“I can think of several ways.”
“Can you?”
“Yes.”
I captured his lips and stood with him in my arms, then headed to the bedroom, more than ready to persuade him to the best of my abilities.
Wyn was deep asleep against me, his tail wrapped around mine. I kept running my fingers up and down his spine, relishing his place beside me. I hadn’t even asked him to stay; he just had. I kept my gaze locked to him, watching his eyelids flicker and his chest rise and fall. Peace was so strong in my soul right now it felt as if I was basking in the light of the Crystal.
I didn’t want to close my eyes and end this. I wanted to stay with him, aware of him for as long as possible. I should sleep, as I had duty in the morning, but I couldn’t. Not yet. I needed more time with him.
A deep voice sounded in my ear. “Monqilcolnen.”
I grabbed my touchstone, and Wyn grumbled, tightening his hold on me. I ran a hand down his back to soothe him as I answered, “Vorjyn.”
“It’s been a long time,” he said.
It had been.
We’d been in the academy together and then stationed on our first ship together. We’d never been stationed together again, merely meeting at random moments, before he had left thePlanetary Navy altogether. He was now a mercenary. I didn’t condone his life choices, but at least he tended to only escort powerful people or precious cargo from one place to another. Or so he said. I wasn’t convinced. Vorjyn was rather bloodthirsty to only guard people.
“You realize this is not a short trip home,” I told him, skipping the formalities. Vorjyn loathed small talk. “You could be stuck here for cycles.”
“I know, but I need to get away from my last job. To say she developed inappropriately amorous intentions toward me would make light of the situation. She has basically started stalking me and is trying to get her father to ‘buy’ me for her pleasure.”
I shook my head. “That does sound concerning.”
“Hence my need for a quick escape, even one supplied by the Drakcol Empire.”
“Well, I shall be there soon.”
“I suppose I’ll stay in your quarters. It’s been a long time since we’ve fucked, and I could use a good fuck right now. It would calm me down.”
Once, long ago, Vorjyn and I had been fuck friends. It had been nothing more than convenience, but times had changed. Wyn grunted, shoving his face into my side. I smiled softly. Things had most definitely changed.
Even if I’d been so inclined to want someone else, Wyn had made it very clear he wouldn’t share me.
“You won’t be able to stay with me,” I said, trailing my fingers over Wyn’s back. His scales were so slick. He took excellent care of them, and I adored the feel beneath my fingertips.
“Why not? Has there been a change in regulations? Can’t fuck the outcast of the navy anymore?”
I scoffed. “There’s been a change in my relationship status.”
“Really?” Vorjyn asked, his voice not shifting in the slightest, still remaining bored. “Good for you.”
“Thank you. Wyn and I are simply courting at the moment, but he means a great deal to me.”
“Wyn… that’s a short name.”
I growled at the implication.
Wyn opened his eyes, looking around—nothing was to be seen in the darkened bedroom. He climbed on top of me, his weight settling me. Head tucked under my chin, he patted my chest and said, “Go back to sleep, Monqilcolnen.”
I didn’t respond, but I did rest my free hand on the small of his back to keep him close to me.
Vorjyn continued as if I hadn’t growled at him. “He’s clearly of a different station.”
“So?”
