I was with the Ranks in this matter. I’d seen how much Caleb was struggling to adjust. While I was grateful my mate was alive and with me, I didn’t think spirits coming back to life in the body of another was a wise thing. Also, how many viable brain-dead bodies were lying around? Not many, I presumed.
“There is a faction of our people,” Father said, “who are displeased that the Crystal placed Caleb, your mate, in Yolkeltod’s body instead of reunifying him.”
Which was why Caleb, I, and hopefully Tinlorray were remaining quiet about the fact Caleb had spoken to Yolkeltod prior to him passing on.
“To flaunt what happened in the face of some of our people’s suffering would not be wise or fair,” he said.
“That is why we are remaining here in the palace,” I replied.
“Yes,” Mother agreed. “Indeed. But when you and Caleb choose to officially bond, we believe it would be far wiser to have a small ceremony over something grand.”
I understood now. When Hallonnixmin took Gilvaxtin officially as his mate, the announcement had been huge and viewable by our people via screens, and they weren’t genetically bonding like Caleb and I would, as they were not Crystal-bound mates. Doing the same right now was insensitive at minimum and cruel at worst.
“That’s fine.” I hated the thought of anything large, and anything sizable would upset Caleb.
Mother and Father both relaxed. “Truly?” Father asked.
“Yes.”
“We love you,” Mother said. I knew that already, and I didn’t need something elaborate when I bound my mate to my side forever to prove that.
I returned to my quarters, eager to see my mate again. When I opened the door, I paused briefly. Kalvoxrencol and Caleb were on the couch together, talking as they watched something on a screen.
“I love this part,” Caleb said, shaking Kalvoxrencol’s arm.
“Quiet,” Pest replied with no bite. They both fell silent before laughing.
Warmth flooded my soul at the sight of my mate and my brother laughing. Caleb was getting rooted in my family with ease, and I knew that this was something he wanted—no needed.He needed to be a part of a family once again, and I was honored he would be a part of mine.
I sat beside my mate and ran my tail over his arm. Caleb shivered, a good one, and leaned toward me. “Hey, Sunshine,” he said. Kalvoxrencol grunted in welcome, tail flicking at me.
“What are you watching?” I asked, trying to understand the humans in colorful uniforms on the screen.
“Star Trek,” Caleb replied shortly.
“What?”
“Quiet,” Kalvoxrencol said.
The play, or whatever it was, was confusing. I didn’t understand why my mate or Kalvoxrencol enjoyed it, but both were engrossed. I frowned at Kalvoxrencol. He needed to leave so Caleb and I could go on a date.
“Where is Seth, Pest?” I asked, hoping to distract him.
“With Urgg and Wyn,” he replied.
I fought a growl. I glanced at Caleb and brushed my tail down his spine before coiling around his. I asked, voice low, next to his ear, “How long is this… play going to continue for?”
“It’s a (human word), Sunshine. And for a while.”
He wasn’t hearing the desire in my voice. I didn’t want to keep my mate from having fun, but I also craved time alone with him. I pressed against his side, and Caleb leaned against me. I nuzzled his cheek, but he didn’t react.
I surrendered. I wouldn’t win this battle, so I kept my arms around my mate and let him enjoy his human play.
It was late by the time Kalvoxrencol had left. Seth had eventually come for Kalvoxrencol, and only then did they stopwatching their show. Now Caleb was stretched out on the bed, lovely in his bare scales.
I snagged the oil for his skin and started to rub a decent amount on. He moaned, tail coiling around mine before flicking away. I spread a generous amount of the oil on his side, then moved to the exposed skin on his head.
“Did you have fun with Kalvoxrencol?” I asked.
