Page 86 of Legends and Longing

Raxius shrugged but did not take long to answer. “I focus on desire and then check for fear or something more negative than surprise or worry. Our little mate is easily shocked and has many worries, so those are not strong signifiers.”

“That is reasonable.” And since all Shiloh could do was groan, he must have agreed with the logic as well.

Admitting his Master was right was harder, so we didn’t make him go that far. I did not think waiting would help based on his level of ridiculousness. “You’ve got to stop saying things like that.”

Shiloh’s words were dramatic but not serious or a safeword, so Raxius hugged him again and kissed his head. “Look at it this way, little Earthling, you would know we were not jealous or easily shocked, and we would enjoy you coming home from meetings wanting immediate pleasure.”

As our dramatic mate started groaning and asking the fates to save him, there was a signal that someone was at the door and an Earth-sounding knock. Shiloh’s head popped out of his shirt before I could even ask who might be at the door. “Saved by the bell.”

What bell?

Nearly running to the door, he bashed his arm into the corner of the kitchen before making it to the door. “Shit. That hurts. Oh.”

Wren of Earth.

His head cocked as he watched Shiloh bounce and grab his arm. “What are you doing?”

Our mate winced. “I ran into the wall.”

Making a laughing sound, Wren shook his head. “I know this is last minute but we think we figured out how to make chicken nuggets. Wanna come have a nugget party?”

Nugget party?

Raxius seemed to mirror my confusion but Shiloh giggled as his face became red. “Um, what…what kind of party? I know you’re…you’re gonna have nuggets but…but…um…”

Did he need help or encouragement?

It wasn’t immediately clear, so I sent the question to Raxius as I slowly made my way to the door.

“Encouragement.”

His quick answer and confidence made my worries ease. Standing behind Shiloh and putting my hand on his back also seemed to make both of us feel better and it got curious glances from Wren. He kept his questions to himself for the moment, though.

After a few seconds, Shiloh tried again. “Who will be there?”

It was a good starting point but Wren’s immediate listing of every known and suspected little had Shiloh’s face continuing to heat. His stress level was high but not to the point of hiding, so I did my best to remain calm and send him support.

“Would you like nuggets or to continue our discussion?” Raxius decided to be helpful in an unconventional way.

“Let’s go.” Shiloh immediately grabbed Wren’s hand before turning to give me a quick kiss on my cheek. “I’m gonna play with Wren and have nuggets. I’ll be fine, Daddy.”

I sighed as Wren giggled. “The question was not that difficult.”

“Yes, it was.” Tugging on Wren’s hand, Shiloh nearly ran out of my quarters. “Bye, Daddy. Bye, Master. I’ll be home before bedtime.”

As I just stood there watching them race down the hall, I heard Shiloh groan. “The spaghetti was black and Master is naughty.”

And he was dramatic, but at least he was making friends?

Chapter 26

Raxius

“I still do not understand his reluctance to try the pasta.”

Zorin frowned down at his empty plate.

“I am positive this is the closest approximation of the dish based on the tastes he described.”