Lucianne kicked backwards, aiming at his testicles and Xandar groaned in anguish. His grip on her waist loosened and she elbowed his chest, pushing him backwards by a few steps. She turned around to face him, pain and guilt filled her eyes as she stood where she was to watch her mate’s reaction.

When Xandar regained his bearing, he looked at his mate with only humour and playfulness as he teased out loud, “Why the anguished look, my love? I haven’t even landed any blows on you yet.”

The guilt in Lucianne’s eyes was gone. She watched him get into a position ready to spar her, and she asked, “Do...