Page 8 of Dybbuk's Detritus

Rurik 7.

“Do we really have to go?” I whine to Theo. We may have only met hours ago, but I think I’ve been abundantly clear how I feel about adulting. I run my fingertip down his chest, circling an erect nipple. Fates, he is gorgeous. And he’s mine. He moves quickly, grabbing my wrist and pulling it from his body.

“Yes, little one, we do.” His voice is commanding though his eyes are soft. “As soon as we’re done, we can come back here and reinforce our bond.”

“Yeah?” I ask breathily, stepping closer to him until the heat of his body envelops me. He nods, swallowing loudly, his Adam’s apple bobbing deliciously. “Wanna reinforce our bond so hard.”

Chuckling, Theo leans down, our mouths opening instantly as we share a passionate kiss. “Later, I promise.” He winks before stepping aside to dress in borrowed clothing. The loss of his body heat, the touch of his skin, is more painful than I anticipated. I can see him, he’s only a few feet from me, but it’s like a severed limb. Ok, that sounds dramatic…still, it’s rough.

Realizing he isn’t going to cave, and the weight as Aleph-Tav settling firmly on my shoulders once again, I dress and join Theo as we leave our rooms to find my parents. Holding hands, I lead him down the stairs and into the kitchen, where Tilly has set the dining table with four place settings.

“Tilly?” I stand beside the table, my hand on the back of the chair. Theo moves beside me, resting his large hand on the small of my back, his fingers teasing the swell of my ass. I ignore the shiver of lust that races through my body, instead focusing on the sneaky ninja chef. “Why only four? Are our other guests not joining us?”

She shakes her head, setting a casserole on the table, before going back to the counter for a large bowl of salad. “No, Aleph-Tav, Emilyn begged off, needing sleep and some time alone for her and Nadia. Poor thing was practically falling asleep where she stood.”

I nod, meeting Theo’s concerned eyes. “That makes sense. Did you send up food for her and the baby?” Tilly scoffs, snapping a towel at me.

“Have I ever given you cause to question my ability to do my job?”

“No, ma’am.” I grin sheepishly.

“Then, I’d thank you not to start now.” She spins on her heel. Theo winks at me, clearing his throat.

“Wouldn’t it be best to lull him into a false sense of security, so he’s none the wiser when you do screw up? Or bamboozle him?” I jump where I stand, my hand to my heart when I hear the most disturbing sound on earth. Fuck, I think the neighboring planets and the sun scamper away from us when Tilly bends over double with laughter.

“Shit.” I mutter, burrowing into Theo’s side. “Make her stop. It’s frightening.”

“Don’t worry, vydra, I’ll protect you from the mean chef.” He wraps his arms around me protectively, turning a paltry growl on Tilly. Her laughter dies down, and she smiles at him. I think that might be more frightening. There’s no sound.

“You speak Russian, child?” She asks Theo.

I feel him shake his head, “No.” When I look up at him, his tanned face is slightly redder in the cheeks. Is he blushing?

“Then how did you know to call him otter in Russian?” Tilly pushes and Theo shifts from foot to foot, still holding me.

“Uh…”

I break into a gleeful grin, leaning back to meet his eyes. “Aw, did you look it up when I was pissing?”

“Rurik Rybak, Aleph-Tav or not, when your mate is sweet don’t ruin it with crass language!” I groan, slamming my eyes shut at my mother’s reprimand.

“I’m a grown adult.” I whisper to no one.

“Not really, you’re pint sized.” Theo says loudly, picking me up and placing me on his hip like a child. I pout, because society dictates, I should be mad, but I secretly like him holding me this way. I feel precious. Important. Cherished.

“Was my hole pint sized when you were impaling me earlier?” I sass back, my father chokes, my mother makes angry chirpy noises and Tilly rolls her eyes at me. Theo’s face contorts comically as several emotions pass his visage.

“I…well…uh…yes, it was.” He blusters. I kiss him on the lips quickly, then wiggle to be let down.

Mom glares at me, taking her seat at the table, my dad joining her. Theo pulls out my chair for me, and I’m nearly giddy at the gesture. Until he pulls it so far that I miss it and plop down on the ground in an undignified manner.

“You deserved that.” Mom snarks, taking a dainty sip of her lemonade.

“You really did.” Dad says unhelpfully, leaning in to sniff the casserole still steaming on the table.

Before I can stand up on my own, Theo bends down and picks me up, dropping me into the chair and scooting me closer to the table. He kisses my temple tenderly, then takes his own seat.

My parents clasp their hands on the table, mom’s eyes glistening as they focus on Theo. “Dear, it’s so wonderful to meet you. I’m Anastasia and this is my husband, Gavril. When you feel comfortable, call us mom and dad or Stacy and Gav. We prayed for our son to find his fated mate.”

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