Page 118 of Simon

Father poked his head in front of Rune. “You don’t want to give me grandbaby fauns yet?”

Goats in pajamas!

Chapter Forty

Simon

Asasuddentwingetwisted in my stomach, I let out a frustrated huff, the sound echoing in the quiet room. I mustered all my strength to push myself up, feeling the strain in my arms as I braced against the softness of the disheveled blankets and pillows.

They were thrown together in a chaotic heap, obstructing my view. Her stale scent filled the air. I furrowed my brow and shook my head, hoping to clear the fog that clouded my mind,while my fingertips grazed the wrinkled sheets, searching for any sign of my missing mate.

Sometimes, she liked to curl up into a tiny ball and hide beneath the clouds of our nest at home. Was she under the tremendous mountain of blankets?

“Lucy?” my voice came out low and gruff from my deep sleep. She liked my voice when I first woke and when I planted my lips between her thighs. Memories of her moans and whispers filled my mind, the sound of her pleasure echoing in my ears. The touch of her hands, gripping onto my hair and my horns, sent shivers down my spine as I recalled the intimate moments we shared just hours ago.

She enjoyed it when I spoke between her thighs and talked dirty to her. How she held onto my horns and rode my face.

I couldn’t think of anything else more pleasing to do right now than that. I grunted when I felt another twinge of pain in my stomach. It became stronger as the seconds rode by while I pulled the blankets off the bed.

Where was she?

I snarled when I sniffed and tried to pick up her scent.

Stale.

She wasn’t here!

I did not like to forbid my mate. In fact, I’d never forbid her to do anything, but if she continued to make a habit of leaving when I slept, I would have to do something about it.

I jumped to my hooves, then stumbled over when I felt another jarring pain in my gut.

Had I been poisoned by last night’s meal?

I pushed open the creaking wooden door, and the blinding brightness of the light source’s rays pierced through my squinting eyes, momentarily disorienting me. Ignoring the rough texture of the woven vine steps, I leaped from the towering height of the tree, a rush of wind brushing againstmy face. As I landed, my hooves thudded against the soft soil, sending vibrations through my body.

With a quickened pace, I sprinted towards the open clearing ahead. The once-empty space with a lone cabin was now teeming with life, filled with the cacophony of voices and the scent of bustling activity. Orcs and shifters mingled amidst the scattered tables and tents, creating a chaotic scene.

What in the Moon Goddess’ name is going on?

Fuck, the celebration.

“There you are!” Calliope trotted over, wearing one of her fae-inspired outfits. It was far too short, and her chest was very exposed. I cleared my throat to look away, but she shoved me in the shoulder to pay attention to her.

“Lucy is getting ready in the tent. You slept nearly all day. That sleeping dust came in handy.”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “What? You did what?”

Why were all these females poisoning me?

Calliope put her hands behind her back. “Sleeping dust. Rune, her daddy number two,” she held up two fingers, “gave it to me so you wouldn’t go meddling. You can’t see the bride before the wedding ceremony. It’s a human tradition. It’s bad luck to see her or her dress before the big ceremony,” she said perkily.

Goddess above!

“Is drugging them a part of the ceremony, too?” I growled. I had never been angry with Calliope, but there was a first time for everything.

Was Calliope always like this? Or did I only remember the good parts of her?

Calliope shook her head. “Nope, but I know males of this realm, and they get all grabby hands and ‘she’s mine. I can’t stay away from her for more than five minutes.’” She rolled her eyes exasperatedly.

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