Page 48 of Wayfinder
“I don’t think it’s possible to be any better than I am right now,” I sighed, then a low rumble echoed from my stomach.
Jutuk raised his head, staring at my grumbling stomach like a beast to be vanquished.
“I am not taking care of you properly, my mate.”
“I’d say you took care of me just fine,” I giggled, stretching and pressing my body against him.
“You have not eaten.”
I shrugged, food the last thing on my mind at the moment. Still, it was a long way until breakfast. I glanced at the clock on the opposite wall above the couch. Unlike the circular timepiece I was used to, alien clocks were two horizontal columns with strange markings that told everything from am to pm and the lunar cycle. I’d learned to read it well enough to know that the Baron would have already finished dinner, and the girls would have put the kitchen to bed.
“Are you suggesting that you want to cook for me?” I grinned at him, teasing.
“Goddess, no,” Jutuk shuddered, apparently finding the idea horrific. “I cannot even work the food replicators correctly. However, there is a place I would like to take you to where we can find food... if you will come with me.”
“I’d follow you anywhere,” I said with my whole soul.
Of course, it took another roll in the sheets and a round of shower sex before I followed him, and we stood together outside a set of white double doors.
Jutuk didn’t knock, instead he swept the doors open to reveal a pristine apartment decorated in shades of gray and white. It looked like something out of Architectural Digest, but the savory scent of food wafting through the air made it feel homy.
I immediately recognized the woman coming from the back of the apartment. She was elegant and lovely, wearing a pale teal caftan with her myriad of braids piled high on her head.
“Sister,” Jutuk beamed, slipping an arm around my waist, and pulling me against his side. “I believe you know my mate, Pearl.”
A broad smile split Jala’s striking features as she strode up to me, pulling me from her brother’s arms into hers.
“I am thrilled for you both.” Jala hugged me tightly.
“Thank you.” I smiled at her, watching as she playfully cuffed her brother on the shoulder. I guess siblings were alike, whether on Earth or in space.
“Have you eaten?” Jala gestured toward the part of the apartment emitting the delicious aroma. “My mate’s culinary skills are nowhere near as good as yours, but he makes an excellent Vardesian stew.”
As if summoned, another male entered the room. He stood a few inches taller than Jutuk, though not as broad. His face had human features, save for the slightly broader nose and fangs that showed at the edge of his lips. His pelt was thickerthan Jutuk’s and was a deep tan color. His hair was golden and flowing over his shoulders in a dense mass of waves. I nearly laughed aloud when I realized what he looked like... the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz... except hotter. Much, much hotter.
“Pearl, this is my mate, Praxxan.” Jala introduced the male as he came to her side, pulling her against his side. The affection between them was palpable. It made me wonder if Jutuk and I appeared like that to others. I hoped so.
“The greeting is my pleasure,” Praxxan told me in a deep baritone, bowing smartly from the waist. Then he grinned impishly and punched Jutuk in the shoulder. “Congratulations, my brother.”
“I am a very lucky male indeed,” Jutuk beamed, and I felt the press of his lips against my temple.
“Uncle Jutuk!”
The child dashing toward us was the perfect blend of her mother and father, with her father’s coloring and long flowing name and her mother’s features.
Jutuk dropped his arm from around my waist to scoop the child up as she barreled toward him.
“Hello, my princess!”
The sight of him holding the child, complete adoration on his face as he gazed at her, made my ovaries swell near to bursting. I’d never considered children before, but the idea of him holding our daughter like that made my eyes sting with longing.
The girl nuzzled Jutuk’s cheek before turning her dark gaze on me. “Who is this?
“Priemba, my heart, this is Pearl... my mate.”
“Your mate?” Priemba’s gaze darted between Jutuk and me. Her brow furrowed, revealing the adorable countenance ofan angry kitten. Although as cute as she appeared, it tore at my heart to think she wouldn’t accept our mating.
I had only a second to worry before a wide smile split Priemba’s face, and she launched herself at me.
