My words sat with all those present, yet no one spoke for a time. That being said, my words seemed hit home with many of them. Benarious looked at me with an intensity that I couldn't quite parse. Delphia's face radiated so much pride it almost caused me tear up again, but I managed to keep it at bay. Alina and her parents had that look of reverence on their faces that worked to make me a bit uncomfortable again. Even Ezra had that look in his eyes, although his was more subdued, as he hoped that my journey could potentially lead me to finding his love.
However, it was the looks from everyone else that further solidified my resolve. While Nazumi still seemed a bit unsure, Terroth and Marina looked at me like what I said was already a done deal. Serena and Valerie just smiled at me, their eyes holding no doubt in my words. Sheila's eyes held much the same, her smile showing a level of belief in me that I didn't expect to see just yet from my newest partner, and hopefully soon, my lover.
Despite all of that, those looks were nothing compared to not just the gazes of my two loves, but the feelings I received through the bond. I had to actually use my willpower a great deal to prevent the tears that wanted to spill free from me as their love, affection, confidence, pride, and trust slammed into me in equal measure. There was no doubt in their minds that I would make this world a better place for everyone, but most of all, for them and for our family.
"Elias... when you say that..." Benarious asked after a moment, and I gave him a serious look as I answered him.
"This world is sick." I said, a low growl entering my voice I did so, "From the moment I arrived in this world, I've seen cruelty the likes of which I had hoped to never see with my own eyes. People killed simply for being different, families ripped apart, and even now as I continue my journey, I see more and more of the infection that plagues this world."
At first I thought it was just the humans, and while they have been the vast majority, after hearing about some of the Elves from Seraphina, as well as what recently happened with Raizen and his band of cocksuckers, I knew it wasn't just them. My assumption was that humans were the majority of beings on this world, so that's what made it appear that they were the worst of them. I have met some very good people in this world that held great strength, but the number of people that abused their power and forced others into submission seemed to far outweigh them. Well... they were all going to get a very fucking rude awakening.
Everyone was silent for a moment before Benarious looked at me with some confusion in his eyes, as did Alina and her parents. The realization hit me even before he spoke, but it's not like I intentionally was hiding things from the people I trusted.
"What do you mean by... from the moment you arrived on this world?" He asked, his question mirrored in the confused eyes of Alina, her parents, and Ezra.
It actually filled me with warmth for those who I had told, as it meant they had no shared that information with anyone. Even so, if it was with these people, I wouldn't mind. Still, despite my absurd intelligence stat, it had slipped my mind that not everyone present knew about me, not really.
"Right..." I said, scratching the back of my head, "So... you see..."
After that equally intelligent response, I went through the same motions I've already done a few times before. Sharing my Framework screens, and telling them the pertinent information about where I came from, or more so, where I was before coming here. I still hadn't learned anything about myself other than the fact that I had to be from this world originally, although that still wasn't a huge concern of mine at the moment. There was no use wondering about shit I didn't know, and I would either find the answers I seeked in time, or I wouldn't. I would definitely like to know... but I had enough to deal with as it was, and in the end... none of that would change what and who I wanted to be. In the end, I just wanted to settle down and be with my girls... however many that would end up being. A simple life filled with love and family was really all I needed to be content.
Benji had actually had to hold Alina steady as she almost fainted. Her parents had went pale, and stared at me with a mix of awe and fear on their faces. The latter had eased when they saw the genuine hurt on my face from that reaction. I was overpowered, and yes, I can see how it could be scary, but that didn't mean I liked it when people felt that way. I did my best to prove to people who I was with actions alone, and I truly hoped that's the realization they came to.
Ezra had gone very still, his eyes bugging out more than I had thought possible from the man. His face did not portray any fear though, but rather, it looked as if hoped surged through him, stronger than ever before as he continued stare at me. And Benarious... I was wondering if we'd eventually have to roll up his tongue and put it back into his mouth like in the old cartoons I used to like.
"You... this... what?" He eventually said, and I almost chuckled. His response was about as intelligent as mine sometimes were.
"Is this... real?" Alina eventually asked, her voice shaking, her eyes comically wide.
"It is. I have no reason to hide this from any of you, as I like you all, and I know you'd never use it against me. I have sort of a special sense for people. It lets me see how people truly are, and all of you are people I know I can trust. So... I wanted to return that trust. I kinda just let it slip, but still, I have no issues with you all knowing this." I said, locking eyes with each person in the room, "I am not perfect, and I don't consider myself to be some kind of hero or anything, but I am strong. Strong to enough to say enough is enough. People like all of you, and this village, as well as Kharie, her brothers, and their people... it's worth protecting."
