Page 70 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
“Not bad?”
He licked his lips.
“A little more, then.” Michael allowed another glimmer past his guard.
Deece’s fur stood on end, and his nosing switched to an impatient butting.
Michael cheerfully suggested, “Transform, and you could use actual words.”
Moments later, the young male knelt over him, his face alight with wonderment. “Again?” he whispered.
“Happily.”
At first, Michael thought that he’d overdone it, for tears sprang to Deece’s eyes.
“What’s all this?” Michael asked, gently brushing them away with his thumbs.
With a low whine, Deece hid his face against the reaver’s chest.
Poor kid. This was exactly why Michael had waited until they were alone. Tending was a highly personal matter, and it dredged up all manner of emotions. Especially the first time.
“You’re fine. Brilliant, even. Don’t fall apart on me.” Michael smoothed Deece’s hair. “This is all normal. Deep breaths.”
The first kiss grazed Michael’s throat. More quickly followed, climbing to the underside of his jaw. Apologies and pleas.
“There, that’s enough. You don’t need to beg.” He pushed at Deece’s shoulder and pulled him against his side. “Come on. Get comfortable, and we can talk.”
Deece seemed confused about where to put his hands.
Michael couldn’t help but smile. “I’ve lived among Amaranthine all my life, and I’m a father four times over. Nearly five. Iknowhow to nestle.”
When Deece stopped squirming, he lay with his ear over Michael’s heart.
“Better?” he inquired solicitously.
Deece slipped an arm around his waist and asked, “Again?”
“Gladly.” Michael added, “Never be afraid to ask. The answer will always beyes.”
Fingers tightened in the fabric of Michael’s night clothes, and Deece nodded once. He was also holding his breath, so Michael allowed him another tiny burst.
Deece went limp.
“Let’s make a few things clear.” Michael smoothed his hand repeatedly over Deece’s hair. “Yesterday, you wanted nothing to do with me, and yet today, you are all want and willingness. But do not think for a moment that I’vetamedyou. Every Amaranthine is free to choose or refuse a reaver’s tending. I’ll never addle your mind, nor would I lure you into addiction. But youwillcrave my company.”
“I do.” Raising his head, Deece frowned. “I want more.”
“Naturally. I’ve barely allowed you a taste. Not until your first tending will you take your fill.” Michael said, “Work with me for a week or two, and the novelty will wear off. The urge will mellow. You’ll find your balance.”
Deece’s frown deepened. “This pull is stronger than my will. Is that not addiction?”
The question alone proved he was thinking clearly. Michael said, “You’ll crave me in the way close friends seek one another’s company. You’ll want me in the same way a child wants his father to carry him, even after he’s learned to walk.”
His expression slowly cleared. “Yes.”
“In days long gone, our races were at odds. You ate us. We killed you. Fear kept us apart.” Michael had never lost his wonder over the place into which he was born, this seam between worlds, stitched tight with trust. “Yet here we are. I risked fangs and claws, and you risked barriers and binding. Forthis.”
Another brush of souls sent a tremor through Deece.
