Page 97 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
“Perhaps. But that is not our situation.” He reached for her hands, pulling her back into contact. “Kimiko, what is the underlying message you want to send during your declaration?”
“Something confident … respectful … and appropriately flattering. And specifically canine. I don’t want to insult your clan by complimenting your plumage or purr.”
The first two were simple enough. He guided her through postures, showing her the difference between his stance and hers. For this ceremony, it was his to await, hers to initiate. Which only left the flattery. Something he wasn’t used to receiving. “Compliments can take any form. Did you have something in mind?”
“I could state the obvious—beauty and good breeding. But that’s not very personal.” Kimiko’s eyes had taken on a sparkle. “But I probably shouldn’t call you an amiable slacker with a soft spot for crossers.”
He blinked. He blinked again. “That’swhat you think of me?”
“It’s something I’m certain of, and it’s something I like about you.”
Quen had thought Kimiko was teasing, but she remained in the stance he’d just demonstrated—confident, respectful. She was serious?
“You adore Ever. You’re patient with Inti. And you want a family.” Kimiko’s gaze didn’t waver. “Isn’t fatherhood part of the reason you consider me suitable? Our children will be crossers. Ever won’t be alone.”
Astonishment rivaled with dismay. “I do want children. Ido. I always have. But I’ve never thought of you as … as breeding stock.”
Kimiko’s laugh had a wry twist. “Eloquence, I’m a reaver. My worth to the In-between is a matter of record, based almost entirely on my breeding potential.”
He needed to correct her. He needed to be clear. But fear was boiling up inside, stealing his ability to speak. Devotion and fidelity were a mate’s due. Yet she saw herself as a means to an end. Would Kimiko understand if he told her otherwise? Or should he show her?
She was retreating again, closing off.
“W-wait,” he stammered. “Do you know how to tend?”
“I’m licensed, but my resources are minimal.” Her body language shifted—caution, reluctance, wariness. “Reavers of my rank risk rapid depletion.”
Eloquence sank to his knees, passive, submissive. “I don’t want to take. I want to give.”
“I don’t understand.”
“A human bondmate must be tended. You’re a reaver, which means our souls can meet.” He fumbled for better words. “Meet with me here.”
After a lengthy silence, she asked, “How?”
“May I touch?”
“Yes.”
Rising up on his knees, he slid his arms around her waist. “Nothing will happen at first. I’ll leave myself open. Allow the connection and use it to find me.”
“Where will you be?”
“Right here.” Eloquence hid his face against her belly. Voice muffled, he promised, “I’ll be waiting here.”
Her hands settled lightly on his shoulders. “Like tending?”
Quen’s attention had already turned inward, but he nodded. Her winter tunic was soft, and her warmth so close. It was all he could do to resist nuzzling.
She did not keep him waiting.
Kimiko’s soul was neatly defined, a quality he’d come to associate with training. He teased at the edges of her awareness, alerting her to his presence and inviting more interaction. To his relief, she didn’t shy away. Quen found her courage appealing.
Her soul didn’t dazzle like the reavers who usually found their way into Harmonious Starmark’s home. Her essence was taut and sweet, with the faint resonance, a single note, like the fading tone of a bell. The right crystal could amplify that power. With time and patience, he might be able to increase her modest reserves.
Would that please her? He wanted to please her.
As a sense of expectancy filtered through their tentative connection, he was startled to realize that nothing kept him at bay—no wards, no barriers. Were all reavers of her rank left to their own devices? Quen’s protective instincts surged with the need to see her safe.
