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It’s a pleasant current, pulling us closer together, deepening our connection.
Alex seems to be purring, his chest vibrating, and my core tightens, ruining the moment. I groan, and Alex immediately pulls away.
His hands are gentle as they run up and down my sides, his eyes piercing in their intensity. He scours my body for what could be hurting me but comes up empty.
“Mate hurt,” he whispers. “How is mate hurt?”
“I’m fine,” I murmur, shaking my head.
“Mate lies.” He brushes my hair out of my face and leans in closer. “My mate is beautiful. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. But a terrible liar.”
“I’m not talking with Alex right now, am I?”
The man smirks. “Mate didn’t kiss Alex, either.”
“What is your name?” I can’t help but smile back at him.
“Max.”
“Oh, a very strong name,” I say, and he grins.
“Nice try. Why is my mate hurt?” he demands, tightening his hold on me when I go to move. I sigh and look over his shoulder at Phoebe. She’s asleep now, and my boobs are starting to ache. “My little mate will not be released until she tells me.”
“What is your guys’ obsession with my body?”
“It’s gorgeous. Your skin is so soft and smooth, your hands so?—”
I shove my face into his chest and let out a groan, cutting off what is likely going to be a lot of compliments. My tummy flutters, and I know that my cheeks are bright red. “Stop.”
“Stop? Stop telling my mate how beautiful she is? Never.” He growls the word never. “My mate will never be permitted to doubt her own self-worth. She was made for me and my brothers, just like we were made for her. You are perfection in its purest form.”
“It’s hard to believe,” I say, losing the embarrassment as I sit back in his lap so that I can see his face more clearly. There’s less of the tension lines across his face as Max is the one... in control? I’m not sure the terminology is right.
“What is? My love for you? My devotion?”
“Well, yes.”
He puffs out his chest as if I’ve just handed him a challenge. “Then I will work infinitely harder until the day you don’t doubt me.”
“It’s not that I doubt you, it’s more that this whole concept of soulmates makes no sense to me. Are you not mad or resentful that your choice of a mate has been taken away? That you’re saddled with me?”
He laughs so freely, tossing his head back as true humour is displayed across his face. The sound of it causes Phoebe to stir, so I move away from him, ignoring the reaction as I lift my tiny human up off the floor and shush her softly.
I move to the chair Alex—Max?—kindly vacated and unleash the tits so that she can feed. Max’s laugh cuts off, and he watches me with rapt attention. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m feeding and he likes my boobs or if he’s curious because he’s never seen it before.
His eyes fade back to hazel as Phoebe latches properly. There’s instant relief in the pressure from her eager suckles, and she makes the cutest faces. My other boob is still engorged, and I can’t wait for her to be done for it to soothe.
“Alex,” I call, raising my voice. “Can you grab me my haakaa please?”
“Your... what?” His pitch raises, and he looks around the room.
“Just grab my nappy bag, please. It’s there in the doorway,” I say, gesturing to the light grey bag. He jumps to his feet and brings it to me. I pull the haakaa out and attach it to the other boob to catch the let down as Phoebe feeds.
My milk came in properly two days ago but still won’t stabilise for another few weeks. My midwife suggested this since it’s not an actual breast pump, but will help catch little bits of my milk as I feed her. It’s been quite helpful for the bigger feeds, just to take the initial edge off—and it saves my clothes being soaked.
I was very glad that Seb had left my room before morning, since I not only soaked my T-shirt throughout the night... I also have lots of milk stains on the bed sheets.
“What are you going to do with that milk?” he demands, and his voice is gruff for some reason.
