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But…

I waved my hand toward the bedroom and that got a huff before Master did his quiet-quiet words. “And the individuals called switches.”

Yep…I had a very smart Master.

And a smart Daddy, but he was a really good ostrich too because he worked hard at everything he did, even when he shouldn’t.

“Eventually he is going to realize more than one label applies to him, correct?” Master needed help but all I could do was shrug.

Even without my binkie I wouldn’t have known what to say. Words were hard but I sent him warm feelings through our bond and nuzzled against him. Master was doing his best to take care of Daddy but having a stubborn mate was hard.

Daddy was very stubborn.

“I would ask an expert for help but I do not know if your Daddy would appreciate that.” Master liked lots of privacy but he didn’t know what Daddy would want.

Master had good worries.

“Right now, the best course of action is to let him take care of you and then we will slowly ease him into the idea.” Master wanted to sound confident but his bond let me feel all his questions. “Yes. We will approach this as one change at a time.”

Chapter 16

Zorin

Not-meatloaf and not-rice were both good meal options according to my mate’s enthusiastic consumption and strange wording, but as soon as he finished, his binkie went right back in his mouth. The signal of his unwillingness to speak was obvious but Raxius was not worried. “Being stubborn is just a sign of his intelligence. I’m sure you appreciate that.”

No.

I did not.

“Our mate is very smart.” And adept at getting what he wanted through manipulation and stubbornness. I had an unreasonable desire to explain that was how I was supposed to behave but that was not something a Daddy could do. “He is also sticky.”

Somehow the sauce the not-meatloaf had been cooked with had ended up everywhere, from his hands to his hair. Even when he was not using verbal signals, his nonverbal ones had caused a mess. Raxius looked like he wanted to sigh but simply let himself nod. “He is in need of a bath.”

A bath.

Raxius said it very confidently and everything I could feel through our bond indicated he was not worried about that activity even though it involved nakedness and intimacy. “Do you know the spell to make bubbles more…more structured? Wren has endlessly bragged about Toman’s ability to make bathtime fun, and we must be equal to that if not better.”

He was very competitive with my skills.

“Technically yes, but I have not used it lately.” I read. I studied. I wrote. I did not make bubbles. “I may have to research the necessary spells for playtime and relaxation.”

Raxius gave a shrug. “I’d have been shocked if you had. You’ve been very busy with other research and then planning the trip through the portal. That kind of magic is not something you need.”

I rarely used magic outside of archival spells to keep the ancient writings safe.

Most people thought that was surprising and would give me long explanations about how someone who was primarily a mage needed to put more focus on magical studies.

“No.” I studied our sticky mate who was back to hiding under his shirt. “This is a new experience, so more research is necessary.”

“You are an expert at research and study.” Raxius let out a very dramatic groan that made Shiloh giggle around his binkie. “I will have to figure out other ways to help our mate.”

The mate in question was still hiding but reached over and patted Raxius’ leg. It made laughter roll through our bond. “Yes. That’s a very practical way I can help you.”

What?

Oh.

Their spanking teasing.