Knightqueen (Oronis Knights #3)

Sten’s frown deepened, and he touched her arm.

“It’ll be fine,” she said.

Azulon climbed onto one of the creatures and patted in front of him. His nephew scrambled on and then leaned over, stroking the creature’s neck.

“We will travel to our village on the chiru,” Azulon said.

Another warrior led a creature over to them.

“We only have one to spare, but it will safely carry both of your weight.”

“Thank you,” Carys said.

Sten climbed on. He held out a hand to her and then pulled her up, settling her in front of him. She suppressed a shiver at the feel of his big body behind her.

The creature, the chiru, shifted and snorted.

Sten took the reins, then they set off.

Azulon moved his beast up beside theirs. The boy smiled at her.

“My name is Carys,” she said to Azulon. “And this is Sten.”

The warrior inclined his head.

“And your nephew’s name?”

Azulon ruffled his nephew’s hair. “Malthor.”

“Hello, Malthor,” Carys said.

The boy beamed at her.

“It’s not far to our village,” Azulon said.

They picked up speed, and soon, Carys adjusted to the gait of the animal. Sten’s arm was tight around her, and she didn’t worry about falling. She leaned back into him.

He nuzzled her head. “You’re not injured?”

“I’m fine, Sten. I’m a knight, remember?”

“I know. It doesn’t mean I like seeing you risk yourself.”

His words ignited a warm glow inside her.

“You did well taking down that scout ship,” he said.

The glow increased. “Thanks.” She shifted in the saddle, and he groaned. His hand clamped on her hip.

“Stop moving.”

“Why?” Her pulse fluttered.

“Because my body is responding to yours. I’m riding an alien animal with a beautiful woman in my lap. I’m hard, and it isn’t exactly comfortable.”

She tried to look contrite. “Sorry.”

He snorted. “No, you’re not.” He squeezed her hip, then lowered his voice. “It’s made worse by the fact that I can’t do anything about it right now.”