Something pressed against my hip. My fingers brushed Lucy’s silky fur. She purred, rolling over and exposing her belly. I patted the jiggly dough, grinning.
“We will come when Seth is ready,” Kal snapped, his voice carrying through the cracked door.
Another voice sounded, but I couldn’t catch more than a gentle murmur.
“This is too much for him. He needs space. I will introduce him when he’s ready, Hallonnixmin.”
I scooted off the bed and crept toward the voices.
Kal stood with his back to me, wings sprawled and tail whipping. Another man was in the doorway of our apartment.He was quite a bit taller than Kal with dark blue scales, red and gold accents, and messy purple hair. He and Kal shared many facial features like their strong jaws, plump lips, and wide foreheads. They were obviously related. One of Kal’s brothers. The eldest I thought, but I couldn’t accurately remember.
Kal’s brother crossed his muscular arms. “You were both supposed to come to breakfast. Father is worried, Kalvoxrencol. You don’t want him to worry, not now. Not when you’re this close to getting what you want. Father is already doubting your ability to care for Seth. Do not give him any more weapons.”
“I’m caring for Seth right now.” Light had begun to shine through his scales, and I stepped forward, ready to comfort him. “This is overwhelming for him, and he’s shut down. He needs sleep. Seth has a condition similar to Zoltilvoxfyn’s. He needs more time to adjust.”
He studied Kal for several breaths before he tilted his head to the side. “I will try to waylay Father and Mother.”
“Thank you.” Kal’s wings dipped from their sprawled positions and the light dimmed.
His tail spiraled around Kal’s. “I’m glad you’re back, Pest. I missed you.”
“Me as well,” he said, but his voice was tight.
“It’s alright, Kalvoxrencol. I swear it. I’m on your side, as I always am. You are not alone in this battle. I, our brothers, and Monqilcolnen have been telling Father to let you reaffirm your bond to Seth Harris.”
“I need him,” Kal whispered. “I love him.”
He drew Kal into a short hug. “I know, Pest. Take what time you need. I will shield you from Father and Mother.”
After his brother left, Kal continued to stand near the door, vibrating with tension. I bit my lip and stepped forward, my bare feet quiet on the wood floor. I snaked my arms around him, burying my face in his back between his outstretched wings.
Kal jolted, taking a sharp breath. “Husband, you’re awake?”
“Yeah.” I rubbed my forehead against the silky fabric of his shirt, basking in the heat that emanated from him. He was like the sun—bright and warm.
“Did you hear that?”
“I did.”
“Don’t worry about Hallonnixmin. Take your time.”
I turned him around and pulled him flush against me. “I’m not worried, but thanks for protecting me.”
“I will always protect you.”
I placed a kiss on his lips, wrapping my arms around his neck. Kal returned the gentle pressure, not pushing for more. After a few moments, I shifted back, and he didn’t follow. “I’m sorry.”
He placed his fingers on my lips. “Don’t apologize.”
I clutched the front of his shirt, burrowing into him. Kal kissed the top of my head, his claws dragging over my sweater, which made me wish I wasn’t wearing it. Nuzzling his neck, I nipped him. Kal jerked. I froze. I had no idea why I’d done that. Kal ground his hips against mine.
“I liked that, my Seth,” he whispered. “Don’t fret.”
I bit him again, then shifted back. “Show me your apartment.”
“Our quarters.”
Smiling, I repeated, “Our apartment.”
