A low-cost way of abating some of thesymptoms of PCOS and endometriosis would be a godsend for so many people suffering, and Gemini wanted to do everything in her power to make it a reality.
“An admirable goal,” Apodis said with a smile, eyeing the writhing couples—and groups—warily as they meandered along the edge of thefestivities.
The thought of him participating in the alien orgy made the hair on the back of her neck stand up, like she was a wolf sensing another trying to steal her mate. She tightened her grip around his arm, which caused him to chuckle, a tentacle slithering around her waist and dragging her close.
The canopy was dense in this area of the mistforest, but porous enough to allow shafts of prismatic light to filter to the moss-covered ground. The air was thick with moisture, the spicy aroma of pine overwhelming as she breathed in Apodis’ scent.
There were alphas, betas, and omegas all engaging in the celebration, though none had a human with them, and she caught more than a few eyes glancing their way.
“You must be Apodis!” a voice rang through the dense cloud of moans, and they turned their attention to another large Oslieth alpha headed their way.
“Hello,” Apodis said cautiously, his tentacle squeezing around her middle. “I apologize if we’ve met already, but I’ve forgotten your name.”
“Ah, no, we haven’t, but word spreads quickly around Lumeris when we get a newcomer. I’m yourneighbor, Jax. Well, as close of a neighbor as you’ll get around here. I’m over on the other side of the river.”
“Oh, yes, well, it’s very nice to meet you,” Apodis said, bowing his head as Jax did the same. “This is Gemini.”
“Gemini, roots greet roots,” Jax said, tipping his head as she did the same.
“Roots… greet roots,” she answered tentatively, and his smile beamed right through her.
He appeared older than Apodis, but not by much, with the same silvery hair, though his was cut shorter. He looked her up and down, his gaze a little too meandering for her liking, and she felt Apodis stiffen beside her, a low growl rumbling in his throat.
“My apologies, I didn’t realize she was yours. I’ve never met a human omega,” Jax said, his tentacles hugging close to his back in a look of contrition.
Did they all know that she was an omega? She didn’t like the sound of that, even if she was becoming more used to her new designation as the days went by.
“You say that as if she’s my property, which she is not,” Apodis snarled. “She is my mate, and you will respect that.”
“Yes, of course. My mistake,” Jax said, backing up. “It was nice to meet you. I’ll send you my comm number, feel free to message if you’d like to visit sometime. I’d be happy to host you both.”
Jax bowed low, then turned on his heel, making his way back into the sensual fray as Apodis continued to clutch her fiercely.
“It’salright,” Gemini said, turning to face him as he moved his hands to her hips. “You know, I’m not into that whole aggressive alpha thing.”
Apodis’ fangs extended, and Gemini gasped, the seed of arousal burrowing deep in her core blooming to life in an instant. He ran a hand through her hair before grabbing a fistful and pulling her head back so he could whisper in her ear.
“Are you sure about that, little human?”
Oh, no. Fuck, no. She’d never been less sure of anything in her entire life. Perhaps the possessiveness turned her on a bit more than she cared to admit, the way he seemed so intent on protecting her, onkeepingher.
Gemini failed in trying to find her words, only a soft whimper leaving her lips as Apodis’ fangs scraped against her tender flesh.
“I thought so…” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her cheek before standing to his full height once more.
She gazed up at him through her lashes, giving him what she hoped would equate to a sultry look.
“Why exactly did you bring me here? To afertilityceremony?”
Apodis’ eyes widened, golden glimmers swirling like she’d thrown him off his game, which wasexactly what she’d been trying to do. He cupped her cheek, brushing his thumb over her lips and sending a tingle down her spine.
“I don’t want to get you pregnant, but I have to admit, the thought of fucking you out here is pretty enticing.”
Another soft mewl left Gemini as she gripped Apodis’ shirt, the same one he’d worn when they first met. The low cut showed off his toned chest, and she slid her palms up until she met his heated flesh, beads of sweat like dew on the ultraviolet skin.
“I’m here to participate in Oslieth culture,Apodis. Why don’t you show me how your species celebrates the Bloomveil?”
Apodis let out a breath, his grip on her waist tightening for a brief second as a tentacle curled around her leg, the tip brushing under her shorts and caressing the curve of her ass.
