“Young man,” Onyx cut in. “It seems you do not realize you have caused your sister some distress.”
Azura could see that Onyx was angry but following her lead and not being too hard on Martin. She appreciated that.
Martin looked up and appraised Onyx quickly. He seemed puzzled by the fact they weren’t yelling at him. He looked back to his sister, the scowl leaving his face.
“I respect your ability to make decisions for yourself,” Azura said. “But I expect you to leave word with someone if you are going out. It might even be a good idea to take a guide with you, just until you get to know the planet.”
“That seems fair,” he admitted. “I get it.”
He returned his attention to his food, and Azura wondered if that would be the end of it. He looked up at Onyx suddenly, and Azura felt fear twist her guts.
“So, what are your intentions for my sister?” Martin said, a hard tone in his voice. Azura hid a smile, and Onyx struggled to hide an amused look.
The expression a full-grown Doberman might make when a chihuahua puppy decides it’s going to take it on.
“Shifters are perfectly compatible with only one person. Once that match is made, we can’t be with anyone else. I’m aware that humans cannot feel the strength of it the same way we can, but it is very powerful. I intend to marry your sister and make her happy every day of her life. Do you have a problem with that, Martin?”
“No,” the young boy said, thinking it over. “Kyra told me something about this last night. She says I’m her mate.”
“That may be so, but both of you are too young for a wedding. We will support your relationship, though, until you are.”
“Does that mean I should keep my options open?” Martin laughed, swallowing a huge mouthful of pancakes.
“Well, I’m afraid that’s simply not possible,” Onyx said. “Kyra will most certainly kill any female that makes a move on you, and if you go back to Earth, you will find human females completely uninteresting, no matter how beautiful they are.”
Martin stared at him thoughtfully.
“So, once I’m with her, it just won’t work with anyone else?”
Onyx nodded. “Once you are with your mate, there is no going back.”
Martin turned to look at Azura.
“Is that how you feel?”
She nodded, smiling. “It’s very complicated, Martin. I feel close to Onyx, and he makes me happy, but I still have choices to make. I guess I’m still figuring it out.”
Martin nodded, going back to his pancakes. Azura relaxed somewhat. The talk had gone a lot better than she’d hoped, and maybe, all of them would find some peace now.