"MARC, how do I make Molly choose me," Anzar asked the moment he entered his cabin. He sat on the edge of his bed and ran the palms of his hands up and down his thighs. Mother, he was aroused, with desperation driving him, as well. She was beautiful with her laughing eyes tilting upward, her curling lips, and her bright smile. Yet nothing he said or did seemed to make a difference.

"I cannot see into the future, but I can work on probables," MARC said.

Anzar glared at the bulkhead, his mind hurting from all their strange talk. "And that is?"

"I can guess."

He released a long drawn out sigh, unable to extend his patience at that moment. "What is this porn star she mentioned?"

"It's another of Molly's ancestor phrases. It means a female paid to have sex for entertainment."

"What?" Paid with what? As in gifts? He scowled, not liking the implication as if the adebas were porn stars. A black rectangle lit up against the wall in front of him. An image of a red-haired female appeared. She wore something similar to Amy's black cloth, and she walked with a seductive sway to her hips. Her image froze which suited Anzar, since he had risen to study it. "I do not like this female. There is death in her eyes."

None of their adebas had similar sadness in their eyes. They laughed and teased the males. Those who mourned the recent loss of their mates did not serve as adebas. All gifts traveled with them to their sanctuary in the Seguno mountains.

"But she is skilled in mating. This is why Molly didn't want your males to see such videos."

"She fears she will disappoint her mate," Anzar said and sighed, again. "Why does she think so low of herself, MARC?" He tugged out the tie and ran a hand through his hair, his frustration made visible.

"Many years living under Amy's shadow. Also, the loss of her family might play a role. She's afraid to care, to love. I'm guessing, though."

Afraid to love, to step out in faith for fear of suffering through a loveless mating? That made sense. No wonder she had thrown herself across him, showering him with thank-you kisses. A slow smile crawled across his face. That was one of his most treasured memories, and when she chose him, many more will follow.

"Can you teach me how to French kiss?" Anzar asked.

"No, she expects you to be unskilled."

Anzar grunted, unhappy with MARC's response. "And the mating rituals of her species? The physical differences between our females and her?"

If he knew how to bring her pleasure, perhaps he could sway her to choose him. He frowned, unhappy with forcing her hand. He wanted her to choose him because she couldn't live without him. Was this love? He couldn't be sure.

"I have assessed Amy and Grax's biological interactions. Humans and Elkarrans are compatible. As to the differences, I cannot compare since I haven't encountered an Elkarran female. If you snap a comm band onto one of your females, I will run a full diagnostic."

"Fine," Anzar scowled finding MARC answers unsatisfactory. "How far does your loyalty extend?"

"Loyalty? I'm an artificial intelligence, one programmed to see to Molly and Amy's care. Molly requires an outlet which is why I spark her anger. Since she met you, I need not continue on this course."

"So, what's best for her, not what makes her happy?" Anzar dropped on the bed to tug off his boots.

"Yes, and what's best for her is you. I'm not without defenses. I could've prevented you from taking her, chieftain. But she reacted to you in the same manner you reacted to her."

"She did?" Hope blossomed in his chest, and he released a shuddering breath feeling he was one step closer to claiming her. "She did not show this. I am pleased, MARC. Now, would it violate protocol if you kept me informed on her movements? I find I am unable to sleep well if she is not protected."

"None can enter this ship without my permission."

"I am aware of this, yet it does not ease my heart," Anzar said.

"I can display her room on the screen if this will assist?"

Anzar's brows shot up, but he focused on the black shape with eagerness. "Is she in her room now?"

"Yes," MARC said, and the black flickered with her cabin coming into view.

Anzar's breath hitched as he watched Molly. She placed items on the table as if she gathered them together. He suspected they would return with her. She yanked off her breeches, tunic and kemtoch before stepping into the shower, moaning as the water flowed over her naked form.

"There is sound?" Anzar asked, but he didn't need a response. His gaze remained riveted to her enchanting form. Watching her bathe on the screen was better than seeing her reflection in the see-through walls.

"I would suggest you too have a cold shower. Your hormones are dangerously high."

Anzar grunted in response, wondering what a cold shower was supposed to achieve. Hormones? If that meant he was in a permanent state of readiness, then yes, his hormones were high. He recalled MARC mentioning the same to Molly, and the smile that spread across his face was slow and felt glorious.

With a contented sigh, he stripped off his chemchies and kemtoch, stepping into the shower. He set it to hot, finding he preferred to enjoy this for now, since he had bathed in cold water his whole life. After he pressed the white shape, he grabbed a towel, and faced the screen to see she had climbed onto her bed, still naked.

"She's too far away. I cannot see her face." Anzar scowled.

In her tent, it was easy to enter, easy to stand there and watch her sleep. This screen didn't convey the same satisfaction as being in the tent with her. Her image grew until her face dominated the screen. He grunted. Better. Finding the drying droplets on his skin refreshing, he sprawled on the bed, still wet. His arousal bobbed, making its presence known as if he could forget the throbbing ache. He rested his hand on it, to pacify it.

He folded an arm behind his head, elevating his eyes so that he could focus on the screen. A flicker of pain crossed her face, and he frowned, not liking that she suffered.

"Why is she in pain, MARC?" He stiffened, preparing to dress and hurry to her aid.

"She is not. She's seeing to her need."

"Her what?" Anzar groaned, and tightened his hand around his own need. A throaty moan escaped her lips as they parted for a pink tongue. Her tiny teeth bit down on her bottom lip, and her head tilted back on yet another moan. Stroking his manhood, he was unable to stop, not wanting to if he was honest with himself. This time it didn't feel like a chore. He shivered at the pleasure skittering up and down his body, tingling along his spine to settle in his balls. Her breath came in gasps, matching his own rhythm, his own inability to draw in air.

"Anzar," she purred.

Surprise at his name on her lips sent shivers through him. He arched his back as waves of bright, blissful paradise exploded, spilling his seed. He had found fulfilment sooner than he had anticipated. Thankfully, he had cupped the head of his manhood, catching his seed, even as his body shuddered, pleasure saturating his senses. It, mingling with the joyful warmth in his chest, left him breathless.

He didn't move. His gaze remained fixed on her face until she stood up to wash her hands. The moment she returned to bed, the screen focused on her face again and the smile curling her lips had his nipples hardening. Anzar wanted her to smile at him like that with his arousal buried deep in her.

He bounded up, cleaned himself, then settled down for the night, falling into a contented and hopeful sleep.