“My apologies. Please, continue,” she says, her voice higher than usual.
Goddesses, thank you for this moment. I will treasure it for the rest of my life.
If I didn’t know Elder Aïna so well, I might have missed the half-hidden grin on her face. She’s enjoying this as much as I am.
Elder Aïna clears her throat and continues, still perfectly composed. “A human female must be prepared before receiving the knot. There is an important ritual that ensures her body is ready. But that you will learn as you grow older.”
Kaël, predictably, can’t help himself. “So, we’re supposed to prepare them? Like... explain beforehand? That’ll go well. ‘Hello, my mate. I’m going to get stuck for a while.’”
The growlings hiss at him to be quiet, but Elder Aïna answers. “Talking about it in advance is both good and preferable. However, I am referring tophysical preparation, stretching the body so that the knot will fit inside.”
Noël’s face turns an even deeper shade of red, her wide eyes locked straight ahead. I can see her lips twitch, caught somewhere between disbelief and sheer mortification.
And me? I’ve never enjoyed a lesson more.
“Ethereal Leader, would you like to explain the mating process to the next generation?” Elder Aïna asks, her expression calm but teasing just beneath her fur.
Before Noël can respond, I step in. “I think our leader is tired after a long day, Elder Aïna. How about letting Kaël explain what he’s learned so far?”
Kaël shoots me a murderous glare, his brows pulling into a scowl that promises revenge. I meet his eyes with a smug grin. My mate, however, turns to me with grateful eyes.
I’ve done my part today.
“Shall the leader lead by example,” I say, grinning wider, “and show the growlings how important it is to rest?”
Noël straightens and nods with an air of authority, though her voice betrays her relief. “I... shall. Yes.” She looks toward the group and offers them a tired smile. “Have a great night.”
The growlings bow their heads, murmuring their respect as we turn to leave.
I glance at Noël, whose face is still flushed, and a satisfied warmth settles in my chest.
One victory at a time.
We arrive home, and I can feel her exhaustion settling in. The weight of the day is finally catching up with her.
“I owe you for that save.” She sighs as we pause behind the door.
“Owe me?” My head tilts on its own. Why would my mate owe me anything?
She hesitates, her voice quieter. “I don’t know much about... sex. If I had to explain it to them, I??—”
I assume sex is how humans say mating?
In a few steps, I close the distance between us to trace my paw along her jawline. Her skin is soft under my touch as I tilt her face upward. “My beautiful dove,” I begin, my thumb grazing her chin. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. Ever. And you certainly don’t ‘owe’ me anything.”
Her brows knit, and she leans into my touch, her tired eyes searching mine.
“I will always be there for you,” I continue. “Whether you’re in danger or just uncomfortable, it is my honor—and my greatest desire—to do anything for you.”
She blinks up at me, her wonderful eyes, so wide and clear, shaped like pointed berries, like leaves after rain.
“You are my mate, just as I am yours.” My chest tightens as I lose myself in her stare.
“Thank you.” Her voice is so soft it melts me.
“Tell me,” I murmur, my gaze moving over the lines of her face. “Humans do not have mating lessons?”
She shakes her head in my paw. “We do not. You probably know more than I do.”
