Chapter 19
CHAPTER NINETEEN
C larice’s heart soared at Rudi’s words, joy bubbling up inside her like a spring. The idea of creating a real family with him and Lina felt perfect, natural—as if all the pieces of her life were finally falling into place.
“I think that would be wonderful,” she exclaimed, reaching for his hands.
He gave a sigh of relief as he squeezed her hands.
“We’ll need permission from her aunt and uncle first,” he said, and she thought he was reminding himself as much as her.
The practical reminder didn’t dim her enthusiasm.
“I know, but I’m sure they’ll agree.”
After all, they hardly seemed to notice when Lina was gone.
She glanced over at Lina, who sat cross-legged on the ground, showing her new toys to the fokuso. The little girl’s face glowed with happiness, her small antler buds casting a soft light that matched her joy. After everything they’d been through—finding each other, saving the village—surely this was meant to be too.
She grinned and took his hand.
“Now didn’t you promise me breakfast?”
“I did.”
They collected Lina and strolled past the stalls selling various treats. She and Lina decided on fried cones filled with berries and cream, while he picked up two skewers of spiced meat. They settled down at one of the long tables that lined the sides of the square to eat. Her stomach rumbled appreciatively—she hadn’t realized how hungry she was until now,
All around them, villagers gathered in clusters, their voices rising and falling in cheerful conversation. Musicians played traditional instruments she didn’t recognize, creating a lively melody that had several children dancing. The atmosphere felt electric with joy and celebration, so different from the tension of yesterday.
Lina chattered excitedly between mouthfuls of food, describing the games and sweets to the fokuso, who chirped and squeaked in response. The tiny creature seemed to understand every word, its whiskers twitching.
Rudi watched them with a soft smile on his face that made her heart flutter. He’d come so far from their first meeting.
Lina finished her breakfast, her wistful gaze going to the dancing children.
“Why don’t you go join them, sweetheart,” she said softly and the little girl’s face lit up.
“Can Fuzzle come too?”
“I don’t think he ‘d really enjoy dancing. I’ll take good care of him.”
Lina hesitated for a moment, then carefully handed over the fokuso before darting off.
“I see Lina’s aunt and uncle,” he said quietly. “I’m going to go talk to them.”
“All right. I’ll wait here, fingers and toes crossed.”
He gave her a puzzled look, but she laughed and waved him off. As he attempted to make his way towards where Lina’s aunt and uncle stood near the edge of the gathering, a group of villagers intercepted him. They clapped him on the back, offering enthusiastic thanks for his help with the power crisis. More villagers joined the group, and soon he was surrounded by smiling faces and extended hands.
She covered her mouth to hide her growing smile as she watched him try to gracefully extract himself. Each time he managed to take a step away, someone else would approach with well-wishes or questions about his abilities. His expression grew increasingly flustered, though he maintained his typical stoic demeanor. For someone who had spent so long avoiding attention, he seemed utterly unprepared for this sudden flood of appreciation and interest.
She caught his eye across the crowd and had to stifle a laugh at his pleading look. He was clearly desperate for rescue, but she decided to let him bask in the village’s gratitude for just a little longer. After years of isolation, he deserved to feel truly valued by his community.
She lost track of him for a while and finally breaking free from the crowd of well-wishers. She hurried over to meet him, her heart pounding with anticipation. His face broke into a rare, wide smile as she approached.
“They said yes.” The words burst from him in a rush of relief. “They agreed to let us adopt her.”
The joy that filled her at his words was so intense it stole her breath. She threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly as laughter bubbled out of her. He held her close, his solid strength a comforting anchor in a swirling storm of emotions.
After a long moment, she pulled back and cupped his face between her hands. Tears of happiness sparkled in her eyes as she gazed up at him.
“We’re a family,” she whispered, the words still sounding almost magical to her own ears.
He laughed and swept her up in his arms, spinning her in a joyful circle. The world blurred around them as happiness bubbled up inside her. When he set her down, she steadied herself against his chest, dizzy but elated.
Together they made their way back to where Lina was dancing around the tree. The little girl came racing over as they approached, her silver skin gleaming in the festival lights. She knelt down beside her, gathering her courage.
“Lina, sweetheart,” she began softly. “How would you feel about coming to live with Rudi and me?”
She watched as understanding dawned across Lina’s face. Her small mouth dropped open in surprise before spreading into the most radiant smile Clarice had ever seen. Her eyes filled with tears that made them sparkle like stars.
