her claim me, and she said it was acceptable to her.”
“Listen to me, Lo’San. You left your world because you didn’t agree with its societal rules. As much as you profess to dislike where you came from, it’s apparently still ingrained in you! Do not enforce them on your chosen mate. Abide by the ways of her people — not yours. Tell her she is yours. Tell her that you are claiming her and if she does not agree, ask her how to sway her intentions. Do not let her slip through your fingers as you cling to a practice that is responsible for you leaving your home world,” Rokai said firmly.
Lo’San didn’t say anything for a few moments as he thought over Rokai’s words as he once again watched Sink Lar, Vivian, Elisha and now Rosie as they laughed and danced, raising their hands into the air and jumping in time to the music. Then finally, when he couldn’t think of any way to refute Rokai’s statement, he decided to question his knowledge. “And now you consider yourself an expert, I assume.”
“In the ways of females?” Rokai asked, chuckling confidently, “I am extremely well versed. More well versed than I should be. But in the ways of human females? I only know that it is a mistake to expect them to understand our ways. It is much easier to tell them you want them, claim them, and follow their traditions.”
Lo’San turned to look at Rokai finally, but didn’t say anything.
“I have a very strong willed human Ehlealah, I speak from experience. Do not equate them with females we have been familiar with in the past. Human females are much stronger and will bow to our ways only if they choose to. And they will not ever do what you expect them to. Tell her you are claiming her. Take her for your own. Waste no time,” Rokai said.
“Why do you care?” Lo’San asked.
“My Rosalita has said that Synclare wishes for your attentions. I’ve seen you watching her. If you don’t want her, don’t pay my words any notice. If you do want her, you need to make it known. You are running out of time.”
Lo’San glared at Rokai, then followed Rokai’s gaze back to the bar where two of the Elite Warriors of Rokai’s team stood watching Sink Lar as she sang and gyrated to the music with her friends.
“They are good males. Either would make a good mate to her. I’ve heard them both expressing an interest in taking a human mate. They would never force her, but now that you’ve stopped escorting her about the ship, they see their opportunity. If you don’t want her, one of them will surely claim her,” Rokai said. “It is why I came in search of you in the commissary when they both arrived here earlier — to give you a chance before they move in to ask for her attentions.”
“She will not have them,” Lo'San insisted. “She would never accept two warriors, even if they are Elite.”
“They’ve agreed to let her choose after each taking a turn to spend time with her,” Rokai explained. “I am many things, Lo’San, but I’m not a fool. I know what I’ve seen between you and Synclare. Rosalita confided that Synclare longs for you. And I saw, and still see the way you look at her. My warriors are interested and feel they’ve given you opportunity to claim her. You didn’t and now they plan their attempts to win her over. Act on it or not, but when you lose her, remember I gave you warning.”
Lo'San stood where he was for only a second longer, then he looked toward Rokai once more. “Thank you.”
Rokai gave Lo'San a nod and watched as Lo'San walked out onto the dance floor to claim his female before someone else did.
~~~
Synclare spun in her dance and stopped suddenly when she felt someone standing right behind her. She turned to find Lo'San standing there, perfectly still, waiting for her to notice him.
“Lo'San?” she asked, looking up at him.
“Forgive me, Sink Lar,” he said.
“For?” Synclare asked, canting her head to the side curiously.
“For this,” he said. He stepped into her body, hooking his hand behind her head and brought his lips down on hers. He kissed her passionately, forcing her mouth open and plundering her with his tongue, doing what could only be described as making love to her mouth with his before pulling his lips away from hers just enough