The question was how badly he wanted her here. He could sense that this would be a deal breaker. Candy had made up her mind. He couldn’t move in a second bed because everyone would know that his mate didn’t want him in their bed. The best he would be able to do was sneak in an extra blanket. It was a no brainer. He would deal. He had to. Torrent nodded. “Fine, but this is my private chamber. I need to feel comfortable and to be myself in this space. Do you agree to that?”

She widened her eyes, seeming to contemplate what he had just said. Then she frowned looking confused. Candy finally shrugged. “I suppose that’s reasonable. So… let me get this straight… no sex.”

“No sex initiated by me. You on the other hand…” He couldn’t wait until that day came. It would be soon if he had anything to do with it.

Her pupils dilated. This female did want him whether she liked it or not. “Yeah, that.” She breathed in and out a few times. “I get to sleep in the bed... alone,” she quickly added.

“Lastly…” She smiled. This female was spectacular. “We need to make a concerted effort to get to know one another. Did I miss anything?”

Torrent shook his head. “That sounds about right.”

“I would appreciate it if we could get out. I want to explore this place. I want to walk on the beach and swim and meet some of your people.” She looked animated, excited even. He wished he could give her everything she asked for and more. It would certainly help them get to know each other. It was a pity it couldn’t happen.

Dammit! He’d expected this to come up but not so soon. “Let’s first concentrate on getting you settled. We’ll enjoy an evening meal together here in my chamber and then, we’ll see.”

Candy nodded. “That’s fair but we’re going out tomorrow.”

“It depends,” he blurted. He needed to be completely honest with her and although he’d mentioned this in passing, it seemed, he needed to spell things out for her. Torrent couldn’t allow himself to forget that she wasn’t a she-dragon. They were very different.

She frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I told you that although we are mated, we still need to make it official.” He raised his brows.

Her frown deepened. “I think I remember you saying something along those lines. I don’t know what it means though.”

“I pretended to fully claim you but I never actually did it.”

She had no idea what he was talking about.

“I believe you humans call it to consummate the relationship.” He registered shock on her face. He’d already come so far may as well go the whole hog. “In order for our mating to be binding, we need to rut.”