I gasped as tears filled my eyes.
Theirs—they considered my cubs theirs. Despite their species not caring for offspring or understanding family in the way human culture did, they considered my cubs theirs—just because it was important to me.
“Are you all right?” Odelm asked, his face worried as he stroked my hair.
“Yes. It is just... what you said. Ours... You called my cubs ‘ours.’”
“That is what Xylo and I consider them. We understand what you want for our family—our clan. So, it became important to us too, as you have shown things of importance to us—my music, Xylo’s research—are important to you.”
I leaned forward, cradling his face in my hands and crushed my lips against his mouth slit. Closing my eyes, I tried to push my warm feelings about him down our bond.
His mouth opened in a gasp, allowing me entry. I lapped at the roof of his mouth and his tongue entwined with mine.
I moaned at the strong sweet-salt taste of him. He buried his hands in my hair as my hands tightened on his cheeks. I wanted him—needed him. And he was mine—now and forever.
I pulled away, panting.
My eyes traced his face, trailing down his neck to his shoulder. A bite mark on the right side—in the exact same spot I’d marked Xylo as I accepted his bonding spore—the ridges of the already-healed scar also white.
Odelm’s eyes followed my hand as I reached for his mark, lightly tracing it with my fingertip. A shiver raced through his body, and he closed his eyes, swallowing.
“Selena...”
“Odelm, you’re mine. This mark proves it. You won’t ever be alone again.”
He shuddered and opened his eyes, his pale green eyes staring into mine.
“You have given me everything I have ever wanted. I hope I can give you everything you want in return.”
“Both you and Xylo are giving me so much—”
My stomach chose that moment to interrupt, rumbling. Odelm placed his hands over it with a chuckle.
“Okay, let us give you your bath and take you to breakfast.”
I smiled. “Okay.”
“Stay here. I will be right back.”
I leaned back and closed my eyes, reveling in the comfort on the nestbed.
The sound of the bathroom door opening brought me alert. Odelm swaggered into the bedroom, smiling proudly. He helped me up out of the nestbed and led me into the bathroom. My legs were still wobbly with fatigue.
Pale purple bubbles covered the surface of the water.Taking in a deep breath, my lungs filled with a light floral scent—perfect for the moment.
“I thought you would enjoy this.”
Looking around, I replied with a smile, “I do.”
I moaned as he helped me lower myself into the warm bathtub.
“Oh Stars. I will never get used to this—or take it for granted.”
Odelm swam to my side of the enormous tub and searched through the soap baskets. He picked a purple-swirled cube, then sat next to me.
“Can I wash you?”
A giggle escaped. “Of course. You don’t need to ask.”
