He froze and tore his eyes from my stomach to look at me in horror. “I am sorry. I should have asked you—”
“Odelm, I was teasing you. Relax. I’d have wanted you to sleep next to me had I been awake to be asked,” I said gently.
“Odelm, I told you it was alright.”
Feeling the start of another flutter, I grabbed Xylo’s hand and placed it alongside Odelm’s, then rested my own just above.
Silence reigned as we felt the cubs move.
The moment felt right.
These two males were now connected to me and would be a part of my life—and the life of my cubs. Watching their expressions change from awe to happiness to pride proved my instincts had been right about their nature. If they cared for our cubs even half as well as they cared for me, I’d have no complaints.
Once the cubs settled, I released their hands, allowing my own to fall to my sides.
Odelm whispered, “That is one of the most beautiful things I have ever felt.”
“I agree,” Xylo murmured.
As I struggled to sit up, they reached out to assist, then settled next to me, Xylo helping prop me up from behind.
“Did you get everything moved in? How’d I get back from Kaede’s?”
“Yes. I had no difficulty registering, and the princes said to send you best wishes. With Xylo’s assistance, I got all my belongings transferred to one of the spare rooms. When we finished, Kaede messaged us you had fallen asleep, and we carried you back here to your nestbed—where you belong.”
“Odelm was worried about claiming the other spot next to you in the center. Worried about how you would react.”
I rolled my eyes. “I don’t see the symbolic importance of it that you two do. There are two spots next to me and two of you.”
“They are reserved for the nestqueen’s Favored—her Primary and Second.”
“So, if I hadn’t decided on a Primary or Second, I’d sleep alone down here while you both slept on one of the outer pallets? That’s absurd!”
“Well, Xylo offered me a spot—said it was okay—but not you.”
“That’s because I was already asleep. I had made it clearto Xylo, in no uncertain terms, I didn’t want to play favorites. If—and only if—I select any other mates, then we can discuss who gets to sleep where, figure out a rotation or whatever. But I still want equality in this clan, this family. Now, I’d rather we focus on other things.”
“Like what you will do about the Aldawi sire of your cubs?” Xylo questioned.
I shrugged. “I’m still not sure, but you will both be the first to know, and you have nothing to worry about.”
“Then we will not.”
They left me alone to freshen up in the bathroom. Both males had seemed to understand. We all knew if I ever accepted my cubs’ sire, it might require some adjustments, but that was a problem for another day. In no case, would I jeopardize what I had found with Xylo and Odelm.
I exited the bedroom in an outfit much like yesterday’s and smiled over at my nestmates as they stared down into the terrarium. They turned toward me as I stepped closer.
“I messaged Kaede. He should be on his way to meet us for breakfast,” said Xylo.
The door chimed.
Rushing over, I beat them to the door and opened it.
Kaede stood there with his hands behind his back. “How are you feeling this morning?”
I smiled. “Well rested. I believe I left without saying goodbye last night. I’m sorry for falling asleep on you.”
“Your rest is more important—as is getting you some breakfast.” He glanced behind me. “Are we ready to go?”
