CHAPTER NINE
The narrow interior of Marga's house was now crowded. Inside were Reed, Katuri, Zachary, Matzie, Zed, and two other council members. The rest of the villagers waited outside, gathered in small groups.
The old woman lay on the bed, looking even skinnier and older than usual. She seemed almost lifeless, but she was still conscious—her eyes slowly moved over the people in the room and stopped on Katuri. A faint smile crossed Marga's face, and she raised her hand toward the orcish girl. Katuri knelt beside the bed and gently took Marga's hand.
The room fell silent, and everyone could hear Marga's weak voice say, "Hello, my child. It's good to see you again."
Katuri nodded respectfully and then delved into the details of the healer’s condition. The others listened intently, and Reed watched their reactions. He saw a change in their faces as they realized that Katuri had extensive knowledge of herbal treatments. Seeing Marga, with all her wisdom and experience, trust Katuri with her life seemed to convince them.
After the discussion, Katuri stood and motioned for everyone to go outside. She then turned to the council elders. Reed stood beside her, watching the villagers approach, including Esther, Martha, and the others who had previously been hostile to the orcess.
"Marga needs a stronger dose of the antidote to counteract the poison. She said she had a small amount of the base potion that slowed the toxin, but now she needs something extra—a herb to help cleanse her blood. If I can give it to her quickly, I believe she can recover fully," Katuri explained matter-of-factly. "I know the plant I need and the type of forest floor where it grows, but I need someone who knows these woods well to guide me."
"I can guide you, Katuri!" Matzie volunteered. “I know the forest around here pretty well.”
Reed looked at Matzie with newfound respect. Given recent events, she had really grown as a person.
"Perfect. Let's set off, then. We can be back before dark," Katuri replied.
Matzie needed to grab a few more things and ran back into Marga's house. Zachary wished Katuri good luck and stepped aside. The crowd parted respectfully, gathering again in smaller groups. Reed overheard some villagers making plans to prepare food at the campfire and bring out barrels of moonshine and ale. It seemed they were settling in to wait for the outcome.
Katuri turned to Reed, her face set with determination.
"It shouldn't take more than two hours," she said quietly, so the others wouldn't hear. “If Matzie's right, the plant should be fairly easy to find.”
Reed nodded and wrapped his arms around her waist. He leaned in and whispered, "I really admire you for doing this, Katuri. These people don't deserve your kindness."
"But you deserve it." Katuri looked him straight in the eye. "And Marga needs my help. I've only met her a few times, but she was always kind to me. She never showed fear or disrespect. And you saw that not everyone was against me. This is my chance, Reed—the same chance my father had—to show them that I have good intentions, that I just want to... live with you, in peace."
"I want that too." He pulled her into a kiss. He needed it so much. And he wanted everyone to see them together, to know that Katuri was his woman and that nothing they said could change that.
A little later, Matzie returned, and she and Katuri headed into the forest. Reed watched their silhouettes, so different in size, then leaned against the fence and sank into his thoughts.
Suddenly, he felt someone watching him. He turned and met Petyr's dark eyes. Petyr stood with Jolene and a group of their peers. They were all glancing at Reed, some with neutral expressions, others with lingering distrust. Only Jolene and Petyr seemed different—Jolene with uncertainty, and Petyr with a hint of challenge.
"You wanted to say something, Petyr?" Reed asked loudly, making sure the whole group could hear.
"Yeah, I did." Petyr nodded. "What's with the change, man? Going green or what? Did she enchant you or something? You seem... different." He smirked, and Reed didn't like it. But if Petyr wanted to keep pushing, Reed wouldn't back down.
"Oh, do I?" Reed shot back. "Well, maybe it's because I almost died, Petyr. And then I was saved by her. I learned to appreciate honorable actions over someone's skin color."
Petyr's smirk faded slightly as Reed's words hit their mark. The group looked uncertain, but only Petyr seemed unaffected.
"It changed my perspective," Reed continued, his voice harsh. "I began to see what really matters."
"Because of that... orcish gal? Come on, you can't tell us that she—" Petyr began, but Reed cut him off.
"Yes, because of Katuri! That's her name!" Reed snapped.
"But you barely know her, Reed!"
"You're wrong," Reed said firmly, silencing Petyr. "I haven't known Katuri for long, but I've learned more about her through her actions than I ever needed to know. When I was in the forest, during the storm, totally messed up and dying, Katuri selflessly helped me. She gave me shelter, fed me, cared for me when I was feverish, and nursed me back to health. She's a great healer—her mother taught her well."
