“Amazing,” I finished.
“Yes. More than that.” He cocked his head to look at me.
I felt the movement, so I gathered the strength to turn my head and meet his bright stare. “We bonded. We did it. Told you we would.”
Vex chuckled. “I never doubted it for a second.” He paused, then said, “I felt what you felt.”
Uh-oh. I hadn't thought to warn him about that.
I lifted my brows. “Did it feel good?”
“Very much so.” He frowned. “I didn't know it felt like that to be taken. I, uh, think I might . . . would you . . .”
I sat up, my lethargy vanishing in a rush of adrenaline powered by lust. “Are you trying to ask me to fuck you?”
“I think I might enjoy it. Would you?”
“Uh, fuck yes, I would enjoy it. The only man who lets me . . .” I trailed off. “Never mind. I would like to try it if you would. We can go slowly.”
“Ara?” Vex asked gently. “The only man who let's you take him is Ara, right?”
“Yes,” I admitted.
“I'm surprised. I assume the rest of them can feel what I did.”
“Yes, but that doesn't mean they want to have it done to them.” I frowned. “Although, I wonder about Kel sometimes.”
“You and me both.”
I snickered. “There's something about him that screams 'bottom.'”
“Oh, yes.”
“Which reminds me—when we get together, he may offer to slide his tail into you while you fuck me. Just be prepared.”
“Really?” Vex looked as if he were considering it. “We'll see how much I like it with you first.”
“Xae enjoys it.”
“Again, I'm wondering why more of your lovers haven't turned into switches.” He frowned. “That sounded wrong.”
I stared at him, my hand trailing over his stomach, and smiled. “You know, I can feel you now too. You have a piece of my soul inside you.”
“Oh, yes. I know,” he rumbled and snatched my hand to nibble at my fingertips. “I feel you too. It's comforting.”
I bit my lip. “I'm glad we needed you.”
“What?”
“I know. That's awful to admit. And I feel like an asshole for saying it. I want Ara free and safe, but—”
“I understand, Ember,” he cut me off. “It's all right. You're inside me now, remember? I feel your truth. There is no misunderstanding between us.”
“Good. Because you need to know how happy I am that we needed you. If I had captured Death, there would be no reason to bond with you, and we wouldn't be here right now.”
“I know. And I'm selfishly glad you needed me too.” He pulled me down into a kiss.
Several minutes later, the kiss got hotter, and I started grinding against him.
