Heat bloomed low in my abdomen. My fangs tingled as I let out a small, half-strangled moan.
Venom stung under my skin, specifically an aphrodisiac venom because of Zuko, making mewant.
“Toxin,” I hissed, glancing back at him. “I am stirring the sauce. Unless you want me to accidentally dose everyone with aphrodisiac venom, maybe don’t touch me right now.”
“I wouldn’t be opposed to that,” he purred against my throat.
A helpless moan escaped me as he kissed his mate mark on the side of my neck, lips brushing the sensitive skin.
I choked on my next breath.
“Hey, venom baby,” Slater called out in a cute little whine. “What about me? Aren’t you going to play with me too?”
“Alright, everyone but Rune out,” Jesper ordered.
Drecken snapped his fingers from where he wrote in a journal on the counter, away from the cooking.
Slater and Zuko lifted clean off their feet and yelped as they were telekinetically shoved out of the kitchen into the living area.
A new voice cut through the commotion, offended and posh. “What is all that racket?”
“Oh my Fates, it’s so chunky,” Slater cooed, like he’d seen the cutest thing ever.
Reggie’s outraged scream came next.
“That is so rude!”
I turned, laughing so hard I had to pause stirring and hold my stomach.
Drecken’s spider monkey familiar had sat up from his nest of pillows on the back of the couch. His round belly peeked out as he stretched, long tail curling lazily.
“He’s Drecken’s familiar,” I told them, still giggling.
Koa’s brows furrowed. “I didn’t know Drecken had a familiar.”
“Yes, well,” Reggie muttered, dusting his paws off. “I have been watching over him ever since his mother passed away. His mother was my first mistress.”
“Aww,” Slater whispered immediately. “That’s adorable.”
Dimitri elbowed him. “Might be a touchy subject.”
Drecken shook his head. “Not at all. I’m quite fond of Sir Reginald.”
“Yeah, me too,” I added. “How are you feeling, Reggie?”
He huffed. “I see you still insist on calling me Reggie. That is fine for you alone to do, I suppose. I am trying to sleep, and there is a shocking amount of noise, but otherwise, I’m well.” He flopped back onto his pillow, belly up. “I expect to be fed some of that delicious cuisine you’re cooking.”
“I’ll save you a plate,” Jesper promised.
“I like the dragon,” he muttered, half to himself. “He pleases me.”
Drecken rolled his eyes. “Of course you’d say that.”
Slater and Zuko burst into laughter.
“Okay, it’s finally done,” Jesper called from behind me. “You can stop stirring now, honey drop.”
I placed the spoon on the edge of the pot and moved.