Reed paused, letting his words sink in. He looked around at their faces, stopping at Jolene. She lowered her gaze, unable to meet his eyes.
"And she did all that without judging me by my skin color," he continued. "She did it because she's a good, kind person. I wanted to offer her a better life than living in a lonely hut." He turned to Petyr and added coldly, "What would you do, Petyr? Would you rather die of hunger and cold than be saved by a so-called enemy? Are you really that scared just because she has green skin? I didn't think you could be such a coward."
"It's not like that!" Petyr said hastily, looking to the others for support. But no one backed him up. The villagers were hopeful that Katuri could help Marga, willing to give her a chance. Petyr stood alone. He swallowed hard and said, in a much less confident tone, "We were just worried, Reed, as your friends."
"Well then... as my friend, shouldn't you trust my judgment? You know me—I was always cautious and responsible," Reed said, less angrily but with a much more bitter tone. "By the way, shouldn't you be glad I found someone I'm happy with? Friends feel that way about each other, don't they?"
Reed finished, staring at Petyr until he lowered his gaze. The rest of the group began to look uncomfortable listening to this heated discussion. Finally, Petyr mumbled, "It can’t be harmful to be extra cautious, right?"
Reed just waved his hand in response and turned away from Petyr. He didn't care if Petyr truly agreed with him or what he really thought. The others’ opinions were also not that important to him. Only Katuri mattered now.
He sat down on the grass at a distance from the others and watched as people began roasting meat over the fire and pouring out alcohol. It seemed that the villagers had spontaneously decided that waiting for Katuri and Matzie to return was worth a feast. Or they just wanted to pass the time.
After some time, Arrik came to Reed and handed him a piece of pork with bread and a mug full of beer. The blacksmith must have noticed that Reed wasn't in the mood to chat and just patted him on the shoulder before leaving him alone. Reed appreciated that.
But he wasn't left alone for long. Shortly after he ate, he lay down and closed his eyes for a moment to rest. Then he heard another rustle and sensed someone standing nearby. He opened his eyes and saw... Jolene.
The girl looked a bit pale, her lips tightened as if she were wondering whether she should approach Reed at all. He stood up and looked at her, trying to figure out what he felt for her at that moment—nothing—was the first thing that came to his mind. He felt nothing for Jolene.
He even felt a bit embarrassed that he had forgotten so quickly about someone he thought he genuinely loved. But now he realized how immature that love was, how shallow, and how little he actually knew about Jolene's real character. Her true colors only showed when she chose a richer fiancé, quickly forgetting about Reed. Maybe it went both ways, and that's why he had no problem forgetting her now. They just weren’t meant for each other.
"Reed? Can we... can we talk for a moment?" she asked quietly, as if unsure of his reaction. She also glanced behind her, which to him was proof that Petyr knew nothing about her being here.
"Yeah, why not." Reed shrugged indifferently.
"How are you feeling... after everything that happened? You left so suddenly. You should know everyone was really worried about you." Her tone seemed formal.
"Worried?" Reed snorted softly. "I've heard that countless times since I got back. Everyone's been worried about me, but look what came of it. The strange welcoming committee, which was really a ‘get out of here’ committee for some..."
"I know you left because of me," she interjected, looking him straight in the eyes.
Reed shrugged his shoulders dismissively. He scrutinized Jolene intently, trying to figure out what her reasons were for starting the conversation with him in the first place. Was it just guilt?
"Yes, I left because of you, and you know exactly why." His words came out stern. That was not his intention, not anymore. He became aware that he wasn’t angry at her.
He sighed softly and added, "But we shouldn’t dwell on it, Jolene. There's no point now. A lot has changed for me; I moved on, and you're obviously stuck with the consequences of your decision. You’re Petyr’s fiancée—that’s the reality. It is what it is. Better to leave whatever we had in the past."
Jolene nodded slowly, hesitantly.
"Are you happy with Katuri, Reed?" she asked, trying not to show any emotions.
"I am, very much," he answered straight away. "And I'd like to live happily with her here. But as you could see for yourself, there are people who don't want that, even though she hasn't done anything wrong. I’m not going to let them treat her badly. She doesn't deserve that."
"I have nothing against her." Jolene again avoided looking at Reed. "And I hope we can stay friends... despite all that has happened."
