Page 20 of Compile (Project: Adapt #6)
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Odelm
“ T here’s no need to thank us,” Odelm muttered, guiding her along the pathway of delicate flower petals that led from the master bedroom into the makeshift tent in the middle of their private backyard.
Above them, a clear, flexible ceiling allowed them to see the night sky, a vast expanse of stars twinkling under a canopy of hanging night lamps, their ethereal soft glow ever-changing.
The floor was covered with a mountain of elegant and luxurious pillows and blankets, creating a cozy temporary nestbed for them to relax and spend the night together comfortably, without any interruptions.
Off to the side, a short table held an array of finger foods and a cooler filled with drinks for them to enjoy.
As the sun set and darkness enveloped the backyard, Odelm and Xylo’s bioluminescent bodies began to glow softly. The flowers in the garden seemed to sense their presence and bloomed in vibrant shades, creating a beautiful backdrop for the couple.
It was as if the moon itself was celebrating this special night with them.
Odelm nodded toward Kaede and Zirene as they silently returned to the master bedroom to leave them alone with the clan’s nestqueen.
All he could feel was Selena’s love for them. It was like a golden glow, bathing him like the sun washing over oceanic waters.
Under the faint night lamps of the tent, Odelm reached out and gently brushed her cheek with his thumbs, catching her falling tears. “Don’t cry,” he whispered. “Tonight is supposed to be a celebration.”
Selena smiled softly, her eyes shimmering with emotion as she shook her head gently in his grasp. “You all are too good to me.”
“We’re just giving back a fraction of what you give us,” Odelm replied, his voice filled with love and reverence. He leaned in, brushing a tender kiss against her lips.
Xylo’s arms wrapped around her from behind, drawing her in close. She could feel his head resting on her shoulder. “We wanted to give you a night to remember,” Xylo murmured. “A night where you can forget about everything else and just be with us.”
“I wouldn’t be here without either of you.” Selena sighed, closing her eyes as she leaned into Odelm’s touch. “I don’t know who I would be today if I’d never met you…if I’d returned home without you.”
“There’s no reason for you to worry about what-ifs. That’s not the path the Stars led us down,” Odelm whispered, giving her cheeks a gentle squeeze. He dropped his hands from her face, grabbing hers and leading her down to the cushioned ground. “Focus on the future, let the Stars reveal the possibilities before you, but never lose sight of the present. The past, though filled with shadows and struggles, has shaped you into the resilient, fiercely determined, kind, and passionate nestqueen who stands before me today.”
Xylo handed Selena a fruity drink as he sat behind her on the pillows and blankets, sandwiching her between them. “No one can determine the future,” he said softly, “but we can live in the moment. And at this moment, we are with you. As the sun dips behind the horizon and the stars emerge in the night sky, let us enjoy each other’s company tonight.”
“It’s going to be tough without you both,” she whispered, her voice wavering. “I’m so used to having you by my side, always supporting me.”
“You have our clanbrothers to lean on,” Odelm reassured her. “Z’fir and V’dim, the fierce and cunning princes, possess a mental prowess that far surpasses Xylo’s and mine. They will serve as your loyal and unwavering support during your time away.”
Xylo combed her hair back as she took a sip, watching Odelm. “The princes have been your silent support this whole time, aiding the Circuli citizens and supporting you from afar.”
Selena’s spots turned a worried orange, and she frowned, putting down her drink on the table. She glanced between Xylo and Odelm, her eyes wide with concern. “Have I been neglecting them?”
Odelm placed his hand on hers and lifted it to his lips, holding that dark blue-green gaze he loved to drown in. “They are thankful to have a nestqueen, just like Xylo and I are. We all know that the clan has all our lives to be with you, to love you, and to be loved by you.”
Xylo reached over and grabbed a silky, deep-purple robe folded neatly on a nearby table. He helped her slip it over her shoulders and tied the sash at her waist. Then, taking a brush with thin, wavy bristles, he began to comb her hair.
