Page 73 of A Soul to Steal

Something about his words made Aleron’s sight waver. His whole torso – no – his entire beingachedin tenderness for his human.

That consideration for Aleron’s wellbeing, how his heart may be hurting, showed just how attentive Gideon was. It showed just how deeply he cared for Aleron. He wanted tohelp.

Meanwhile, Aleron had assumed the wary look upon his features was due to the strange people around them.

In that moment, he wanted nothing more than to bring Gideon into his arms, lift him off the ground, and swallow him up in his wings. To express just how much he appreciated his sentiment and wanted to return it.

Had he been thinking of Merikh? Sure, it had been on his mind, along with many other things.

I hope what I said was enough.

Merikh was obviously deeply hurt. He’d wanted to help him shed it any way he could, but also selfishly ease his own misgivings. Gideon had taught him communication was important, so he spoke of what he could understand in order to create that link of healing for both of them.

If it weren’t for this human by his side, teaching him all that he could, Aleron would have been lost. He would have stumbled during the conversation. He would have... ruined the chance to connect.

Instead, Merikh stated he was cutesy and loving. Even if those descriptions were uttered insultingly, surely the bear-skulled Mavka couldn’t be immune to Aleron’s sincere sentiments.

“Is it wrong of me to ask why they would take in a youngling that is so volatile?” Aleron freely asked, knowing Gideon wouldn’t judge his curiosity on the matter.

“No, I don’t think it’s wrong to ask, since I know you aren’t saying it to be spiteful,” Gideon stated.

Once more, his entire being ached. He absolutely hadn’t intended for his question to be filled with spite, and he adored how Gideon recognised that.

“I think they knew she would be – they must have. I also don’t think they care how broken that child is, and just want to help heal her. To lose her parents in an unfamiliar environment, and then be bullied... it’s a lot for an innocent kid to take in. I can’t even begin to imagine the things she’s seen outside of the protective walls here.”

Gideon’s features tightened in thought, his bottom lip pouting forward.

Ever since their tongues had played in the cave back in Tenebris, Aleron had gained a newfound appreciation for a person’s fleshy lips – especially Gideon’s. He’d like their tongues to touch again, or for his lips to capture him.

He’d liked to rub and pet them, hoping they tingled like his tongue did.

Purple flared in his sight as his gaze lingered on his little human.

Gideon lifted his head forward to make sure they were still following the two soldiers who had collected them, as well as some robed individual. Thankfully someone was paying attention, since Aleron absolutely wasn’t.

I want him to make those soft noises for me again.

“But,” Gideon continued, “after what I’ve learned and observed of Merikh, it’s likely he couldn’t turn the child away after everything he’s been through. You said he was mean to you in the past, and I’m guessing that meant he was volatile. Perhaps he wants to protect someone who acts just like how he did, to prevent them from turning into who he is now. He probably doesn’t even realise he’s taken on that child as his way to heal himself of his own pain.”

“Is that not selfish?” Aleron asked, tilting his head.

Surprisingly, Gideon’s lips curled with mild humour. “A little, but I don’t think it’s intentional. However, it does mean that Merikh may be the only person who isrightto parent that child.”

Aleron huffed, doubting that. As if he could understand what he’d meant with just the single action, Gideon let out a low chuckle.

“Taking away his rude demeanour with us, he is kind towards his woman – protective even.” Gideon waved his hand to the side. “Patience is not enough, but as Lehnenia was kicking him, he showed tolerance and understanding. He demonstrated better parenting than how I’ve seen many humans act. He will treat that child the way he’s always wanted to be treated.”

Perhaps Gideon didn’t realise it, but Aleron’s fondness for him grew with every word he spoke.

He is forgiving, even after he argued with Merikh.

The human didn’t hide how much he disliked the bear-skulled Mavka, and yet he still spoke well of him. Rather than trying to incite hatred within Aleron for Merikh, which was possible if guided by someone as cunning as Gideon, he’d instead tried to make him see his brother warmly.

It made him want this little human even more. He craved to tuck him under his wing protectively so no harm could come to something that was so calm, benevolent, and kind. He longed tokeep such a tender creature within his clutches, so he could hold that nature as if it were his own.

As soon as he learned what the word ‘love’ meant, Aleron had long ago realised his heart was full of it. He loved Ingram as his kindred, Merikh as his brother, Raewyn as his friend, and even Weldir and Lindiwe as his creators.

But the sprouting, fluffy feeling of love growing in his chest for this very human was different to all of that.

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