Page 45 of His Unicorn Alpha
“Darling,” I soothed him, reaching out to stroke his soft, smooth flank as I approached from the side, “it’s all right. You are magnificent.”
He turned his head towards me, and I had the presence of mind to duck before his horn could make contact. His nostrils flared and he released a short snort of air rather forcefully.
“You are,” I insisted, stroking the side of his neck. I marveled at how silky and smooth his coat was. It was almost iridescent in the sunlight. “I understand this is a shock, however you are breathtaking, Micah.”
“A unicorn,” Eric declared, sounding just as awed as I felt. He carefully walked towards me, also approaching from the side, though I was certain my mate would not kick out with his powerful hooves.
My brother glanced at me with wide eyes. “Have you heard of unicorn shifters?”
Aware that Micah was watching me, I shook my head slowly. “No. However, many believe that dragons are myths these days, too. Perhaps unicorns have concealed their existence better than us?”
Eric considered this and nodded, even as his eyes continued to travel over my mate’s shifted form. “True,” he said, in the distracted tone he often used when he was thinking. “So much knowledge has been lost to time…unicorns could be one of those things.”
Micah’s fright and panic had eased out of our bond and I smiled at him, reaching towards his horn. “May I?” I asked.
He let out a gentler chuff of breath and lowered his head carefully. When my fingertips brushed the glossy gold surface, I was momentarily surprised. “It’s warm,” I said out loud, more for Micah’s benefit than for Eric’s, though I knew he was taking notes. My brother was also likely dying of jealousy, but I just knew that Micah would not allow him the privilege of this kind of exploration. At least, not yet. When I stroked the gold ridges a little more firmly, Micah nickered. A rush of arousal traveled through the bond and I immediately understood.
He must feel the same way as I do when he strokes the scales on my face.
“Apologies, darling,” I soothed.
“What? Why? Talk me through what’s happening.” Eric demanded with a hint of a whine. “Please, Bran.”
“It’s an erogenous zone,” I murmured, removing my fingers and stroking the length of Micah’s muzzle instead. “I felt similarly when I par-shifted during our mating, and he stroked the scales on my face. Instant arousal.”
“Huh,” from the corner of my eye, I watched my youngest brother tilt his head and cock his hip. “I’ve never experienced anything like that.”
“Have your scales erupted during sex?”
“Well…no.” He frowned at me. “Most men don’t like it when you go lizard on them mid-coitus.”
Micah snorted lightly, and I assumed he felt as amused as I did.
“Humans, no,” I agreed with Eric’s sentiments, “but shifters can surprise you.”
“Yeah, well, it’s not something I’ve ever done — spontaneously or otherwise.” He frowned at me. “Have you always—pppffft?” he accompanied the odd sound with extended fingers gesturing at his face.
I chuckled. “No. It only happens when I am extremely…how do people phrase it now? Into it?”
“Don’t strain yourself to sound young, Bran,” he teased me in response, “and there’s no need for euphemisms, either. It’s a hyper-aroused thing, huh?”
“I suppose,” I shrugged. “It has happened every time with my mate, though.”
“Fascinating…”
I groaned. “Please do not tell me you wish to watch us mate. I draw the line at that.”
Micah stamped his front hooves and whipped his nearly-white tail in what I assumed was agreement.
“Ew, no. Not even for science, big brother.” Eric shuddered.
Rolling my eyes, I turned my complete attention back to my mate. “Should we test your wings?”
His body swayed as he stepped backwards, shaking his head.
“Darling,” I pleaded, “I will shift and fly with you.” Just speaking the promise filled me with anticipation and excitement. “Fate…the universe —however you wish to see it— has granted us the ability to fly together. Is that not a sign to you?”
Apprehension traveled between us and I tried to see this from his perspective. This was the first time he had shifted into this form. For his entire life, he had been a horse, comfortable on the ground. The ground was firm and stable and solid: the sky was unknown and fathomless. Then there was the risk of falling, of plummeting to certain death from unsurvivable heights.
