Glendar (The Mating Games Book 3)

by Catty Diva

“Do you like it?” Glendar ask his eyes hopeful and his mouth in a half smile.

  “It’s incredible. Who placed the tiles?”

  “Tammie and I did. She said it takes two people and I’ll admit I enjoyed helping.”

  “I probably could never make something so beautiful.”

  “If that is a challenge, I’ll prove you wrong. Why don’t you get ready and I’ll fix us a snack while you bathe. Can you find everything?”

  Bernie looked around at the shelves covered with towels and the containers of soap. “I think I’ll be alright.”

  “Just call if you need anything.” He said as he turned and walked from the room.

  It would have been easy to be overwhelmed when faced with such luxury had she allowed it. She didn’t, Bernie got right to work stripping out of her clothes and turning on the shower. Luckily the controls were just like those on the ship coming here. Water sprayed out from everywhere and hit her like a relaxing massage. Standing still a few moments calmed her and wet her completely. Now she soaped herself in and rinsed off. Wonderful to be clean, now she dried and she found a robe she could wear.

  Bernie moved quietly down the hall not wanting to startle Glendar. He was at the stove cooking something and she had to admit it smelled good. It was clear he was unaware of her presence as he hummed and sung a line from a song once in a while. Bernie was trying to decide should she speak or move where he could see her when he turned a bit farther as he danced in front of the stove and he yelled and threw his spoon up in the air with food on it. The food splattered on the ceiling and the spoon fell back down hitting Glendar on the top of his head. The look on his face was priceless!

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

  “What? Me? I wasn’t startled at all. I was practicing my spoon throwing.”

  “Do you have a spring fair too?”

  “A fair?”

  “Yes, where you have competitive games?”

  “Ah, the spoon throwing? No we just do it for the fun of it.”

  “Looks like a lot of fun. I bet it leads to ladder climbing.”

  “Ladder climbing?”

  “Yes when you climb the ladder to clean the food off the ceiling.”

  “We just let it dry and flake off.” They both started laughing at the same time. Bernie hadn’t acted silly with another person, well, ever. Her life had all been about work and caring for her siblings. Siblings she worried about but was in no position to help.

  “What happened? You just went all sad a second ago.”

  “I’m sorry. My sisters crossed my mind and I worry about them. It was my job to take care of them since I was the oldest. My pa has a new wife so there will be more babies. I don’t know who’ll take care of them.”

  “What about his new wife?”

  “That woman can’t tie her own shoelaces. She likes shiny and pretty things. His other wives were always hardworking loving types. This one is fluff with no substance. If the little ones get sick, she’ll be no help at all.”

  Chapter 4

  Pa Only Knows

  Glendar didn’t want to believe that Bernie’s pa was that bad but he’d read about Earth 2 and poverty abounded and children were treated as little better than slaves. That she’d told him the girls were sold like slaves to husbands wasn’t stretching his belief. He would have to talk to his brothers so they would be prepared if her father actually showed up. Stevr had met Smith when he’d negotiated the trade for mates with him. His brother had not been impressed with Earth Two’s leader. His only interest had seemed to be how much he could make off the females which they apparently had more of than males. The man didn’t even worry about fair treatment, not that the Mazlans didn’t treat their females fair.

  They ate and then since they were tired, they went to bed together. He wrapped himself around her and she was asleep in seconds. His mind whirled over all he had learned until he eventually relaxed and fell asleep too. The way his female felt in his arms was wonderful and his dreams were all about her.

  Waking up was a slower process than usual and he knew it was because he wanted to stay where he was. It wasn’t to be because he had to get up and get things done. Pulling back slowly so as not to wake her, he slipped out of bed quietly and prepared for the day. Starting crue first, it made him wish he had bought coffee for his female. None of the others had liked it yet and he didn’t expect her to either. Once the crue was made, he fixed his cup and took it to his computer. A share of his job could be done on the computer viewing the suggestions of others and the reports on the work as it progressed. Two hours later he started breakfast for his mate.

  He would give her time to accept him without pushing her, but mates they would be before long. Bernie smelled the food and she came out to the kitchen. She looked embarrassed and he wasn’t sure why until she spoke.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t get up and fix breakfast.”

  “That’s alright. I can fix you breakfast once in a while. Hopefully it doesn’t taste too bad.” Glendar said with a wry look.

  Putting some food on a plate, he handed it to her and motioned for her to sit down. She took a couple of bites and smiled. “This is very good.” He didn’t really believe her, no one had ever called his cooking good. Filling was the best compliment he’d ever gotten.

  “That’s sweet of you to say.” He admitted as he fixed his plate and sat next to her. Eating all the food on his plate because he was hungry, he still wouldn’t go so far as to call it good.

  “A few days ago, I would have been happy to have a meal like this. Never feel bad that you can help fill a hungry person’s belly.”

  Glendar thought about what his mate had said and wondered what kind of life she had lived. As children, he and his brothers had worked hard. It had built their muscles and made them the men they were. While that was true, they had been well fed and even better loved. Not all the work they had done had been asked of them. They had worked extra hard to please their parents because they wanted to. Bernie had mentioned her mother had died when she was young and Glendar had no idea how that might have affected him had he lost his mother.

