Chapter 84

HE'D DREAMED alone. Judging by the fact that he wasn't hanging off the side of the small cot, and the lack of warmth swathed to his skin, Wil guessed he'd slept alone too. At least he woke that way.

Dallin's shape had been there, just like always, Watching, but less substantial than that to which Wil had just lately become accustomed. Not sleeping, then.

Wil had looked for Father, had called out, but only got silence in return. Just as well.

Wil stretched and loosed a groan, groping blind for the pillow and dragging it over his head. Burrowed deeper into the sheets. He felt... good. Rested. Content.

It had been slower the second time, more attention spent on exploration and the insistence on feeling every sensation, but no less intense. More of a sharing than a taking. A little more fear inside the pleasure. A tiny smile twitched at the corner of Wil's mouth. A little bit scary was all right. A little bit scary was... rather nice, actually. Reminded him to keep feeling.