I met Cici and Clarissa's eyes, their pride in me shining like beacons in a darkened sky making me heart swell with love.
"And of course my lovely wives, and the people we have waiting back home." I continued, Clarissa's eyes shining with tears from how I saw, despite it not being official yet. I didn't care about that, as a ceremony would just be for our families and everyone else. She was my mine, and I would never see her as anything less.
"I plan on having a large family. My girls want that, and I want that too. If for no other reason than that, I will not leave this world the way it is. I want my family and my friends to feel safe at all times. Monsters and creatures can be fended off or avoided... but cruel people are relentless. They do not stop... not unless you make them. Permanently. Any danger to those I care about..." I said, my voice turning into a low growl, "It is unacceptable."
Many things happened at that time. Everyone listened and hung on to every word. Delphia's eyes conveyed that she had absolute faith that I would do as I said. Alina, as well as her parents, looked at me with something of shocked awe in their eyes, as I was pretty sure they were still processing everything, but at least the fear was completely gone, and color returned to their faces. Ezra's hope filled eyes were bright, and it almost looked like he was either going to start laughing, crying, or both.
Valerie's smile was warm, and the look on her eyes held so much confidence in me that it was like she had already known all of this before I had even spoken the words. More than that, the look in her eyes was one I had seen many times before. Genuine affection for me was present in her shining eyes, ones that my girls have given me countless times, and I wondered if she was close... or even finally ready for me to see what the two of us could become.
Serena and Sheila had much the same look in their eyes. Smiles wide, pride evident, and backs straight as they looked at me with the full belief of my words in their eyes, and I vowed right then and there that I would make sure to never give them a reason to think anything less. I liked seeing that look in their eyes, and it filled me with warmth to know it was meant solely for me.
Then, it was back to my ladies, and it was clear my words had the strongest effect on them. Not only were their eyes shining and wet with unshed tears, but their smiles were bright like the sun, and I swear those smiles could guide me out of any darkness. Through my bond with Clarissa, I felt how happy she was to finally have people in her life again that simply loved her. To have a family again, and to have the love and support she had been missing for so many years. A few tears gathered in her eyes when I sent back my love and assurance to always love, protect, and support her though not just the bond, but through my steady eye contact and easy smile.
Cici though... that almost undid me, but not in a bad way. Through the bond, I received everything I always loved feeling. Love, pride, and everything else she always felt for me, but now it was joined by mental images brought on by my words. I saw Cici, Clarissa, and myself all gathered together in our happy little home, smiling and content. Not just them though, as I saw Valerie, Sheila, Serena, and even Khaire close by, gathered around us, looking just as happy and content as the rest of us. I had to hold a snort as I realized just how many women she wanted me to have in my life, but the fact that I too wanted that held back any merth I might have felt. These women just felt right to have in my life... that unexplainable feeling that made me want to make them all mine, keep them safe, and to ensure they were cared for.
However it was one detail in the image that made it a struggle to keep my emotions in check, one I had considered a few times but never fully grasped until this moment. Cici looked at me with a smile, full of her undying love for me, as the image in my head seemed to focus entirely on the large swell of her obviously pregnant belly. I knew she wanted children one day, and the idea that was once not even a thought in my head before coming to this world, had been sounding more and more appealing as I spent time with her, and with Clarissa. Even as just a mental image, a vision of a possible future, the impact was almost like a physical blow to my chest as my heart swelled and pounded against my ribcage.
"This is what I want for the future, my darling. For you, for me... for us. I love you so much Eli, and the thought of us having little ones one day..." She said mentally, while outwardly smiling at me, "I want to be a mother. Maybe not now, but some day... More so, I want you to be a father, Eli, because I know you will be the best father a child could ever hope for. Probably a little overbearing... definitely overprotective, but I know our kids will always be safe. Our children will have plenty of moms to love and take care of them, and they will have a father who will go above and beyond for them... one who would burn the world down the keep them safe."
God fucking damnit. This was not the best time to have everyone still staring at me, but there was nothing I could do. I had to turn my head to the side, desperately using my power to try to burn away the tears slipping from my eyes so no one would see them. I wanted that... and her surety that I would be a good dad only hit me harder. I wanted to be, if nothing else, to prove that my upbringing had no bearing on me ability to raise and love my children the way a child should be raised. I was not my father, and I would sooner end my own life than hurt any children of mine.
"I..." I said, managing to stutter even through our mental link, "I want that too, Cici... more than I thought I did. I just... want any children we have to be born into a safer world. I am strong, but the world is still cruel. Even so, if you decide the time is right, then... I would love for you to be the mother of my child. You'll be the best damn mother a child could ever have."
