Chapter 4
4
Selena
K aede appeared beside me as Zirene fastened the black and purple hooded cloak around my neck.
It was a perfect match to the elegant, form-fitting purple gown I wore, a dress that showcased the long scar between my breasts. Silver and crystal beads adorned the gown, while a slit up my right leg ventured daringly high, exposing a scandalous expanse of thigh.
The mirror shimmered with my reflection, the dress catching the light and glinting in a dazzling display.
For the first time since I’d returned, I was truly seeing myself. I could hardly believe the female staring back at me in the mirror. She was powerful, confident, and completely unrecognizable.
I turned to them, my eyes wide. “Is this…is this really me?”
Kaede moved to circle around me, his hands settling on my stomach, his lips brushing the nape of my neck. “Yes,” he affirmed, his voice a whispered caress. “This is what I see every day. You’re strong, beautiful, kind…and with enough confidence, you’ll become a force to be reckoned with.”
Zirene nodded, his eyes glowing. “A true Beacon.”
Staring at my reflection, I felt a new surge of courage. These males, my mates, saw strength in me that I hadn’t yet realized. With my clan’s support, I felt ready to face whatever came our way.
I was done hiding. I was done depending on Zirene’s protection, relying on my clan mates to pick up my slack.
If I was to protect those I loved, our children and our people, I had to become the protector they needed.
Kaede stood beside me, his reflection an echo of deadly elegance. His long, dark blue hair—so dark it was nearly black—was pulled back into a high ponytail, horns curving back to frame the tresses. His new sleek black uniform clung to his muscular form, enhancing his lethal appearance. His clear state-of-the-art visor allowed his fierce neon-green gaze to meet mine. A belt around his waist held a pair of blasters and psydaggers on each hip, a testament that he was always prepared for danger.
He was deadly and lethal, a combination I found irresistibly attractive.
Zirene stepped back, licking his lips as he studied me. His amethyst eyes darkened with an unmistakable desire. Kaede was no different, his breath hitching as he, too, drank in my appearance.
“If our day wasn’t already booked,” Kaede growled, his voice low and rough, “I’d show you just what you’re doing to me.”
Zirene countered quickly, “It was torture enough helping you dress. I won’t let anyone else have the pleasure of undressing you.”
Kaede chuckled, a sound that rumbled in his chest, his gaze never leaving me. “Who said anything about undressing?”
Heat crept up my cheeks as I blushed, their seductive words sending a delicious shiver down my spine.
I leaned in and kissed Zirene’s cheek before taking his paw in mine.
“Have you found us a restaurant?” I asked Kaede.
He shook his head. “None are capable of hosting us right now,” he said. “But they will be soon. We should give Master Mwe a tour, take him shopping. Show him your vision for your moon. If he sees what you want to achieve, he may be more inclined to support us.”
“That’s a good idea,” Zirene agreed. “We should plan for that in the coming days.”
“I’d like to take Tori and her males with us,” I said. “They’ve been cooped up in the villa too long.”
Kaede nodded. “The others are waiting for us in the dining room. It’s important for you to eat, Selena. You’re feeding more than just yourself now.”
Vowels appeared beside me, dressed in a simple vest and baggy pants. His ethereal golden form cast a bright glow around us. “I am monitoring Selena’s internal levels, Kaede,” he reassured him. “Her relaxation in the pool this morning has helped lower her overall stress. I will ensure she does not skip any meals and stays hydrated.”
Zirene thanked him, pulling me close to him. “We shouldn’t keep the rest of the clan waiting,” he said, a gentle nudge in his voice. “Even though I would love to be able to help you relax with the help of my clanbrother before we play host.”
“Behave.” I bit my lip, knowing full well by the twinkle in his eyes that my Shadow would’ve loved to be mischievous if I would allow it. “We talked about this.”
Zirene nipped my neck in response, growling deep in his throat as his tail wrapped around my leg.
“Keep my REI updated on her status, Euouae,” Kaede told him, a protective tone in his voice. “I don’t want her to lose track of time and go without.”
“I’ve been pregnant before, Kaede ,” I reminded him gently. “I know what to expect.”
“But you’re not carrying Aldawi cubs,” he countered. “You’re carrying our hybrid demihuman daughter. Besides, every pregnancy is different.”
“I understand your concerns,” I told him, cupping his cheek. “And I appreciate it, but I need you to trust me. I’ll let you, and whoever is with me, know if something is wrong. Vowels will make sure I’m taken care of.”
Kaede nodded, looking apologetic as he pressed his cheek against my hand. “I’m sorry, Selena.” He let out a deep sigh. “I just…I feel responsible. If anything happens—”
“Nothing will happen.”
The comforting warmth of Zirene’s chest against my back, contrasting with the cool air of the room, sent a pleasant shiver up my spine. His paws rested on my hips, a protective gesture that was as much a display of ownership as it was reassurance. I loved the feel of him, the solid mass of his body behind mine.
Before me stood Kaede, his neon-green eyes darkening as they always did when his desire flared. I reached up, wrapping his ponytail around my fingers, pulling him closer until his lips were a mere breath away from mine.
I tipped my head back slightly, meeting his gaze straight on. “Don’t you dare regret what our love made,” I murmured, my voice barely a whisper. His reply was a soft growl, a primal sound that sent a thrill through me.
And then I closed the distance, pressing my lips to his in a kiss. It was slow and languid, as much a promise as it was an expression of love. I tasted him, his unique blend of danger and spice that was both intoxicating and comforting. My senses reeled, lost in the heady sensation, but I didn’t pull away. Instead, I deepened the kiss, my tongue tangling with his, stoking the fires of passion that always seemed to simmer between us.
As I lost myself in the kiss, Zirene’s paws began to move, sliding up my body in a gentle caress that drew a soft moan from me. His touch was always a balm, soothing and arousing in equal measure.
Sandwiched between them, their powerful bodies radiating warmth and a sense of belonging, I felt cherished and loved. It was an embrace that went beyond the physical, reaching into the depths of my soul.
I knew then, beyond any doubt, that these males were my future.
My protectors, my mates, my everything.
The sires of my children.
Breaking the kiss, I gazed at both of them. “I love you both,” I whispered as I tried to catch my breath. “And I know you’re both worried because you want the best for me, but please don’t coddle me. It’s still early in my pregnancy, and I am more than capable of hosting Mwe and handling everything we have planned for the upcoming months.”
Feeling my newfound confidence surge through me, I pulled away from their comforting presence and turned towards the door.
“Let’s do this,” I urged, not wanting to delay our departure, knowing how easily I could lose track of time in their presence. “Together.”
Kaede and Zirene glanced at each other with wide, knowing smirks and nodded.
“Together,” Kaede agreed.
“As you wish, my Nova,” Zirene purred. “My Beacon.”