It all sounded very formal, and Reed eyed her. He suspected she wanted to be on good terms with him, more for social reasons than out of a genuine need for friendship. Jolene was always pragmatic and self-interested, trying to play it safe even now, making alliances with people who could be of use to her in the future. He was surprised he had never seen this before, being blinded by his feelings.
Reed frowned at first, but then he heard the murmurs of people. Katuri and Matzie were on their way back. He looked at Jolene and said vaguely, "We'll see how it goes, Jolene. Now, if you'll excuse me..."
He rushed toward Katuri. She and Matzie carried an armful of a yellowish, grass-like plant. The orcish girl smiled at the sight of Reed.
"We have more than enough, Reed!" she told him, her face lighting up as she walked toward Marga's house. The other people listened to her as well. Katuri turned to Matzie and said, "Matzie, we need a big kettle of boiling water!"
"I'm on it, Katuri!" shouted Matzie enthusiastically, running toward the well. It was as surprising as it was heartwarming for Reed to see that Katuri and Matzie were already getting along well and working as a team.
"Tell me how I can be of use!" Jolene suddenly offered to help Katuri, to Reed's surprise.
She had a very formal smile on her face.
The orcish girl looked at her for a moment, then instructed, "Bring water with Matzie. We need at least three buckets. After that, meet me inside; I'll show you how to prepare the plant."
Jolene nodded and quickly joined Matzie. Reed wondered if Katuri even knew who she had just been talking to, but everything was happening so fast it was difficult to keep track. He followed Katuri into Marga's house and asked if he could help too, but the orcish girl declined with a smile. Then he offered to bring her some food, but she told him she didn't have time for that. She was fully focused on her task.
For a moment, he just watched her diligently chopping and mincing the plants. He heard her talking to Marga, telling her that they were going to make a potion and also compresses to speed up the detoxification process. However, he couldn't understand Marga's answer.
Reed noted that Zachary, Petyr, Zed, and many others were also watching Katuri in action. That's right! Don’t miss a thing, you fools , he thought with a mixture of anger and satisfaction.
The waiting continued as Katuri brewed the antidote with the help of the girls. By the time she finished, it was already dawn. She then began to give Marga the infusion to drink while Matzie and Jolene, following Katuri's instructions, applied compresses soaked in herbs to the old woman's legs, arms, and liver.
After about two hours, Katuri came out and said that Marga wanted to talk to Zachary. The councilor went in, followed by Reed, Petyr, old Zed, and a few others. Jolene and Matzie were already inside.
Marga was still weak, but she looked much better; the antidote in such a large dose was working quickly—her pallor had faded, and her cheeks now had a touch of color. The biggest change was in her eyes. She had regained her sharp, piercing gaze, just like she always used to have. It was clear that she had hope for a full recovery.
"Zachary, come here, my boy," Marga said softly. Zachary was over forty years old, but if anyone could call him a boy, it was Marga. She was the oldest person in the entire village.
The man stepped closer to the bed and bent respectfully over her.
"Listen carefully because it's important that you understand this as the head of Stagmoor. Thanks to Katuri, I'll pull through and live a little longer. But I don't have much time left on this earth. I'm getting too old for this; someone will have to replace me." She paused, then continued, "Matzie is a smart child, but she's still too inexperienced and needs guidance. As you all know, she’s only been my apprentice since last year. I may not be around long enough to teach her everything…"
Everyone looked at Matzie, and she blinked rapidly, as she always did when she was the center of attention. But the girl held her head high, and Reed felt that she had every right to do so. He smiled warmly at her, and Matzie gave him a shy smile in return.
It was all true—Matzie had been Marga's apprentice for just a year, having replaced Yuna, the previous one, who had tragically drowned in the river. The old woman knew she might die without leaving a successor and that the village would be vulnerable without an experienced healer.
"I understand, just tell us—" Zachary began, but Marga interrupted him, as she often did with everyone.
"But there is someone who already knows almost as much as I do." Marga pointed her bony finger at Katuri. Everyone in the room turned to look at the orcish girl, and Reed noticed that her cheeks were darkening. He knew that meant she was blushing. But otherwise, Katuri remained calm, her face showing no emotion.
Marga continued, "Katuri is young but smart, and she already has a vast amount of knowledge. Her mother was also a healer. She can teach Matzie. She can also take on the healer's duties in the future."
The old woman paused again, then fixed her piercing gaze on the village leader, speaking adamantly, "But only if you do the right thing, Zachary. Jolene told me how terribly some people treated that poor girl in Stagmoor just because she looks different from us."
