Mated To An Enemy

Peter stared at his hands in his lap, but a soft smile spread over his lips and a warm blush over his cheeks.

He took a deep breath and looked up at Myka.

“It's not really fair that you can say stuff like that with a straight face,� he said.

Myka's grin widened.

“It's equally unfair that you can look so cute while not allowing me to touch you,� he said.

Peter smiled and looked away, clearing his throat.

“Idiot,� he whispered.

Myka scooted closer to Peter.

“So, Peter... are we done talking...� he asked.

Peter looked back, seeing Myka closer and the dark swirl in his eyes that made Peter's stomach drop and his mouth water.

“No!� he shouted as he jumped up from the couch and moved to the kitchen table. “There is still more we need to discuss.�

“Like what?� Myka asked with a tilt of his head.

“Like,� Peter began taking a deep breath and easing it back out as his mind cleared. “What will you do in Winter? Long term. Your life can't revolve around me. I have commitments at the hospital. Some days I work long hours and won't be around to play with you.�

“I am very aware of that,� Myka sighed. “Peter, when was the last time you played with me?�

“I said our relationship has to be about more than sex,� Peter scoffed.

“Agreed,� Myka replied. “But I didn't just mean sex. When was the last time we spent time together?�

Peter thought back, but he struggled to think of a time when the two of them had been alone together recently. Of course, they met every night for dinner with the children and the other families, and they went to sleep together most nights, but that was all he could think of.

The last time he remembered being alone with Myka was at the portal before the Summer wolves arrived.

“We've been busy,� Peter said, suddenly feeling he needed to explain. “The war, the aftermath. You've been taking care of the children, Alice, and Ashleigh. I've been swamped with patients and now with scheduling the movements of everything back to the main hospital.�

“I know,� Myka nodded.

“There just hasn't been much extra time,� Peter said softly. “It wasn't intentional.�

Myka smiled and stood from the couch, and he approached Peter slowly.

“I wasn't complaining, Peter. I've been here the whole time. So I know why we haven't seen each other.�

“Then why... why did you make it seem like I was ignoring you?� Peter asked with frustration. “When you asked when I last played with you was?�

“Because you said that in the future you would be too busy to play with me,� Myka smiled, taking another step toward Peter. “I would need to find other things to do to keep from revolving my life around you.�

“Well, you do....� Peter said. “If I am the only reason for you to stay, you'll regret it.�

“Peter...� Myka called softly, only a few steps away from Peter.

“What?� Peter asked, swallowing.

Myka smiled.

“How do I spend my days?� he asked.

Peter looked into Myka's playful eyes. The dark swirls of lust were still there, but they were held back, controlled.

“With the children,� Peter said hesitantly. “With Alice... Researching for Ashleigh...�

Myka nodded, taking another step closer. Now within arm's reach of each other.

“And how do you spend your days?� he asked.

“At the hospital,� Peter replied. His chest was feeling heavy.

Myka nodded with half a smile. He took the last step toward Peter. Their bodies were almost pressed together now. Myka leaned forward, placing his mouth near Peter's ear.

“You are too busy to play with me,� Myka whispered, “and I have found other things to do.�

Peter swallowed as Myka's words tickled his ear. He tried to back up, but the table prevented him.

Myka placed his hands on either side of Peter on the table and leaned his body into him. He bent his head forward and lightly pressed his lips to Peter's throat.

Peter closed his eyes and took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet smell of peppermint and honey.

“Peter,� Myka's hot breath whispered against Peter's throat. “Are we done talking now?�

Peter knew that he missed Myka, and it had been a while since they had been together, but realizing how long only made the need in him ache.

He wanted to let Myka do whatever he wanted to him. To release all control and experience the bliss of their bond.

Peter wanted to be touched. He wanted to touch Myka.

But their conversation wasn't done, and he feared they would get lost in their moment and lose the chance.

Myka kissed Peter again, moving his mouth further down his throat toward the mark. He wanted to tease him just a little bit.

“Sadie...� Peter whispered.

Myka stopped, his eyes widening.

“What?� he asked as he pulled back from Peter.

Peter took a deep breath with his eyes closed as he pushed Myka further away.

“We need to talk about Sadie,� Peter said once he had regained his composure.

“Okay,� Myka nodded. He straightened up and moved away to lean back against the living room wall. Giving them both space to breathe.

Peter cleared his throat and took in one last deep breath. After that, they were both calm again.

“First, I need you to know that while we are still in the Safe Zone, we only have this cottage. One room isn't enough for anyone but us,� Peter said.

Myka nodded.

“My house is a two-bedroom, which is enough for us and one other,� Peter continued.

Myka swallowed. His heartbeat was getting louder in his ears as he felt the nerves creeping over him.

“If I'm not mistaken,� Peter said. “I think we both want to help Sadie... to take care of her... to promise that we will always be there for her.�

Myka licked his lips and nodded.

“Good,� Peter said, giving his own little nod. “Because I have already requested permission from Corrine to be allowed to foster Sadie as soon as we are cleared to move back out of the Safe Zone.�

Myka stood up straight.

“Really?� he asked.

Peter nodded. Myka let out a soft laugh and smiled.

“Good,� he whispered. “I'm glad....�

Myka was glad. He wanted to foster Sadie, adopt her, and give her a home. But he wanted the same for Stefan. Though Myka had hinted a few times at the closeness between the two children and how much he thought of Stefan, Peter had never said anything that indicated he was interested in getting to know the boy.

Myka had seen them sitting together a few times after dinner, talking, and laughing. But was that enough to build a permanent relationship?

He wanted to ask Peter about it, but he had already said the house wasn't big enough for more than the three of them. And they had never gotten the chance to discuss the possibility of raising children. What if Peter didn't want more than one? What if he only wanted Sadie because he had bonded with her through their near-death experience?

Myka's eyes widened as another thought struck him. Peter didn't mention adoption. He only said fostering. What if he didn't want to adopt at all?

A small smile appeared on Peter's lips as he watched the flurry of emotions on Myka's face.

“Bell will be moving to Summer,� he said, stepping toward Myka. “But we don't know when yet. She wants to wait until Axel wakes and see how he recovers, so it will probably be a few more weeks.�

Myka was stirred from his thoughts at the seemingly random comment.

“O-Okay?� he said.

“She agreed to give me her house when she goes, and Corrine approved the change,� Peter said.

Myka furrowed his brow.

“Why would you take her house?� he asked.

Peter smiled.

“It has three bedrooms,� he replied.

“I don't understand,� Myka said, still looking at Peter with confusion.

“One bedroom for us,� Peter said, taking another step. “One for Sadie. And one for Stefan... if he wants it.�

Myka's eyes widened.

“For... Stefan?� he whispered. “You... want to foster Stefan too?�

Peter shook his head. Stopping within arm's reach of Myka.

“No,� Peter said. “I want to adopt them both.�

Myka was stunned. He wasn't even sure he understood what was happening anymore.

“Adopt...� Myka said quietly.

Peter stepped forward, only a few inches separating the two men.

“Myka,� Peter whispered.

Myka's eyes focused on Peter, realizing for the first time how close he was. He saw the dark look in his eyes.

“Yea?� Myka asked, suddenly feeling a nervous excitement in his chest.

Peter leaned forward, his lips hovering just about Myka's.

“We're done talking now,� Peter said in a low tone. Myka groaned hungrily before his lips were captured in a passionate kiss.