Briar
When I woke up, Foster was dead asleep next to me. His arms caged my torso, and my leg was thrown over both of his. Tangled up in each other in many more ways than one.
He was inside me now. I could feel him like a visitor I’d always wanted. His heart right next to mine. His feelings and general thoughts like a distant echo. I could hone in on them if I wanted or leave them to hover on their own.
His love clung to my muscles and bones, blanketing them in something safe and needed.
I’d wanted an alpha, a fated mate, all my life. And in one night, I had one.
When I unknotted myself from his hold, he didn’t stir. His breathing was deep and slow. Good. The man needed rest. Some people were ashamed of sleep, but rest was the reason we were able to function the next day. I suspected Foster was once one of those people, and there was rest to be made up for.
I showered quickly, letting the hot water soothe all my sore places. In the mirror, my mark was the first thing I saw. Still healing, but most of it was done. The proof of his claiming would always scar my body.
Some humans looked down at a wedding band with pride or for reassurance. I had my claiming mark.
I pulled on some loose pants and made coffee and went about my morning routine. Stretching. A few Qigong movements to open up my chest and release tightness.
Then I pulled out my mat and practiced some of the more advanced moves. No classes for these yet. These were personal things I challenged myself with.
The sun beat down on me, a welcome warmth. The birds woke up and gossiped with each other, some loudly, some like a song. I loved the summer, but these cooler mornings and nights were welcome.
I’d been working for months on the scorpion pose. My arms always shook, and it was hard to hold without falling over.
But this morning, I felt stronger. More balanced. Centered.
I tried again. This time I got it.
I stood up after holding it for a few minutes and did a little dance of joy.
When I turned, I saw Foster, sitting on the back porch. His face was relaxed except for a gentle smile.
“How long have you been there?” I asked, hands on my hips.
“Long enough, omega. Goddess, you are…I don’t even have words. Incredible. Beautiful. The way you move, I could stare at you forever.”
I scoffed. And blushed. My cheeks filled with heat. I hoped he could always make me blush. “You see me do yoga all the time.”
“Not like that. Baby, that was poetry. I can’t believe you’re mine. That I get to be the audience for you for the rest of my life.”
The alpha must’ve been in one hell of a mating haze. He had no shirt on, but I scented my body wash on him.
“Have you had coffee?” I asked, sitting beside him.
“Not yet. I was looking for you and then…entranced.”
Snorting, I leaned my head against his shoulder. “You act like I’m magic or something.”
“You are to me. When I met you, I was wound up so tight, I could barely see straight. I think a part of me fell in love with you that night. Seeing you lead the class. Not to mention how good you looked. Happy. Best day ever.”
“Oh? I thought last night was pretty good.”
He pulled me in for a hug and kissed the top of my head. “That was the best night ever. Can I make you breakfast?”
“That would be nice. I have a class in a few, but I’m not ready to be without you yet. The bond is so new.”
“Then you don’t have to. How about I spend the day with you. Take all your classes and we have lunch together. I get to see more of your moves.”
I made my face serious. “But there’s a big problem with that, Foster.”
