Cepheus (BoyxBoy)

E i g h t

"W-what?" Maeve breathed in shock.

Bay's mother looked relieved, knowing that her son wasn't in any trouble. However, she still seemed apprehensive and her brows scrunched in worry.

"How is this possible? A nymph and a vampire? I-I've never heard of such a thing."

Bay went to speak again but a hand running through his hair made him pause.

"I do admit that our pairing is...uncommon. But we are mates regardless."

The air stilled when the King spoke. The baritone of his voice provoked unease in many but was instead comforting to Bay's ears.

"I found Bay wandering in my territory last night and I took him back to my chambers. Thankfully I got to him before something else did."

The vampire's eye flashed red at even the thought of losing his mate before getting to know him.

"But I promised to take him back here so that his family would know that he's safe."

A small smile grew on the older woman's lips, knowing that the beast was still willing to give her son some comfort.

"Thank you for...for your generosity your majesty. My son is very curious and I assume it got the best of him last night. He's always wanted to explore the forest more than anyone and I guess- I mean it makes sense I suppose."

Cepheus hummed at her words while playing with the boy's strands. It was most likely the bond drawing him in at a subconscious level.

"Well you are welcome to visit Bay anytime if you must. However, he will be staying with me from now on. I'm sure you can understand why that needs to happen."

The gentle look on her face was now forlorn. Obviously she wasn't going to protest to Cepheus' statement, knowing that she wouldn't be able to change his mind regardless. A piece of her knew though that her sweet boy would be safe, even if she wasn't there with him.

She nodded sadly with soft eyes, not oblivious to Bay's tense form. Clearly he wasn't completely informed about his future living conditions.

Cepheus returned his gaze to the small nymph in front of him. Cupping his cheeks in his large hands he spoke.

"I know you're confused and maybe a bit upset at me baby but this has to happen. I'll let you spend the rest of the day with your family. Come back here when the sun sets and we'll take our leave."

"You could've told me." The nymph whined with a crack in his voice.

His nose was scrunched up and his eyes teary as he felt a wave of conflicting emotions.

He was sad that he would be leaving the one home he's ever known but angry that the vampire had not told him beforehand.

Cepheus smiled empathetically at the teary eyed nymph.

"I didn't want to upset you. Although I can see that couldn't  have been avoided. I'm sorry my love."

The smaller boy whimpered at the vampire's words but he also felt his heart pull at the genuine love and care laced in his tone.

Despite his frustration, he couldn't help but seek comfort in his larger form. He gripped the hands cupping his cheeks in a desperate act of expressing his need for the vampire's touch.

His clinginess was evident and
Cepheus smiled, rubbing his nose against the smaller nymph.

"I'll be back. Enjoy this time with your family."

In a flash he was gone, his scent being the only proof that he was even there.

Immediately, Maeve engulfed Bay in a hug, her arms tightening around his smaller form as tears wet her cheeks.