Chapter Twelve
Archibald
My bonded and I are cuddling in my bed.
They were both worried about the scratch our little wild cat left on me. They took turns sucking my cock empty until I insisted we rest, and Ben took Theo roughly, but as always, made sure they both achieved release.
I rub my hand over the wound the little human made. It’s seaming together well. I’ll apply more healing cream to it before I sleep. Won’t be more than a thin line in the morning.
She keeps a sharp blade, I’ll give her that. The thought makes me smile. A feral female, and I’m rather surprised at myself that I enjoy the idea.
I look at my bonded, both sleeping soundly in my huge bed.
Ben’s wings are hanging off the far side and Theo is snoring weakly on his belly, wings folded in.
I didn’t have a chance to question Ben on his behavior this evening.
I will try to before our bride wakes; I need to know what in the world is going on with him.
But I know in the morning I’ll need to mount Theo; he’s still very upset with our human and I need him to get over it. One of us has to be the sweet one and he’s really the best at it.
THE SUN IS HIGH BY the time we leave my bed. My eyes crack open slowly as I stretch my tail out. Only then do I hear the pounding.
Theo snaps out of sleep, leaping out of bed with all the attention of a Ranger, runs to the closet and yanks it open. Ben and I follow slowly, but can see them through the doorway.
Our bride is standing, naked and enraged, fist raised to smack the door again.
“I have to pee!” She yells, and starts to slip by , but Theo but he grabs her arm.
She glares, zero fear in her face, “Do you want me to piss in the closet?” Her skin is flushed but I don’t understand humans enough to know why.
“I’ll walk you, bride,” Theo says, his face softening, but obviously still mistrusting her.
“Well hurry!” She yells, but quickly adds, “please.” And she hustles towards the restroom, Theo holding her elbow as if she’s going to run for the balcony again, fool flightless little thing.
Ben and I turn to the kitchen and I run a hand down the edge of his wing. He shivers and I sense the smile on his face.
“What aren’t you telling me, bonded?” I ask quietly. Ben has always been closed off. When you find your parents and younger sisters dead, it’s not unexpected. He had returned a shell of himself. Theo and I were there for him as he rebuilt his world.
He spins, features frozen. “Nothing, Archibald.”
“Mmmm,” I frown and slip by him to start some breakfast.
Theo returns with our sullen bride but not before I hear him informing her to get on her hands and knees.
I look down at her, her face not masking her rage. Her long coppery hair is loose and covering those pillowy breasts that I want to nibble. Surely her skin is thinner than ours so I will be cautious and careful until I learn what she prefers.
“Do you have food restrictions, bride?” I ask, my tail going to stroke her face. She jerks her head away, from where she kneels on the floor. Grumpy creature.
“No.”
“The answer is ‘no, alpha,’” Ben corrects.
“If you’re going to execute me, just fucking do it,” she spits.
I crouch down in front of her, bringing my face near hers. “And why would I do that?”
“I attempted to murder a Squadron official. An Earl. The penalty is death.” Her golden eyes meet mine, rage unhidden.
I chuckle. “Little one, do I look like I was almost murdered last night?” I run my hand along the heavy scratch on my bare chest. “Just a little love bite, my bride.” I smile, her anger oddly adorable. “But we will punish your behavior. And start your training today. After breakfast.”
I straighten. “Ben, put down a blanket for our bride; their skin is certainly more delicate than ours.” I look at her again, fury still dancing in her eyes, “I had hoped our morning would have started with all of us enjoying each others’ bodies and a meal seated at the table together, but your decisions make that impossible. Perhaps tomorrow, if you shape up.”