THE TALK

Paetyn could sense something was suddenly different. Accompanied by a calm, but serious expression, Ivaylo looked at her. With the outer side of his fingers, he caressed her cheek. "How do you picture the future with me? Do you have any ideas? I mean like officially living together, meeting each other families *probably only yours* and... children?"

Paetyn knew what this was about. "I see! You don't need to worry. I know about it. I am aware, that a Human and a Beastman aren't able to conceive a child together." This wasn't expected. How comes, that she knows about that?

"Since when do you know about this?" Paetyn showed him a soothing smile. "Do you remember? You are not the first Beastman interested in me..." The lightbulb lit up for Ivaylo. KAY! "But you two were young adults?! Why would you discuss... such matters?" Ivaylo got flustered and also a little bit upset by that topic.

Paetyn patiently began to explain. "Since Kay was a single child, he dreamed of having a huge family. He wished for one child to resemble me, the other him, and the rest should be mixed between us. He wanted to know, what the pregnancy would look like and how long it would take." Paetyn talked with sadness in her voice.

He invested a lot of time into it. You can't imagine, how hard it was for him to gain the needed information. He was happy... until he stumbled over that issue. That devastated him... maybe him a little more than me. He didn't tell anybody from his family about it. He feared they would change their minds and push him into a different relationship.

Marsh was of course rude to him. Kay snapped after Marsh told him, that it was just for the best, that we can't share a child. They didn't talk for a long time after that fight. Kay resigned and instead, he asked my opinion about adoption. If I will desire a child in the future, he will arrange it. But you already know, how everything played out."

Ivaylo gently rubbed her shoulder. "So what is your opinion about adoption? Would you wish for it?" Paetyn leaned onto Ivaylo with her eyes closed. "Maybe in the future. Now we should get to know each other and of course, enjoy our free time." She was right but still.

"Are you really okay with that? Don't you desire your own flesh and blood?!" Ivaylo was concerned about whether he would surrender his feelings to Paetyn, then she might change her mind over time and leave him. That would destroy him since he is already prematurely, almost fully committed to her.

Wolf core Beastmen were like that... one mate for life. They were always pickier than the other Beastman kinds but once they set their targeted love interest, they would invest and do everything for that relationship.

Paetyn knew about this peculiar nature. This was one of the reasons, she pondered about it and had a deeper, longer discussion with the Chairman the day before. Ivaylo didn't need to know about the hesitation she had. She overcame it for him.

Ivaylo nuzzled against her hair. "Are you sure you won't regret to love me?" Paetyn comfortable lying in his arms, raised her hand and sought out his cheek to tenderly stroke it. Ivaylo rested it in her tiny palm enjoying the warmth it emitted.

"I think, I became yours ever since the first time we met." That rainy day when Ivaylo got attacked. She was right, despite Ivaylo's primordial resistance, his subconsciousness, and body were already in sync to get her. Just his stubborn mind took a little longer.

All those incidents, which almost pushed him over the edge showed him, what or whom he actually desired. That one, specific and precious creature he held right now tight in his embrace. Ivaylo was determined to make it work and protect Paetyn.

Ivaylo pushed his face into her back, arms still wrapped around her waist. "Just please, whatever comes... do not leave me alone!" Even after the assuring words Paetyn said until now, he still had doubts and worries. She squeezed the hands that were tied around her.

Ivaylo took a deep breath and straightened his back. "Well, do you wish to go watch some fireworks tonight? It's the last day of the year." Paetyn looked out of the window at the street which got dark while they talked and then back at Ivaylo. "I think the most beautiful view I already have here."

Fluttering him with such a compliment? Ivaylo should double down. He liked this bold attitude. He leaned closer to the side of her head and whispered into her ear: "I could show you a much more prettier view after in the bedroom."

Paetyn instantly became beat red. Did he mean with it what she thought?! He lifted her face by the chin gazing lovingly into her eyes. Ivaylo grinned at her with his fangs visible. A car passing by lit up the living room with headlights that moved from one side to the other.

Paetyn got frightened by what she saw. His eyes made that distinguished canine reflection. Her hair stood up on her whole body and an ice-cold chill ran down her spine. A horrifying memory popped up in her mind.

The night, when she got attacked, and Kay had his legs broken. The eyes of that clerk did that same thing. Paetyn began to tremble in Ivaylo's arms. He was confused by it. "What's wrong?!" She pushed him a little away with one arm averting her eyes from him.

"I remembered something unpleasant. Don't worry it has nothing to do with you. I will have to get used to some similarities with..." she sighed. Ivaylo felt guilty despite not knowing the real reason, why she suddenly behaved that way. He still is a Beastman... maybe that's why.

Ivaylo had to change that! "Close your eyes and gift me your trust!" She did as he asked and waited. Ivaylo picked her up and placed her on his lap holding her gently in his arms. For a second he looked over her face that was so close to his and he kissed her.