“Because he’s not real. Their parents pretend he is. They’re the ones who get the gifts and put them under the tree while the kids are asleep, then say it was Santa. Just like the parents are the ones who hide the eggs at Easter instead of the Easter Bunny, and put money under kids’ pillows instead of the Tooth Fairy…”
“Easter Bunny? Tooth Fairy? What are they?”
Renee explains and I listen to her excited chatter, the warmth in my chest spreading with her obvious joy. Her cheeks are flushed, her eyes sparkling. I’ve never seen her so animated.
It occurs to me that her happiness is entirely due to the prospect of talking to the other Hoo-man. It has nothing to do with me. Since she got here, I’ve done everything in my power to put such a broad smile on her face, but nothing I did delighted her this much.
The thought is like a dagger in my gut.
“…so then they put their baby tooth under their pillow, and the Tooth Fairy—in other words, theirparents, as per usual—replaces the tooth with money. Krav? Are you still listening? You look like you’re miles away.”
“I’m listening. Money. Pillow.” Ulf only knows what afairyis but I have no desire to find out.
“Good.” She snuggles against me, her hand splayed over my chest. “Anyway, enough talk of human customs. I just wanted to say thank you for making this the best day ever. For letting me talk to Emma.”
I press a kiss to the top of her head. “I just hope she’s able to answer your questions, pet.”And I hope you ask the right questions. Despite the claiming bite, I’m still nervous that Renee will discover it’s possible to return to Earth—and want to go. That’s the problem with live possessions. You cannot control them completely.
“I’m sure she will. After all, she’ll understand what it feels like… to be on a different planet, to be turned into an Omega, to be claimed by an Alpha king.” She tenses. “Wait, she did get claimed by him, right? They have that same bond thing we do?”
“The soul-bond. Yes.” Khan would never have risked bringing Emma into a room with several other Alphas if he hadn’t claimed her, binding her to him first.
She relaxes in my arms. “Good. Then she’ll know.”
“Know what?”
“Everything, I hope. I have so many questions.”
“Indeed you do.” I reach into my pocket and bring out the other gift I made for her along with the dress. “Here,” I say, laying it across her thighs. “For you.”
“Seriously?” She picks up the shimmering pink leash, rubbing her fingers over it. “Is this what I think it is?”
“To clip to your collar.” I force my tone to remain jovial. “Can’t have you running away.”
“It’s pretty. I guess there’s no harm in wearing it. I did promise to wear what you asked me.”
“You did. You’re a good girl.”
For the first time, I can physically feel her reaction to my praise. A warm glow suffuses her, and the bond between us hums a pleasant melody. “Thank you.”
“Mygood girl.” I hold her tight for a moment before releasing her reluctantly. “Now, as much as I’d like to sit here all day, I need to get things ready for the call.”
As if in response, Renee’s belly growls. I chuckle.
“And we should have some food.” I signal thejynx.
“Okay.” My pet clambers off my lap. “I do have one request of my own, though.”
“What is it?”
“No more of that goddamn horny tea, please!” She rolls her eyes but she’s smiling.
“Thekasewl?”
“Yeah. I do not want to be all riled up and panting with lust while I’m talking to Emma. I promise you can do anything you want to me afterwards.”
“I know. And I will.” Getting to my feet, I slide a hand to cup her neck and draw her to me, bending to speak directly in her ear. “And don’t pretend it was thekasewlthat made your little cunt all hot and achy for me.Ido that to you. It’s the way you always react to me. You know why?”
A gasp slipped out of her while I was speaking, and I’m gratified by the sudden change in her demeanor. “Why?”
