Candy pulled herself into a sitting position, she smoothed down her sweatshirt and tucked her legs underneath herself.

Torrent twisted his body so that he was facing her. “You said that there is something you wish to negotiate.”

* * *

Candy nodded.

Her big blue eyes were focused on him. She picked some lint off of her baggy sweatshirt. He wished he could rip the garment from her body.

Note to self, procure some proper fitting human clothing and as a matter of extreme urgency.

Her agreeing to stay with him was a major breakthrough. They were actually communicating. Excitement coursed through him. It was just a matter of time before she sought to have her needs met. He could scent that she was aroused even though he had barely touched her.

How bad could her requirements be? If it meant her staying with him, he would grant them in a heart beat. How bad could they possibly be?

She licked her lips and took a deep breath. Why was she stalling? He didn’t like it. Candy finally looked him in the eyes. “It doesn’t matter that we are… mated.”

Yes, it did! He didn’t say anything. He needed to give her an opportunity to talk first. She seemed to struggle with the notion. Although he had never spent any extended time with humans, he had plenty of experience with them. Those that wanted more after one night were normally running away from something. Most were happy with just the sex. There were also those that were somewhere in-between.

“I don’t see us in that way. As mates.” She licked her lips. “It’s just too soon. I think it’s too soon to live with you, even if the situation is temporary.”

He growled softly at her words, he couldn’t help it. It’s not temporary! He grit his jaw to keep himself from saying it out loud.

“You might not like it but it’s how I feel. I’m willing to meet you half way by staying here but I can’t share a bed with you.”

It was bad.

Really fucking bad.

Torrent squeezed his eyes shut and clutched the back of his neck, which felt like it had gone into instant spasm. He willed calm to come but it didn’t. “You are my mate.” He released his neck. “Mates should sleep together. I won’t try anything.” He held up his hands. “I swear.” He never thought he would ever say such a thing but here it was.

“If you want me in your space then I need to sleep alone.”

Fuck!