A Little You and Me

Chimera’s confirmation that he was indeed feeling better always brought a relieved smile to Aliana’s delicate features. The clouded little fae had spent so many months worried sick over her mate’s condition that hearing he was feeling well felt like the greatest gift the gods could bestow—a peace of mind she hadn’t felt in a long time. As if to demonstrate how good he was feeling, the behemoth of a brute wrapped her up in his strong forelegs, his inescapable hold pulling her svelte body up close to his and drawing giddy giggles from the petite woman. Her aquamarine eyes slowly disappeared behind pale lids while she leaned into her love’s chiseled form, basking in his warmth and strength and presence with a content smile across her muzzle. This. This was all Aliana needed to be satisfied.

But Chimera, it seemed, had more on his mind than just enjoying a nice spring day and a clean bill of health. The dire brute apologized to her—an apology he didn’t need to make in her opinion—that she was no longer a queen. Ali was quick to shake her head in protest, soft murrs of delight purring in her throat as his giant paw roamed and stroked with comforting rhythm back and forth along her side, leaving lovely little tingles in its wake as his toes combed through her plush fur. His words stole a bit of her smile, not wanting to imagine a world where he wasn’t in it, but the practical side of herself knew it was better to plan and prepare for a possible future than to be lost at sea if his illness did return. "Hush, Chimera Klein. You’re not going anywhere for a long time still," she playfully chided him with gentle tones, opening her eyes to peer up at him with a loving smile. "I told you before, my love, I don’t need fancy titles or jewelry to be happy. I only need you and our children." It may have sounded sappy, but it was 100% true. Aliana had never come from riches, luxury, or privilege. All she needed to be fulfilled was her family—the one thing she had dreamed of all her life and had never had.

But Chimera, the sweet, stubborn man that he was, wouldn’t let her be satisfied with her place in the world. He leaned back until his mismatched gaze met hers, stirring her heart and making it flutter in her chest just as it did the first day he told her he was in love with her. The words he spoke next took away her senses and stole her breath. His wife. The clouded fae stared up in stunned silence while he stroked her cheek, gasping quietly at the honor he bestowed her. It was something she had never even thought of. She’d been so content to be one of Chimera’s women, but to be called his wife… Ali was tongue tied, struggling to find the words to say. "Chimera…" she finally spoke after a moment of reeling, only able to speak the name of the man she loved more than life itself. A dainty paw lifted to stroke over his cheek and jaw, expression overwhelmed with affection and joy. "You’re wrong. It’s the most fair trade I’ve ever been given." She was eager to nuzzle her smaller snout against his own, on the verge of tears, she was so happy and in love with this magnificent brute! Holding his handsome face in her paws, she lifted her head to place a tender lick across the bridge of his nose, basking in his embrace. "You will always be my king, Chimera Klein. I love you so much."

"Chimera & Aliana"