Jessie by D.A. Stafford

Author:D.A. Stafford [Stafford, D.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-12-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Leigh left the great hall with a shocked and pained Jessie. Leigh knew Looch felt responsible for Jessie’s run-in with Councilman Heloc but was astonished by Looch’s declaration. His heart was heavy for his brother.

“Leigh, what the hell just happened? What does this mean?” Jessie pleaded with a lost look in her eyes.

“In his own way, he feels he’s protecting you by giving you to me. Knowing you’re our ayah, he knew Zara would never bond with me no matter what our fathers said. Don’t fret Jessie; all will be well. Come, we must depart.”

“I thought you said all marriages were in male-dominated groups? I just gave my virginity to Looch.” Once the screechy words passed Jessie’s lips, she instantly wanted to pull them back.

With Jessie’s sudden confession, Leigh stumbled. “Come, let’s go visit your friends, you must miss them. I’ll leave you in the care of Gade and Aryn during your visit. I have some matters to attend to.”

She was a little disappointed Leigh was avoiding the bombshell Looch dropped in the great hall just a bit ago but also understood he was a little in shock as well. “I would like that very much. Thank you for thinking of me.”

Leigh’s heart melted a little. He stopped their forward progress, turned and gently caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “Of course, ayah.” Leigh then leaned down and ever so delicately kissed her. Ending the kiss then resting his forehead on hers, he looked deeply into her eyes and sighed. “I can’t promise a more favorable outcome, but I’ll speak with Looch about his decision. He has already vowed to Councilman Cerin he will start the courting ritual so he can’t break it. Although it’s highly unlikely Zara will develop Looch’s mark, we must pray to the Goddess it doesn’t.”

“What is this mark thing you’re talking about?”

Leigh pointed to his forearm and said, “You see this mark?”

“Of course. It looks like a small tribal tattoo of some kind.”

“All males are born with a mark. I am the only one who has this mark. Even Looch’s mark is different than mine. Arenian males know their mate by scent, but Arenian females will develop a mark somewhere on their body which combines the marks of however many males the Goddess has fated her too. We do not know if Earth females will develop the mark. Especially since you’re all so guarded and traumatized right now.”

“That’s why I am dressed like this isn’t it? You’re all watching to see if I’ll develop a mark.”

Sheepishly Leigh responded, “It was my mother’s doing, but yes, that’s the idea. Arenian women proudly display their marks. They want all other males to know she is taken and which males have claimed her. This is how traditional Arenians cans breed. Until a female possesses a mark, she is unable to bare offspring.”

“So if Looch knows I’m his ayah then, why would it matter if he just waits a month before telling Zara no?”

“In some rare cases, a mark can form if the individuals spend a lot of time together.

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