I felt an odd satisfaction at seeing her eyes properly fill with tears, but thankfully since everyone was distracted, no one noticed. Well, I'm pretty sure Delphia did, but she didn't say anything.
"And you call Delphia unfair." Cici said in my mind, her warmth wrapping around my head like a soft blanket, "You are right though, darling. The world is cruel and unsafe. Plus, I know you. You have the power to make a change. To make sure nothing and no one will ever be a threat to our family. I agree with you that on that... and I also agree with what I am feeling from you right now." She said, and she somehow manged to growl like an angry cat in my head as she added, "I will tear the throats out of anyone who would try to harm our children."
That both almost had me laughing and crying more all at once. I also couldn't help but find that tone of voice incredibly hot, and I found myself hoping she did it for real the next time she used it, preferably during some of our bedroom escapades. Despite my thoughts, the warmth that filled me was immense, and the conviction we both shared was worth all the words I could say and more. I responded after only a moment.
"Then, my dear kitten, I promise to change this world for the better, so that our children only grow up knowing love, compassion, and safety. And if someone makes the mistake of going against that..." I said, the threat not needing to be finished.
Clarissa was aware and even privy to our conversation, but she said nothing, as she just watched and listened with silent approval in a conversation no one else could hear. So, while everyone sat with my words, and asked more questions about me and my abilites, I answered as best I could, while the women in my mind continued to make me feel like our time together, and our journey as a family had barely even started. Together, we would overcome everything, and work towards a better and safer future.
■ ■ ■
It was a bit later when Serena came up to me, and asked if she could speak to me without any prying eyes before we left. I agreed, and everyone else just nodded at us, with her parents in particular practically shooing us out of the living room. She led me through their modest home, stopped in front of a door, and opened it. She gestured for me to go inside, and I did so, with her following close behind me. The room was not very large, but it was big enough for her as well as a few guests.
The room was a simple wooden thing, like everything else in this village, with her bed, a closet, and the soft bedding and pillows still littering the floor where I assumed Sheila and Valerie had been sleeping. My focus though, was entirely on the beautiful woman now staring at me with an intensity I was not used to seeing from her. Her mood had slowly been changing bit by bit ever since the problem in the village was resolved, and I'd be lying if I said I wished she would come back with us, even if I knew she wouldn't stay here forever.
"Eli..." Serena began, looking far more vulnerable than I had seen her look in the past few days.
"Serena." I replied, giving her a small smile as I waited patiently for her to build the courage to say what she wanted to say.
She stood there, staring at me for what felt like half a minute, before I saw that determination in her eyes that I saw every now and then.
"Do you... want me?" She asked, and I had to blink a few times at her very direct question. She continued before I could even respond.
"I am not upset at all that you have chosen Sheila. Truthfully, I'm happy that you did. I love my sister, and she deserves a good man to make her happy, and I know that you are a very, very good man. Even so... I feel like a terrible person, because now... I find myself feeling... jealous. Not because you are with her, but because she is now able to experience something that I didn't realize how much I've wanted until now. I can't get you out of my head. Now, when I get a chance to think, instead of my mind being plagued by what was happening to my home... now my mind is filled with... you. Your face, your smile, your kindness. You are the first person I think of when I wake up, and you are the last person I think of when I lay down to sleep. My mind was always filled with fear and worry for my family and friends, so I didn't show it that much... or really at all, but I truly am enamored with you Eli. I just want to know if it was just you being nice, or if I am a woman you truly find desirable.. I-"
Her words stirred something within me. The warmth I felt for her, the feelings already solidified in my heart, the beauty of her inside and out. I moved before she could finish speaking, and wrapped my arms around her. She began trembling against me, but she calmed as I gently ran my hands through her hair, and the woman actually let out a surprisingly sexy moan as I rubbed the base of her ears.
"Yes." I said simply, warmth filling my tone.
She looked up at me then, her eyes red, a cautious but optimistic smile on her face.
"Really...?" She asked, her voice soft, yet filled with hope.
"I do. Honestly, you'd be surpirsed at how much I've been thinking about you." I said, smiling as I brought a hand to her face, and cupped her cheek gently, "You are a kind and sweet woman, Serena. You are also one of the most beautiful women I've ever laid my eyes on. I've wanted you for a while if I'm being honest...I just didn't want to come across as selfish or pushy. Then when you told me about what was happening here... I figured that was probably one of the last things on your mind. I want to spend more time with you, Serena, and I will miss having you around me."
