Page 28 of Draevan

“What a wonderful idea. Yes, I will do that as soon as time permits.” She glanced at Meela, wondering just how often the baby usually napped every day when she wasn’t traveling on a Vaxxlian cruiser. But Cora supposed she would soon find out and get her bearings as she became better accustomed to taking care of the child.

Draevan suddenly appeared apologetic. “I’m afraid I did not prepare a music room for you ahead of time, as I didn’t know that was a particular interest of yours. But you can help me pick out the best space in the house to convert into a music room. One of the guest rooms, perhaps, or one of the spare living rooms. Whichever room you think has the best lighting and acoustics. And if there is anything you need to make the room better, I will spare no expense in renovating it to better meet your needs.”

“If you keep being so nice to me, Draevan, I’m going to start crying again,” she said with a laugh as she brushed away a few tears that quickly spilled down her cheeks. “Seriously, Draevan. Thank you. Sezt miraax, sezt miraax, sezt miraax.”

Chapter 13

Draevan darted through the passersby as he hurried home after a long day spent in the training arena. He hadn’t meant to stay for so long, but a few new warriors had joined his unit, and he’d wanted to ensure they could at least function well within his contingent if danger suddenly arose.

Darkness settled over the city as the solar streetlights flickered on, casting a warm glow across the white stone walkways. Tiny insects emerged from the thick vegetation that grew between the buildings, their bioluminescent bodies flashing intermittently among the trees and rooftop gardens. The gentle hum and buzz of nighttime insects also swelled around him, accompanied by the soft trilling of the small reptiles that inhabited the streams that wove through the city.

But Draevan barely noticed the sights and sounds around him.

His thoughts were already on Cora.

He wondered what she and Meela had been doing all day. Had Cora enjoyed exploring the house, the rooftop garden, and the backyard garden and bird-feeding area? Had she perhaps taken Meela on a walk through the city streets?

Had Cora found everything she needed easily? And had Meela been well-behaved and easy to take care of, or had she kept her new mother busy until the evening hours?

A faint smile tugged at his lips.

He was so eager to see Cora again. His sweet mate. It had only been a few hours since he’d left, yet he found himself looking forward to returning home with an anticipation he’d never felt before. He wanted to hear about her first full day on New Vaxx, to know whether she was settling into her new home, and most of all, to see her beautiful face again and take her in his arms.

He quickened his pace.

He hoped they could spend the night together, whether in her room or his, it did not matter. He already regretted that he’d left her alone the night prior, assuming she was tired after a long day of exploring New Vaxx, meeting the neighbors, and getting a feel for the layout of the house.

Fluxx. Why hadn’t he gone to her?

Yes, he’d told himself it was because she was tired. And perhaps she had been. She’d had an exhausting day filled with new experiences, and he hadn’t wanted to burden her with yet another demand on her time and energy.

But deep down, as he examined his feelings, he knew there was more to it, thoughts he’d suppressed until now.

He’d been afraid. Afraid she might not want him. Afraid she might reject him if he went to her room. And perhaps, if he were being honest, afraid of just how much he wanted her, how much he burned for her.

He’d never experienced anything like this before. This tenderness. This fervent desire. He wanted to be near Cora constantly. He wanted to hear her laugh, touch her soft hair, hold her in his arms, and awaken beside her in the morning.

Most of all, he wanted to make her happy.

He wanted her to love him.

This abrupt realization caused his steps to falter, and he nearly collided with another warrior who was rushing down the street.

Love? Was it actually possible? Was that what this strange, overwhelming feeling was? He frowned.

Surely it was too soon to know. They had only just become mates, and they scarcely knew one another. And yet, it was becoming impossible to ignore the warmth that filled him whenever he thought of Cora.

Perhaps this was another reason he’d stayed away from her last night. He’d been overwhelmed and confused by the strength of his own emotions and uncertain how to proceed.

But as his house came into sight and he walked faster, he became certain of one thing. He did not want to spend another night apart from his mate.

Tonight, he would go to her.

He would make sure she wanted him there, of course. He would never pressure her or take her against her will. But if the sweet human welcomed him into her arms, he intended to spend the night with her.

He rushed into the house and immediately started searching the first floor for Cora. As he hurried into the kitchen, he came to a halt at the sight that greeted him.

The table was set, and several covered dishes were arranged in the center of it. A bottle of wine was chilling in a bucket of ice. Meela was seated in her highchair, happily dipping her fingers into a pink gooey substance that he assumed was some type of dessert.