I helped my daughter straighten out her covers and tucked her in before kissing her forehead. “Sweet dreams, pumpkin.”
“Love you, Daddy,” she said around a big yawn. My heart squeezed, and I smiled. I fucking loved being called that.
“Love you, too.” I padded over to Nyx’s bed and leaned over to kiss his forehead as well. “Love you, little troublemaker,” I murmured. He opened his eyes and looked up at me with trepidation.
“Even when you’re mad?”
I smiled and tucked his covers around him as I replied, “Your mom and I will always love you. No matter what. We’re just disappointed when you misbehave.”
Tears welled in his eyes, and I immediately felt like an ogre. “Sorry, Daddy.”
“Thanks, bud. But make sure you apologize to your sister in the morning.” He nodded, and his eyes drooped as he yawned. “Sweet dreams, Nyx.”
Quietly, I shut their door and made my way back to the master suite, intent on finishing what I’d started. Unfortunately, my mate was sound asleep, and I knew she was exhausted from working on an addition to her restaurant for the past couple of months. I wanted her to get some much-needed rest, so I pivoted directions and trudged to the bathroom for an ice-cold shower.
It only helped for a few minutes because the minute I slid back into bed with my tigress and wrapped myself around her naked body, I was dripping with the desire to be inside her. I told myself she needed rest and nuzzled her neck, licking the mark I’d branded her with over five years ago. Contentment filled me, and I thought about the curse Cason and I had been so sure would keep us from ever finding our mates. After what happened to Aaron, I had almost written it off altogether, which meant I was even more grateful for the life I’d been given. I was one lucky son of a bitch, and I had no idea what I’d done to deserve my sweet mate and our pups. However, I was determined to prove I was worthy of them every day for the long future stretched out in front of us.