Epilogue
Ludiin
A month later.
“ T his is…” Nylune’s voice came through the connector, laced with disappointment.
“I know it’s not what we’ve been working toward,” Ludiin said. “But I’m not sure I can make an alpha.”
“Is it because you finally have yours?” Nylune teased, though a thread of envy wove through his words. “Has he given you everything you need?”
Heat crept up Ludiin’s neck. “Yes,” he admitted, his voice almost a whisper. “And I realized nothing can replace the real thing. The comfort bot is meant to soothe. I know you hoped it could help with your heats, but… I don’t think I can give you that.”
“I understand,” Nylune murmured after a beat. “I was just hoping for a permanent solution.”
“I know,” Ludiin said, his chest tightening. “But I truly believe your alpha is out there. You’ll find him, or he’ll find you.”
“I doubt that,” Nylune replied with a dry laugh. “But thank you anyway. And for the comfort bot. I’m thinking of buying him a nice long shirt. I like the warming function, it makes the hugs feel almost real.”
“I remembered you said you missed that,” Ludiin said softly. “I thought it might bring you some comfort.”
“It does,” Nylune admitted. Then, with a teasing lilt, “I just wish it had the… pleasuring side as well.”
“I can modify it for you,” Ludiin offered. He paused as footsteps echoed up the stairs. “Shit. I should go. My alpha’s coming. I was supposed to be in bed hours ago."
“Damn,” Nylune chuckled. “Never thought I’d hear you say that.”
“Me neither,” Ludiin blushed, heat pooling in his cheeks.
“Are you talking about me?” Tarymn asked as he wrapped strong arms around him from behind, lips brushing his neck. Ludiin let out a soft moan.
“Not you. The comfort bot,” Ludiin murmured.
“It was modeled after me. Of course you’re talking about me. You do realize you’re sharing me with every omega who buys it, right?”
On the other end of the line, Nylune gasped. “It’s modeled after your alpha? Send me holo images!”
“Goodnight, Nylune,” Ludiin said quickly.
"Night, Ludiin,” Nylune laughed, the sound echoing around the den before the line went silent.
Ludiin arched into Tarymn’s hold, muttering, “You didn’t have to say that. Now Nylune’s going to hound me for holo images.”
“You can give them to him. I don’t mind,” Tarymn said easily.
“I do,” Ludiin huffed, wrapping his arms tighter around the alpha. “I don’t want anyone staring at you. It nearly killed me when you went into heat and spent it with two omegas.” He wrinkled his nose in mock disgust. “I want you all to myself.”
“You do?” Tarymn scooped him up as if he weighed nothing.
“Yes,” Ludiin whispered, legs locking around Tarymn’s waist as he nipped lightly at his neck.
The alpha groaned, carrying him toward their room. “You’re mine,” Ludiin breathed.
“Yes, I am,” Tarymn growled back.
Ludiin’s teeth sank deeper into his skin.
“Fuck,” Tarymn hissed.
“I’m claiming you,” Ludiin said, voice low and fierce.
“You already have,” Tarymn murmured. “You bit me the night I was helping you through your heat. I guess I’ve always been yours.”
Ludiin giggled, joy thrumming through his veins, it made him dizzy.
“I love you,” he said as Tarymn dropped him on their bed.
He stared up at him, his chest tight as his heart hammered wildly, so fast it felt like it might burst. A rush of love surged through him, fierce and overwhelming, flooding every corner of his being until it was hard to breathe. “I love you so so much.”
“I love you too,” Tarymn growled as he took his mouth.