I ache for a mate so badly, it feels like instinct clawing beneath my skin. It settles deep under my ribs like a hunger that only grows louder whenever I imagine having a mate to come home to.
I'd find them and lead them back to my nest, glancing over my shoulder just to make sure they were still following.
The moment they stepped inside, I'd melt.
I'd pull them down into the blankets and crawl over them without thinking, every instinct screaming that this is where I belonged. My head would rest against their chest, listening to the steady rhythm of their heartbeat.
Proof they haven't left me.
I'd stay there forever, breathing in their scent until it settled into my bones, while their fingers wandered through my hair, scratching gently behind my ears, rubbing slow circles into my scalp until little happy sounds escaped me before I could stop them.
I'd hide my face against them, melting completely beneath their affection.
Every touch would feed something ancient inside me that has been starving for a place to belong.
I want my mate to look at me with that soft, fond expression and whisper,
Those two words would undo me.
I'd whine before I could stop myself.
My tail would thump uncontrollably against the nest.
I'd bury my face deeper into them, clinging without embarrassment while they praised the nest I'd built for us. Praise me for bringing them somewhere safe, somewhere that's ours.
Every gentle word would sink into me. My whole body would grow warm with pride from the praise they'd given to me, to our nest, to the place where the world can't have them.
I want that quiet little laugh they'd let out when I puff myself up and act like I'm in charge.
I'd bare my teeth in a grin full of playful confidence, nudging them onto their back, acting bold enough to pin them beneath me for a moment. I'd growl low in my throat as if I were the one calling the shots.
But we'd both know the truth.
They're indulging me because they adore seeing me like this.
Because they think I'm cute.
Because they love seeing me so happy, so openly devoted.
Because they know how badly I want to protect what's mine.
That soft, knowing laugh.
The one that says they see right through me.
The one that says they're letting me have this because they adore how happy it makes me.
I'd grumble just for show, pressing my forehead against theirs while they smiled at me like I was something precious.
Every ounce of my bravado would melt into needy affection.
Then I'd cover them in me.
I'd kiss them until I couldn't remember where one kiss ended and the next began. I'd nuzzle them again and again, unable to stop.
My scent would cling to them.
Their scent would cling to me.
The blankets, the pillows, the air itself would smell like us until there was no line between where they ended and I began.
Every quiet corner of our nest would carry the warmth of the life we'd built together.
I want the world to disappear until there's only us.
Only the quiet certainty that we've chosen each other.
I'd hold them just a little tighter whenever they curled closer instead of pulling away.
The thought of finally having my mate safe beside me would quiet every lonely part of me that has been waiting.
Because they've chosen me, and I've chosen them, over and over again.
The thought alone makes something deep inside me want to purr, to whine, to curl around them and never let the warmth between us fade.
Every part of me heart, soul, instinct will always recognize them as home.
