Claimed by the Warrior by Katie Reus Savannah Stuart Read Free Book Online Page A

females moved here they were hopeful that the living situations would be pleasing. Not that Con saw that as a possibility any time soon.
    “Would you like to see how it works?”
    Grinning, she nodded at him. Her smile was enough to make him lose his train of thought. Unable to find his voice, he motioned to the stone circular area on the floor next to the enclosed shower.
    “This is it?” She looked at the circle, which appeared to be a decorative addition to the flooring.
    “Just stand there.”
    Eyeing him dubiously, she stepped onto it. The moment her body heat activated it, the dryer started. Small holes opened up beneath her feet and warm air from below and the tube in the ceiling above pumped over her.
    She yelped at the sudden rush of air and jumped out of it. Immediately the air ceased. But her loosely braided hair had come undone, the dark strands wild around her shoulders and face. Laughing, she brushed at them. “This is a little different than the original design, but I like it. Definitely more aesthetically pleasing.” Groaning, she tugged free the ribbon holding the end of her braid together and started finger combing her hair. She muttered something about looking like a mess, but she was mistaken.
    “You look beautiful,” he said before he could contemplate whether it was wise to be honest.
    Her dark eyes widened in surprise and her cheeks once again flushed crimson. He couldn’t decide if that was a good thing, but he liked the reaction. Some primal instinct had him taking a step closer to her. When she sucked in a sharp breath, all his muscles tightened. She wasn’t moving away, a very good sign. She’d worn some of the clothing he’d bought her and the sight of her in the snug pants and body-hugging fur made his mouth water. He liked knowing she wore something he’d given her.
    After one step, he froze. A distant noise pricked his ears. Bootsteps. An irrational sense of disappointment flooded him. It would be one of his men, either to question him about the project or simply to see Leilani.
    He’d wanted to spend more time alone with her. Which was ridiculous since he had no need for a mate. Or he hadn’t thought so until this human female had come into his life. For so long all he’d cared about was making sure his warriors were trained and keeping the planet safe. Being around Leilani made him want more. He’d seen what losing a female had done to his fathers, but he still found himself drawn to Leilani.
    “What is it?” She gently touched his forearm.
    The feel of her smooth fingers against his skin made everything in him go still. He didn’t move because he didn’t want to break the connection. “Nothing. I hear someone entering the residence.”
    She blinked. “You have really good hearing.”
    “Have dinner with me tonight,” he blurted. He hadn’t meant to ask her but the words escaped of their own volition. The need to make sure she was with him tonight and not some random male clawed at him. Clearly human females made males insane. Or maybe just one human female in particular.
    “If that was a request, then I’d love to.” When her cheeks tinged pink he had to actually bite back a groan. He wanted to see her entire body flushed with the pleasure he gave her.
    When she smiled, it lit up her entire face and made him feel like he had when he’d completed his first round of Samio training so many years ago. Con forced all emotions from his face as he turned to the entryway. He was leader for a reason and his warriors could not see him acting like a fool over a female.
    When Einar entered, Con stepped slightly in front of Leilani. He angled his body so the movement seemed natural, but he did not want this male near her. As tall as Con, Einar had white-blond hair and was apparently good looking according to females. He also desired to take over Con’s position as leader, though he’d never voiced his intentions.
    Instead of simply challenging him, the male tried to play