Claimed: Unchartered Territory by Nia K. Foxx Page B

forced but this was the day of their joining and she would sit beside him as his Leila .
    “You are eager for your mate I see,” Galdar, his brother and second in command commented having caught the direction of his gaze.
    “Is it not normal for a male to wish to see his bond mate on the appointed day?” Remar raised a brow at his younger sibling. “I seem to recall we were unable to convince you to stop walking the grand room when your time came,” Remar reminded.
    “Aye and with good reason. Although I must say I may be the only Chezarian present who doesn’t envy your union,” Galdar commented.
    “Oh?” Remar raised an inquisitive brow. “You think the new Leila is ill suited for me?”
    “Aye, I much prefer the sweet temperament of Chezarian women to the warrior woman you have joined with. I wonder if all women of her planet are so disagreeable.”
    “I’m certain like Chezarian females they vary like the seasons.”             
    “Well my dear brother I believe you have bound yourself to the strongest of our winters.” Galdar commented,
    ***
    Dallas was led into the enormous great room she’d spent time in with Rabika earlier choosing decorations. Their selections transformed the cold marble interior into a festive tribute to elegance. Unfortunately, like with her dress, Dallas couldn’t muster enthusiasm over it.
    The crowd at the arena should have prepared her for the gathering of people collected in the great room. Of course everyone from the challenge wasn’t present but the sea of attendants was more than overwhelming. Flanked by two guards she was escorted down a wide blue and gold runner. She glanced up at the stone faces of each guard wondering if their sole purpose was to keep her from making a mad dash for it.
    “How exotic,” she heard several guests mumble. As spectacular as her outfit was she had a strong suspicion the comments were meant for her and not her clothing.
    Dallas spotted Remar instantly. Of course it would have been impossible to miss him perched atop the dais on a veritable throne at end of the runner. The seat to his right was occupied by another male only slightly smaller in stature. The one on his left was empty.
    My seat , she assumed. She wanted to keep her focus on the empty seat and off the deceptive seducer who doubled as a leader for these people. But wanting to do something and actually doing it were very different things. Who could blame her for being drawn to his physical appearance? Admittedly, he made for an impressive figure.
    His upper body was bare with the exception of a wide gold and sky blue sash which crossed his torso and the intricate tattoo he sported.  He wore loose pantaloons that matched the blue in his sash and he traded in the ass stomping boots he wore on the battle field for gold sandals with thick straps. She understood why Rabika had encouraged her to select the gold material for herself. They synchronized perfectly.
    The announcer from the arena seemed to materialize out of nowhere just feet from the throne chairs.
    “May I present the High Commander, Remar and Leila Dal’las .”
    Dallas froze as she watched Remar descend the few stairs towards her. The light fluttering in her belly quickly threatened to turn into an all-out revolt at his approach.
    Only a foot away Remar extended his hand to her.
    Flushed by the reminder of the last time they touched she could only stare at his outstretched offering.
    She took a step towards him for a little more privacy.
    “I’m not sure how I’m supposed to address you,” Dallas started in hushed tones. “But you have to know this is a mistake. I didn’t come here looking for a husband… mate or whatever you call it. I got sucked into a wormhole and would very much like help getting back home.”
    “This is home for you Dal’las ,” Remar spoke slowly and deliberately his tone matching her own hushed pattern.
    “And while I’m happy to accept a temporary invitation I would