“He is correct. There are enough titles attached to many of my nestmates, so I would rather save time and skip the formality, in hopes it will make everyone comfortable.” She covered her mouth, smothering her giggles. “Odelm knows firsthand I don’t like any peacocking around me—especially my mates.”
Zirene stuck out his chest. “That is because I would win.”
Selena rolled her eyes. “You aren’t in my bed at the end of the day. I wouldn’t call that winning.”
Symi gasped as her face paled, eyes wide. Xylo and Odelm stared at Selena in shock.
Zirene purred, his lips curling in a sly smirk. Selena’s fiery sass was refreshing. He hoped she would continue to blossom now that she could relax without fear about her immediate future.
“No… but I am in your dreams every night.”
“And?” Selena taunted, tilting her chin at him.
“Perhaps I need to remind you what I am capable of.”
“Perhaps… but that doesn’t help you here and now.” Selena reached over and grabbed her nestmate's hands. “Good thing I have two willing males who can fulfill my needs.”
“Lady Selena—”
“Symi.” Zirene held up his hand to silence her. “Don’t take banter between Selena and me seriously. She is still recovering from all the stress from the CEG Space Station while I am having fun teasing her.”
Symi nodded quickly. “Yes, Sire.”
Zirene turned his attention to his Nova, who watched him with an eyebrow raised. Symi was nervous around him. He checked his aura, confirming he was projecting as he was trained to do around civilians. It was safe to assume Symi wasn’t used to being around royalty, which was acceptable, for most weren’t. He would have to make sure the Villa Headmaster grew comfortable around him and any other high-status guests Selena would invite to stay with her.
“Selena, are you interested in a tour of your villa’s grounds? That is, if you are well and rested enough to do so. I understand if you want to lounge around and take everything easy for now.”
Xylo squeezed Selena’s hand and smiled. “I believe you should take his offer if you are feeling up to it. I need to make sure the healing team has settled in and started inspecting the villa’s small infirmary. If it is okay with you?”
Selena bit her lip in hesitation and shot a glance at Zirene. “If that is what you would like to do.”
Odelm leaned forward and cupped her face, brushing his thumb over her lips. “None of that, Selena.”
She growled and nipped his thumb. Selena laughed as Odelm jerked his hand away in shock.
“I am assuming you want to unpack your instruments or something?” Her eyes softened. “Maybe even play? I know it’s been a while.”
Odelm hesitated as his tentacles adjusted themselves around him. “I would love to…”
Selena lifted her hand from his and pressed it between the pair of Odelm’s hearts. “Then go,” she said with a gentlesmile. “I know how important it is to you and how long it’s been since you last played.”
“Are you sure?”
Selena rolled her eyes and sighed before climbing to her feet.
“You both have sacrificed a lot to take amazing care of me. While it will take some time to adjust to our new lives here, I would like you both to feel at home.” She looked over at Zirene and locked her eyes with his. “I believe Zirene has been waiting patiently to show me what he has created after all these years.”
“You are correct.”
Selena leaned over and gave both of her nestmates a quick kiss on their foreheads. “Loves, I am only one thought away. Have fun. Enjoy yourselves. We are at home.”
Selena walked over to Symi, who was trying to remain invisible to their private conversation, and held out her hand.
“I am not good at this… but I am happy you introduced yourself and hope we can get to know each other.”
Zirene watched the exchange as Symi looked down at Selena’s hand and slowly grabbed it. Selena smiled and gave it a few shakes before letting go.
“Thank you for the meal. It was delicious.”
