Epilogue
Several weeks later
“I still cannot quite get accustomed to this place,” Therxian murmured as he evaded yet another pool and joined his mate in their nest. “I like water as much as any other Seshanamitesh, but it is everywhere.”
His mate laughed softly from where she was reclined, drawing his admiring gaze toward her. Over the weeks she had grown lusher and her scent sweeter. And she also recently began to possess an even more voracious appetite in bed that often left him exhausted but too satisfied to care.
“It does take some getting used to,” Alex agreed. “But it does possess its own beauty. I have to admit that I will be happy when we can return to the Elder Shinara.” Sitting up on the bed, she scooted forward on her knees, making her breasts bib distractingly.
They looked a bit different than he recalled. Fuller and the tips were somehow darker. He cocked his head, considering them, until his mate’s wry laugh drew his attention back to her. Caught.
He grimaced apologetically. “I was distracted. What did you say, ashlava?”
Her smile widened devilishly. “I think you zoned out for a moment there,” she teased.
“I said that I really think we should consider re-establishing the elder shinara. The upper residential areas work well enough if needed, but the elder shinara possesses so much more beauty and natural features that I think would serve the people well if they were able to utilize them. Plus, it would be more convenient for the Uralial so that they aren’t confined just to the perimeter river of the upper shinara. ”
Therxian inclined his head in agreement, his gavo lightly snapping.
“I have been thinking in this direction as well. If we can connect with the hunters, we may be able to relocate to the elder shinara and establish ourselves there while we come up with a plan to deal with Ferinia. I have considered taking it to my mother to gain her insights if we were both in alignment with this course of action.”
A look of surprise passed over his mate’s face. “Therxian, I am an outsider. I don’t know the needs of your people or what works best for you.”
“That is perfect because I am the same,” he replied drolly. “I have not lived in the shinara since I was a juvenile until just recently returning, and we both see how that turned out.”
Her eyebrow lifted and her smile turned sultry as she crept closer on her knees and ran her fingers teasingly along his tail. “I would say that it worked out pretty well.”
“For me, anyway,” he agreed with a soft laugh. “I found the one female who is perfect for me and for whom my hearts sing.”
“Mmm,” she hummed, “I may not be the most poetic person, but I love you too, Therxian, and I will be happy to listen and give you my feedback. I just think your mother would be more helpful in these matters than I would.”
He snorted in disbelief, his gavo fluttering in annoyance.
“Do not count on it. The last time I went to her for advice, she shooed me away like an errant hatchling and told me to go bother someone else and only come back when I have nestlings to hand her.” He looked quizzically at his mate.
“She says that she is ‘retired.’ What is the meaning of this word ‘retired?’” His gavo flattened.
“She has been enjoying the company of that human Vi far too much. It is making her more difficult than ever.”
Alex laughed softly as she crawled toward him and rested her cheek on his chest. Despite his annoyance with his mother, he wrapped an arm around her, his wing curling protectively around his mate. Alex made a happy noise and brushed a kiss to his chest.
“This is nice. Seshanamitesh females are really missing out by intentionally breeding and selecting small males for their mates,” she observed.
She ran a finger along his chest. “Not to kill the cuddle-time mood or anything, but didn’t you say that there was somewhere you needed to be? That you were meeting the chieftain?”
He hummed in agreement, his eyes sliding partially shut with contentment. “It can wait a little longer. There is nothing that urgently requires my attent—”
“Alex? Therxian?” Healer Zhia called. “May I enter? There is something I just discovered that I must urgently bring to your attention.”
Therxian slid a hand over his face with a hiss as his mate smothered a laugh behind her palm.
“There is always something,” she whispered playfully before clearing her throat and sitting up. “Yes, Zhia. Come in.”
The healer hurried in and carefully averted her gaze upon seeing them still in bed. Therxian sighed and slowly sat up, his gavo and wings stretching.
“Go ahead,” he gently instructed, and the healer bobbed her head, her gavo fluttering and twitching slightly with her embarrassment.
“I had heard from Healer Noa that your mother requested some ghaia seeds.” She grimaced. “Despite her frailty, your mother is far too crafty and impatient to just leave well enough alone and wait.”
Therxian exchanged a confused look with his mate. “This is about seeds?”
The healers gavo jumped with her increasing embarrassment.
“Special seeds,” she hissed. “She was seen sewing them in the private area where your mate relieves herself.” At their identical looks of confusion, she made an impatient sound.
“Ghaia seeds are sewn to detect special hormones... and... well they have sprouted!”
Alex leaned in close to him. “Are you following any of this because I’m lost.”
Therxian dipped his chin. “Speak plainly, Zhia, what—”
“Alex!” Vi shouted, bursting unannounced into the nest. She grinned sheepishly at the sight of them in bed, but it didn’t stop her from running over, much to Therxian consternation.
What was with all the company suddenly? “I just heard! Holy fucking shit! First Lori, and now you. Congratulations, you crazy bitch! Just remember I’m auntie V and I’m good for anything. ”
“Come again,” Alex said weakly.
“Zathexa is telling the entire wyrda and is just beside herself with glee—man for such a frail thing she certainly gets around quick! She’s just out here gloating about having an heir already on the way. I just can’t believe you’re pregnant!”
“Gravid,” Healer Zhia supplied when Therxian looked blankly toward her.
Therxian gaped with shock, but it was quickly replaced with a rush of joy that had him roaring as he burst from the bed. “Everyone, get out!” he bellowed.
Eyes turned to him in surprise, but it was quickly replaced with wry humor as both Vi and Zhia fled the nest, leaving him alone with his mate. Therxian turned toward her, his eyes lighting up hungrily. Alex smiled up at him, her brows rising.
“And just what are you thinking?”
“That it is about time having something to celebrate,” he hissed as he curled his tail around her and drew her into his embrace.
An heir. His own offspring and blood. A new beginning. He could not wait.