I saw the moisture in her eyes, and I just gave her my best smile. It was hard not to with her looking at me the way she was, teary eyed yet those same eyes were filled with warmth, with one of the most dazzling smiles I've ever been given. Then, the world almost paused, everything seemingly working in slow motion as in the next moment, she pressed her soft lips to mine. I wanted to kiss her, but I wasn't sure if that would be moving too fast or not. Obviously, I hadn't been moving fast enough, because this kiss was filled with more passion that I could have ever predicted, and after only a moment, I returned it in full, my chest soaring with the warmth I felt for her.
Her tongue brushed against my lips, and I soon opened my mouth, and accepted her tongue into my mouth, where they both clashed and sensually danced with one another. For a first kiss, it was a damn good one, and all of what she felt for me was clear as day in this single action. I also found it amused to feel the happiness of the moment from my girls through the bond, as well as their complete acceptance of Serena. The kiss lasted a while, and when we finally parted, her breaths came out in small, shallow huffs of air.
"I... have wanted to that for a while now... and after you said all of that, I couldn't hold myself back." She said, her face a beautiful shade of pink as she gazed into my eyes.
"Well, I'm glad you did, because it's what I wanted too. And, I meant every word. I've also learned that when it comes to stuff like this... I don't mind being selfish, because I want you Serena, and I don't want anyone else to have you." I said softly, and the smile my words caused to bloom on her face managed to make my heart beat twice as fast.
"I've already made up my mind. I don't want anyone else. I've been away from my family for a while, and I want to stay with them for a bit longer, but I like my party too much to stay away... but I also don't want to be away from you for that long either. I want to see where this goes, and I want to experience this life and these new feelings I have with you."
I could only smile, and I leaned in for another kiss, this one softer than the first. I meant what I said before. Serena was a woman I wanted in my life, and I wanted her to stay close. It did sadden me a bit that she wasn't coming with us right away, but I understood why. I wasn't ever going to be selfish enough to keep any of my girls from their families, and I also understood that they wouldn't always be around me, even if I wanted them to.
"Then it's settled." I said softly, leaning back to stare into those gorgeous amber eyes of hers, "Once I come back, we'll have to make up for lost time, but I promise you that we will. You're mine now, Serena, and I take very good care of my ladies."
I didn't mention that I was still trying to figure out what I was going to do for Sheila, as this was currently about Serena. That being said, I had just gotten with my wolf, and once we got back to the city, I'd probably be ankle deep in more shit, political annoyances, and the like. I wasn't exactly sure when I was going to have more time for fun stuff, dates, and all of the other shit I still wanted to do. I still hadn't even been to a damn dungeon yet.
Serena, oblivious to my thoughts, just smiled warmly at me as she hugged me, placing her head against my chest.
"I can't wait... and I'm so happy. For the first time in a long time... I'm just... happy." She said softly, and then hummed a quiet noise of satisfaction as I began stroking her hair, my fingers gently tracing one of her fuzzy ears.
We stayed like that for a while, but we both knew that everyone outside didn't want to wait forever. Even so, I wanted this contact, as it helped further solidify what we had both become to each other. Through my bond, the 2 women were filled with joy, warm acceptance filling my mind and wrapping around my thoughts.
"You work fast, darling." Cici said, her grinning face with her cute little canines appearing in my mind.
"Congratulations, my love. I respect and care a lot about Serena, so I'm happy to welcome her as a sister as well as just my friend." Clarissa added, warmth filling her mental voice.
"We'll let you tell Sheila. I'm sure she'll be thrilled. You should really think about bonding with her soon. Then she can be here with us like this all the time." Cici said, her words making me have to hold back a snort.
"I will, but only when she's ready. I do like to know my ladies a lot more personally before taking that step, you know?" I added, and was met with a giggle that reverberated through my skull.
"I know, I know. I was just teasing you, darling." She said, the pause evident before she added, "Well, sort of. I agree with you, but whenever it does happen, I am all for it."
"Me too." Clarissa replied with equal conviction.
"Thank you." I said warmly, before adding, "Give us a few more minutes and we'll be out."
Once that was done and they agreed, I went back to Serena, who was none the wiser to my mental conversation, which had only lasted the course of a few seconds outwardly.
"We're gonna have to leave soon, Serena." I whispered against her hair, and she made a small little whimper in protest against my words, which just made me smile.
"I know... I was just enjoying this." She said into my chest, and I just stood there, and spent the rest our time running my hands through her soft orange hair.
Despite my words, I decided that adding a few extra minutes doing this wasn't going to hurt anyone. If it was up to me, I'd stay like this for much longer.