“Because you’re nesting.”
I open my mouth to argue, then consider his statement. I’ve been sleeping in this room for a few days already, and this urge to redecorate came out of the blue. “Is that something Omegas do?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“From what I understand, it’s a natural part of the estrus cycle for most.”
“Estrus?”
“The period of time when the Omega is most fertile.”
His words take a moment to sink in. Krav is a different freakingspecies. The thought that he could put a bun in my oven never entered my head. Until now. “You’re saying I’m having this urge to nest because I’m in estrus… in my fertile phase?” I clarify.
“Of course.”
My heart is crashing against my ribs. “So… you could get me pregnant?”
His entire expression changes—like he’s appalled by the idea—before he quickly schools his features back into neutral. “It’s possible.”
I blow out a breath, like I’ve been socked in the gut. I’d always planned to have kids, but when I woke up on my fortieth with a failed marriage behind me and no good potential baby-daddy candidates on the horizon, I had to face facts: it might be too late. But now…
No. I won’t think about this now. I’m on a new planet, with a new monster lover, and weird changes in my biology to deal with. I’ll mull it over later, in peace. Once I’ve fixed up this space.
Krav waves an impatient hand. “Is your new room complete with just one cushion?”
“No, of course not. Er… I need sheets. Cotton. Can you make them rose gold?” I love rose gold. At his confused look, I clarify. “Gold but with a pink hue.”
“I can try.”
I watch him work, touched by his earnest determination to give me exactly what I’m asking for. Soon, he hands me a set of gorgeous sheets, and I stroke the soft fabric with a sigh. “Perfect. Thank you.”
His eyes light up at the praise. “What else?”
I list more items and he makes them, one by one, with infinite patience. So different compared with my ex, who used to get so grouchy when I asked him to do things around the house.
We’ve settled into a comfortable rhythm, and the room is taking shape. In a whirlwind of silver sparks, Krav conjures up a thick, fluffy rug that covers most of the floor between the door and the bed. It transforms the whole space, making it look soft and cozy. The tense muscles in my back unclench.
Krav turns his impressive powers to making me some curtains while I arrange some gorgeous flowers in a vase on my new dressing table. Since he couldn’t picture any Earth blooms, I asked him for some pretty Ulfarri alternatives, and the bouquet I’m now fiddling with is just stunning. They’re moonflowers, Krav tells me, and they glow in the dark.
I decide this is a good moment to try another question. “Can you tell me more about that estrus thing you mentioned?” They say forewarned is fore-armed.
“When an Alpha and an Omega are… well-suited, when their scents align, they can induce what we call rut and estrus in one another. They get aroused… desperately so… and are biologically ready to breed. The Omega produces slick…”
I bury my face in the moonflowers to hide the sudden rush of heat in my cheeks. I blush so dang easily.
“… and the Alpha forms a knot at the base of his cock.”
“He doesn’t usually have that?” I try to sound nonchalant, but my voice cracks. The sharp throb in my core doesn’t help.
“No. Only with Omegas. It forms just before climax to bind them together, to make impregnation more likely.” Krav sounds smug. “I’m sure you’ve felt mine.”
“I wondered what it was,” I say. “When you suddenly feel even… thicker.” Embarrassed, I glare at him. “You can stop smirking now, please, and make me a mirror. One I can stand on this table.”
“A mirror?”
“A glass to see yourself in.” No wonder there isn’t one anywhere to be found in this castle, if they don’t exist here. Then I consider if that might not be a good thing. I haven’t been able to keep up with my usual grooming routine out here, and for all I know, my skin is now paying the price.
