9781631055577NiKohsChosenMichaelsNC Read Online Free Page B

and dressed, gathering his wavy purple hair at his
nape an d securing it with a leather thong. Back
downstairs, NiKoh went to his private office and contacted TiGra, the
second-in-command Elder and repeated what his mother had said.
    TiGra’s
sigh was audible. “I did not know she intended to tell you.”
    “I
will tell her I spoke to you and that you have
everything under control.” NiKoh gritted his teeth. “I will be returning to
work next week, providing my mate is doing well. With my absence, I felt the
need to stay close to her for a time.”
    “I
understand. Blessings.” TiGra signed off.
    NiKoh
leaned back in his chair and scrubbed his face with his hands. A cautious
female voice entered his mind. NiKoh? We are ready to
leave. Are you going with us?
    Joy
filled his heart. Yes, be’che’ lu’vey. I am happy to
accompany you. Fi nally, a bright moment. His mate venturing out for
the second time in two days was encouraging—and the fact she wished to return
to her passion, gardening. NiKoh stood and met BeSai and AnKie at the foot of
the staircase, a huge smile on his face.
    BeSai
c lutched AnKie’s arm and reached to take NiKoh’s
extended hand. “Greetings, NiKoh. Are you sure you wish to accompany us? RiKar
or BeHah may think you are ready to return to work.” Her soft gray eyes held a
twinkle of humor.
    NiKoh
kissed her knuckles. “Esco rting two lovely ladies? I
will remind them both I am still on vacation.” He tucked BeSai’s arm through
his and led both from the dwelling. After activating the panel that led to the
Trade Area, NiKoh took delight in the warm day, buying his mate a trinket which caught her eye, and stealing a kiss or two as they
strolled toward the Council of Elders. He felt BeSai’s fingers grip his bicep
the closer they got to the massive white structure with the impressive
collection of flowers, trees, and plants all arou nd
it.
    NiKoh
watched as BeSai approached the garden in a reverent manner, touching the soil
with her fingertips, stroking petals, and smelling random flowers.
    “Whoever
took my place is doing a good job.” She wiped her hands on her skirt and took
NiKoh’s ha nd. “This section looks good, but I notice
a few weeds over there.” She hurried over to pull the errant plant out of the
ground and continued her inspection. “Oh, AnKie, look!” BeSai’s face grew
animated as she gestured toward a four foot, gnarled tree. “I planted this the year OkVei was born. Here’s the willow
tree and the bench where I first met NiKoh—do you remember that?”
    NiKoh
smiled. “How could I possibly forget that? You were on your knees, tending the
soil. I didn’t see you and tripped over your bas ket.
AnKie, we joke that I literally fell for her that day.”
    AnKie
joined in the merriment. “Were either of you hurt?”
    “Only
my pride.” NiKoh clasped both BeSai’s hands in his. “I took her on a lovely
picnic beside that small pond over there.” He gazed at his mate, hoping it would spur some wifely desire in her.
    BeSai’s
face flushed blue. Behave yourself. I remember what took
place, but we do not need to embarrass AnKie.
    You are correct. I am really enjoying
myself.
    I need time, NiKoh. She ended the mind li nk and pulled away, leading AnKie to another section of the
gardens.
    NiKoh
gave himself a mental shake. I should not have pushed her. Even
though she is the one who brought up the past…she had to know my thoughts would
go to that day. Maybe tonight will be the night she
agrees to let me hold her in my arms again? He strolled after the women, recalling
stories BeSai had told him as she had tended certain plants.
    “She
even scolded RiKar once for picking the roses from the trellis outside his
office, remember? ” NiKoh laughed
    “Those
were not to be picked,” BeSai defended her actions and faced NiKoh, her hands
on her slender hips. “The ones in the Conservatory were grown for that purpose.
He deserved a tongue lashing.” Her tone grew