With one last look, I head to the bathroom and wash up. I return with a wet cloth and wipe our mixed juices from between her thighs and ass.
Already asleep, she barely stirs, and I gently place her on a dry part of the bed.
Once I’ve disposed of the cloth, I lie beside her and pull the covers over us. Since it was her elixir that gave me the burst of energy and adrenaline for lovemaking, now I’m exhausted.
Before sleep takes me, I reach for my phone and text Sam.
“Tilda is better. We’re both sleeping. Come by tomorrow.”
Not bothering to wait for a response, I turn the phone off, wrap Tilda in my arms, and close my eyes.
Iwake to the scents of others in my house. After my initial moment of concern, I recognize Sam and Mari, and the fact that they are in my kitchen isn’t surprising.
With Tilda beside me, I’m reluctant to drag myself out of bed, but other matters, like the pressure in my bladder, insist I get up. I kiss her temple, and feeling better than I have in a week, I head for the bathroom.
It’s twenty minutes later when I creep out of the bedroom, showered and dressed, and make my way to the kitchen.
They’re sipping coffee at the counter. “Good afternoon,” Mari says, her dark eyes bright.
I check the clock, and indeed it’s past noon, which means that I slept for eighteen hours. “I guess I was tired.” Taking a cup from the shelf, I pour myself coffee. “When did you get here?”
Sam smiles. “Long enough to make coffee and hear your shower running. Ion said he’d come by tomorrow unless you need him.”
“I’m sure Tilda will want to see him, but her health is much improved.” Heat rises from my neck to my ears.
“Indeed.” Mari grins from ear to ear. “I’m glad to hear that.”
They both stare at me expectantly. “She woke up yesterday and needed blood. We spent some…time together and then fell asleep.” I don’t bother to detail waking up in the middle of the night with Tilda’s mouth wrapped around my cock. I’m pretty sure that’s not what they want to know.
With his head cocked, Sam studies me. “Not the entire story, but enough. As long as she’s out of danger and you’re both well.”
“Wake her if you’re concerned.” I sip my coffee, unsure why I feel judged when it’s obvious my friends are only checking in.
Mari stands and pushes her coffee aside. “I’m not at all concerned, Max. I could see the connection between the two of you from the beginning. However, I will wake her to soothe my own worries and fears.”
“Of course. I know you care very deeply for Tilda, as she does for you.” It’s the best I can do by way of an apology since I’m still reeling over her saying she knew about the connection between us.
She disappears behind my bedroom door. A moment later, the whisper of women’s voices begins within.
Staring, Sam waits for me to say something.
“What is it?” The hair on the back of my neck stands on end.
“Is she your mate?”
“What?” I jerk back and spill hot coffee on my hand. “Why would you ask that?”
He shrugs. “Sasquatch mate for life.” He sips his coffee. “As do swans.”
“Not vampires.” I grab a kitchen towel and clean up my spill. The hair on the back of my hand blocked the heat enough that I’m not burned.
“Perhaps not, but even so, if your bond activated, it would affect her. Is that what’s happened?” Maybe it’s because Sam and Mari are true mates that he wants that for everyone.
“A Sasquatch male has to allow that kind of bond. It can only be done once, and it would bind the other to them for life. It’s not something one does lightly.” My heartbeat is rapid, and I have to take several long breaths to get it under control.
“Are you hesitant to broach such a subject with Tilda?” He shakes his head. “I’m out of line, my friend. If you need someone to talk to, I’m here for you. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, you will always do the right thing.”
“But?” I can hear it even though he didn’t say it.
