"Thanks for having us," I said, offering a nod to the hybrids gathered near the doorway.
"Thanks for not locking us up," Del replied, grinning.
"You mean again," Ari teased under her breath.
I didn't deny it. "We'll come by again soon. I'll make sure the kitchens send you better tea next time."
They waved us off with knowing little smiles, deliberately ignoring the possessive shadow that had stuck to my side the entire visit. Nine hadn't let go of my hand since we entered the wing, and every time I so much as looked at one of the hybrids too long, his fingers would tighten like he thought I might float away.
As soon as we crossed the threshold and the door shut behind us, I felt Nine's hand squeeze mine again. The hallway was quiet, wide, bathed in golden light from the overhead panels—and completely empty.
We walked a few steps in silence. My thoughts were still half on the visit, on how quickly the hybrids had adjusted to the new space, on the way they'd smiled when they'd spoken to me instead of flinching. But I was also aware of the quiet tension simmering in Nine beside me. He was too silent, too fidgety, chewing on his lip like he wanted to say something but didn't know how.
We hadn't even reached the end of the corridor before he tugged me to a stop.
I turned, brow raised—only to be immediately kissed.
He stood on his toes, hands fisted in the front of my shirt, lips pressed to mine in a way that was soft, insistent, and full of frustrated need. His fingers curled, clutched. The kiss only lasted a moment, but when he pulled back, his eyes were shining with something achingly sincere.
"I want attention," he said simply, voice just a touch breathless.
A beat passed.
And then I laughed.
It came out of me bright and surprised, unguarded. Nine's ears flushed, and he looked like he might regret saying anything—until I scooped him up into my arms without warning.
He squeaked.
"Bridal style," I said cheerfully. "Just what the doctor ordered."
"Rhea—"
"You wanted attention, right?"
He didn't argue again. Instead, he buried his face against my collarbone, letting me carry him through the hall like a lovestruck idiot. Which, to be fair, I absolutely was.
He was warm and solid in my arms. Lighter than he looked. I could feel his breath against my skin, soft and steadying. Every now and then, he shifted to nuzzle closer, clearly unbothered by the position. Clearly comforted by it.
I peppered kisses along his temple, his cheek, the top of his head.
"Mine," he mumbled.
"All yours," I said, smiling into his hair. "Every bit."
The guards we passed didn't even blink anymore. They were used to seeing Nine clinging to me like a little shadow. And I didn't care what anyone thought. If holding him like this made him feel safe, made him feel secure in our bond, then I'd carry him through every hallway in the facility.
Nyx stretched lazily in my head, purring with contentment.
He's adorable when he's possessive.
He's always adorable, I replied, brushing a knuckle against his cheek.
Nyx huffed.
You're worse than a teenager in love.
Jealous much?
She growled playfully.
I was here first.
I snorted aloud at that and Nine tilted his head to look at me, confused. I just shook mine and kissed the tip of his nose. "Not you. Nyx is being dramatic."
Nine looked satisfied with that answer. A little smug, even. It made my heart ache in the best way.
When we reached the door to our quarters, he didn't even lift his head. I got us inside, kicked the door closed, and walked straight to the bed—where I dropped him gently onto the mattress and leaned over him, hair curtaining around us like a cocoon.
He reached for me immediately, arms looped around my neck, tugging me down until our noses touched. His violet eyes glinted under the low light of the room.
"I could give you attention all day," I whispered.
Nine blinked up at me, a little breathless again. "Good."
I kissed the tip of his nose. "You're so spoiled."
"Only by you."
Nyx sighed dramatically in my head.
Do you two need a room? Oh wait.
I ignored her, because Nine was smiling, and nothing else mattered.
We stayed like that for a while. I settled beside him, one arm draped over his waist, fingers absentmindedly stroking the soft curve of his hip. He tucked his face into the crook of my neck with a contented sigh, relaxing fully for the first time that day.
You're warm, he said through the bond, soft and sleep-tinged.
You're clingy, I teased.
You're mine, he shot back, and it had more bite than usual—but only in the way that made my heart turn over.
Always, I sent back, more gently. And you're mine, Nine. No matter how many others try to pull me away, I choose you every time.
He made a quiet noise in my ear, half whimper, half pleased growl, and shifted to press his forehead against mine. I could feel the bond pulsing warmly under his skin, the bite mark on his neck humming in sync with the quiet flutter of emotions flowing between us.
I kissed his temple once more.
"Now," I whispered, "do I need to write you a schedule for daily attention, or are you going to keep stealing me every time you want kisses?"
"Both," he muttered without hesitation.
"Of course," I said with a smile. "Only the best for my ridiculously adorable, absurdly jealous omega."
He snorted but didn't deny it. And I didn't move. Because I could lie there forever if it meant I got to be the one he turned to, the one he clung to, the one he loved.
Nothing else mattered.