Embracing Emily (#7 Warriors of Kelon) by Angela Castle Page B

sick kids. We got you out pretty quickly when I realised. I know you won’t talk to me about what happened, but I think you need to talk to someone for your own peace of mind.” She smiled and shuffled off his lap.
    Jyl's brow plate rose in surprise, and then turned to amusement. He understood and so did Hurr who hovered close by. Behind them, Vallarr noticed Lieutenant Simmons, his arms folded, his face turned down in a deep scowl.
    There was no way this would go unreported to Emily’s father, the Colonel. Everyone witnessed his shame, added to the fact he called Emily his Corami in front of Jyl and Hurr. There was no running, or hiding it from his fellow Kelons.
    “Corami... Vallarr, are you sure?” Jyl offered his hand to help Emily balance until she threaded her arm through her crutch. “You best be certain before there is a challenge to her—including by myself.” Vallarr growled before he could stop himself at the thought of Jyl touching her, daring to try and claim what was not his.
    “What is Corami? The translator isn’t translating it.” She glanced from Vallarr to Jyl.
    “She is mine! You dare try and challenge, I will tear your insides out!” The venom behind his words made her gasp, her eyes wide, but not in fear.
    “Vallarr? What’s going on?
    Jyl smiled. “I am making sure, Emily, that you belong to Vallarr, so none of us can court or claim you. It is the Kelon way. If anyone challenges a claim, it is a fight to the death.”
    “No, don’t you dare do that.” She scolded, his fierce little teacher. “No fighting—I won’t allow it.”
    “Do you care for Vallarr, Emily?”
    Such lovely colour bloomed in her cheeks, her smile one of adoration, it scrambled his thought process for a long moment. His arms ached to hold her close, his cock wanted to feel her tight, wet heat wrapped around it. “Yes, I care with my whole heart.”
    Her eyes met his, her gaze uncertain of how much to reveal. He nodded. “It is alright, I have already accepted my feelings for you.” He took her hand. “Yet, I would rather not display them before present human male company.” His gaze slid to the still scowling Simmons.
    Jyl followed his gaze. “I understand. Have you claimed her? Otherwise there is still a chance—”
    “Do you want to die today? Yes, I have claimed her.” There was no holding back, his mind and body knew the truth. He needed to claim her, especially with so many other Kelon males interested, although he could not blame them for desiring his sweet Emily.
    She gasped, her eyes widened “But you said...I thought...oh, I feel dizzy.”
    Vallarr pushed to his feet and wrapped his arm around her, steadying her.
    “I was a fool, I beg your forgiveness. You are mine, my Corami , it means you are the only one who can fill the emptiness within my heart.”
    Tears swam in her eyes, his heart ached as he knew she wanted to throw her arms around him. He leaned down and whispered, “When we are alone, my love.”
    She nodded and stepped back. “Can we keep this only between us, for now?” She glanced from him to Jyl to Hurr. I doubt my father will take kindly to me, dating a Kelon.”
    “We will do our best to make sure it goes unnoticed for now. Something will be reported.” Jyl stepped back. “I will make sure the others know you are claimed, so there is no more, as the humans say, flirting.”
    Her cheeks reddened further. “Thank you, Commander, you are a wonderful man, truly.”
    “Only not wonderful enough for you. I am saddened, but I will live.” He winked, bringing back her smile.
    “I think it best we return to base,” Vallarr said in loud, clear English for the benefit of their audience.
    “Agreed.” Jyl nodded.
    “Assist me, please?” She handed off her crutch to Jyl.
    She leant heavily against Vallarr and he fought the urge to lift her into his arms.
    “When do you think we can return? I promised to bring images of some of our Kelon ships to the younglings.” Hurr