Raines, Elizabeth - Marooned [Wicked Missions 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Elizabeth Raines Page B

shook her head. “They have never refused me. I can’t ask them to take part in our customs. Our ways are not their ways. They may wish to return to Earth without me as their wife. There shall be no joining ceremony.”
    “But…but…”
    Betinsa shook her head again and continued in English, knowing Matt and Drake would start asking questions if they weren’t included soon. She prayed Drake didn’t know enough Fraiqui to understand all that she’d explained to the shaman. The faster they got through this, the less humiliation she’d feel. Giving the senators and the shaman her best hard stare, she said, “These people and this Odiran shall be allowed to leave on the Fearless .” Whirling around to face her friends, she tried to find the proper words. “All is well. I’m not to be punished. Since the Charhocks survived because of us—”
    “Because of you , Tinsa,” Matt interrupted. “You saved them. We all just…helped a little.”
    She couldn’t stop the tears at his kind words and the tender tone of his voice. The shame of crying in public would pass. Perhaps oracles were allowed to weep… Her heart was so heavy, so full of love for her two mates, once they left, she would be crying for a long time to come.
    When Matt and Drake got on that ship and flew away with Hannah and Linc, her heart would fracture into a million pieces, never to be whole again. But she’d already made up her mind. Her mates deserved to go back to their lives, and she would remain with her family on Fraiqua. Once she’d licked her wounds and cried until she could cry no longer, perhaps she would join Hannah, searching the universe for justice.
    Betinsa stroked Matt’s cheek with her fingertips and then looked to Drake, feeling as if she was going to die simply saying the words. “It is time for you both to return to Earth.”
    “For all of us to return,” Matt added, putting his hand over hers and pressing her palm to his face.
    “No, saramie . I won’t be going with you.”
    “Betinsa…” Drake drawled out her name, his voice close to a growl.
    “Please, lamanna . Just listen. I… I’ve decided to remain here on Fraiqua.” She tried not to look at the piercing frowns that suddenly appeared on their handsome faces. Her hand dropped back to her side. “I…can’t…” She took a deep, shuddering breath. “I can’t go back with you.”
    “I don’t understand,” Drake said, his gaze searching hers.
    “I know that what we shared on Katenya was…wonderful,” she continued. “But I also know you’re not Fraiquan. You have jobs to return to—jobs that make you the great men that you are.”
    “Why does that mean you can’t go back with us?” Matt asked. He grasped her shoulder, his fingers digging into the muscles.
    “I can’t explain so that you will understand. You’ll simply have to take my word for this. I need to spend time with my family now…” So that I may properly mourn the loss of the two mates I love with all my heart and soul .
    “I think I know what’s going on here,” Hannah said as she strode over to the group, Linc waddling quickly behind her.
    “Please, Hannah. Please stay out of this.” Couldn’t her friend see that this was for the best? Betinsa couldn’t work side by side with Matt, knowing she could never be to him what he was to her—one of her lifemates. And should she see Drake again and again and remember all they’d shared…?
    No! A clean break was for the best. “Hannah,” Betinsa said, her voice growing hard, “you must stay out of this now.”
    “C’mon, Betinsa… You need to tell them how you—”
    “Silence!” Betinsa shouted. “I will not discuss this…personal matter any longer. I’ll stay here at my home. Matt and Drake will return to Earth, their home.”
    Hannah narrowed her eyes, clearly wanting to argue.
    “No more, Hannah. Please no more.” Placing her palms against Matt’s chest, Betinsa pushed up on tiptoe to press a kiss to his lips.