This time everyone's eyes were on Jolene. The girl stared at Marga's bed with a forced expression on her face. She quickly glanced at Reed, as if she wanted to prove something to him.
Reed looked to the others to gauge their reactions.
Katuri blinked and stared at Jolene, and as Reed suspected, only then did she realize that Jolene was… that Jolene! But then a soft smirk appeared on her face that Reed didn't know how to interpret.
Even more interesting was Petyr's reaction; he gasped out loud, then lowered his gaze to the floor as if he couldn’t believe that Jolene was already playing her game, leaving him behind. She was clearly more cunning than him, trying to stay on friendly—or at least civil—terms with a new potential healer.
"Is this really how we want to live as a community, Zachary? Rejecting valuable people because of some backward and ignorant prejudices?" Marga asked him directly.
"Not on my watch." Zachary’s answer was firm, and Reed sensed it was sincere.
"Good. Soon enough, you'll see Katuri and Reed raising their children here. They're young and need peace. Do the right thing, my boy."
Katuri and Reed exchanged amused and embarrassed glances, but Reed knew that Marga was very straightforward and didn’t hold back. The old woman just didn't care about politeness when she felt she had to say something.
"I'll do it." Zachary's face was serious, and he nodded slowly. "We'll let you rest now, Marga."
The old woman also nodded and closed her eyes. Everyone quietly left her house and joined the rest of the villagers outside. Reed was waiting for Katuri, and without saying a word, he initiated a hug. He held her for quite a while, sensing that she needed it. Then they made their way to the campfire.
That's when Arrik appeared in front of them, holding two mugs of beer and a bowl of food. He was grinning broadly and was evidently drunk. He gave Katuri the food, then disappeared into the crowd. She glanced at Reed, a little surprised, but smiled. They sat down near the fire, slightly behind the others. Katuri ate, and Reed watched her. She looked tired but no longer stressed, almost peaceful. That was the most important thing to him.
He also noticed that the surrounding atmosphere had shifted, as if the air itself had softened. Then Zachary suddenly stood up, and the conversations in the crowd fell silent.
The man cleared his throat and said loudly, "Listen up, people! I have a few announcements to make!"
The eyes of all the villagers were on their leader. Reed had to admit that Zachary could command attention when he needed to, and he was curious to see what the man would say.
"Today has been a long and tiring day, but we should also recognize that we've made this day very difficult for one person in particular. For someone who has already shown how helpful they can be by saving both Reed and Marga. We were doubtful, but she proved us wrong, and we should welcome her as the newest member of our village!"
Most people looked calm and accepting, but some still wore sour grimaces. Reed looked at Katuri and noticed her body stiffen slightly as she listened, her expression tense.
Zachary turned toward Katuri and directed his next words to her: "On behalf of our small community, we officially welcome you to Stagmoor, Katuri. We are just simple people, and sometimes we’re too afraid of the unknown. I’d also like to add that if anyone bothers you in the future, please let me know."
Most people turned to Katuri, expecting her to say something. Reed could tell that she was stressed, but she quickly calmed down. He hoped that holding her hand was helping.
"Thank you, Zachary. I don’t hold a grudge against anyone here, and I understand your reaction. I was met with a similar one, as being a half-orc, I was also an outsider in my mother’s village. I know orcs have a bad reputation, and it’s not without reason—I’ve experienced it myself—but not all of them are like that. I'm not like that; my father’s human blood is strong in me. I just want to live in peace with Reed," she said, trying to sound confident, though it was clearly all fresh for her.
The villagers listened to her intently, even though not everyone was warming up to her just yet; some were still a bit apprehensive, but there was hope that this would change in the future.
"And if you let me stay in Stagmoor, I'll give back to your community! As you can see, I know herbal medicine. Also, I’m not afraid of hard physical labor, and thanks to my father, who is a builder, I have knowledge of construction work."
"Hey, Katuri!" shouted Arrik, slurring slightly. "Do you know how to make… you know… a love potion?"
"I don’t think you need one!" She sent a meaningful glance toward Matzie.
Reed was once again amazed by her perceptiveness. Or had Matzie mentioned it while they were in the woods? He himself had only recently realized that Matzie had her eyes on the village blacksmith.
Immediately, the blacksmith burst out laughing, and the whole group joined in. Encouraged by the reaction to his joke, Arrik stood up and lifted his mug, accidentally spilling some of its contents on those around him.
