Chapter 8 The First Serious Talk
"You're a lot more than a baby daddy to me," Eve whispered, unsure if she should tell the whole truth. She cuddled onto his chest, craving the feeling of skin-to-skin contact.
"Oh?" Wyatt gently washed her hair and his as they talked. "Does that mean I won't have to share you with many?"
Glancing up at his chin, she fought to keep her composure. She watched as he gulped nervously and smiled. "We have to procreate to save our species, well, our new hybrid species, but even if we didn't, I'd want your child. You are my bonded mate, and I won't share."
He smiled at the term. "There's that word again, mate. Does a bonded mate mean something specific in your culture? No sharing, hm? That sounds a lot like exclusive to me."
Eve raised her head to look him in the eyes. "A bonded mate is your other half. Once you find your person, you stop sharing your affection. It's sacred among my people, and it's not something you advertise." Pouring water over his head, she chuckled as he shut his eyes to avoid soap.
"A bonded mate sounds a bit like marriage," Wyatt mused out loud as she continued to wash his hair. The sensation of her fingertips gently working out tangles as she massaged soap into his scalp felt divine.
"Isn't that a church ceremony?"
"Yes, but it doesn't have to be in a church. As long as the couple takes vows to stay by your loved one's side no matter the trouble, the ceremony that follows is considered a marriage." He cracked an eye to gauge her reaction. Eve had a strange look on her face, so he opened both eyes.
"You love me, and you want to get married," Eve whispered as she fought back happy tears.
I never thought I'd find my bonded mate, but he's here, and he'd do anything to make me happy. I should do something for him in return.
Suddenly, a colossal blush took over Wyatt's body. "I... um..." For the first time in his life, the words wouldn't come.
"Yes?" She prompted, loving the way he squirmed. "I can't answer if you don't ask," she teased, waiting to see if he'd take the plunge.
He looked away with an expression of distaste. "I can't -- that wouldn't be fair to you."
Forcing him to look at her, she gave him a long passionate kiss. "I have a species to save, and I need your help to do it. I don't know the rules here, but if getting married gives us a title you can relate to, I'll do it gladly."
"It's not about the title. You're young -- you have your whole life ahead of you. Hell, you've only seen this place. I can't hold you back from experiencing everything you want. As much as I adore you, there's no reason you should tie yourself to an old man." He felt terrible, but he knew it needed to be out in the open.
"I read your file. I'm much older than you, and I know what I want. As for exploring, we can do that together as a family," Eve purred and rose from the tub.
"How old are you?" he asked in wonder as he toweled off next to her.
"It's not polite to ask a woman her age."
Laughing, he eyed her ass as she walked into the bedroom. "So, what do you want?" He waggled his eyebrows suggestively.
"I love you, but all of this is so new and monumental. For now, let's enjoy our time together -- while it's just us."
***
Eve woke as Wyatt whispered a couple of feet away on his phone. By the sounds of it, he hightailed it to the bathroom to avoid waking her.
Oh, well. He tried.
"You'll need an obstetrics wing, a daycare center, and pediatricians just off the top of my head." Pacing in his boxers, he ran his hand through his hair. "I know it's a huge change in plans, but I don't see a better way to study hybrids. Besides, they're friendly and intelligent. Both sides should thrive with the partnership."
Tiptoeing alongside the wall, she hid from view and waited for him to end his conversation. Five minutes passed as she tried to keep herself from getting bored by imagining his surprised face when she popped out. After what seemed like an eternity, he hung up. Choosing her moment when he had his back to her, she snaked her arm around the doorway.
Wyatt leaned over the sink and bowed his head as he let out an exaggerated sigh. Opening his eyes, he caught movement as he watched an arm emerge from the mirror. Smiling, he hugged the corner and swung around, encountering Eve.
