The Chosen Mate (5)

The second centaur was younger, his eyes gleaming with mischief and humor. Even now he grinned at Marcus and Elizabeth. "Elizabeth I want you to meet my younger brothers, Marco and Loren. Brothers, this is my mate." "Welcome, sister." Marco said with a slow smile, though it didn't touch his eyes, which held a guarded and haunted look in them. Loren, the youngest, smiled broadly. "Elizabeth, that's a pretty name. Is she rosy down in her - " Marco chucked Loren on the head and the younger centaur blushed. "I meant no offense, sister." "You must forgive Loren. He's anxious to get his own mate and seems to think of nothing else but women." Marcus explained, glaring at his brother. Loren smiled sheepishly. "That's all right. It's nice to meet you." Elizabeth didn't know what else to say. Marco seemed content to remain silent, though he watched her behind the curtain of his heavy eyelashes, as if judging her worthiness as Marcus's mate. There was something about the second brother that piqu