Page 4 of Peacock Me Like a Hurricane

I can’t help but giggle again, the sound almost girlish. “Definitely not bad,” I said, covering my mouth with my hand.

“Sandwich, are you alright?” His concern is evident in his voice as he props himself up on one elbow to look at me.

“It’s just the alcohol,” I reassure him with another small laugh. “I’m a bit giddy. It’ll pass.”

“We shouldn’t have done it again so soon,” he murmurs regretfully. “The nitrogen and carbon dioxide in the blood...it’s not good for you.”

“I told you it was fine, worrywart.” I lean up to kiss him lightly on the lips before sinking back into his arms.

“How is your hunger? Better?” His expression turns serious as he asks the question.

“Well, duh,” I reply with a playful smile. “You always do this to me.”

It’s true; I hadn’t fed in days and was struggling to keep everything under control until we were more settled. On top of that, I was also carrying Rafe’s pain over his recent breakup with Rhea and Alistair, and keeping our relationship hidden from everyone we knew. Plus, we hadn’t slept much in the past week due to our passionate encounters.

I’m running on fumes, but it’s worth it.

“Cut me some slack, love,” he murmurs, snuggling closer to me.

“My body heals rapidly,” I say as he wraps his arms protectively around me. “I’m pretty sure my blood replenishes itself as well. The white cells at least; that’s how I heal. It won’t be a problem.”

He relaxes into our embrace, making me feel safe and content. “Are you sleepy now, my foxy feline?”

“A little bit,” I admit with a stifled yawn.

“You’re exhausted.” He traces a finger along my cheek before continuing. “Will you...um...” He hesitates, looking nervous. “Is it alright if we spend the night together? I haven’t mated with anyone in a while and I don’t know how you do it, but I’ve found that I just want to hold you.”

I can’t help but smile sleepily at his words. “Of course it’s alright, love.” I reach down and pull a large blanket off the end of the couch, covering us both with its soft warmth.

He pulls the blanket up to our shoulders and nuzzles into my neck. His tongue flicks out to lick at his mark on my skin before settling in to sleep. “Goodnight, love.”

“Night, baby.” Another yawn escapes my lips before I add, “Oh, and don’t be surprised if Aradia shows up. She’s used to sleeping with me.”

His brow furrows in concern. “She won’t come between us, will she? That wouldn’t be good.”

“No need to worry,” I reassure him with a small laugh. “She’ll just sleep at our feet.”

“Uh, how much does she weigh exactly?” His tone is slightly hesitant now.

“Not that much, you big baby,” I tease, running a hand through his hair. “She still jumps on my lap all the time, doesn’t she?”

With a resigned sigh, he finally gives in. “I guess I’ll have to get used to it.” But I can tell he doesn’t mind; he’s already drifting off to sleep.

“Two bundles of purring warmth cuddled around you? You won’t mind a bit,” I say with a yawn, snuggling into him even more.

“I’ll take your word for it, pet,” he replies before closing his eyes. “But if I wake up tomorrow morning in an intestine, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

I can’t help but laugh at his comment. “Don’t worry, she’s never eaten one of my clones before.”

“Goodnight,” he says with a tired smile.

“Goodnight,” I reply, feeling myself drifting off to sleep as well.

“I love you, mate,” he murmurs in my ear.

“I love you, too.”

With that final exchange, we fall asleep in each other’s arms, surrounded by warmth and love.

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