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We shared a long, hot shower and I washed my mate head to toe. While he washed me as well, I couldn’t help myself. I pulled him into my arms, and we made love under the warm spray and then had to clean up again.

“I didn’t know what kind of coffee you like so I got them all.” We stood in front of the coffeepot. I nuzzled his neck and ran my lips over his marking.

“I like medium to dark roast. I don’t know how this thing works, Pascal. I use a vintage percolator.”

Chuckling, I made the coffee. My mate was old-fashioned, beautiful bliss. He liked things slow and easy. I had a lot to learn from the cute raccoon who now bore my mark.

We poured coffee and had leftover cake for breakfast. Rue sat on my lap all morning. We laughed together. Made plans for the future. Talked about the night before.

Everything. I never wanted to be away from him.

“You really need my help,” he said, feeding me another bite of the almond cake bursting with wild berries.

“With what? If you’re involved, I’ll take it.”

“With those flower beds. We need to give this place some color.”

I pointed to the back porch area. “I have paint already picked out, but I’ve been occupied with a gorgeous omega I met.”

“Really? Gorgeous, huh?”

“Yes. Gorgeous. Beautiful. Stunning. Sexy. Should I go on?”

“No, but you can show me those paint colors. I want to see what you chose.”

After we got dressed, we looked over the paint colors, which he approved of. I told him what they meant to me and that led to almost another session of mating.

“Today, in between working, I’m going to draw up a plan for your flower beds. That porch needs some love as well.”

Watching and listening to him go on about his passions did things to me. I grabbed him up and sat us both on the rocking chair. “I need some love before you go.”

“You are insatiable,” he giggled. “How about dinner at my place tonight?”

“That sounds like a long time from now.”

“I know. I’m going to miss you. I’m afraid you’re going to change your mind.”

“Hey, look at me.” I put my hands on his face. “You’re mine and I’m all yours, omega. Nothing could ever tear you away from me. What time do you eat lunch?”

His eyes widened. “About eleven if it’s not busy.”

“Would it be okay if your mate came by with a sandwich?”

Nodding, he blushed again. “Only if he brings one for my assistant as well.”

“You got it.” I kissed his button nose. “Now, go on before I drag you back to the bedroom.”

Some people walking by giggled at us, making Rue smack me gently on the shoulder. “Uncalled for, sir.”

“Sir? We can try that tonight, if you want.”

More blushing. Yeah, we would definitely try that tonight.

Once he’d left, I went back inside and made plans. I had a mate now. A mate. Me. Someone who never thought they’d settle in one place.

The furniture was coming in. Rue was making plans for the garden. And I had a full day of painting in front of me. I wanted Rue to think of this house as home, to convince him to move in with me.

It had all happened so fast, but I loved the raccoon. My bear was settled. I bore the mark of raccoon teeth.