Page 176 of Tempt

“I do.”

Vyrian nods and moves away from us, pulling out a box full of things he’s collected over the past two days.

Luca has spoken to Quilliyn about putting up shelves in Vyrian’s room, and when Quilliyn agreed, he ordered some. Pretty soon, this room will become his home. And one day, perhaps he will move out and find a place of his own.

I bend down and help Quilliyn move a dresser into the room, and when I stand up, I sense him. Luca. He’s here.

My hearts thunder in my chest, and I turn around, seeing him appear. He looks perfect, all tousled hair and freckles. He’s wearing loose pants that show his swinging cock and a tight shirt, showing off all of his muscles. My tongue wets my lips as he approaches.

‘Hey. Am I interrupting?’

‘You are not. We are just getting Vyrian settled.’

Just as I say that, Vyrian turns and embraces Luca, a gesture he has learned since he’s been here. He says he’s collecting hugs. “They are all different based on the size and shape of the human,” he told me yesterday after a hug from Dante.

He then looked at me and cocked his head. “Shall we hug as well?”

I bristled at the suggestion, but then I opened my arms, and he stepped into my embrace, his arms winding around my back. He held us like that for a moment and then pulled away, his ears twitching.

‘It was different. I think I like human hugs more.’

I couldn’t help the grin that split my face at that moment. He is…yes, he will do well here on Earth. Humankind is much more accepting of those who are different. Not perfect, but better than the Vyastil.

I pull Luca into me, and he presses a kiss to my cheek. Then he turns his gaze to Quilliyn, who is watching us with affection.

‘Have you heard anything from Jyrion?’ Luca asks when Vyrian has turned away to organize another small box of treasures.

‘No. The portals are permanently shut down. No one can get through, and all communications have been cut off at the Foundry.’

My lips turn down at this, and so do Luca’s. ‘So, Dhoryn, Everest, and Rathyn…they’re stuck on Erethar? With no way to communicate with us?’

‘You are correct,” Quilliyn says, looking just as upset about this as we are. “It is not ideal, but I know that they will not be able to keep them shut down for long. We need access to Earth. The Vorthex do as well. His decision to do this will not go over well.’

‘How long do you think they’ll be closed?’

Quilliyn shakes his head. ‘I have no way of knowing. I hope just a few weeks, but it could be years. It depends on how strong the resistance is.’

Luca leans into me further, his arms wrapping around my waist, his face tucked into my chest. I stroke his hair and sense the sadness he feels through the bond, but beneath it there is also hope and relief that we are here and safe.

I am glad for this too.

I could not imagine us being trapped on Erethar under Jyrion’s reign. We would not be safe there and would live in constant fear.

Vyrian turns around and blinks at us, holding up a spool of yarn. ‘I am going to learn to crochet. Cielo will teach me. I shall start by making the kradun a hat.’

Then he turns back around and shuffles through his box, making Luca laugh softly.

‘I can’t wait for a Gerald hat.’

‘He does not deserve it. He is a menace,’ I sign.

‘He is perfect,’ Luca says, nuzzling further into me.

I do not think Gerald is perfect, but I’m glad that Luca is happy with his presence. He moved the coffee table into the kitchen last night, and Luca tripped over it while getting water. I heard the yelp of pain and rushed to him, only to find him holding his shin and petting Gerald’s hard shell.

I adore him. I adore this life I’ve allowed myself to have.

Yes, we will be fine. We will get through anything now that we have one another.