d never hurt her.
    He held his breath as she inched away a fraction. Then, after exchanging a few nervous glances at him and back to his hand, she reached out and placed her small trembling one on top his palm. Ever so slowly, he closed his fingers until he held her with a gentle grip. Kord gave her a light tug.
    To his utter surprise, she scrambled toward him, flung her arms around his neck and pressed her body full length against his. Unprompted, his arms encircled her in a protective embrace, pulling her closer. She buried her face into the side of his neck and sobbed.
    He had no words she’d understand to comfort her. Instead, he gathered her into his arms, stood and carried her away, following the stone pathway that lead to a sheltered area near the prearranged collection site. Once there, he scanned the site while taking in all the scents to make sure no Krell waited in ambush.
    Satisfied they were alone, he sat on a long, stone seat and shifted her so she sat comfortable across his lap. Her arms were still locked around his neck, clutching him tight while she burrowed her face against his