at me several times before a licentious grin spreads across her lips. “I might find this agreeable as long as we don’t share his furs simultaneously.”
“Of course not,” I say with a shake of my head. “I’ll be busy with my son, so it will be up to you to pleasure the Masse, since that is no longer of any interest to me.”
“Perfect.” Grefina shoots Jaxar a sly look, and he bares his fangs at her. “He’s playing coy, but don’t worry, human, he will come around like before.”
“I have no doubt,” I say, rising and offering her assistance, which she doesn’t accept. “I think that I’ve said everything I need to. Oh, wait… There is one more thing.”
This time when I hold out my hand for Grefina to take, she does. I lead her into a far corner of the room and lean close, lowering my voice. “Just so you’re aware, Jaxar doesn’t feel comfortable talking about his scar, and I would encourage you not to mention it.”
Grefina nods slowly even as a frown appears.
“He said it brings him much shame because the result of that battle almost cost him his manhood. So he’s forbidden me to touch it, even to pleasure him. You know the one I’m referring to, right?” I ask, glancing at Jaxar briefly to make sure he hasn’t stepped closer. “The scar on his cock?”
The Boraq woman nods emphatically. “Yes, of course. I remember it quite well.”
“Okay, good.”
I turn to leave, but she snatches my arm and grips it to the point of pain. Somehow I’m able to hold back my reaction, and I’m pretty sure it’s due to the fact that it’s nothing compared to childbirth. Now that is some serious stuff right there.
“Just so you know, Massela,” Grefina says with a sneer. “He actually likes it when I lick his scar because I make him feel like the male he is.”
We both start as Jaxar comes to stand next to us, his gaze seeking mine.
“I cannot do this any longer, Makayla. Regardless of what you think concerning my innocence, or lack thereof, I will not allow you to spend another moment in this female’s presence.” He knocks away Grefina’s hold on me and then cups my face, his claws resting gently on my cheeks. “You are pure of heart, and I won’t watch as this trazak taints your soul. I don’t care how long it takes or what I have to do, but someday I will prove to you that I’ve been faithful. I would rather spend a lifetime trying to earn back your love and trust than be with this female or any other.”
I place my palms on his chest and close my eyes briefly to soak in the beating of his heart. It’s mine and always has been.
“You do have my love and trust, Jaxar.” At his perplexed expression, I smile up at him. “I know she’s been lying about everything.”
“You do?”
“Yes.”
He leans close to rest his forehead on mine. “I would ask you how you came to this conclusion, but I am weary of this entire debacle.” Without moving away from me, he says, “Yania, have Grefina taken to her Masse. I don’t care what Belvaire does to punish her; just see to it that she’s dealt with.”
Yania apprehends Grefina despite her protests, but both of them go still when I hold up my hand to speak.
“There is no scar.”
Chapter 14
As soon as Jaxar and I are alone in the tranquil silence, I sigh heavily.
Talk about a mind fuck. Phew.
Grefina may have been lying, but the agony I felt because of her actions was very real. Some of it still lingers, creating a feeling of unease that I can’t quite shake off. I thought that as soon as I’d gotten the truth, good or bad, I would be able to redirect my emotions accordingly. However, that’s not the case.
“What is wrong, wife?”
I let my hands fall from his chest to rest at my sides and try to take a step back. Jaxar doesn’t allow my retreat by tightening his grip on me. With his palms cradling my face, he tilts my head until his gaze meets mine.
“Makayla?”
“Everything is fine.”
He gives a long exhale. “Do not lie to me. I know something is amiss.” When I don’t respond, he frowns at me. “Does this have to do with the scar you mentioned earlier?”
“No, that was something I made up to trick Grefina into revealing the truth.”
I quickly tell him about the