Are you really going to take her like this? Like an animal on the ground?

Excerpt, Gemini Rising Book I, Chapter 23- Scent

"Are you really going to take her like this?”  Slate was still hemming and hawing. “Like an animal on the ground? You want this to be her first experience with a man? Look at her! Look at how light and sweet she is! I see that now, even through your dark eyes. You owe her the comfort of time and grace, not lust and greed. Not on your level. She doesn't belong there.” The words sounded in his head like icy needles being thrown on hot coals. They sputtered and steamed and infuriated him.

Shut up. His mind fought the internal battle against the inner angel. Why had he come back? Another Collin? Another mistake he’d made?

“No, I won't. I will not shut up! You know you can't keep her! You know she’ll hate you if she finds out you’ve done this to her, to me. She will never forget, never forgive you, never.”

I don’t care! I want it, I want her! Shut your mouth, you fool! When I’m done with you, you are going to suffer.

She thinks you are me, you idiot! She loves me! Not you!

Onyx’s resolve was weakening. He was being so careless with his little prize, so mean. Slate was so very right and it made him angrier. He looked down at her sweet face, so relaxed and open, waiting to be loved, to give her very core to him. He could not do this. With a hiss of air, he rested his head onto hers and spoke to her in a regretful whisper.

"Oh, little one." Once the words were out, he felt her stiffen, sensed the change in her demeanor. He raised his head, expecting her to scream at him, pummel him; fight to get him off. He knew he had spoken those very same words to her in the field, right before he had attacked her, and that she would recognize the tone and pitch. This would be easier for him to resist. Her resentment would surely sever this union of their bodies, however brief and wonderful it was. He needed it to end.

Thank you. Slate whispered with relief from within.

When Onyx’s eyes met hers, none of the emotions he had prepared himself for emerged. Instead, there was a curious tilt of her head, and an excited light he'd never seen before. This is not good, Onyx thought.

“Most definitely not,” Slate chimed in.

"Slate? Is that you?" Her voice held hope and wonder. Not a hint of fear or anxiety. He licked his dry lips and responded.