“Getting something to eat downstairs,” I murmur. “And in case you’re wondering, it’s Monday night, and we got Hale to clear your day tomorrow.” I roll over so I can see his face. “You’re quite impressive, you know.”
Callisto chuckles weakly. “You and Ricky are the impressive ones, putting up with that marathon.”
I hum in agreement. “Do you remember knotting his ass?”
“Did not.”
“Yes, you did.”
He rises on his elbow and gapes at me. “Seriously? Damn, I thought that was a wet dream. Is he okay?”
I smile into his warm skin. “We’re all fine. We’re made for you, Callisto.”
He squeezes me, rolling onto his side to hold me better. I think we both micro-nap, but it doesn’t stop him sleepily asking, “So, what do we do with a whole day? Do you need to film?”
“No, because they’re setting up for a huge scene on Thursday.” I cover a yawn, foggy brain operating slowly. “Funny thing is, I can’t actually recall a free day when we weren’t in court, preparing for court, or demonstrating against Zack’s imprisonment.”
He hums in agreement. “Well, something new for both of us then,” he says, a smile lifting his tone.
“Definitely.” I hum under my breath, and then a jolt runs through me. “Oh! I just remembered something I’d like to do.”
“Anything,” he promises, and I know he’ll keep his word, even if I ask to travel to the moon.
“I want to go nest shopping for the rooftop hot house.”
Callisto stiffens and rises on his elbow to meet my gaze. “You . . . want to go looking for nest stuff?”
I nod. “I’m going to fill my hot house to the brim.”
He exhales loudly. “Red, you’ve no idea how happy that makes me.”
I wrap my arms around him and squeeze with all my remaining strength. “Thank you for thinking of me, even with everything going on.”
His words come a little slurred. “I never stopped thinking about you, Red. Never.” He kisses my hair and then his grip relaxes, and his chest rises and falls deeper with sleep. I chuckle softly to myself and then give in to exhaustion, following him into the comfortable darkness knowing this’ll be just the first of many nights spent sleeping in each other’s arms.
I don’t sleep for long, waking when my stomach grumbles. Gently I ease myself out of Callisto’s embrace and shower before heading down to find the rest of my pack. They’re sitting at the dining table, eating loaded baked potatoes.
Zack’s voice floats out as I approach. “I sorry for pulling away on leash. Know now Ri-ckon was keeping Zack safe.”
Tears glint in Rickon’s lovely green eyes as he reaches out to hold Zack’s cheek. “Of course you’re forgiven, my love.” He glides his thumbs in circles through Zack’s scratchy beard, staring up. A soft, golden awe floods through the bond. “I can’t get over how well you speak now, Zack.”
Zack grins widely as he leans into our lover’s touch. “English is hard, but I learn lots in prison. Al teach me. But Mine and White Mine better teachers,” he adds emphatically.
Both men turn as they hear my footsteps. I brace my hands on Zack’s bare shoulders and drop a kiss on his stubbly hair. He spins faster than I can blink and tugs my head down until our lips meet. He groans faintly, pressing into my mouth in search of more contact. We melt in a blaze of passion, devouring each other like starving people.
We have starved, for weeks.
No, longer than that. Each of us fought battles alone for years, existing on a whisper of hope or stubborn refusal to die. Now our hope blooms into something more beautiful and precious than anything we could’ve imagined—a complete family.
Zack settles, parting from me with a soft sigh. “Ohm-ee-ga,” he murmurs, the single word speaking volumes. When I straighten, he leans his head into my stomach for a long moment, both of us enjoying the touch.
He finally releases me and pulls out the chair beside his. “Come, eat. Red and Ri-ckon not eat while I away.”
I ease myself slowly into the chair, my pussy aching dully as I plant myself. “Well, we ate, but not as much as when you’re around.” I trade smiles with Rickon.
“It wasn’t as much fun without you,” he confirms.
Zack grunts and digs his fork into a loaded potato. “Too much salad,” he declares, glaring at Rickon.