  Bernie ate every bit of food on her plate and drank the crue he’d given her even though he knew most females found it bitter. Even with lots of milk and honey, which was how he’d fixed it, the taste was undesirable to human females. He now felt bad for giving it to her because he suspected she would eat and drink anything he set before her regardless of palatability. In the future he would try to remember that and be more careful with what he kept in the kitchen.

  “Have you ever had coffee?” He asked as he put his dishes in the sink.

  “Is that what this is?” She asked pointing to her cup.

  “No, that is crue. It is a local drink made from the beans of a bush that grows in the mountains. It is more a man’s drink. I will get you some coffee or we can see one of my brothers so you can try it. Razar and Travlr have developed a taste for the grounds.”

  “This is fine for me. I am not used to delicate flavors.”

  Such a sweet, little thing should be used to the softest, sweetest, and most delicate of everything. Her father made plenty of money but it seemed his children saw little of it. Glendar made a vow to see that Bernie had the best that he could provide. He sensed she wanted to help her siblings and he would assist her in that endeavor as well. No one should suffer needlessly especially children which made him once more question what kind of father she had.

  “It will be my pleasure to get you used to the most wonderful flavors and delicious delicacies.” He said with a smile.

  “What will we do today?” She asked ignoring what he’d said. Did she not know how to take it? Was she not aware of how he wanted to care for her and love her?

  He decided to allow her to get by with it for now. “We can explore the land around the house if you wish or spend some time on construction.”

  “I’d like to see what is near the house. Is there any water or forests?”
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br />   Glendar laughed at her excitement. “There is the shore of a sea nearby and the other way is a forest. The desert is not far either nor the mountains. We are surrounded by all kinds of land.”

  “I can’t wait to go. Do you ever go fishing or are edible fish even in these waters?”

  “They are but so are sea serpents.” Her eyes got big. “Don’t worry, I can protect you.” He said as he pulled her into his arms.

  “How big are they?”

  “Some as big as a car, some as big as a house.”

  “This house?”

  “Yes, and bigger.”

  “I’ve never seen an animal or fish that big.”

  “There are few of them but Razar killed one that attacked him and Lista a few weeks ago. They took pictures I’m sure they would show you.”

  “Lista must have been scared.”

  “She was but Razar had things well in hand.”

  “It was a small beast?”

  “No, he was tall as this house but not quite as broad.”

  “But how?”

  “We are a powerful race and have some secrets that allow us to protect those we love.” He wanted her to ask more so he could give her some added information but she didn’t. Glendar knew she was a curious female but she must not have been allowed to ask questions at home. The truth was he wanted to tell her what he was but he didn’t know how to ease into it. “Have you no secrets of your own?”

  “Not really. What you see is pretty much what you get.”

  “I like what I see.” Glendar admitted.

  Bernie smiled but she also turned a lovely shade of pink. Glendar moved closer, leaned in, and kissed her softly. Afraid to do more, he pulled back and looked at his bride. “Should we go now?” She asked hesitantly.

  “If you are ready.” Holding a hand out to her, he helped her up when she took it. It felt warm in his hand. Glendar never wanted to let go.

  He led her to the sea first. They could have driven but he decided Bernie was an outdoor type which made him happy since he loved being outside. The pace he set was slower than his usual one but brisk for a smaller human female. She kept up without difficulty even though she looked around with her mouth slightly agape. As they approached the water she had an expression of worship on her face.

  “It’s so beautiful. You are truly lucky to have access to such a place.” Bernie said as she turned toward him.

  “You are truly lucky as well. This place is here whenever you wish to come here. Just promise to be careful because the creatures that live in the deep sometimes come to the surface to feed.”

  He saw a tear slip down from the corner of her eye. His mate was truly moved by what he offered her. Pulling her into his arms, he enjoyed her soft skin and firm muscles. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips, this female would make him happy. Now all he had to do was seal their bond. While he knew she was drawn to him emotionally, he had no idea of what to do to take her sexually. Bernie seemed shy and it was possible she’d not been with a male before. Glendar had not been with a female either so they were well matched if that was true.

  His eyes glowed as he watched her enjoy being near the water. Glendar was sensitive to her every movement. Her deeply indrawn breath registered as did her light sigh of pleasure as the sun hit her face. The air here was fresh and clean with a slight evergreen scent. Everything felt perfect now that she was in his life. He’d brought his com with him and now as it buzzed, he regretted that. Glancing at the screen he saw it was Stevr. Knowing what he now knew about his mate, there was little doubt about what he wanted.

  “Hello little brother. This must be important does it concern my One?”

  “Sorry, Glendar. Her father is kicking up a fuss and he wants her back. Anyway we can do that?”

  “Stevr, are you even asking me that? Do you not ever want to mate?”

  “You’ve bonded?”

  “Not yet but I’m giving her time to adjust to me and our world. I caught her so you know the goddess chose her for me. Are you telling me you can’t handle that insignificant man?” Glendar was unhappy and it filtered into his tone.

  “I can handle it but we may not have trade with his world anymore.”