“Really? I can live with you? Forever?”
“Yes, sweetheart.”
“Yay!”
Lina launched herself joyfully into Clarice’s arms.
She held her close as Rudi’s arms wrap around them both. She heard his deep voice murmur, “This is the best present ever,” and felt Lina nod enthusiastically against her shoulder before she jumped up, spinning in a circle, her silver skin catching the glow of the festival lights. The little girl’s laughter rang out clear and bright above the music, drawing smiles from nearby villagers.
“Come dance!” Lina called out, grabbing both their hands and tugging.
She glanced at him, expecting resistance, but his eyes sparkled with warmth. He allowed Lina to pull him into the circle of dancers, even though his movements were stiff at first. She followed, her heart light as air.
The music swelled around them as they joined the traditional dance. She picked up the steps quickly, following the other villagers’ lead. Each time she turned, she caught glimpses of his—his face relaxed, a hint of a smile playing at his lips as he danced with their newly-adopted daughter.
The evening stretched on, stars emerging one by one in the darkening sky above. The scent of roasted meats and sweet pastries filled the air as plates were passed around, each dish more tempting than the last. Lina darted between dancers, her energy seemingly endless.
She found herself swept up in another dance, this time with Rudi. His strong hands steadied her as they moved together, and the way he looked at her made her pulse quicken. When their eyes met, she saw all her joy reflected back at her. His antlers gave off a soft, content glow that matched the warmth in her chest. She never imagined finding such happiness when she’d first arrived in this village, yet here she was—surrounded by acceptance, wrapped in love, part of a family that was uniquely their own.
The evening passed in a whirl of happiness but eventually even Lina’s energy flagged. Rudi picked her up and she was asleep before they were halfway home. He carried her into the bedroom, the little girl’s head nestled against his shoulder. Her silver skin gleamed in the dim light, and her tiny antler buds gave off a soft, peaceful glow.
After tucking Lina in, he returned to join her by the fireplace. The flames cast dancing shadows across his face as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small wrapped package.
“Another present? You’re spoiling me.”
“You deserve to be spoiled. I made this for you.”
She could feel him watching her as she unwrapped the package to reveal a delicate wooden pendant. The craftsmanship took her breath away—intricate patterns were carved into the surface, reminiscent of his own markings. A thin leather cord threaded through the top completed the piece.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered, running her fingers over the smooth surface.
He took the pendant from her hands and gently fastened it around her neck. His touch lingered on her skin, sending shivers down her spine. When she looked up, his eyes blazed with intensity that made her heart race. He bent his head, capturing her mouth in a searing kiss that left her breathless and aching for more.
When he finally pulled away, she was trembling with need. She rose and reached for his hand, guiding him toward the bedroom. They undressed quietly, not wanting to disturb Lina’s sleep, but their hunger for each other couldn’t be contained.
His antlers glowed softly in the dark, illuminating the bed. Her heart pounded as he lay her down and settled himself above her. The mating marks on his chest pulsed in sync with his racing heartbeats. She could feel his enormous cock straining against her inner thigh as his hands caressed her body, tracing every curve until she was trembling with need.
She arched against him, seeking his touch, but he pinned her wrists over her head. His eyes locked onto hers, holding her captive as he slowly pushed inside her. She gasped as he filled her completely, his thickness stretching her to her limits, and the markings on his cock pulsed against her sensitive flesh
“Look at me,” he growled softly when her eyes fluttered closed from the intensity of sensations.
She forced herself to meet his gaze, seeing her own pleasure and love mirrored there. He began to move, thrusting deep and slow, each stroke stoking the fire building inside her. His mouth captured hers in a searing kiss, swallowing her cries as ecstasy crashed over her in powerful waves. She clung to him, her fingers digging into his shoulders as he continued to drive into her, pushing her higher and higher.
Just when she thought she couldn’t take anymore, he groaned and shuddered, his cock growing impossibly larger before he began to pulse inside her, filling her with his hot seed and triggering her own climax. His antlers gave off a brilliant glow that illuminated the room before fading back to a gentle light. She stroked his back, feeling his heart racing as they both slowly came down from their peaks.
“I love you,” she murmured. “So much.”
He kissed her tenderly in response, his arms wrapping around her. His warmth enveloped her, and she drifted off to sleep feeling safe, loved, and utterly complete. Outside, snow began to fall once again, blanketing the village in soft white. Inside, she dreamed of a future bright with promise, filled with love and family and everything she had ever hoped for.