“Yes. Do you have fur in your ears?”
“Not currently,” Bastian replied with a smirk. “Are you feeling sassy?”
Hudson nodded. “I think I am.”
“And why is that?” Bastian crossed his arms over his chest.
“Because I’ve been talking to a cat for days, thinking he was keeping my secrets.”
“I never lied to you,” Bastian told him. “I might have misdirected but I was doing my best to never lie to you. And you didn’t say anything too embarrassing.”
Okay, that was funny. “Are you sure?”
“Positive,” Bastian said. “I loved sitting on your lap on your back porch as you petted me.”
“Maybe we can do it again,” Hudson offered.
“I can guarantee that we will do it every night that you want. That is, if you still want to be with me.”
“I’m still here.” Hudson thought his presence should have been enough that Bastian had a clue. Guess not. “Nothing has changed except…well, everything.”
“It’s a lot to process,” Bastian agreed.
“It would be easier if you would come sit with me,” Hudson tried.
Bastian closed the distance to kneel in front of him. “I wanted to tell you. I was working up to it.”
Hudson nodded. “That was why you brought up all those silly things in bed. Or what I thought were silly things.”
“Yes. I’ve heard all the stories of how the mates here have come together. Some had an easier time. Others not so much.”
“I got to hear the stories tonight too. I think I prefer at least having a little bit of warning than what Lawson, Seb, and River did. I’m also glad I wasn’t kidnapped by evil witches like Stryker.”
“I would do anything to protect you,” Bastian told him. “I just need you to remember I’m still me, whether or not I’m furry.”
Hudson leaned forward to kiss Bastian. He drew back and smiled. “I don’t know which form I prefer.”
“How about when you want cuddles, I’m shifted, and for other times…” Bastian ran his palm up Hudson’s leg. “I stay human.”
“I like human.” Hudson swallowed hard as his cock was all for this new direction of their conversation.
“You know one perk of being paranormal is that I can’t carry or transmit human disease.”
“What? What does that mean?” Hudson asked.
“That I can’t wait to take you without a condom.”
Oh! Yes! “I…yes please.”
“Are you sure? I want nothing more than to claim you as my mate,” Bastian told him.
Hudson brushed their cheeks together then whispered, “Take me to bed.”
* * * * *
Bastian
Rising to his feet, Bastian pulled Hudson up with him. Hudson was still there. He accepted Bas. Even as messed up as the reveal of the paranormal world was Hudson hadn’t run away screaming. Bastian would thank his lucky stars every night that his mate was so understanding.
