so long to destroy—to help us see the error of our ways and to restore balance among all Her children. For I’ve come to learn that you humans are Her children, as well. In my search of your histories, I’ve found many instances of Goddess worship, predating even your advancement to the stars.”
“The God of my childhood is male, Tigh.” Her voice was soft, tinged with a bit of apprehension.
“Don’t worry, my heart. I’ve looked into the teachings of your native religion since meeting you. There are female deities in your culture too, enough to calm the fears of my people and allow you to retain your own beliefs, albeit in private. In public, it may be a different matter, but I will handle the religious obligations of emperor, if you wish. There are very few, actually, so it shouldn’t be a hardship for you at all. We believe, as you do, in religious freedom, though the majority of our people worship the Mother Goddess in various forms.”
“I see you’ve thought this all out very thoroughly.”
He nodded. “It is my nature to plan for all contingencies.” Tigh pressed his hardness against her hips, unable to stop himself. Her proximity was firing his senses almost beyond control.
Tigh felt her shiver and sensed anxiety in her ripening body. She was afraid of him, and he didn’t like it at all.
“You, of all people, have no reason to fear me, sweet Gineva. I would never harm you.” He kissed her hair softly, backing off just a tiny bit though he couldn’t bring himself to let her go now that he had her finally in his arms, where she belonged.
“I didn’t think you would,” she admitted in a small voice. “It’s just that…I haven’t been with a man since Paul.” She fairly choked on her embarrassment, and he could feel the heat in her flaming cheeks as she pressed her face against his chest, hiding her eyes. “He was the only man I ever made love to. It’s been a long time, and you’re…very different, and a bit intimidating.”
Pulling her close, Tigh rocked her in his arms, seeking to comfort. “I’m dominant. It’s the way most jit’suku men are designed, especially the warrior class. I can’t help that, but I can promise that I will never, ever cause you harm in any way. Not intentionally. I may bumble and hurt your feelings because I don’t understand your culture, but I expect you to tell me when that happens, and I will listen. We need to talk freely between ourselves to make this work. I know that. But, when it comes to making love, you’ll follow my lead, and I can guarantee you’ll enjoy every moment. Trust me in this, at least, sweetheart. I’ll bring you pleasure and never let you doubt you made the right choice by joining with me.”
He shuffled her back toward her large bed as he spoke, tumbling down with her onto the soft mattress as he bent his head. Taking her lips firmly under his, he sought entrance with an unrelenting stab of his tongue and was granted access with an eagerness he hadn’t quite expected. She seemed to like it when he gave her no choice. He’d have to file that information away for later consideration. Could this strong woman harbor a secret submissive side?
Tigh nearly laughed at the thought. If it were true, she was the best possible mate for him—a lioness in public with a keen mind and a compassionate heart to rule their people at his side, and a bedmate willing to let his dominant side reign over their pleasure. The Goddess surely knew what She was doing when She created this beautiful woman to be his mate.
Through tragedy for both their peoples, they would triumph, and the first part of the plan was getting his mate pregnant. He had to prove to her, and to his people, that this union of jit’suku and human would save both races and finally bring peace. Everybody would win after the devastating losses of the past tragic years. Jit’suku males would be free to colonize in the human galaxy, as human females would be welcome in return. Eventually, there would no longer be two separate races. The genetics would blur, and all thoughts of war would be ended as the volatile jit’suku temperament was steadied by more stable human influences, and both races would prosper—as one. It was the only way.
Not that it would be an easy road.
But the