Rathyn’s ears flutter. “You know I do not like this word, my love. I am not your dude.”
Everest’s eyes narrow. “Stop skirting the point. You’re going to help, right?”
Rathyn sags and drags a clawless finger along Everest’s jaw. “I have said this already, but you are high on the red potion. Of course I promise to help. I will do everything in my power to contact people who will assist.”
Everest is placated by this, leaning back against the counter. “Good. Good.”
He hiccups, and Rathyn’s gaze narrows. “I should get him back to our house. He is…drunk.”
“I am not. I ambuzzed. It’s different.”
Rathyn makes a face and then sweeps him up, pulling the glass from his hand and setting it in my palms.
“We will be by tomorrow to check in on you and your Dante. Please give your human our best wishes.”
And then they are gone, leaving me alone once more. I stand there, staring at the closed door, my mind whirling before turning on my heels and striding to where Dante sleeps.
I want to curl around him and sleep. It has been trying for him, but for me as well. I need rest, and tomorrow we can face the day anew.
twenty-seven
DANTE
When I peel my eyes open, it feels like a hundred years have passed, but based on the light coming through the window, I can tell that, at best, I only slept through the night.
I feel like a new man, though. The pain in my body is gone, and the only thing left behind are the normal aches and pains of having been in bed for way too long. But that’s just being a human.
Rolling over onto my side, I see the impression Cielo left behind. I have no idea how long he’s been up, but I do know he doesn’t sleep as long as I do. I could call him in, but I’m ready to be on my feet again.
With a deep back stretch, then a trip to the bathroom to piss and brush my teeth, I eventually make my way into the kitchen and find Cielo chewing on that weird mossy shit Everest has been bringing over for him.
His gaze catches mine, and he shoots me a devastatingly gorgeous smile, his fangs poking over his lips.
“Morning.”
He nods, stuffs the rest of the moss into his mouth, then opens his arms for me. The fact that he so willingly asks for affection now is everything.
I slide up against his chest, and he curls his tail around my right leg as I tip my face up for a kiss. He tastes earthy and oddly sweet as his tongue moves over mine. Something inside me settles.
For the first time in so long, I feel like everything is the way it’s meant to be.
“Thank you for letting me sleep.”
He pushes claws through my hair, snagging on some of my tangles, but he brushes them out gently as he stares into my face. “My Dante.”
I love how he calls me that. “I am yours, you know?”
He hums softly before kissing me again, but it doesn’t last long. Pulling away, I can tell there’s something on his mind, so I press a hand to his chest.
“What is it?”
His ears droop a little, and he glances off to the side. His tells are so obvious, but I don’t want to let him know that. I love being able to read him.
“Come on, baby. Whatever it is, it’s not going to bother me.”
He takes a breath, then lets me go from his arms, though his tail is still firmly in place around my leg as he leans back against the counter. “I saaaw Everest. Rathyn.”
I frown. “When?”
