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I needed to channel my inner Kali and woman up. I would double down on my training and ask for instruction about the different societies as well.
Once changed and teeth brushed, I walked out to Riddick and Caleb whispering with their heads together. “Talking about me?” I asked.
They both looked up and Caleb’s eyes shifted into wolf eyes, then dragon eyes, then back to human.
Odds were good he liked seeing me in his clothes.
“Yes, actually,” Riddick admitted. “We were wondering if you were tired or if you wanted a snack and to talk for a bit first.”
“A snack would be great and I would love to hear about your mission,” I agreed.
He nodded and left, presumably to get said snacks.
Caleb walked up to me, set his hands on my hips, and said, “I’m sorry about attacking Branson and scaring you.”
“Startling me,” I corrected. “I was more confused and startled by you grabbing him than scared, since I didn’t know what was going on.”
“Still, I’m sorry. I’ll apologize to him as well. I understand that in the heat of the moment there are things that can happen and while I cannot forgive him for it quite yet, I should not have choked him.”
“Well, as our king, I suppose it does make sense that you should have been first, due to the hierarchy and all.” Not that I agreed with hierarchies, but I knew they were the way of the world.
“I’m also sorry that we can’t also mark you,” he said softly, his hand cupped my cheek and I leaned into it. “I’m too afraid it would create a mate bond and don’t want to force something on you like that. I want us to spend the proper time getting to know each other, exploring the bond we have, and decide for sure if we want a bond first.”
I smiled and kissed his palm. “I like the sound of that.”
He kissed me gently, his lips pressing against mine, but I wanted, no needed, more. I opened my mouth and he deepened the kiss, his arms wrapping around me to hold me to him.
“I missed you,” I admitted. “I tried to distract myself with the training, but I still felt your absence.”
He nodded. “Especially at night.”
I nodded back.
“Did you stay with Branson?”
I shook my head.
Stepping back, he scowled. “Why not?”
“We had never slept together or anything so I felt awkward asking him to share my bed,” I admitted.
Caleb tsked. “Didn’t my mother and aunt tell you to be open and honest with us? That you have to tell us when you need something, especially physical touch? We aren’t mind readers, Ember. If you need touch, you have to tell us so we can help you.”
“I’m …” I took a deep breath. “… I’m not used to relying on others. I feel like a complete imbecile to be acting like this when we’re freaking grown adults. I’m in my late twenties for fuck’s sake. Yet, right now, I feel like I could be sixteen. I’m so used to being alone, to taking care of others and not myself.”
His gaze softened and he cupped my face gently. “I know, sweetheart, which is why I want you to be sure to ask for affection whenever you need it.”
“Even in front of your parents?” I asked, teasing.
“Absolutely,” he said with a nod. “They completely understand what it’s like to have a new bond with someone.”
“I’ll try,” I promised. “I can’t say I’ll be great at it, but I will try.”
He kissed the tip of my nose and said, “That’s all that I ask for.”
Riddick entered with a tray of snacks and drinks. “Sustenance has arrived.”
We sat on the floor on a circular rug and they told me about the hybrid mage-elf-shifter they’d rescued from a group who was trying to take him to the H.E. Things hadn’t gone exactly as they’d planned, but they had had each other’s backs and were able to escape with the hybrid unscathed.
