Something happened when Vile bit her, an epiphany, an alien infection, definitely an o.r.g.a.s.m.

As Jillys body crested and spasmed in the extreme delight only he seemed capable of delivering, it occurred to her that she loved this man, alien, whatever the h.e.l.l he was.

So what if theyd known each other only a small time? She knew from experience, at least from her grandma, that love at first sight happened. In this case, all it took was a bite for her to finally admit it.

A bite to open her eyes to the fact Vile completed her. He brought her alive. He engaged all of her senses.

I want him, not just as a lover, but as a friend, companion, everything.

So what if he couldnt say the L word? Did he not show his own need for Jilly in other ways?

As he sucked at her punctured skin, his c.o.c.k still thrusting into her trembling body, she heard him murmur, over and over, Mine. All mine. My treasure.

How cute. Since the biting thing seemed to be symbolic for him, she decided to see what would happen if she reciprocated. She chomped him back.

It got an interesting result.

One: he yelled and came, a molten gush of liquid within her that triggered a second smaller o.r.g.a.s.m in her.

Two: once the tremors subsided, he murmured, his incredulity evident, You bit me.

Yup.

Females arent supposed to bite their males to mark them.

This human one does. Got a problem with it?

His blue eyes, glowing with a fierce light, met her gaze as he growled. You are unlike anyone Ive ever met. He grinned. And I like that.

Good, because you are stuck with me.

Would it please your feminine sensibilities to know that you are my finest treasure?

It does please me. Immensely. But it also reminded her of something. Im sorry you had to trade the artifact to get me back.

An emotion crossed his face. Sheepishness mixed with pride. And if I didnt?

What do you mean? I saw you give it to Snaggle Tooth.

Not quite. While I did have the artifact on my person when making the exchange, the item I actually gave him was the bomb that destroyed his ship.

Jilly couldnt talk for a moment. You mean you didnt give up a treasure for me after all? So much for thinking she mattered more.

No. But before you get angry. I should admit, but will deny if my family ever asks, that I would give everything I own to keep you. You are now the only acquisition that matters.

His compliment didnt entirely erase her irritation with him. You owe me, purple dude.

A warrior owe a female debt?

d.a.m.ned straight. And when I call you on it, I expect you to deliver.

I am an expert at delivering, he said with a suggestive leer.

He was.

Especially when it came to surprise because, when she accidentally slipped at one point and said during the throes of pa.s.sion, I love you, to her shock, he said the words she thought shed never hear. I love you, too, my sweet barbarian.

Epilogue.

Only the common steal. Acquisition is a fine art. And if you dont agree, then I shall show you how I like to paint with the blood of those who would think to insult me. " Vhyls reply to those who dare question his career choice.

Vhyl should have known Jilly would eventually collect on the debt she claimed he owed her. Yet, he would have never expected the level of cruelty shed indulge when she did.

No wonder his mother adored her. His human was delightfully evil when she put her mind to it.

No, he protested even though he knew hed lose.

Come on, Vile, please.

His woman could beg all she wanted. He wouldnt do it. I will not wear that ridiculous hat.

But its Christmas.

I agreed to deliver your b.l.o.o.d.y trees to your new friends, potted, not chopped off and killed, However, a warrior does not stoop to wearing disguises that draw from his awesome nature, especially not in front of the enemy.

Some of them are your cousins.

And your point is?

I forget how messed up the family system is in your culture.

Evolved you mean.

Whatever. You will wear the outfit. You owe me. She planted her hands on her hips and glared.

You cant be serious. I cant believe you would waste the ridiculous debt I owe you to have your way in this.

Yet waste it she did.

Despite the fact hed probably have to engage in a murderous spree, Vhyl wore what she called the Santa Claws suit"which he couldnt figure out given it had no claws but did boast a ridiculous beard, spectacles, and a red hat with a fluffy ball on the end.

To please her, he agreed to the black boots, red breeches, and hat, but he drew the line at the padded jacket and the rest.

Carrying a sack on his back, Vhyl approached the home of his enemy"councilor Tren.

His unwilling host also wore a scowl. Welcome to my frukxing home, he snarled.

Manners, said the human female at his side with a jab at the former a.s.sa.s.sins ribs.

Vhyl waited for him to murder her. No one berated Tren.

