It is like nothing I have seen before.
"Papa, can we catch one?" Pak asks me. "It could be my pet, like Farli and Chahm-pee!"
"I do not think…" I am momentarily distracted as Steff moves in front of me, leaning over to peer down. I put a hand on her hip to anchor her, and then I cannot look away from the sight of her full, rounded bottom, so close to my cock. I could tug her hips backward, just a little, and then my cock would be nestled between her buttocks and—
"Juth."
I run a hand over Steff's hips, entranced at the sight of them. Her skirt is not short but goes to mid-calf. Still, I wonder if I could push it up without anyone noticing, and just feel the wetness between her thighs—
"Juth. Brother."
I blink, trying to clear my head from the fog that has taken over my senses. Steff straightens, but she leans back against me, her eyes closed, and it is another distraction. My pulse thunders in my ears. When O'jek says my name a third time, it takes everything I have to turn and look at him.
He lifts one hand and taps his chest.
Confused, I touch my own chest, over my heart, and then I realize what has happened. Resonance. I am singing to my mate, my khui recognizing Steff as my own. No wonder I am so distracted. No wonder my cock has been rock-hard all day long, making travel an agonizing, over-sensitized experience.
Steff turns to look at me, her eyes wide, and a moment later, I hear her khui begin to sing. "Oh. Oh wow. I wasn't…I didn't expect…"
"It seems I am wrong again," O'jek says. There is no smile on his mouth, but I sense his amusement all the same. "Outcasts do resonate."
I bark out a surprised laugh, but it turns into a hiss the moment Steff moves forward and rubs against me again. Distracted, I cup my mate's face and look over at my son. I need to get him safely home. He will be tired and need something to eat, and a comfortable bed to sleep on. But my need to grab Steff and drag her into the shadows—so I can pound her cunt—is overwhelming. I hesitate, torn. I cannot abandon Pak when the beach is a mess like it is.
"Would you like to ride on my shoulders, Pak?" O'jek asks. "The beach might be slippery from the hatchlings and you can get a better view up high." He glances over at me, understanding in his eyes. "Once we get to the group, I bet Shail has something delicious for you to eat."
His words ease some of the pressure. He is telling me that he will look out for my son. That he will take care of him while Steff and I fulfill resonance…as long as I trust him.
"Can I, Papa?" Pak's tone is full of excitement. If he has noticed me resonating to Steff, he has not indicated it. He is merely excited to return “home” and to see the creatures…and for a shoulder-ride.
I turn to O'jek again. We gaze at each other for a long moment, and then I nod. If he is to be my brother, then I will trust him.
O'jek nods and leans down to the snow, patting his shoulders so Pak can get on. "There is a storage cave on the far end of this valley," the Shadow Cat hunter casually mentions. "I believe there are extra furs there."
"Oh," Steff says, and she sounds breathless and distracted. Her khui hums wildly, the song so loud it threatens to overpower my thoughts. "You know, we do need some furs…for camp…"
Settling Pak on his shoulders, O'jek gets to his feet. He nods at us. "We will be with the group if you need us."
"We'll catch up," Steff says, her hands going to my belt as if she will strip me down right here and now. "You two have fun."
Pak gives us an excited wave, then turns his attention back to the beach. "There's so many of them! Look, O'jek!"
I watch my son and my brother for a moment longer, fighting the urges in my body. My gaze is locked on Pak, but my mind is on Steff. Her scent is maddening, so thick in the air I can think of nothing but her. My khui thrums in my chest, drowning out Pak's excited cries at the sights of the creatures on the beach, and I am in a daze when I glance down at my mate.
Her eyes are soft, heavy-lidded, and she presses her body against me. "Juth…I need you…"
"I am here." I cup her face with one hand, running my thumb over her soft mouth. It is a little chapped, just like the rest of her face, but she has never been more beautiful to me.