"Come on, people! I know some of you still have doubts! But we should all give this girl a chance! Let’s drink to Katuri!"
People joined him, raising their mugs. Even the most skeptical ones seemed to relax a little and joined in the toast, including Esther. The old woman was glowering at them, but she appeared to accept that Katuri was now a permanent resident of their village. Her friend, Martha, also reluctantly filled her mug, grimaced slightly, but drank it all down.
Katuri watched the villagers drinking and eating, and her face went vacant as if lost in thought. Her lower lip pouted, and when she looked at Reed again, she blinked rapidly and gave a faint smile. Then, almost as if embarrassed, she clung to Reed and buried her face in his neck. He pulled her close and held her tightly. As he watched the ongoing feast around them, he couldn’t believe that everything had turned out so well, considering the struggles and obstacles they’d faced.
At last, Reed felt that their destiny was on the right track.
***
Katuri and Reed reached his house in pitch-black darkness. It was the middle of the night, but even though the day had been long, he didn't feel tired. Before they went inside, Reed untied the mare from the fence and led her closer to the house, near a spot with taller grass. They gave her a bucket of water.
"I'm all sticky with sweat; it's been a rough day. How about a night swim in the moonlight?" Reed grinned. "There's a small pond about three hundred yards from my house that I've been trying to stock with fish for years, with some mild success. Want to join me and swim with my fish?" he suggested, squeezing her hand and glancing at her through the darkness.
Katuri chuckled softly. "I've been dreaming of a bath. This day really took it out of me; I feel like my clothes are literally clinging to my body!"
Walking along the path that ran beside fields waiting for winter sowing, they reached the small pond Reed had stocked last year.
They quickly stripped down, and since the night was warm, they entered the dark water without hesitation. It wasn't very deep, but it was deep enough for a refreshing swim and a bit of playful splashing around.
When they got out, Reed muttered, "It's dark anyway, so maybe we shouldn't bother putting on these sweaty clothes. How about heading back... naked?"
Katuri giggled and nodded.
Hand in hand, they walked toward the house, illuminated only by the silvery moonlight, enjoying a pleasant silence filled with joyful anticipation.
After they entered the house, groping in the darkness, Reed lit an oil lamp and a few candles. Normally, Reed would try to conserve candles, but tonight, he didn't care. He liked the atmosphere the lights created.
"Tired?" Katuri turned to face him. She put her hand on his shoulder and began to massage his tense muscles slowly.
Reed shook his head and smiled. "No, I'm… I don't know, maybe not full of energy, but definitely not tired. It was a crazy day." He sighed, then looked at her intently. "What about you? I know it's been a lot more exhausting for you. Also, emotionally."
"I'm not that fragile, I told you that." She smirked dismissively but then turned serious and said quietly, "But yeah, you're right. It's been a tough day. I'm having a hard time even remembering everything that happened, let alone making sense of it."
"I understand." He nodded and wrapped his arms around Katuri's waist. She snuggled against his bare torso, and they stood like that for a while.
"You know, my mother used to say that every cloud has a silver lining. And that's a good summary of today. It started off terribly, though. When I think about what some of those idiots said to you…"
"But I proved them wrong," Katuri interrupted with a smile. "It was important for me because I guess my life has come full circle now. My father's fate was, in a way, similar. He had to prove himself to orcs, and… I needed to do the same for humans. I’m happy I kept his spirit of the fight!"
“I’m sure he would be proud of you, as I am.”
She kissed him on the cheek and looked at him a little differently.
"But thank you, Reed, for standing up for me so vehemently. That… was very touching… I think that was something I needed to experience, to feel that I have you by my side no matter what. After what happened in my life, I had a hard time trusting again. So… thank you for being there for me."
"Yes, you have me no matter what," he whispered passionately to her, and they kissed.
Katuri moaned into his mouth and then giggled. Reed looked at her questioningly.
"I have to tell you one thing." She leaned closer, her voice becoming a little hoarse. "When Petyr said something about me to his father and... you got so angry and charged at him... Zachary had to stop you, of course, and I didn't want you to get into a fight... But I have to admit, I enjoyed it. Maybe it's because my orcish side takes over sometimes, but just the thought of my man beating up another man in my defense... It turned me on!"
"Oh! Really?" Reed felt his cock fill with blood.
Katuri, as if she had read his mind, pressed her pubic bone against his crotch and began to rub it slowly. This made him fully hard within seconds.
