Serix grinned at Cassie’s last words. He hadn’t expected her to be the first one to confess, but in a way, he was glad that she did. He looked searchingly into her eyes. In Lunairan culture, pre-mates would share their feelings in a much different way than the three simple words ‘I love you.’ Of course, there was nothing wrong with Cassie’s confession. He still felt his heart leap when she admitted her feelings for him, along with the sweet sense of relief that she felt the same way. However, he decided to reciprocate in the more traditional form.

Serix moved to where Cassie was sitting and cupped one hand around the side of her face, leaning in close to put his mouth beside her ear, and smiled coquettishly. “That’s good,” he whispered. “Because I love you, too.” Then, he shifted to press his lips against hers. In the same moment, he reached out to connect with her mind. But instead of speaking, he let his emotions flood across the link. Love, joy, relief, ecstasy, passion… all of his feelings were laid open for Cassie to receive.

He stayed like this for a few moments and then pulled away again, closing off the mental bond. He had been careful not to overwhelm her to the point of extreme fatigue, but he still didn’t want to take any chances. Emotions were even more straining on the recipient’s mind than thoughts were.

“That’s how you properly confess,” Serix tapped Cassie playfully on the nose, shooting her a wry grin. “Now come on. We should go to bed.” He held out a hand to help her stand up and led the way back to the bedroom, keeping his fingers curled around hers.