Panther,said Yelena,even without the bond, you know her best. We’ll figure out a way to let you join us when this is all over.

It was probably a poor consolation, and I didn’t envy Caden the isolation of being the only one here outside the bond. I wanted him with us, but I understood his need to protect us from the unknown. We had no guarantees Rachel wouldn’t do something if we were all connected to her, but just because I understood didn’t mean I liked it.

Seth slithered out of Kendrick’s grasp to headbutt me.It’ll be okay, Lo. Also, I have a question.

Ask away.

Do you mind if I bond Haru?

Why would I mind?

He shrugged as best as he was able in house cat form.Just checking before I do it.Seth looked over his shoulder at where Haru lay across Kendrick’s legs.His bond with you is super fresh, so I would understand if you wanted us to wait a bit.

Your bonding works on your own timeline. If Haru is ready for another, don’t wait on my account.

Seth pressed his forehead to my cheek, purring loudly.Love you.

I love you, too.

The two of them departed to head up to Yelena’s suite, Seth nestled on Haru’s back. I didn’t love the distance with the bond so new, but I didn’t begrudge them wanting privacy after so much public intimacy.

In the meantime, I needed a nap. My whole body was still flush with power, but my brain was exhausted. Kendrick and Velda cuddled up on me, Caden remaining my hat, and Yelena a stretched out kitty between Kendrick and me.

Affection from all angles was inescapable. I hummed happily.I love all of you.

A ripple of delight slid through the bond, the chorused response ofWe love you too, sending me to sleep with a smile on my face.

“It’s so quiet.” I hadn’t realized how much was going on in the background in the bond until it was all silence.

They fell asleep again.

I drew Haru in, claiming their mouth, and my wolf nudged me deeper into Yelena’s suite until I was spread out on the bed beneath them. Their tattoos begged to be traced. I let my fingers wander while I happily drowned in their kiss, soaking in theblissful moments we had to ourselves. Watching him take Logan had been a treat. They were both far too beautiful, doubly so when they were together, and Yelena’s hunger at watching the two of them had matched mine.

Do you want to bite first or fuck first?Haru asked, breaking the kiss to trail down my throat.

Bite mid-fuck?

His laughter rang through my head.It’s going to make you come. So choose your timing wisely.

I hadn’t come when Logan and I had bonded, but in fairness I was also on the brink of death. All my energy at the time was devoted to my next breath.

Haru wrapped a hand around my cock, a groan choking off in my throat. They hummed, slowly stroking and using their thumb to smear the bead of pre-cum at the tip.Making such pretty sounds for me, panther.

I didn’t even have a chance to respond before Haru slid down the bed and swallowed me up. “Fuck.” I panted, clutching their silken hair, trying not to buck right down their throat.

Maybe I’ll bite you right here. Haru propped my knee on their shoulder, grazing their fangs over the tender skin on my inner thigh.

I wasn’t sure what the timing was on a bondbite. Did we have to bite at the same time? Could Haru sink their teeth into me right now, fuck me into oblivion, and then take my bite?

Mark me anywhere you want.

They took me back into their throat and I had a second of panic thrilling through me, as if they might actually just bite me on the cock and stake their claim that way.

I want us to match. Is that silly?

I shook my head, threading my fingers through their hair.Couples get matching tattoos. Bond marks aren’t much different.

I shivered through the eager sweeps of their tongue, bliss coiling bit by bit at the base of my spine.Are you going to make me come like this and then fuck me into next week?