Chapter 28 Marked

• As an early riser, Conri stirred from sleep and slowly peered his eyes open to greet the break of dawn. The room was dark with the curtains all shut but silver rays of sunlight were trickling through the gaps in the shutters. He rubbed a hand across his eyes and then pushed himself up into a sitting position, still trying to remember where he was. It took him a moment but finally, the memories came flooding back, as did the last thing he remembered doing. Although they didn't speak much after lunch, still Xiher didn't argue and didn't even ask him to leave. Just as he had offered him lunch, he also offered him dinner and once it was bedtime, he stalled, he didn't know if he was allowed on the same bed as his Mate, but Xiher noticed this and beckoned him to come cuddle, he muttered sleepily that he wanted to feel his warmth whilst he slept. Conri jumped in on the offer like gospel and scooped his Mate so tightly into his chest they felt like one body.
• Nothing else happened and shortly they fell asleep. It was the most restful he had since this all began. Even though he still couldn't stop the guilt gnawing at his gut at every given minute, he was glad he accepted him enough to share both warmth and bed. Conri turned to his side to find the still sleeping Omega, he looked so peaceful, so small curled up against his side like a kitten, his long lashes fluttering against his cheeks. His brows were relaxed, and his eyes closed. His lips parted just slightly in sleep. Conri reached out a finger to brush away a stray curl, the soft strands tickled his skin as they passed by and it made his chest ache, but not in an unpleasant way.
• He let his fingers trail down the curve of his Omega's jawline. Xiher sighed and shifted slightly closer to his touch. Conri's heart soared, there was no denying how beautiful Xiher looked even while he slept. Without thinking, Conri's fingers explored further, trailing along the length of his nose until they rested lightly upon his slightly parted full lips. Wayward fingertips brushed against soft lips, tracing their perfect shape and his heart rate increased. His stomach clenched at the thought of kissing him, maybe more than he wanted to admit. Xiher moved softly, maybe feeling the fingers on his lips and subconsciously, he poke the tip of his tongue forward and very gently licked around the fingers on his lips. Conri hissed in shock, the sensation was so unexpected, and yet so wonderful, but his fingers never pulled away.