Page 6 of Family: Posy 4

My face burned as I shoved it in his neck, but I was too wiped out to do more than kiss his mate mark. Shivering under my lips, he pulled me more fully on top of him, and I lay there lifelessly as I began to drift off.

"My exhausted flower." He kissed my temple and squeezed me tight in his ink-covered arms. "You've had a very long, stressful day, and we're getting up early in the morning, so get some sleep, my little baby."

I opened my mouth and a yawn came out, but I managed to push out a "K" on a puff of air.

"Good night, Posy. I love you."

"Goo nigh. Wuv oo, May."

And I fell asleep as his chest rumbled with chuckles under my ear.

#

Lark

Garnet's deep voice called my name, luring me out of sleep, and I slowly blinked and stretched.

Garnet?I murmured.What is it, my love?

My boy wants to see you, sweetheart.

Surprise woke me up quickly.

He does?

Yes. Will you please shift and come out to visit with him?

But Posy—

She knows, sweetheart, and approves. They talked about it yesterday. But only if you're okay with it,Garnet hurried to assure me. If you're not, he will understand.

Oh. No. It fine. If he sure?

He is.Garnet winked and gave me a smile.And I'm always here if you need me, sweetheart.

I know, my love. Thank you.I smiled back.

Hesitating, I looked around first. Now dressed in a clean t-shirt and boxers, his damp hair evidence he'd already showered, Mason lay next to Posy on the bed, propped on one elbow as he stared down at her sleeping face.

"Lark?" he said softly. "I'm sorry if Garnet woke you. I would have waited, precious."

Youreallywant to see me?I asked just as softly.

"Yes. I miss you. It's been a while since we talked and even longer since I've seen you. Are you nervous with me?"

Oh. No. It just, you busy with Posy.I lowered my eyes and heard Garnet begging to know why I was sad.

"Lark, please shift." Mason sat up and moved to rest his back against the headboard. "I'm not too busy for you. Not ever."

Drawing up my courage, I put the moon magic to work and soon stood on the bed on my own paws.

"I keep forgetting how small and cute you are." Mason grinned and held out a fist for me to smell. "I'd really love to hold you, precious, but only if you want that. Don't be afraid to say no if you don't. I won't be mad or upset."

Cautiously, I moved closer and put a paw on his knee. He patted his lap, encouraging me, and I hopped up onto his legs, careful of my claws so I didn't accidentally scratch him. Then I laid the top of my head on his chest and rolled it around, inviting him to pet me, and he obliged.

For nearly an hour, he rubbed my ears and petted my fur, careful to be gentle with his strong hands that were so large, he could cup my whole head in them - or I was just that small. All the while, we chatted about any number of things, just like Posy did with Quartz, and happiness hummed in my heart to experience this.

Oh, sweetheart, Garnet murmured.I'm so glad you're happy, but why didn't you tell us you wanted this? We could have told our boys and made it happen long before now.

---