Page 56 of Siren in the Rain

I was being truthful when I told him I would settle for being able to stay at his side even if it’s in a purely platonic fashion. It’ll be its own special kind of torture, but it’s pain I’m willing to endure to be with him.

For now, I’m relying on my right hand to get me off, and I’m channeling all of my energy into building our friendship because that’s always a good place to start.

Wanting to make a good impression on Shae’s relatives, I stand in front of my closet, hair dripping rivulets of water down my bare chest and a towel wrapped around my waist, as I survey my clothing options. It’s an unfortunate moment to realize I have a rather limited wardrobe.

Granted, clothing can be a little challenging for animal-kin species that possess tails or other appendages, like wings and such.

Human fabrics are not often conducive to our needs and tend to rip and tear far too easily. The kind of malleable fabrics with secure openings that we need can only be made by Otherkind using magic. Consequently, while my clothes are appropriately designed for a Wolfkin body, I have to get them specially made and therefore don’t have a vast collection.

I root through the closet until I manage to find a pair of black slacks and a pink button-down, short-sleeved shirt that I’ve only worn a handful of times. After I put them on, I survey my reflection anxiously in the mirror and soon relax. I think I look pretty good, albeit a little bit more stuffy than I typically go for.

Then again, I fully recognize that T-shirts and board shorts are not really something one can wear everywhere all the time. Although it’s probably more acceptable here in So Cal than just about anywhere else.

I run a comb through my shaggy damp hair and wick on some deodorant before nodding to myself and calling it done.

When I return to Shae’s room, I also find him wrapped in a towel and anxiously searching for something to wear. Thankfully, Harper went out recently and got him a couple of new items for his wardrobe, so he eventually decides on a gray pair of linen pants and a black button-down long-sleeved shirt. He quickly rolls the sleeves up partway to his elbows.

His damp hair trails down his back and I swallow at the sight.

Yes, I have a hair fetish when it comes to my mate.

“You look amazing,” I tell him, awe evident in my voice.

He blinks at me for a second and then turns away. “Uh… thanks.”

“Would you like me to help you style your hair?” I ask on a whim.

His incredulous expression has me biting back a laugh.

“You can style hair?” he asks doubtfully, looking at my shaggy head.

I nod enthusiastically. “Sometimes I help Harper with his more complicated updos. But I also have three female cousins, and growing up, I often got roped into helping them with their hair at family events.” I study him for a moment. “I could do a really pretty side braid that rests over your shoulder.”

He considers my offer for several long seconds and then nods. “That would be great. Thanks.”

I try to refrain from howling with joy. I’m finally going to get my hands on this man’s glorious hair!

Granted, I’ve secretly stroked it multiple times when he’s sleeping, but this will be the first time I’m really able to get full access to his gorgeous locks.

Not giving him any time to change his mind, I zoom to the bathroom and grab a comb, then hurry back to his side. Then, after having him sit on the end of the bed, I get behind him to start my work.

Despite his agreement, I notice Shae is oddly tense. Wanting him to be able to relax and enjoy this experience, I decide to help him let go.

“You’re too tense. Don’t worry, I’m not going to hurt you. Here, let me help you relax.” Slowly and carefully, I place my hands on his shoulders and start massaging them while Haku watches us from his perch on the top of the wardrobe.

It doesn’t take long for Shae to go limp as a noodle under my ministrations. My personal talents are pretty limited, but I know I’m good at massage. In fact, before I found my path in life with MEOW Squad, I worked part-time as a massage therapist. I was licensed and everything, and I enjoyed touching people and helping ease their pain.

But I struggled to find consistent business. Too many humans don’t trust an Otherkind working on their body in that way. And sadly, in this part of the country, humans vastly outnumber Otherkind. So while I did have some clients from other species, it was never enough to sustain a full-time business.

Now, I’m deeply thankful that I went through all that school and training to be able to provide this kind of attention to my dear, sweet mate. Shae hasn’t known a lot of caring and affectionate touch in his life, so I’m bound and determined to help make up for that each and every day.

He clearly likes my massage moves because he moans in a way that has my cock standing at attention. I have to think of gross things to will it away.

Time and place, penis o’ mine.

Finally, when Shae looks about ready to nod off again, I let go of his shoulders. Picking up a long section of hair, I begin to comb it gently, detangling slowly upward from the ends to the scalp.

I work at this for some time.

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