“It’s fine. A new one will grow back soon.”

“I cleaned it if you’re worried.”

“There’s not enough bleach in the world.”

“Hmm, I just licked it. Ithaqua don’t use this bleach. Is that a human thing?”

“It’s a sanitation thing,” Zhuliya rejoins.

“Ithaquan saliva is a healing agent as well as very hygienic.”

A strange expression comes across my mate’s face, and her lips twist in a curious way—like she’s torn between crying and laughing.

“Right, well, is there any way to not summon you, especially when Ilian and I are being private together?”

“You mean when you’re fucking?”

She glares at the red-eyed god. “Obviously!”

“Depends. What will you give me in exchange.”

“There’s a Dagon and a very reluctant human making out around the corner. Go bug them.”

Ulyen vanishes. Seconds later, Sakura’s scream rends the air.

“That was rather evil of you.”

“I know, and I feel terrible, but I needed him gone to try something.”

“What?”

She doesn’t answer me, closing her eyes instead. Instantly, intense emotions swamp me, and I reach for Zhuliya.

I’m so intent on comforting my mate that I miss the other Ithaquan standing outside of the soaking tub.

“Hello again, my dear.”

“It worked! Hi, Ekana. Sorry to bother you, but I have a favor to ask.”

“Of course. I see you didn’t need my tear after all.”

“I’m deeply indebted for the wisdom you imparted to me. Thank you for helping me sort through my thoughts to find my truth.”

“You two both have grown much on your journey together. Imagine how much stronger your bond will be over time. Now, how can I help?”

“It’s Ulyen. Ilian and I were being intimate—”

“Very important for mates. Apologies for interrupting. Please continue.”

“And Ulyen showed up because he said we’re linked from summoning him before. I wanted to test the theory and thought of those memories that brought you to me the first time.”

“Mmm, yes, very powerful memories, but so sad. Do you want me to remove them?”

“No! They are sad, but I cherish them. They’re all I have left of my parents. The favor I wish to ask is if there’s a way to keep Ulyen from appearing every time Ilian and I touch.”

“Yes, I can see how that might impede your blossoming union. I will fix this.”

“Thank you! Do we—do you want something?”

Ekana shakes her head. “No, but thank you for your offer, my child. I haven’t visited the Earthly realm in some time. Perhaps I will go visit the lusty Oni that lives in the mountains nearby.

Ulyen can join us, and I’ll ask the Oni to swallow his stoyuk and only return it when the rascal promises to behave.”

She gives us a serene smile and walks away. Zhuliya’s eyes remain the size of saucers, even after my goddess is gone.

“Wow…she’s kinda scary.”

“That was clever of you to call her. Ekana likes you.”

“She’s just happy I made the right choice about us.”

“As am I. Now, where were we? Oh, yes.”

I pluck Zhuliya back up, lifting her parallel to the tub until I’ve angled our lips to meet. We kiss, her body raining down drops of water over me.

The scent of my mate’s arousal drives me insane. I tip back my head and run my muzzle along Zhuliya’s cheek.

She yanks on my good horn, the breath shuddering from her lungs, and I laugh. My claws tease between her legs, and Zhuliya bucks in my hold.

Her hips tip forward in a sensuous dance, and I kiss her, sealing my lips over hers. She moans my name, calling me her mate, and something sparks within me.

The urge to rut her, to mark her, to claim her anew now that she’s agreed to be mine.

I spin her so that she’s still above the water but with her back to me. Gripping the sides of her hips while spreading her cheeks, I spear my tongue deep into her pussy.

Zhuliya cries out, and I pull back to shush her before diving back in. My poor mate tries to be quiet, but I work her into a frenzy of need—I want her to feel as frantic for my touch as I do hers.

When she comes, I lick up the wet mess, savoring the tangy flavor almost as much as the tremors racking her body.

This time when I spin her around and align my stoyuk with her slick heat, no one interrupts us.

Zhuliya’s gaze connects with mine, and there’s a storm of emotions whirling in the gorgeous brown depths.

I see her passion, her lust, her awe, but most importantly, her love. Even though this isn’t the first time we’ve mated, it’s the first time since we’ve accepted the bond fully.

Lust is a potent force, but love is even stronger and both are riding us as I work my mate down my hard length.

The moment I bottom out, my stoyuk splitting her pink pussy in two, I stop to give Zhuliya a moment to adjust.