Kaelen’s POV
That poor little creature.
Julian huffed and shot a glance toward sitting opposite him. He’d been ready to snap that I had no business apologizing on Elara’s behalf, but then he noticed the flower resting on the al tray.
"Do I get one as well?"
Julian spun twice through the water, practically bouncing with excitent. He planted kiss after kiss on the fresh vine bracelet Elara had wrapped around him.
"I’m officially the most blessed fish in existence."
"My partner has rejected before, yet she just promised to bring ho!"
"She gave that awful pet na, but at least she’s being truthful with !"
"She called hideous, yet she traveled all the way to the Voidferal Feral Territory just for . She’s endured so much—and here I was getting angry over a bit of playful teasing?"
"Julian, you’re absolutely terrible," he whispered to himself.
Then he delivered a sharp slap to his own face.
I watched him, utterly bewildered. "General Julian, have you lost your mind?"
What’s gotten into him?
So my mate doesn’t pamper him—no reason to behave like this.
The two operated on entirely different frequencies.
Dorian was feeling fantastic that day. He rushed over the mont he spotted Elara approaching.
"Elara, you made it," he said.
No question, no grievance—just absolute delight.
——
Elara’s POV
"Sure did, Your Highness. You must be starving," I answered.
I kept my eyes down, busy portioning out the als. Dorian watched my concentrated expression, and heat crept up his cheeks beneath his fur.
"Elara addresses so differently than Barrett. She always uses ’Your Highness.’"
The leopard unconsciously brought a paw to his mouth. I caught the gesture and suddenly recalled those adorable pet clips I’d binge-watched just before the apocalypse hit.
There was this trainer who had incredible success teaching dogs commands.
So...
"Lie down," I ordered.
Dorian paused for barely a heartbeat—then dropped to the ground imdiately.
Before he could even process what felt off about this, I issued another command. "Spin."
Dorian’s body responded automatically, turning in a full circle. I couldn’t help but laugh. Pressing my luck, I continued. "Sit."
"Stop it, legs! I’m supposed to be in charge here!" Dorian scread internally.
But he sat anyway.
Dorian sported tiny horns on his head, small wings sprouting from his back, and two lengthy tails that wagged frantically. He cocked his head, let his pink tongue loll out, and bead at like an eager pup.
He offered zero resistance—practically pleading for approval.
I flashed him a thumbs-up and grinned widely. "Good boy."
Dorian felt mortified. He whimpered, collapsed onto a cushion, and used both tails to shield his eyes.
I laughed even more. Younger guys really were the best entertainnt. His entire performance was precious.
I arranged his al while the robot positioned it near the opening. I’d brought chocolate as always—this ti the liquor-filled variety.
I had a weakness for boozy chocolates, so I’d stocked up at Glimraven Port yesterday. I handed two pieces to my "good boy."
After entertaining myself with Dorian, I turned and discovered Barrett glaring at with obvious irritation.
Barrett clamped down hard on the tal bars, his eyes brimming with resentnt, like a spurned spouse.
"Hungry?" I asked.
Silence.
I shook my head and picked up the pace with the food service. His biting grew even louder.
Barrett felt miserable.
"I’m her legitimate husband, and she’s over there playing with that leopard? Aren’t I fluffy? Aren’t I big and powerful?"
Barrett’s irritation reached a breaking point. He’d stopped caring that Dorian held royal status; he just wanted to unleash his claws on sothing.
Then a loud, crisp slap echoed through the space. Barrett went completely still. I had struck him.
The entire area fell into stunned quiet. Everyone looked shocked.
"Have you completely lost it?" I snapped, shaking my throbbing palm. If that barrier wasn’t there, I would have stord in and hit him again.
"Are your teeth made of tal?" I continued. "Scraping those bars constantly—you’re giving a splitting headache!"
Barrett’s jaw dropped. He felt no anger whatsoever. Sothing unfamiliar had sparked to life inside him, and it felt incredible.
"My partner struck . Her hand has such a wonderful scent."
Then he bit down on the opposite side of the barrier, gazing at with anticipation. To , though, it just seed like more defiance.
That piercing scraping noise made see red—I’d heard that identical sound countless tis during the apocalypse. Barrett wasn’t my husband in this mont—he was a zombie.
Before the robot could intervene and Dorian could cry out in warning, I hauled myself up onto the food delivery opening.
I’m going to rip his teeth right out.
User Comments
0 comments from readers