  “Lead with that. The man is greedy and he is trying to fake you out. His children are raised in a hovel and she never saw a doctor before she got on our ship.”

  “He told me she was promised to a man on their planet.”

  “She told me he planned to sell her to the highest bidder.”

  “Truly?” Stevr exclaimed with shock in his tone. “How could he?”

  “We will never understand since our parents loved us. I don’t think he cared much for his daughters. What’s more he wanted a son and only had daughters.”

  “Fate punished him.”

  “Not enough if you ask me.”

  “I will contact him and pull all trade if need be. You can count on me to deal with this. He will cave to our wishes or we will pretend his planet doesn’t exist.”

  “Thank you Brother.”

  Glendar hung up with much on his mind. He knew Bernie wanted to bring her sisters here. They could only get them as they came of age and once they took a couple, he would be alert and prepared to prevent them from taking more. As much as he hated to deal with the slimy toad of a man, if they could break him down where he feared to lose their business maybe they could make a deal with him.

  Bernie walked along the shore with the wind blowing in her hair. Making her happy would mean much to him. He hurried to catch up with her. It was a struggle to decide whether to share her father’s antics with her but he knew she would worry so he decided not to. After a while he led her back to the house where they ate lunch. She had him show her what little he knew about cooking making him suspect she planned to try to cook herself.

  Now they were full and he wanted them to talk about mating. He was nervous, maybe delaying it hadn’t been the wisest choice after all. “Would you like to take a bath? If you would we could relax in the hot water, have a drink, and discuss our future.” Did that sound as lame as he thought it had?

  “Alright. What should I wear?”

  “We can just wear our underwear.” He suggested.

  They both took off everything else and he hurried in to the bathroom to turn on the water. Glendar went to fix them something to drink and he came back to check out the water temperature. It was his hope he could seduce his mate and convince her to mate with him now. She would be able to lean on him more as his mate because she would need to when she found out her father wanted to get her back. If he was honest, he wanted his female now and he didn’t want to wait either.

  Bringing the drinks into the room, he saw she was in the large pool that was his bathtub. The water was up to the halfway mark but Bernie played and splashed about in it. She reminded him of a child and he was sure she’d never been able to play so freely when she had been a child. This was the female he wanted forever. Setting the drinks down beside the pool, he walked down the steps into the water. She watched him her eyes clinging to every step he took. There was chemistry and attraction between them in spades. He just needed to light the fire in her and they would combust.

  “I brought us drinks.” He explained and he moved to where he’d set them down. Picking up hers, he handed it to her and watched as she took her first taste. Her smile burst forth and he was certain she liked it.

  “What is it? It is sweet and good.”

  “It is made from some berries that grow in this planet. Some are black, some blue, and some red. The black are the sweetest and the blue are tangy.”

  “So the red are in between?” She asked smiling.

  “They are. A mix of all three makes the tastiest drink.”

  The water filled up to the lip of the pool and he turned it off. They both sat on a bench and sipped their drinks while they relaxed in the hot water. Glancing over at her he noticed her eyes were half closed and a smile was still on her face. He loved the deep mocha
color of her skin. It made his hands itch to touch it and one finger slid up her cheek before he could pull back. Her eyes, the rich black color of ground crue, glowed and she whimpered softly. Bernie’s hair had the rich sheen of the cacia tree, the closest to it might be Earth’s African black wood that was used in furniture. It positively glowed and her dark skin looked like satin. The female totally ensnared him and all he wanted was to completely be immersed in her.

  Pulling Bernie on his lap, he devoured her lips with his and she responded. His cock grew rock hard and pressed against her and she moaned. Holding back, because he suspected she was innocent he shifted so there was no way his staff would press between her legs. The purpose of all this was to relax her before he took her to bed. When he joined with her he wanted it to be as painless and easy as possible. To that end, he petted her and cuddled her showing her how very much he cared and wanted her. Her reaction was perfect as she whimpered, squirmed, and petted him back. This was something he could do for hours if he had the time, but he didn’t. Tonight he would take his mate to meet his parents and whatever brothers managed to be there for supper. Without a doubt they would love this sweet loving female just as much as the two new daughters they had gained recently.

  The drinks were drained and the water growing cold. He felt his female shiver and it was time to get out of the pool. He stood up and then picked her up carrying her out of the pool. Allowing her to slide down his body, he set her on her feet. It was time now to undress so they wouldn’t get their bed wet and he slipped off his shorts. He enjoyed her pleased gasp as she watched his member bob upward as it was freed.

  “Can I undress you?” He asked as he stared into her eyes. She nodded so he unsnapped her bra and let it slide down her arms. It made a wet smacking sound as it hit the floor. Her panties slipped off easily once he moved them down her hips and she stepped out of them.

  Grabbing a towel, he dried her and then himself before he picked her back up and took her to his bed. Electricity shot through his blood and need consumed him. It was all he could do to hold himself back. His mate shivered and made whimpering sounds as her hands grabbed at him. Lying her down on his bed, he was ready to take what was his but only if he could give her the ultimate bliss and minimize the virginal pain he’d heard she would feel.