Which Serapina just proved with her multiple orgasms. No Alphas came running. No one intruded.
Only me.
As I watched from the shadows.
Shadows I step out of now as I materialize in the room.
“Did you enjoy watching me play with your wife?” Maliki asks, obviously sensing my presence. Though, he doesn’t look at me, his body still utterly relaxed despite the sensuality of his question.
Did I enjoy watching him play with my wife?I think. “Yes. And also no.” Because it hurt.A lot.
I don’t get a chance to elaborate on that since Maliki’s next question is about punishment. It confuses me. I invited him to join my mate-circle. Why would I punish him?
It makes me wonder if perhaps that’s why he didn’t try to fuck Serapina—something I half expected him to do, given their aroused states. Though, I’m somewhat relieved he didn’t. I don’t think I could have stayed at that point; Iwould have needed to see more. To be part of the moment.
Maliki, however, surprises me by saying he held back because he’s still getting to know Serapina. It’s not like him to go slow, something I point out.
And he states the obvious back to me: “Sera is more than just a lover.”
I smile. “I know. She’s our mate.” The wording is intentional, a way to remind him that she isoursbecause we’re a mate-circle now. But in case he needs more elaboration, I also clarify that I have no intention of punishing him for pleasing Serapina.
Keeping her happy is our priority.
And I’ve failed that priority.
Which is why I’m the one who has earned damnation. I accept that.
“You want me to punish you?” Maliki asks, after I infer as much aloud.
“You already are,” I tell him. “Watching you play together brings me great pleasure, and significant pain.” I wince as my words remind me of something I need to do. “Which is why I need to talk to Morpheus.” Because if anyone will understand this agony, it’s him.
And knowing I caused him some of this torment has left me feeling a bit… uneasy.
“Keep her happy, Maliki,” I say. “I’m going to try to do the same.”By talking to Morpheus, I think. Though, I don’t add that out loud, just return to the in-between.
“The mandate was unnecessary,” I hear Maliki say, even though he knows I’ve disappeared. “Sera’s pleasure is my main priority now. Which makes her my boss, not you.”
I snort in response, amused by his commentary.
I’ve never been your boss, Maliki, I think at him.
Then truly vanish and go in search of my cousin for a long-overdue conversation.
Chapter 26
Sera
I’m dreaming again.
Or maybe I never woke up and everything with Maliki was a dream, too. I’m not quite sure. What he did to me with his tattoos certainly felt like a fantasy.
And this… this is surreal.
Clouds. Flowers. The scent of a morning mist.
It’s everywhere.
Yet nothing is familiar.
