Page 49 of Whispering Waves

“You are a sibling, so he is aware of the scent, but he’s near his own rut, and it is making it difficult for him.”

She nodded. “I think I can fix things for him.”

Nina went through the cupboards and got a tray together. She carried it out to her brother. “I hear it is close to your time. Here you go.”

He looked at the pile of chocolate, potato chips, dip, and a jar of jam. He laughed. “Thank you, Nina. I am sorry I snapped at you.”

“What? And called me a gold digger? He can spend his money where he wants. I am not asking for anything. You know I can make my own money.”

“Right. I am sorry. That was low. The air in here is a little pheromone-thick.”

“Uh-huh. Out-of-control hormones. That is what got me drowned in public view. I saw an alpha at its most brutal worst, and I still didn’t tar my brother with that brush.”

“I think I am shrinking.”

“Good. What you said really hurt. I would crawl all over Kimo if he were broke. Money doesn’t matter. The giant ocean mark on my back that moves with my mood or his is the link that drew us together. He did everything else.”

Kimo rubbed her back. “I really did. Your sister is exhausting.”

She snorted.

As they sat there, the world outside went silent. Drake ate his dessert tray, and a timer on Kimo’s watch went off.

He got up and walked around to rescue one of his foodstuffs from the oven. He returned to the living room with a plate piled high with steaming sweet rolls. He settled on a corner of the couch, and Nina got up and came to cuddle with him.

He tore off tiny pieces and blew on them before putting them in her mouth, one by one.

Tono said, “Hey, where are ours?”

“In the kitchen. Help yourself.”

He got up, and Reg followed him to the kitchen. Drake set his tray down. “I think I am getting it now. You two look... right.”

Nina felt her cheeks pink a little.

Kimo smiled. “Yes, it is a strange thing to go through life looking for your mate, and then, one day, some local researchers just bring her into your territory, and you have to make a move. And she agrees. Then, you are a thousand feet tall and can take over the world to protect the most precious thing to you.”

Drake said, “Uh, you aren’t going to do that, are you?”

“As long as no one tries to take her from me, I won’t have to.”

She kept eating until she couldn’t have anymore and buried her head against his chest. Sleep came quickly. It had been a tiring day.

Nina shifted against Kimo and looked around. The room was dark, but the windows were open. “Aw, I missed the unveiling.”

“There will be other storms. I would like to sit with you curled against me and watch the world return to us. It was already dark when this storm ended.” His voice was soft, like he was trying to keep from waking her all the way.

She sighed and crawled on top of him, getting comfy. He chuckled, wrapped his arms around her, and sighed deeply. A few slow licks to her mark, and they were out.

Breakfast was early, and she sat with him and looked at the pile of clothes he had put next to her. “This feels like a lot.”

He laughed. “Put on the swimsuit, throw on my shirt, and carry the wetsuit and flippers. I will bring the food.”

She snorted and pawed through the pile. She held up the string bikini. “Really?”

He smiled. “Really. It will help me focus on you to know what is under your suit.”

“That seems like a personal fetish.”

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