Chapter 14
APODIS
Apodis tried to ignore the anxiety simmering under the surface of their euphoric connection as Gemini cuddled into the crook of his arm.
She finally seemed to be rousing from sleep, easing some of his worry after she’d been out of it for almost twelve hours. A continuous low purr vibrated her chest, a soothing sound which swelled his heart with joy as she nuzzled her cheek against his neck.
Staking her claim, as she so loved to do.
He’d gotten two calls while she was asleep—presumably from her boss—and his stomach had twisted into knots as he ignored the buzzing of his comm.
She was just now recovering from her first heat, perhaps not even fully out of it yet, and he wouldn’t abandon her to other humans who knew nothing at a time like this.
He knew he should tell her about the calls, but was worried she’d try to leave him before she was ready.
Though she had handled the transformation so far, there was no telling what permanent effects it would have on a human.
Perhaps a not so small part of him was desperate to hang on to her for as long as he could, knowing when she left it meant he would never see her again.
Gemini fluttered her eyes open, a lazy smile tugging at her lips.
“Hey,” she said, her voice husky with sleep.
“Hello there,” he replied, brushing his fingers through her hair.
When his knot had deflated after their joining, he’d carefully eased her from his lap and settled her in the bed.
Thankfully, she’d taken a few sips of water before falling asleep for good, and he hadn’t wanted to disturb her by cleaning her.
His seed had antibiotic properties and would deal with any issues caused by the rough sex.
And now, despite his rut drawing to a close, he felt an arrogant swelling of pride at the dried white streaks coating just about every part of her.
“I’m a mess,” she said with a giggle, as if she noticed the way his gaze traced over the marks. “And now I know why you call them mating tentacles. I can’t believe you alphas walk around with them exposed like that.”
Apodis laughed, pressing a brief kiss to her lips before he could stop himself, though she didn’t seem to mind.
“Well, they are only used for mating while an alpha is in rut, though most refrain from touching non-intimate partners with them,” he explained. “Are you feeling okay? I know I was… quite vigorous with you.”
Gemini paused for a moment, as if taking stock of her body, then gave him the most radiant smile he’d ever seen.
“I feel fine. A bit sore, sure, but not as much as I expected. That was hot. Worth a little pain,” she said with a wink, pressing her cheek against his chest.
“Good. I am ashamed to say I do not have any emergency contraception on hand, but I can have it delivered within the hour.”
He was mortified at the way he’d spoken to her during the rut, but she shook her head with a laugh, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
“You’re sweet, but I have an implant. I promise that no little half-human, half-Oslieth offspring were created yesterday. Today? However long it’s been. The breeding talk was super sexy, though.”
Apodis’ face heated, and she bit her lip slyly, like she was pleased to garner this reaction from him.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. I enjoyed it too.”
Gemini reached for his hand, linking her fingers with his.
“I enjoyed it very much. You’re a lot of fun when you let loose like that.”
Leaning forward, she planted a kiss on his mouth, nibbling at his lower lip and sending a jolt of need through him. Though the rut was over, his attraction to the human hadn’t dissipated in the slightest, and he was just as eager to feel her muscles clenching around him as before.
“You’re sure you don’t regret anything?” he asked when she pulled away.
With an Oslieth omega, he was always careful to discuss boundaries before they were too far gone, but he had foolishly tried to pretend nothing was happening with Gemini until it was too late.
“Of course not. If I didn’t need a bath so badly, I’d want you to fuck me again right now. But I’m not sure I can take any more of your… marks until I’m clean.” She paused for a moment as if considering her words. “Do you regret it?”
“No!” he said quickly, wanting to reassure her. “Not in the slightest. That was… unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”
It may have sounded sappy, but it was the truth, and he wanted Gemini to know.
“I’d have to agree,” she said with a cheeky grin.
A moment later, her face contorted into a wince, and she pressed a hand to her belly. Gemini turned her attention to her lower half, huffing out a low groan, and when Apodis followed her gaze a tremor of fear radiated through him.
“You’re bleeding!” he said, quickly sitting up so he could examine her more closely.
“Oh, shit. Yeah. I’m sorry about your sheets, though they were already pretty dirty.”
A small bloom of bright red blood stained the white fabric, but the mess was the least of his concerns.
“Are you okay? Did I hurt you?”
“No! No, it’s just my period. I’m due for it anyway, and sometimes it gets a bit of a jump start from… intense sex.”
Gemini did not seem distressed, more embarrassed than anything as her cheeks flushed red and she crossed her arms over her nude form.
“Your… period,” he repeated. “You mean menstruation?”
Yes, he did remember being surprised to learn that many humans bled from their wombs monthly. He wasn’t sure he would have been able to handle it if it happened to him.
“Of course! Wait, do Oslieths not get periods? What happens if an omega doesn’t get pregnant during a heat?”
“They do not. If a pregnancy does not occur, the endometrium is reabsorbed.”
“Wow. What a dream. Mine isn’t too bad because of my implant. Technically, it’s just withdrawal bleeding from the hormones, but it still sucks. Sorry again about the sheets. I can wash them if you’d like.”
“No! That is not necessary at all,” Apodis said, hating the way she looked so downcast. “I will take care of everything.”
He crawled to her lower half—the metallic scent so obvious now that he was focused on it—trying to ignore the roiling in his stomach.
How embarrassing that he, an alpha, was queasy at the sight of blood.
Perhaps it had played some part in his reluctance to give someone a mating bite, though for the right person he would have been willing to do anything.
“Do you need my help? I can… clean you.”
“Clean me?” Gemini asked, quirking a brow as she propped herself up on a pillow.
“Yes. Do males not clean their females during menstruation? I will be happy to use my tongue on you.”
Yes, he would gladly help Gemini, even if it frightened him. He could be strong, though. He was an alpha, for Galaxy’s sake. He could handle a little blood.
“You know, some probably do, but that’s not necessary. What I really need is a bath. And some pads. I don’t suppose you have any of those lying around,” she said, her mouth curled into an amused smile.
“No, but I will order something to be delivered. And here, let me help you to the bathroom.”
Though he was relieved that he wouldn’t make a fool of himself by passing out in front of Gemini, he mourned that he would have to wait to taste her once again.
“Sure. That will help a lot. Thank you, Apodis. For everything.”
Gemini’s smile was so sincere that it made his body tingle with delight, and he swiftly got off the bed and scooped her into his arms.
“Anything for you, little human.”