“They are war heroes—patient and caring males—and they’re content just having you as their nestqueen and having their minds protected by yours. You let them be active members of the clan rather than kicking them to the outskirts of the nestbed.”
“I would never,” she said, shaking her head. “The six of you mean so much to me, each holds a special place in my heart—a bright star in my constellation. You all give me something unique and valuable, even if I’m not yet aware of what it is for everyone. I would never kick any of you out of my nestbed—which is why I was worried about having a clan mate wing. I didn’t want you to think your personal bedroom was a punishment—I just wanted to give my mates a place of their own. A private room for each of you to personalize and be alone.”
“And we are thankful to have such rooms,” Xylo said as he continued to gently brush her hair. “The clan knows why you made the wing—it’s a place to celebrate our individuality…and somewhere to take you away for some privacy.”
“Like Kaede.” Odelm nodded with a soft smile. “Our clan brother has taken advantage of his private room a few times.”
“I wonder who will be next,” Xylo teased, shooting Odelm a sly smirk. “It will be an interesting game to play amongst our clanbrothers.”
“You two are ridiculous.” Selena shook her head and sighed, gesturing to the backyard. “You know we have the whole villa to do whatever we please.”
“You mean we have the whole moon—”
“—the whole Aldawi Empire,” Xylo corrected. “Nevertheless, Selena, you are our nestqueen, Destima’s Queen, the Aldawi Beacon. You have a clan who loves and supports you, no matter where we are.” Xylo paused his brushing and leaned to Selena’s side, grabbing her attention. “Don’t feel guilty if you need more clanmates, if you are drawn to someone new in ways you can’t explain. As a Wudox is drawn to the sun, and an Ulax is drawn to the water—it’s your instincts telling you they have something you need.”
“And it’s okay to not know what someone gives to you,” Odelm said gently. “Sometimes words can’t explain the emotions you feel…just like in music. Many times, I can’t find the words to express my feelings, but give me an instrument, and I can easily express myself.”
“You can’t help whom you’re drawn to,” Xylo told her as he continued to carefully brush her hair. “It’s only natural for a nestqueen to want to surround herself with mates who can fulfill her needs…even if it’s just for the moment.”
Selena’s spots flashed an angry red before fading into a nervous brown. She traced the rim of her glass with a finger, her gaze downcast. “So, do you think I’ll come back from the Harvest Festival with a new clan member... perhaps even accepting them in a solar flare of a moment?”
Odelm glanced at his bondbrother, cursing himself for his lack of tentacles. He yearned to wrap them around her, leaving no skin untouched, hoping to comfort her. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her and dragged her body back to his, settling her between his legs as he held her close. He sent all his love to her, soothing her the best way an Ulax could—empathically.
Xylo leaned forward and cupped the bottom of her chin, peering down at their nestqueen. “I’m not blinded by jealousy or worried about being replaced,” he said sternly. He shot a glance at Odelm before continuing. “I trust that you would only accept mates whom the Stars led to you, and only if you felt they belong as much as the rest of us. How can I be upset at something that feels natural to you?”
“I feel drawn to Zyxel,” Selena admitted, glancing at them. “But I don’t know if it’s because he reminded me of Kaede when I was alone and in dire need of familiarity. He confuses me, and I wasn’t willing to figure out why when my clan needed my full attention—and the both of you needed to heal.” She frowned and peered down at her hands. “How can I entertain my attraction to another when my clan is in such dire need?”
Xylo cupped her cheek, redirecting her attention to him. “While our clan is on the mend, we are stable,” he reassured her. “Don’t punish yourself on behalf of the two of us.”
Odelm’s face softened. “Remember what happened between you and Kaede?” he asked, his voice low and serious. “The two of you resisted the pull toward each other for so long. When you were finally alone, your connection was explosive, burning so brightly that you couldn’t deny your feelings…and that’s how you claimed our most recent clanbrother.”
