Chris burst out a laugh. "You goof."
I leaned in to kiss his nose and felt the heat radiating off Chris's cheeks. "How was that?"
"Amazing." He sighed. "But, um... this is kind of embarrassing."
I raised a brow in confusion, then followed Chris's gaze down to his groin. His dick was getting hard even though he just came.
"Looks like he wants more attention," I teased. "Want me to go down on you again?"
"Actually... there's something else I want."
"Tell me."
Chris's lashes fluttered as he glanced away. He chewed his lip. I knew he was hiding something.
When he didn't reply, I gently grasped his chin and angled his face towards me. "I want to know, Chris. You're my fated mate. Whatever you want, I'll give."
After secretly mulling it over for a moment, Chris glanced up at me with a shy smile. "Would you fuck me?"
I shivered. "Yes."
Just in case this happened, I was prepared. I reached into my back pocket and pulled out a condom, but Chris put his hand on top of mine.
"I meanwithoutthat," he said.
The meaning of his words hit me. "You... you want to have a baby?" I asked incredulously.
He bit his lip. "Sorry, is it too soon?"
"No!" I blurted out. "I'm surprised, is all. I've wanted that since the second I first laid eyes on you, but at the time I couldn't say anything."
Chris smiled brightly. "Really?"
"Yes, I mean it." I grasped his hands. "If it's what you want, Chris, let's have a baby. Right now."
My mate chuckled at my verbal blunder. "I mean, I'm nothavingit right now, but I guess we couldmakeone." He paused, going quiet for a moment.
"What is it?" I asked. "Are you worried about Zoey?"
"Oh, not at all. She's always wanted a sibling, but I never thought it was in the cards. I just don't know if I can afford another child, even with this new job..."
I scoffed, crossing my arms. "Chris, you're kidding me, right?"
"Huh?"
I gave him a light knock on the forehead. "Hello, earth to human omega. Rich manticore alpha here. We'refated mates. That means what's mine is yours, including my house and my money."
Chris gawked like the idea hadn't occurred to him. "Oh... I..."
I poked him in the nose, cutting him off before any nonsense came out of his mouth. "Don't say you can't. We're soulmates, like you said." I leaned in so my lips were an inch from his. "Move in with me, Chris. You and Zoey have a home here. Let me take care of you."
Tears welled up in Chris's eyes. He aggressively wiped them. "Ugh, I hate you. You're making me cry."
I grinned. "Well, I love you, so that cancels out the hate."
Chris threw his arms around me, nuzzling his face in my neck. "I didn't mean it," he mumbled. "I love you, too."
My heart back-flipped about fifty times. It was pure joy to hear those words. "So you'll do it? Move in with me?" I asked.
