Possessive Alien Mate(Savage Martians #2) - Sue Mercury Page 0,27

right at home. It’s nice to meet you, by the way, Alissina, and you as well, Teva,” she said with a smile at Rem’s father.

Teva stepped closer and tapped a foot against Tyra’s, and she quickly gathered her senses enough to return the foot tap greeting.

Alissina eventually backed away and initiated a foot tap exchange with Tyra. “I know humans often hug one another in greeting,” she explained, “and I wished to make you feel welcome to our family, and to our planet.”

“Thank you,” Tyra replied as Rem came to stand beside her and wrap a possessive arm around her waist. “That’s most kind of you.”

“After we received your message that you were taking a human bride,” Rem’s father said, “your mother has been overly excited. She tried to visit yesterday but I forbade her from leaving the house. A newly mated couple should expect to have privacy on their first day together.”

Tyra had never met a female Marttiaxoxalian before and she was relieved to find she liked Rem’s mother very much. She exuded warmth and there was a playful manner about her that put Tyra at ease.

Alissina said something under her breath in her native language and then giggled as Teva shot her a stern look. Well, Tyra thought, as she repressed a smile, she could see from which parent Rem had inherited his serious side.

“Rem, I was hoping you would permit me to take Tyra shopping someday soon. I know most mail order brides do not arrive with many belongings when they reach Mars and I would like to ensure she has a proper wardrobe for this climate.”

Rem appeared as if he were about to protest, but then he finally nodded and said, “Very well. You may take Tyra shopping five days from now.”

“Excellent,” his mother said, clasping her hands together. “Tyra, I will arrive just after sunrise and we’ll enjoy the entire day together.”

“Thank you,” Tyra said, excitement filling her. “I look forward to it.” She couldn’t wait to spend the day with Rem’s mother. She imagined they would have a wonderful time and she eagerly anticipated getting a chance to explore the city.

Teva reached for his wife’s hand and gave her another serious look that mirrored his son’s current expression. “Come, Alissina. We should allow our son and his new mate privacy, as they have only just become mates.”

They exchanged farewells and Tyra couldn’t help but chuckle as Rem breathed an audible sigh of relief once his parents had departed.

“Your parents are sweet,” she said. “I like them both very much.”

Rem gave her a strange look. “My mother is too energetic and my father is often harsh.”

She opened her mouth, ready to point out that Rem was just like his father, but she smartly pressed her lips together, worried that perhaps he wouldn’t appreciate the comparison. “Well, I like them and I look forward to spending more time in their company.”

Excitement spread through her. In five days, she would set off for a day in the city with Rem’s mother. Alissina’s kind invitation had touched Tyra more than the woman or her son could possibly know.

Rem appeared thoughtful for a few seconds and then grasped her hand, giving it a quick squeeze. “Since we’re both dressed now, and we should try to stay awake for a while longer, would you like to take a tour of the palace grounds? I think you will enjoy the gardens.”

“Oh, that sounds wonderful! Yes, I would love that.”

He looked down at her bare feet. “First, my sweet mate, we must find your shoes.” He playfully swept her up in his arms and carried her back upstairs. She rested her head against his chest, her heart brimming with happiness and hope. It was easy to forget about the bad things she’d been running away from when she now had so many good things awaiting her in the days to come.

Chapter 14

It seemed as though Rem’s life was now divided into two distinct phases: before he’d met Tyra, and after. Three full days had passed since her arrival on his planet and already he couldn’t fathom life without her. Her sweet presence illuminated the dark corners of his heart and already he was starting to imagine the family they might one day have.

Children. He had never given offspring much thought, as he had never planned to take a mate. A smile touched his lips as he recalled how furious he’d been with King Vaath when the royal had ordered him to take