Free Dominated By Desire by Barbara Donlon Bradley Page A

small mark just below his right nipple. “How about that.”
    “What mark?”
    “Did he leave that out? The mating ritual marks the couple. You both have the same mark.” She took Heather by the arm and brought her to the same mirror. First she pointed to Storm’s chest then to the left side of her neck.“And what does the mark mean?”
    “That you’re my mate.” He pulled her into his embrace. “And my sister needs to show you the respect of being my mate.”
    “I have.” She looked hurt by his words.
    “Ignore his gruffness. He’s just upset you interrupted him before he got a chance to repeat last night.” Heather grabbed some clothes and changed.
    “Not going to dart into the bathroom?” asked Storm. Yesterday she wanted to try the dress on in another room and today her modesty seemed to be gone.
    “Why? Everybody here has seen it all already.” Heather stood in front of them with her arms crossed over her chest. “There is a lot that needs to be done before everyone gets here. I know your people are making sure your leaders are made comfortable but since I’m the only human in this building I must do the same.”
    She started toward the door. They opened just as she reached them which stopped her for a second. It was one thing to have a computer open doors aboard ship but to have people do it unnerved her. “Don’t think I’ll ever get use to this.”
    “She moves pretty quickly so you might want to keep up.” He wanted to laugh as his sister scrambled out the door.

    ****
    “Do you take everything in stride like this?”
    Heather wanted to beat her. Of course she didn’t take everything in stride, but what could she do? “Like what? My life being turned upside down by not one but two Vespians?”
    “And how do you handle things when massive mistakes happen?”
    “You make the best of it.” Heather rubbed her head. The beginnings of a headache starting. “I was nothing more than an unknown human who worked for our government three days ago. My assignment was to protect the ambassador of Vespia. Then my assignment changed. Now I’m married to the ambassador who seems to have a jealous girlfriend or two.”
    “What makes you say that?”
    “Why else would anyone want to target me? I am nothing.” Heather took a right turn toward the kitchens. The head chef bowed to her as she entered. “A lieutenant in the UCE military. Not big brass, not some sort of special agent. Just someone from security who happened to pique the interest of a bunch of dignitaries. Now I have to contend with this. Making sure two worlds are happy, and treated evenly. Plus I have to come home with a treaty that works for both worlds. I didn’t ask for this.”
    “How may I help you, mistress?” the head chef had stepped up the moment she walked into the room.
    “I need to know what you have planned for the leader of the UCE.”
    “UCE?”
    “United Countries of Earth. It’s not pretty but it works.” Heather explained.
    “We were sent a list of foods to use for him as well as our own leaders.
    This is what we came up with to keep both sides happy and not have two separate menus.” He handed her a card that showed what would be served.
    “Perfect. If you treat them differently they could take offense.” She looked it over before handing it back. “Thank you.”
    “Welcome, Ma’am.”
    “And the seating arrangements? Has that been done yet?”
    “Yes, Ma’am. They are waiting for your approval in the main hall.” Heather walked out of the kitchen and headed to the rooms where the leaders would be able to freshen up and rest if they wished. She walked into one room and started shouting. “Who is in charge of these rooms?” A timid young woman stepped forward. “I am, Ma’am. Is there something wrong?”
    “I’m sorry that I shouted but I didn’t see you and have learned it is the best way to get people to move around here. Could you make sure you have the exact same flowers in each room? If