Page 60 of Bonds of Fate

Nix’s scent turns a bit burnt, and Gideon does not like that one bit.

“He didn’t do it on purpose, though. Both times were my fault.”

“Nix, if Luca had felt he couldn’t handle it and didn’t want to accept the consequences, he could have safe-worded, and I wouldn’t have been upset at all.”

“Consequences? Likepunishment?” He flinches, biting his lip and clenching his hands on the tops of his thighs. It’s the last thing Gideon wants associated with the life of love and acceptance he and Luca live every day.

“Fuck. Let’s call themconsequencesin this context. Luca has chosen a list of consequences that he’s excited about but has an element ofeffortthat acts as a deterrent, which I can implement to help him keep his anxiety and other things under control. Have you noticed that Luca does a lot of complaining but happily does what is asked of him, with no stress or hesitation?”

Nix nods his head. Everyone in their home has seen it in action.

“Those are ways Luca copes with his anxiety. There are several, but he knows that if he wants to stop anything, he can use his safe word or the stoplight system. He’s safe, and it lets him be whoever he wants—whatever I want him to be—all the time. He’s free.”

“So he needs you to help him so he isn’t thinking too hard and worried all the time?” Curiouser and curiouser. Gideon wonders, not for the first time if Nix is intrigued for his own reasons.

“So smart, kitten. That brings me to tonight. You saw the chat pictures I sent?”

“Yes. He’s so pretty…he’s wearing a skirt?” That enticing scent is back again, and he licks his bottom lip.

“He is. He picked it out special, but that’s what I wanted to ask you. As I mentioned, I promised Luca we could play with the others tonight, and they all agreed, knowing that when I lay outthe rules, they are the ones Luca agrees to, and they know that Luca belongs to me. He and I would love it if you wanted to play with us, but we don’t want you to be uncomfortable. We do not want to pressure you.”

Nix leans in and presses his nose to Gideon’s cheek, his hair, and then his ear. Gideon can almost hear the gears turning—he’s thinking about it, wanting to see Luca and certainly to be a part of the excitement. He’s expressed his desire for some of what will happen, but it’s the uncertainty about Luca’s safety that has him hesitating.

“You’re sure Luca is safe? Sure, he wants all this? Can I see him before and talk to him?”

It’s a test Gideon is determined to pass.

“Always, but that’s a great idea. But two things: Number one is that he’s not allowed to come until I say so, so if you could be conscious of that? He wants to be good. It’s just that you are…uh…” He’s not sure where he was going with it, but Nix must because he nods.

“I’ll help Luca be good. I’m good, too, right?”

Fuckity-fuck.

“You are such a good kitten. Number two, be the kind and gentle person you are; he’s had so much shame about who he is, and he’s so happy these days, I just want that to continue for him. Please?”

His words must have convinced Nix of something, as his smile is back, and he’s got the equivalent of hearts in his eyes.

“If you go upstairs to my room, he’s got a surprise for you, and I’ve already told him not to pester you if you don’t want to.”

“Okay! Thanks, Gideon. Kiss?” He leans forward, and Gideon feels the softest touch to his mouth—lips slick and tasting like heaven. But it’s the sudden bite to his bottom lip that makes hiscock ache. He’s just about to grab his omega’s hips when Nix eels away, his giggle following him out.

***

There’s a new pot of boiling water on the stove when Gideon enters the kitchen, thank fuck, but by the looks of the still-full boxes on the counter, they might never get to eat it.

Jay has Finn pressed up against the breakfast bar, tongue down his throat, and Finn’s leg up over his hip. They’re fully clothed, thanks to all that’s sanitary, but they are about thirty seconds from needing new pants.

“Don’t come in my kitchen, Finn Merritt.”

Jay’s groan is deep at being interrupted, and Finn flips Gideon off.

“It’s not like you’ve never done it.”

It’s hard to take his snark seriously when it’s squeaked out as their pack alpha sticks his hands down the back of his sweats.

Still, their alpha is not deterred by Gideon’s snark. “Baby, I can make you come in the kitchen in front of Gideon, or do you want to save it for Luca and Nix?”

Personally, Gideon thinks there’s a third, better option:both.

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