Knollig: A Terraneu Novel ( Book 2) by Stormy McKnight Read Free Book Online Page A

that male.
They will not however, be able to change mates easily. This is something
that has been agreed upon by the Council, and members of the community. Why
would a woman not want to see which male would fit her best?”
    Amber saved her from answering, “The women can date
as long, or as little as they wish…until they find the one they agree is their
mate. It doesn’t matter how much time passes, it only matters that both of them
are willing and understand the ramifications of choosing mate status.” She
swung her eyes to Mairi, “Also, the men and women won’t be allowed to be cruel
to each other. We are hoping that the psychological evaluation Kneus comes up
with will weed out any really unacceptable females.”
    Mairi had a lot to think about. She knew she didn’t
want to explore other men. She wanted to explore Knollig. The Council had
decided that the women should date around, not necessarily from bed to bed…but
get a feel for the men of the community before deciding on one. Her body had already
decided on Knollig. She wouldn’t have any problems being friends with other men
in the community, but she wanted him.
    “Is there anything else I need to be present for?”
When they shook their heads no, she could leave. She asked, “Is there someone
that can walk me back to my quarters?”
    Knaleg and Knollig both stood up and simultaneously
said, “I can take you.”
    All eyes swung to the two brothers.

Chapter
Seven
    Knollig almost laughed over his small victory.
Knaleg had stood up and volunteered to take the female back to her quarters. He
had taken great pleasure in reminding Knaleg, “You are scheduled to go out and
train the men who swarmed Mairi are you not? Besides I already offered Mairi a
tour.”
    Knaleg had inclined his head, then with a flourish grabbed Mairi’s hand
and lingered over it. Whispering words he couldn’t hear, that had the female
laughing. The husky sound had skipped down his spine, sending little waves of
electric shock to all his nerve endings. If this was how he was reacting to one
small laugh from the female, how was he going to last through her dating
different men?
    With a low growl, he had bumped his brother out of the way. Just how he
was able to manage that feat he wasn’t sure. He really did need to have a talk
with Knaleg about slowing down on the training. At the rate he was going they
would need to widen the doorways. His brother was turning into one massive
beast. He really felt sorry for anyone who messed with him…they wouldn’t come
out the winner.
    “Mairi,” he pulled her tenderly to her feet. “Allow me to give you the
tour I had promised earlier, and then walk you to your quarters.” He didn’t
wait for her acquiescence, with his hand on the small of her back, he propelled
her forward.
    Before they made it out the door Amber yelled after them, “I will stop by
tomorrow and talk to you about the classes for the men.” He had turned with
Mairi in time to see Amber do a wave and Mairi did a wave back. Then he
couldn’t help himself his hand slipping to even lower on her back. Somehow he
got Mairi out the door before Knaleg could interfere.  
    ~*~*~*
    “Did you feel the sparks between them?” Amber was
waving her hand in front of her face. “I mean…Wow!”
    “I only feel sparks for you little female.” Kniam
came around the table and helped Amber to her feet. Keeping his arm around her
shoulder.
    “I have to agree with Amber. They are going to have
a sexual relationship!” Knaleg laughed. “He wanted to kill me for even touching
her. I could feel it.”
    Kniam’s concerned gaze swept to his brother, “Knaleg
don’t taunt Knollig if he has chosen Mairi.” He held his hand up to his
brother, “I know you do not have real feelings for her, if you did it would be
you walking her around the compound and not Knollig.” Then before Knaleg could
escape to his training mission, Kniam asked, “Are you well? We are all worried
about you. All