“I likeit, and I likeyou,” Gemini said, almost absentmindedly, before her eyes widened with shock. “Oh, God. I don’t know why I said that. I mean, obviously I like you. We’re friends. But I wasn’t trying to make things weird. I just feel so exhausted. I don’t think my brain is working right.”
Because you’re a new omega about to go through your first heat.
“We can just rest today. You had a big injury, and your body needs time to recover.”
Not untrue, but not thewholetruth.
“Yeah, you’re probably right,” she said. “But promise me we’ll do more exploring tomorrow!”
Gemini put on that perfectly beautiful pout that was impossible to resist, and Apodis nodded.
“Of course. Rest today, explore tomorrow.”
Easy for him to say when he had no idea what tomorrow would bring.
Another perfect day with a human female who wasn’t his mate.
They relaxed and talked, Gemini’s head resting in his lap for hours as they chatted about their lives on Thitis 4X and Earth. She explained more about her work, and he talked about some of the most beautiful spots in his territory.
When they finally got into bed after a simple meal, Apodis couldn’t help but feel like this was where Gemini was meant to be. In the nest she built, withhim.
“Do you have family?” she asked, smiling as she cozied up into her mass of pillows and blankets.
“I do, but we’re not close. How about you?”
Thinking of his family hurt him, but he was eager to learn more about her. And not at all because he was wondering how much she had on Earth to get back to.
“Yeah, my parents and brother live on Earth.”
“Do you get along?”
“I mean, we have our ups and downs, but generally yes.”
He was certainly happy for her, but that was yet another reason it was senseless to think she’d have any reason to stay here. A truly selfish thought. He was silent for a few moments, deciding how much he wanted to share.
“My parents are very disappointed in me,” he started, saddened by the way her smile dropped in an instant. “I’m their only child, and they really wanted me to have offspring. They were so excited when they found out I was an alpha, but I broke their hearts when I told them I would never have children. We don’t speak anymore.”
Gemini let out a quiet gasp, her brows furrowed and her mouth curled into a deep frown.
“That’sawful,” she said. “I’m so sorry.”
“It is not unusual for our species.”
Not unusual, but it still hurt. He hated that he had failed them so greatly that they refused to see him.
Gemini took his hand, which sent a shock through him, giving him a beautiful, reassuring smile.
“I mean, it can be the same on Earth. My parents weren’t happy when I told them I was childfree, but they accepted it. Though I know it’s easier for me because they can dote on my brother’s kids.”
“You are childfree?”
She nodded, rubbing her thumb along the back of his hand in a gesture so tender it made his stomach do somersaults.
“Yeah. I knew I never wanted to be a mother, and I don’t see anything wrong with that. Some people are so obsessed with fertility, but I really don’t think becoming a parent is something you should do just because everyone tells you to.”
“I agree. I enjoy my life the way it is, and I could not give a child what they truly deserved.”
Gemini nodded with a sad smile.