"I would fight anyone in the village for you, Katuri," Reed’s tone was somewhat cocky, he felt encouraged by her previous words.
"Mmm... tell me more about that," she purred in his ear, nibbling at his skin here and there.
"I'd rather talk about what Marga said," His voice got lower, and Katuri looked at him curiously. He grinned at her. "You know, about you carrying my children."
"Oh, Katuri feigned surprise, but then narrowed her eyes and whispered, "But you know what we have to do to have children."
"That's exactly what we're going to do now." He pulled her into a kiss.
His hands moved without his will, one lowering to Katuri's firm buttocks, squeezing them and testing their elasticity, and the other going to her breasts.
He held her even closer and began to kiss her neck, feeling the pulse of her blood beneath his lips. Just experiencing the proof that she was alive, strong, and healthy triggered a multitude of feelings in him. He wanted to cry with joy or jump in the air; he longed to hold her body in his arms forever.
Katuri pulled him gently, and they moved to his bed. They fell onto it, the wooden frame protesting with a loud crack as their combined weight nearly broke it. But they didn't care.
Katuri wrapped her legs around Reed's waist. He deliberately dropped onto her torso, grabbing her breasts greedily, squeezing them and twirling her nipples. She arched her back as Reed latched onto one of them and began to suck on it. Her hips bucked impatiently, inviting him in. Reed couldn't wait to enter Katuri's tight pussy, but at the same time, he wanted to delay it a little longer and worship her wonderful breasts.
"Reed, Reed, Reed..." she kept murmuring, holding his head and stroking his hair. "Take me..."
He didn't say a word, just got back on his knees. Then he grabbed his cock and barely managed to bend it down a bit to align the tip with her entrance. But once he did, he thrust his hips forward and filled Katuri's tight pussy in one powerful motion.
She gasped as his large cock spread her wide open. Katuri threw her head back and uttered a strange word in Orcish, but since it didn't sound like pain or protest, Reed continued to thrust into her. After a moment, Katuri raised her head, and her violet eyes stared into his face. The intensity of her gaze nearly melted him.
"Yes... yes, Reed! Make me yours!" she whispered with unprecedented passion.
"You're mine, Katuri," he said right away, lying on top of her. Then he leaned over her and added, "And I'm yours."
Katuri's lips stretched into an affectionate smile, but a second later, an expression of immense pleasure took over her face. She wrapped her arms around his neck and began to move her hips to meet his.
The deeper Reed delved into the nature of this act, the more he realized how much more mature his feelings for Katuri had become, surpassing what he ever felt for Jolene.
With Katuri, he felt connected on many different levels. He felt safe and at ease. He respected her whole personality, her attitude, and her beliefs. He admired her skills, her resourcefulness, and her strength.
He simply fell in love with all of her.
A loud moan from Katuri's mouth brought him back to physical sensations. Her eyes rolled back in her head, and her muscles slowly tensed. So he continued to slide inside her, pushing harder and harder as her inner walls began to tighten. Reed felt as if his own orgasm was only held back by his will to give Katuri pleasure first.
A second later, he noticed that Katuri had stopped breathing, and her face froze with an expression of sexual satisfaction. Reed continued to thrust into her, his swollen cock making its way through Katuri's tight interior.
As soon as he heard her gasp, he let go and exploded inside her. An animalistic moan left his mouth as he pumped his seed into his beloved woman.
Feeling better than ever, he lay on top of her, and they gazed into each other's eyes as if the whole world would cease to exist. And that was exactly how he felt. Nothing else mattered but her beautiful violet eyes and her full, slightly parted lips, swollen from kissing.
Reed had the strange impression that their bodies had just had sex, and their souls were now making love. And maybe that was true.
He lay down on top of Katuri and put his face between her neck and shoulder. She cradled his upper back and held him tightly against her. They lay like that long enough for his cock to finally slip out of her.
"Ah!" Katuri gasped, and Reed felt her hand between their bodies, reaching to her crotch. She giggled softly and said, "Well, if you keep coming so much inside me, I'll never stop birthing your babies."
Reed chuckled as well and braced himself on his forearms. He looked into her relaxed face, the warm smile she gave him, and something stirred inside him just by looking at Katuri and holding her in his arms.
"I'm so happy with you, Katuri." He put his head on her chest.
"So am I, Reed," she purred softly and began to stroke his hair.
And just like that, they peacefully fell asleep.