Page 53 of Beastkin
That made me laugh despite myself. “So, we just... keep it secret?”
“For now, if that’s what makes you feel safe.” Lila reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “But Phoenix, don’t let fear keep you from experiencing this fully. Mate bonds are rare and precious.”
I nodded, feeling the constant warm pulse of Karrick’s presence in the back of my mind. Even now, somewhere across campus, I could sense him, like a comforting hearth fire I could always return to.
“So,” Lila said, her voice dropping into a theatrical whisper, “now that we’ve covered the serious stuff… was it good? And don’t you dare hold back on me.”
I felt my face flush hot again. “Lila!”
“What? I’m living vicariously here.Humor me.”
I bit my lip, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. “It was... beyond anything I could have imagined,” I admitted, my voice barely audible. “Like every nerve in my body was on fire, but in the best possible way.”
“I knew it!” she crowed, then immediately lowered her voice when I shot her a panicked look. “Sorry, sorry. But I could tell by the way you’ve been walking today.”
“What’s wrong with how I’m walking?” I demanded, mortified.
“Nothing’s wrong with it. It’s just... distinctive.” She smirked. “So, he’s big, then?”
My mouth just fell open, but no sound came out.
“That’s a yes,” she nodded. “I figured. He’s seven feet tall on a bad day. Dude’s gotta be hung like a horse.” She leaned closer. “And I would know. I fucked around with a centaur a few years back. Dude’s front dick was totally normal human stuff, but that rear dick… woof. Let’s just say it’s a good thing I have nearly instantaneous healing because we got alittlecarried away.”
I just stared at her. It was all far too much information to process. “They have… two dicks?” I asked at last, barely above a whisper.
“Yep. Human up front, horse in the back.”
“But… why? That makes zero sense biologically.”
She shrugged. “They’re just lucky I guess.”
I shook my head, trying to banish the mental image of centaur anatomy. “We’re getting seriously off-topic here.”
“Right, right. Back to your sexy Beastkin.” Lila’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “So, when are you seeing him again? Tonight? This weekend?”
I felt that familiar warmth spread through my chest just thinking about it. “We haven’t exactly worked out the logistics yet. It’s not like we can just hang out in the dorms or go on normal dates.”
“Why not? There are plenty of places on campus where you could meet up without drawing attention. The old greenhouse behind the herbology building is usually empty after dark. Or the third floor of the library. Nobody ever goes up there except to make out.”
“You seem to know an awful lot about secret meeting spots,” I said, raising an eyebrow.
“What can I say? I’m an empowered slut.” She grinned, showing those sharp fangs again. “The point is, you have options. Don’t let paranoia keep you from your mate.”
I nodded, though anxiety still churned in my stomach. “I just... I’ve never had to hide something this big before. What if I slip up? What if someone sees us together?”
“Then you deal with it when it happens.” Lila’s voice turned gentle. “Phoenix, you can’t live your entire life afraid of what might happen. Trust me, I’ve tried. It’s exhausting, and it’s no way to live.” She reached a hand across the table, her cold fingers grasping mine. “Besides, you’ve got a support team here. I’m here for you, so is Karrick, and it sounds like Professor Blackwood is on your side too. Not to mention the school board is pushing for this kind of integration of our kinds. You’re not alone.”
I stared down at my hands wrapped around the mug. “My parents have controlled every aspect of my life for as long as I can remember. They chose my friends, my classes, even what books I could read. This is the first time I’ve ever felt like... like myself. And I’m terrified they’ll find a way to take it away from me.”
“Well, then they better bring an army,” she grinned. “Because I don’t plan on going down without a fight.”
“Yeah,” I nodded, feeling suddenly more confident thanks to my new friend. “Me either.”
Chapter 21
Phoenix
“Oh fuck…” I groaned as Karrick’s thick cock slipped inside me. Overwhelming bliss filled me from head to toe as he pushed deeper, forcing me to savor every exquisite inch of his girthy cock.