Page 29 of Instinct for Disaster

She frowned. “You are taller from this angle.”

He grinned and lifted her to sit on the exam table.

Morna said, “I will be outside with the others.”

She slipped out, and Yasku looked remarkably unperturbed as he leaned his palms on either side of Cassandra’s hips. He leaned in and cocked his head. “Did you die?”

“What?”

“After the accident. Did you die?” He sniffed the left side of her neck, his lips caressing her skin.

“Um, yes. A few times. My files indicate it took three attempts before I decided to remain alive.”

“Stubborn, kit.” He licked softly at her neck, and his tongue was rough. She shivered.

She tilted her head to let him continue but muttered, “They are all waiting outside.”

“Yes, but you depressingly don’t have my scent on you.” He licked slowly. “I am trying to fix that.”

“I thought you had patience.”

He smiled and switched sides. “I believe I said I was willing to wait as long as it would take. Running into your family has softened you, and I am easing into the gap.”

“This feels like wedging, not easing.”

“You only have to take what fits. It is up to me to encourage you as time goes on.”

“Hmm. There are eight curious people and a baby waiting for us.”

“Ah. Right. We will continue this at a later time.”

“And you have already put your scent on me.”

“It’s a start.” He smiled and leaned back. “I will work on it later.”

She looked up at him, and he gave her a light kiss.

He stroked her cheek and stared at her. “There is something about you that is very familiar.”

“Well, you saw me on the ship.”

“No, this goes deeper.” He looked at her. “What do you see when you look at me?”

She smiled. “Honestly?”

“Yes.”

“My favourite cuddly toy when I was a kid. Not directly, but the pointed ears, the focused eyes, and the fuzzy aspect of your skin. It is elements that set me at ease.”

He blinked. “You see a cuddly toy when you look at me?”

“Not exactly. I seek out elements of you that I find comforting. I didn’t realize I was doing it until you asked. I guess I do it with all around me. I rarely find it.”

He picked her up and held her cuddled against him. “That is the strangest compliment I have ever gotten.”

“Um, your earrings are shiny?”

He chuckled. “That one I have not heard either.”

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