Closely bonded as they are, it becomes something of a feedback loop--Essek's arousal drives Percy's, and that familiar, appealing scent only encourages Essek's more. He can feel how slick he's becoming, how readily his cock swells beneath his heavy layers, how responsive his body is, how it aches for what he's denied it today. Pregnancy, as it turns out, can be nearly as bad as heat.

But he wouldn't be Essek Thelyss if he couldn't exert control over both himself and the man at his feet. He suppresses the shiver that threatens to crawl up his spine as he answers. Yes. Yes. He uncrosses his legs carefully, smooths his robes out with one hand almost casually as the other retains its grip on his alpha's hair. He drinks in the exposed line of his throat, and unseen behind his lips, traces the tip of his tongue over his fangs. There is so much delicate skin there.

"You would be," he purrs. "With me. You were so ready to promise me all that you are. It is simply a matter of determining whether that is worth my time."

Almost dismissively, his fingers leave his husband's hair without so much as a parting tug. As has become habitual recently, his hand returns to his stomach, resting idly over the curve of it below the silver metalwork of his belt. "What do you want most in this moment, husband?"