Selena sighed and nodded, acknowledging the truth in his words. “It’s true. What happened between Kaede and me isn’t something I want to repeat—mainly because I don’t want our clan to feel…insufficient if I do claim another mate or two.”
“You don’t need to feel guilty if something happens on Liskta,” Xylo told her gently. “Nor do you need our permission. You are our nestqueen. Just enjoy yourself and return to us relaxed and happy.”
She leaned forward and nodded. “I will do that.”
Xylo leaned in and captured her lips with his. Passion ignited between them as his mouth moved against hers with a fervent hunger, their tongues dancing in a fervent rhythm. Odelm sucked in a breath, feeling the intensity of their connection burning through his bond with his bondbrother and nestqueen.
Odelm started to kiss along her neck, snaking his hand up her thigh, and then carefully slid his fingers over her slick entrance. A gasp escaped Selena’s lips as Odelm gently began to tease her sensitive clit with his thumb while his other fingers explored her drenched folds.
Selena arched her back, offering more of herself to him. Simultaneously, she grabbed his bondbrother’s head, pushing into their passionate kiss. Xylo’s hands roamed every curve of her body, fingertips brushing against the hardened nipples atop her full breasts and gently squeezing.
Odelm’s fingers continued their slow, steady movements, keeping her on the edge of pleasure, his other hand caressing her breast, teasing her nipple into a peak. Selena moaned, her body responding to their touch, her desire building, burning through their connections.
Xylo’s hand slid down her stomach, cupping her mound, his fingers joining Odelm’s as they continued to drive her wild. While Odelm’s lips trailed along Selena’s neck, Xylo mirrored his movements on the other side.
They worked in unison, worshiping her together as one.
Each had a hand on one breast. While his bondbrother’s tongue danced with hers, Odelm kissed and nipped along her neck, putting most of his attention on the marks left behind by his clanbrothers.
Their nestqueen’s body trembled, sandwiched between them—protected from the world. Her moans grew louder with every touch as Odelm worked in tandem with his bondbrother, igniting her core while drenching their hands with her juices.
He could feel how much she cared for them both—and they for her. Their shared devotion and love for her drove her wild with need.
Odelm directed all his attention to stimulating Selena’s clit. He applied pressure in rhythmic circles, driving her closer to the edge of climax with each tantalizing motion.
Odelm could feel Xylo’s passion building, their bond growing stronger as they shared in Selena’s pleasure. He closed his eyes, letting the sensation wash over him, taking in the raw, primal energy of their love. Selena’s moans grew louder, her body trembling as he quickened the pace.
“Come for us, Selena,” Odelm growled in her ear. “Let go of all your worries and give in to the pleasure. Feel our love for you. Feel our connection. We will always be here, waiting for you, to support you…to be with you.”
Selena’s hands grasped their heads, holding them close as she let out a low moan, her walls tightening around their fingers as she reached her peak. His nestqueen’s body trembled as she surrendered to the waves of ecstasy crashing over her.
Odelm could feel her orgasm ripple through their bond, sending pleasure coursing through his own body. He held her close, his fingers still buried inside her as he rode out her climax with her.
As Selena’s orgasm subsided, Odelm slowly withdrew his fingers and opened his eyes, finding her heavy gaze meeting his, filled with the same love burning through their mental thread.
“You are ours, Selena,” he growled, his voice filled with a fierce possession. “And we are yours. Forever and always.”
“No matter who else is in our clan,” Xylo swore. “No matter whom you take as yours. We will always love you.”
Selena let out a low sigh, her body trembling as she leaned into him. “I love you both so much,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she buried her face in his chest. “I never want this to end.”
Odelm and Xylo exchanged a glance, their bond stronger than ever before. He knew that their love for Selena was unbreakable, that they would do anything to protect her and keep her safe—even if it meant putting themselves in danger once more.