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  “A turtle?” He suddenly grinned. “What about a horse? Did you ever want one of those? Darkness said something that I haven’t forgotten.”

  “What did he say?”

  “You could ride me like a pony if you wanted.”

  Her eyes widened, surprised he’d just blatantly made an offer that would put her in charge, but then she imagined what it would be like straddling and fucking Obsidian. “Oh yeah. I totally wanted a horse.”

  “How do you feel about dogs?”

  “I love them. Why?”

  “I share some traits with them.” He growled. “I’ve learned to appreciate what I am and not resist my instincts with you.”

  “I happen to love you just the way you are.”

  “I’m going to love you a lot, Alli.” He brushed his lips over hers. “All the time. Forever.”

  She believed him. Later they’d have to discuss the possibility of having children but for right now, she just wanted to be with him and make up for lost time they’d been separated. Their children, when or if they had them, would look just like their father but she hoped his sons would be a tad less stubborn.

  “What are you thinking about?” He studied her. “You look amused.”

  “I’m imagining that pony ride. Lie back.”

  A soft growl rumbled from him. Everything about Obsidian was sexy and he was all hers.

  Obsidian felt absolute contentment for the first time in his life as he stared at his mate. He had worried that he might have lost his Alli forever when he’d been told she’d been sent away. Raw, gut-wrenching grief had plagued him for the first weeks they’d been separated. He’d hated everyone, blaming all for her loss. 46’s death had been hard on him but life without Alli was unbearable. She meant everything to him.

  Breeze and Moon had battled him every step of the way by not leaving him alone. He had to fit in if he wanted to be with Alli again. He would have done anything to make that possible.

  He’d needed to make friends and stop snarling at anyone who approached him. They’d repeatedly risked their lives by facing off with him while he dealt with overwhelming rage. Both had kept assuring him he’d get her back—he just needed to learn how to become a functioning member of New Species society.

  The game was on. He’d been determined to learn their rules and do anything they required to get her returned to him. They wanted him to speak words of kindness so he’d set aside his pride. In time he actually had begun to like other Species. Some of the walls he’d built were slowly chipped away as he heard the stories of survival and loss from males who lived at the dorm. They all shared a bond, some more than others.

  Not a day had gone by when he didn’t miss his Alli. Night had been the worst. The bed seemed too empty and he’d brushed his fingers through his hair or touched his own chest just to help keep the memories of her fresh. Breeze would take pity on him sometimes and check on Alli and give him updates.

  His Alli was safe and well, working at Fuller. It had kept his hope alive that she’d be in his arms soon. When Moon had brought the mate papers to him he’d promised that they’d sneak over the walls of Homeland and retrieve her themselves if that’s what it took to get her back if she wasn’t returned within a four-month period. The waiting had been hard but he’d had hope.

  He’d only had to wait three months.

  He stared into her eyes—something he’d never take for granted after she’d been taken from him. His mate was finally in their home and she’d never leave him again. They’d be happy together. He wouldn’t allow anything less.

  Her fingers caressed his chest as she leaned over with a smile that melted his heart. She owned it and him. They were true mates. He’d once had misery and suffering but now he had a lifetime of happiness to look forward to.

  “I love you, Alli.”

  “I love you too.”

  Her lips met his, kissing him as his arms wrapped around her. He wasn’t ever going to let her go. Mine!

  About the Author

  I’m a full-time “in-house supervisor” (sounds much better than plain ol’ housewife), mother and writer. I’m addicted to caramel iced coffee, the occasional candy bar (or two) and trying to get at least five hours of sleep at night.

  I love to write all kinds of stories. I think the best part about writing is the fact that real life is always uncertain, always tossing things at us that we have no control over, but when you write, you can make sure there’s always a happy ending. I love that about writing. I love to sit down at my computer desk, put on my headphones and listen to loud music to block out the world around me, so I can create worlds in front of me.

  Laurann welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email addresses on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

  Tell Us What You Think

  We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email the author directly or you can email us at [email protected] (when contacting Comments, be sure to state the book title and author).

  Also by Laurann Dohner

  Cyborg Seduction 1: Burning Up Flint

  Cyborg Seduction 2: Kissing Steel

  Cyborg Seduction 3: Melting Iron

  Cyborg Seduction 4: Touching Ice

  Cyborg Seduction 5: Stealing Coal

  Cyborg Seduction 6: Redeeming Zorus

  Cyborg Seduction 7: Taunting Krell

  Mating Heat 1: Mate Set

  Mating Heat 2: His Purrfect Mate

  New Species 1: Fury

  New Species 2: Slade

  New Species 3: Valiant

  New Species 4: Justice

  New Species 5: Brawn

  New Species 6: Wrath

  New Species 7: Tiger

  Riding the Raines 1: Propositioning Mr. Raine

  Riding the Raines 2: Raine on Me

  Something Wicked This Way Comes, Volume 1 anthology

  Something Wicked This Way Comes, Volume 2 anthology

  Zorn Warriors 1: Ral’s Woman

  Zorn Warriors 2: Kidnapping Casey

  Zorn Warriors 3: Tempting Rever

  Zorn Warriors 4: Berrr’s Vow

  Print books by Laurann Dohner

  Cyborg Seduction 1: Burning Up Flint

  Cyborg Seduction 2: Kissing Steal

  Cyborg Seduction 3: Melting Iron

  Cyborg Seduction 4: Touching Ice

  Cyborg Seduction 5: Stealing Coal

  Cyborg Seduction 6: Redeeming Zorus

  Cyborg Seduction 7: Taunting Krell

  New Species 1: Fury

  New Species 2: Slade

  Riding the Raines 2: Propositioning Mr. Raine

  Something Wicked This Way Comes, Volume 1

  Something Wicked This Way Comes, Volume 2

  Zorn Warriors 1 & 2: Loving Zorn

  Zorn Warriors 3: Tempting Rever

  Zorn Warriors 4: Berrr’s Vow

  Ellora’s Cave Publishing

  www.ellorascave.com

  Obsidian

  ISBN 9781419940330

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Obsidian Copyright © 2012 Laurann Dohner

  Edited by Pamela Campbell

  Cover design by Syneca

  Photos: Shutterstock.com

  Electronic book publication August 2012

  The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

  With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502.

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine