Pet's Pleasure Read Online Free PDF Page B

the job done.”
    Starling nodded in agreement. She had no fighting ability.
    “So that leaves company, would it not?”
    “Or breeding.” She slapped her hand over her mouth. Why did she say that? The last thing she wanted was this man, or any other, forcing her to have sex with some weird guy to pop out babies.
    Bekion raised an eyebrow. “Do you wish to have children?”
    She shook her head. “No!”
    “Ah.”
    He didn’t say more. She turned her gaze to her plate then down to herself. Finally, she looked around the room. The men who’d accompanied Bekion stood conversing with each other. They paid no attention to her or Bekion.
    “Not right now,” she whispered.
    “Excuse me?”
    She met Bekion’s gaze. “I mean…back on Earth, I was in no position to support a child, not well at any rate. I don’t think I’m mentally ready to take proper care of a baby either.”
    “Once you are ready to have children, I will broach the subject of breeding and possible partners. At this time, I have no use for human children. A king does not need to engage in such employment.”
    “Employment? What do you mean employment?” She gave him a horrified look. “My…my children would be sold? You’re planning on selling my children?” The last part of her question came out in a high-pitched shriek.
    Bekion held up a hand. “Your worry is for naught as you have no children and no interest in having children.”
    “But—”
    “Little Starling, the subject is not important at this time.” He glanced over her head then stood and left the table. “I think it is time you dressed.”
    Starling wanted to argue further. It didn’t matter if she didn’t have children now. She would want them one day. Or she would so long as she knew they wouldn’t be sold. Bekion needed to know that, except his focus was elsewhere. She looked over her shoulder at whoever had caught his attention.
    A woman wearing a simple tan sundress stood to the side of an open doorway that led to another room. She curtsied to Bekion, which made her long red hair fall over her shoulders, and then turned her attention to Starling.
    Bekion said, “This is Furielle. Her job is to make sure you are properly groomed and fed.” He gestured to the guard Starling had tussled with in the infirmary. “This man, whom you met earlier, is Nausic. He will protect you.”
    Starling climbed off the chair and rushed to Bekion’s side. He placed his hand on her head and smiled at her. She pushed his hand away. “Protect me? Protect me from what?”
    “My brother. I mentioned him earlier.” He turned from her and said to Nausic, “I’m sure he’s heard of Starling by now. You are not to let him near her under any circumstances, is that clear?”
    “Extremely, Your Majesty.” Nausic’s lips twitched. He cleared his throat then asked, “How far am I allowed to go to keep your new pet safe, King Bekion?”
    Starling asked, “What the hell does that mean? Bekion, what does he mean?”
    “Quiet, Starling.” Bekion made a little shooing motion.
    She wanted to break his fingers or bite him for dismissing her in such a way. Up until that moment, he’d been treating her like a normal person. “Listen to—”
    “Obviously you cannot kill him.” Bekion said, ignoring her. “That would upset my mother. I don’t want him seriously injured or scarred either.”
    Nausic bowed. “As you wish.”
    Starling yelled, “What’s going on?”
    Everyone looked at her.
    Finally.
    She gave them her best annoyed look. “Well?”
    Bekion wore a humoring expression as he stooped and placed his hand under her chin, smoothing his thumb over her cheek. “I said you would come to no harm while in my care. Nausic as your guard will ensure that.”
    “I need a guard now? Why do I… What the hell is wrong with your brother that I need a guard? I’m not…” She stopped. It was all too much. She hung her head and whispered, “I just want to go home.”
    “You already know