Possessive Alien Mate(Savage Martians #2) - Sue Mercury Page 0,46

of hope shone in her eyes, the tiniest spark of optimism, but he didn’t fail to notice it.

“You,” he answered. “You stopped me. I remembered that despite what your uncle did to you, how cruelly he has treated you over the years, you still didn’t wish to see him put to death.”

“You spared Chexxa’s life? Truly?”

“Yes. I did inflict some injuries upon him while I was questioning him, though I assure you he will heal quickly.” The young male’s broken arm had probably already been set by a doctor. Given the advanced level of his people’s medical technology, Chexxa would likely be completely healed within a day or two.

“I am relieved to hear it,” she said quietly, and his heart broke when he noticed her lip quivering again. “I-I am sorry the king forced you to take a mate when you clearly didn’t wish to do so.” Her gaze dropped to his chest and she made to reach for her suitcase again, but he blocked her movements and tightened his hold on her face.

“Tyra, look at me,” he commanded.

She pressed her lips firmly together as she obeyed, anger flaring in the depths of her soulful dark eyes, alongside the visible heartbreak. His feelings of guilt increased and he longed to mend the gaping rift between them. How could he fix their mating union? He wasn’t certain, but he knew he must apologize. He also knew he must close the door on the past, on the hurts caused by Bethamma. Tyra deserved his trust.

“You are my heart, Tyra, and I cannot imagine being parted from you,” Rem said. “You are my beloved mate.”

“But you didn’t want me,” she said, tears filling her eyes.

“I will admit I was angry when the king ordered me to take a human female as a mate. A long time ago, after Bethamma betrayed me by mating with another, despite our betrothal, my heart became hardened and I vowed that I would never enter into a mating union. But when I first looked upon you, Tyra, I was drawn to you with an intensity that defied logic. I thought I didn’t want a mate, but when I first stared into your eyes, it felt as though the world had ceased turning. All I wanted in that moment was you, my sweet mate. You. For as long as I live, I will never want another female. You are mine.”

He leaned in to press a kiss to her forehead, then he proceeded to brush the freshly fallen tears from her cheeks. To his relief, she didn’t pull away from him.

“Mine,” he whispered, in a tone as gentle as he could summon. “My sweet mate.”

Chapter 25

“I want you, Tyra. Do you hear me? I want you.”

Rem’s words penetrated Tyra’s consciousness, causing hope to bloom in her heart.

“Do you truly mean it? Do you swear it?” she asked, her voice wavering with emotion. Her throat burned so fiercely that speaking was difficult. She swallowed hard and peered at him, awaiting his answer with bated breath.

“Yes,” he said. “I truly mean it, and I swear it on the Gods.”

She started to grin, but then felt her smile faltering. Even though he wanted her, she couldn’t imagine living with a male who thought about killing any other male who looked her way for more than two seconds. While Chexxa had followed her, it disturbed her that Rem apparently didn’t trust her. Otherwise, why would he have checked up on her and watched security footage of her trip into the city? Her heart started sinking all over again.

As if reading her mind, he said, “I was wrong to ever distrust you, my sweet mate, and for that I am sorry. I am sorry for accusing you of being tempted by another male, and I am sorry for my controlling behavior. I have treated you poorly.” He paused and his forehead ridges bunched together, making him appear as though he were deep in concentration.

“If you’re trying to figure out if there’s anything else you need to apologize for, might I remind you that you threatened to keep me locked up,” she said.

He drew her closer. “I am sorry for that, too, Tyra. Gods, how I am sorry. I-I am certain there is more that I owe you an apology for, my sweet mate, but know that I want you, I desire you, and I love you.”

Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t expected him to profess love. His words hung in the air between them,