To his eternal surprise, the big male sighed. You know I am going to need to wreak violence on something after this.

So long as you do it outside, his wife, Megan, replied. Now, try again.

In a dull monotone, Tren said, Thank you for coming to our Christmas celebration. Wont you come in?

It took a poke in his back for Vhyl to step over the threshold. One usually didnt willingly enter the lair of a murderous beast.

Jilly didnt hesitate. She flounced in and was immediately hugged by Megan, who squealed, I am so happy to finally meet you in person. Come with me so I can introduce you to everyone.

As Trens wife led the way, chatting with Jilly, who looked way too tempting in a red velvet dress that showed too much leg"he had plans to blind anyone who looked too long at the exposed skin"Tren muttered under his breath for Vhyl alone. Later. You, me and the other males will hit the training ring and pummel each other to counter the humiliation our mates subject us to.

Vhyl grinned. So he wasnt the only one who had to deal with a bossy human. Good to know. Perhaps he could score some pointers on how to handle Jilly.

Or not.

It soon became clear when he entered the gathering s.p.a.ce filled to the brim with people that while the males, and a few of the matrons, were born and bred Aressotles through and through, the humans sprinkled among them had changed the nature of such a gathering.

For one, no one was fighting. At least not with weapons.

But the insults flowed easily. Hey, Vhyl, what bet did you lose that forced you to wear that ridiculous hat?

To that he had an easy response. At least I can take off the hat later on. Youre stuck with that face for life. An insult Makl frowned at.

A little boy, his skin a light mauve but his lungs as fierce as any warrior from his home world, waved a sword as he rode the shoulders of Brax.

Louisa, whom hed previously met, watched her gallivanting mate with a forbearing expression while her hands rested on her distended belly. It seemed Brax and Xarn proved fruitful.

Later on at dinner, the conversation flowed, and Vhyl caught snippets of it, especially his mates reaction to Megans toast.

I just want to say thank you all for coming"and not spilling any blood on the floors. Its a b.i.t.c.h to scrub out. I know its not easy to get so many of you warriors in one place without a murder happening.

Yet, Tren added in an ominous tone.

Oh, stop it with the tough guy act, or you wont be getting any pie later.

What kind of dessert could have the renowned a.s.sa.s.sin clamp his lips tight?

Megan continued. This Christmas, Id like to give thanks for the fact our purple husbands"

Warriors.

Mercenaries.

a.s.sa.s.sins.

Acquisition specialists.

"whatever, abducted us and showed us how good life could be despite our different cultures.

Hold on a second. You mean to say you were all abducted? Jillys eyes rounded.

Of course. Didnt Vhyl tell you?

He shrugged when his mate peered at him. I told you we take what we want.

Well, except for Megan. She was an Accidental Abduction, Tren stated.

Which I resent. If you ask me, I was the best thing that ever happened to you. Megan glared at her spouse, but not too angrily given she plopped into his lap and draped her arms around his neck.

Best accident ever, Tren replied, his express soft, for his mate only. Everyone else got a glare that dared them to repeat his admission.

Ha, my introduction to Jaro was anything but an accident. His was an Intentional Abduction, Aylia announced.

Only because I allowed it, Jaro retorted as he juggled a pair of babies who slept soundly, one in the crook of each arm.

Mine was a Dual Abduction, by dumb and dumber, Louisa announced.

Hey, I resent that. I would have kept you all to myself if dumber here hadnt insisted we share.

Insisted, ha? You could have never bested me, and you know it.

Idiots, Makl replied with a shake of his head. I am the only one with any pride to admit mine was a purely Mercenary Abduction. I saw Olivia and had to have her.

Oh please, you only came after me because Aunt Muna told you to get a nanny for Mren.

The reason why doesnt matter. The fact of the matter is, youre mine.

No. Youre mine.

As they bickered, Jilly looked at the last couple in the group. What of Dyre? Didnt I hear you were the do-gooder black sheep of the family? I cant see you kidnapping a woman and making her love you.

Dyre straightened in his seat. In my case, I attempted a Heroic Abduction. And succeeded. For the most part.

Betty shook her head. While laying waste on the way. My dear mate means well, but he really isnt cut out to be a hero.

And what of you, Jilly? How would you cla.s.sify your abduction?

All the eyes at the table turned Jilly and Vhyls way, and he could see her stumped for an answer.