Chapter 54 - 054: Talk it out

When she broke the kiss, her lips were slightly swollen. She smiled down at him "Clean up," she said softly. "You’re a mess."

Rylan laughed, the sound low and warm. "So are you."

Anaria smiled wider and pulled away. She slipped off the furs, gathered her clothing, and dressed quietly. At the door, she looked back at him "Rest well."

Rylan watched her go, his expression soft.

Anaria slipped out of Rylan’s room as quietly as she could. Her body still hummed with the aftermath, warmth lingering under her skin, but the restless fire had finally settled. She pulled her clothing back into place and started down the corridor, moving carefully, still aware of the weight in her stomach.

She didn’t make it far and she sighted Kenai, who stood outside her door.

He wasn’t pacing nor was he leaning against the wall. He simply stood there, arms crossed, watching her approach with an unreadable expression.

Anaria slowed. "What are you doing here?"

Kenai didn’t answer immediately. His gaze moved over her the flushed skin, the slightly disheveled hair, the way she moved differently. His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.

"I was waiting for you," he said at last. "I saw you enter Rylan’s room."

Anaria’s stomach tightened. She knew that tone. "Kenai"

Before she could finish, he moved.

Kenai closed the distance in two quick strides. One hand caught her waist, the other slid into her hair, and he pulled her against him before she could react. His mouth crashed onto hers.

Anaria’s eyes widened. The kiss was rough, demanding. Kenai kissed her like he was claiming something that had been taken from him. His tongue swept into her mouth, hot and insistent.

And despite everything, Anaria felt herself respond.

The heat that had just settled roared back to life. Her hands came up to grip his shoulders, holding on while he kissed her like she was the only thing that mattered.

When Kenai finally pulled back, both of them were breathing hard.

His forehead pressed against hers. His voice came out low, rough.

"Why him?"

Anaria blinked. "What?"

"Why did you go to Rylan?"

She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

Kenai’s grip on her waist tightened. "I felt it. Your scent changed. I knew what was happening. I was ready to help." His voice cracked slightly. "But you went to him."

Anaria’s throat tightened. "It’s not like that"

"You’re carrying your child," he continued, jaw tight. "I’m the one who should be taking care of you the most."

"It’s not like that."

"Then what is it like?"

Anaria sighed. "I wanted him first"

Kenai went still. "First?"

"Yeah and he was already in his room. I didn’t want to walk all the way across the residence to find you" She shrugged. "That’s it. That’s the reason."

Kenai stared at her. "That’s the only reason?"

"Yes."

His jaw worked. "You could have sent someone."

"I didn’t think of it."

Kenai’s eyes searched hers. "I know you will always choose them over and over gain."

Anaria frowned. "Again?"

"Yes, they are your mates." He shook his head slowly. "Aren’t they, Little fox??."

"Yes, they are. Sir kenai" Anaria’s eyes narrowed. "Wait, are you jealous?"

"I’m not, I just feel left aside."

She laughed. "How."

"I don’t know"

"Kenai." She reached up and touched his face. "I went to Rylan because he was there. Not because I wanted him more. Not because I don’t want you."

Kenai’s expression didn’t soften "Then why?" he asked again.

"Because you’re not my mate."

The words hung between them.

Kenai went still. "I know."

"You’re the father of my child. You’re the chief. But you’re not my mate." She tilted her head. "And that’s fine. I’m not complaining. But you can’t be jealous when I go to someone who is."

Kenai’s chest rose and fell. "I know I’m not your mate."

"Then—"

"Then make me one."

Anaria blinked. "What?"

His eyes held hers, steady and raw. "I don’t want to just be the father of your child, Little fox, I don’t want to just be the chief who shares your residence." He stepped closer. "I want to be your mate. Officially."

Anaria stared at him. "Kenai..."

"I’m asking you. Not commanding. Not demanding." His voice dropped. "I want to be yours. The same way Rylan and Kai are yours."

Anaria’s heart pounded. She opened her mouth, but a familiar chime sounded in her mind.

[Host.]

She stilled. Not now.

[Host’s rut stabilization is incomplete. The remaining stabilization requires participation from Kenai.]

Her eyes widened. What?

[Current stabilization rate: 50%. Completion requires intimate involvement with Kenai. This will also initiate the bonding process between Host and Kenai.]

Anaria’s throat went dry. "Bonding??, I thought that’s after the affection rate increase"

[Yes,it can still happen now since Kenai wants it]

[The bond will be completed through the stabilization process. This will permanently tie Host and Kenai as mates.]

Her mind raced "And if I don’t?"

[Extended stabilization period carries risks. Recurring heat episodes. Emotional instability. Potential strain on the pregnancy.]

Anaria’s stomach tightened.

[Host’s choice remains.]

She exhaled slowly. Then she looked back at Kenai. He was still watching her, waiting for her answer.

"You want to be my mate," she said slowly.

"Yes."

"Kenai." She took a breath. "You’re already part of this. I’m carrying my child. But being my mate..." She paused. "That’s different."

"I know."

"Are you sure?"

He met her eyes. "I’ve never been more sure of anything."

Anaria was quiet for a moment. Then she nodded. "Alright."

Kenai blinked. "Alright?"

"Yes." She stepped closer. "But if we do this, we do it properly. No more jealousy. No more territorial fights. You want to be my mate? Then act like it."

Kenai’s jaw tightened. "I can do that."

"Good."

She turned and opened her door. Then she looked back at him.

"Are you coming in or not?"

Kenai stared at her. Then his expression shifted. He didn’t say anything. He simply stepped inside.

Anaria closed the door behind them.