Free Worlds Apart 2: Hunter's Revenge by Bonnie Rose Leigh

mind if we join them, in fact, they enjoy our company.” He grinned. “Personally, I think they enjoy showing off to other species.” He shrugged. “Who wouldn’t want to be able to launch themselves into the air like that?” He pointed out to another merman who had jumped high into the air, doing a summersault on the way down.
    “I suppose you’re right. I would show off if I could do that too, I imagine.”
    She kept her gaze out over the water. He figured it was much easier than looking at him and dealing with the strange feelings he invoked in her. He felt her attraction through their bond, if only he could convince her that’s what it was.
    He rolled onto his side. Just a small movement would put his most private part in contact with her hand. She didn’t move, she merely stayed stiffly by his side to show she hadn’t even noticed what he’d done. Their connection was strong, he just wondered if it was strong enough.
    “I have a favor to ask of you.”
    She turned, careful to keep her gaze above his neck. “Yes?”
    “Don’t think I want to force you into anything. I’m asking and it’s all right for you to say no. It is your right to refuse me.”
    “Refuse you what?”
    He ran his hands through his hair, nervous. “Before I make my request, there is something you must know.” By the Goddess, he didn’t know how she would take the news he needed to impart.
    “What is it, Hunter?”
    “When we took to you the medical bay for healing, the doctor’s discovered something.”
    Hunter watched as Amy shuddered and her face paled. “What? What did they find?”
    “You were with child when we rescued you, but because of the blood loss during the attack afterward they were unable to save the child.”
    Amy stilled then slowly sat up. “How far along was I?”
    “The healers say that sometime within the last week you ovulated. The embryo was too small to handle your blood loss.”
    Amy swallowed then turned her head away. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to think, supposed to feel. This was my child but instead of grief over its loss, I feel relieved that I will not bear my rapist’s child. And I feel guilty that I feel this way.”
    “You have no reason to feel guilty. I would think all the things you are feeling are normal under the circumstances.” Amy nodded but he could tell that she didn’t believe him. He could feel the doubt through their connection, yet he had no idea how to comfort her.
    “So, what is the favor you’d like to ask?” He knew she’d rather talk about anything other than the child and he wouldn’t push her on this. If she ever wanted to discuss it in the future, he’d be there for her. He understood that she’d have to think on it some more before she’d be really ready to face it. At least, that’s what Eve had said and he was going to take his sister-by-marriage’s word on it.
      When he noticed Amy’s patient gaze Hunter realized he’d been silent far too long. It was now or never. “I know you’ve noticed the bond between us. Sometimes…most times, when a couple has such a bond they know they are meant to be together, or at least they hope they are. The Manruvians have a thing called mate bonds. If two people who were meant to be together wear them, they are tied to one another for life and beyond. I would ask you to accompany me to the Chantrean garden aboard this ship and agree to wear the mate bonds. This way we would know if we were meant to be together or not. If you are not my mate I will leave you alone. I will still care for you, but as a sister, not a mate. If you are my mate we shall work things out from there.”
    “What if I’m not your mate? What of my people?”
    “I shall still help your people, moya . No one deserves the treatment the Black Rose dishes out.”
    “And if I agree to wear these bonds? What then?”
    “Then we will go on as we have. Only when you are ready to consummate our mating will we do so. I respect you and care