“Your parents should be proud of what you’ve accomplished. Look at all the amazing things you’ve done, this beautiful home you’ve worked so hard for. They’re crazy to shut you out because you made a choice that’s right for you.”
A knot welled in Apodis’ throat as he stumbled over how to respond. No one had ever said that to him, that his choice to not rear offspring was okay. Even his coworkers had made him feel like his decision was selfish, that it was hisdutyas an alpha to mate and procreate.
“Thanks,” he said quietly, embarrassed by the roughness of his voice.
Gemini grinned, placing her free hand on his cheek and filling his entire body with warmth.
“I’m just speaking the truth. Trying to influence someone’s decision about something soimportant is unfair, and I wish it didn’t happen. And what does being an alpha have to do with it anyway?”
Her face was so concerned, so kind, and for a moment he had the intense urge to kiss her, but thankfully she dropped her hand just in time.
“Oh, uh. Alphas and omegas are traditionally expected to pair or group up and create offspring together. Or donate their sperm and eggs to the clinics so betas can reproduce, as they are biologically sterile. A few centuries ago, the birth rate was extremely low, but the invention of in vitro procreation stabilized it. Still, many are beholden to tradition, so an alpha or omega who doesn’t want to reproduce is considered an outsider.”
“That is so interesting. Are all alphas male? And omegas are female?”
Apodis shook his head.
“Oh, no. Secondary gender distinctions are not bound by biological sex.”
“I have so much to learn about you,” she said sleepily, her eyes blinking slowly.
“You should rest. You can learn more tomorrow,” Apodis said, and she smiled, obeying him and curling up into her nest like it was where she truly belonged.
CHAPTER 8
GEMINI
Breakfast in bedwas as blissful as usual, the pillows and blankets piled up around Gemini making her feel at home.
At home, like she hadn’t totally invaded this nice alien’s space and made it her own.
She blushed as she finished her last bite of food, every bit of the meal tasting like heaven. Was she getting entirely too comfortable here with Apodis and Zenith? Perhaps, but the aliens didn’t seem to mind. Certainly if she were overstaying her welcome, one of them would say so?
Zenith wasn’t one to hold his tongue to spare someone’s feelings, so she was sure he would have let her know if he wanted her to leave. In fact, the little caerulian seemed eager to have her around, going onand on about the birdwatching expedition they had planned.
Apodis had suggested that Zenith take her to his favorite spot to see the rare birds, and Gemini had the distinct feeling he wanted some alone time. Was it because of her? He must have been used to being on his own, living out here by himself, but she’d thought they’d been getting along well.
Perhapstoowell.
Some time apart was probably needed as spending time with him was becoming more and more difficult. Not because she wasn’t enjoying his company, but because she was enjoying it too much.
It had been so long since she’d had such fun conversations with someone who genuinely seemed interested in getting to know her. Someone who actually appeared intrigued by her attempts at flirting, if a bit confused.
Then there was the fact that she could hardly keep her panties dry when she was around him, the arousal getting more and more difficult to ignore.
“Are you ready to go?” Zenith asked, eyeing her eagerly.
He didn’t seem to get too excited about much, so the enthusiasm was sweet.
“I’m ready. Is it a long walk?”
While her ankle was a lot better and she could get around the cabin without Apodis’ assistance, she still wasn’t completely back to normal.
“Not far at all. Just a few minutes.”
“If you need help on the way back, Z can come get me,” Apodis offered, and she nodded.
“Come along, Gemini,” Zenith said, hopping off the bed and trotting out the door of the bedroom.
