I woke to the soft, golden light of morning filtering through our bedroom curtains, casting a warm, ethereal glow across the room and highlighting the faint dust motes dancing in the air. The distant murmur of the Struma River outside our window served as a gentle, rhythmic wake-up call, its steady flow a comforting constant in our new life. Miko was still asleep beside me, her chest rising and falling in peaceful rhythm, her cat-like ears twitching occasionally at some dream, her tail loosely wrapped around my leg like an unconscious claim. The ring was burning a hole in my mind—today was the day, the culmination of weeks of quiet planning and building anticipation. My heart pounded with a mix of nerves and excitement as I slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to disturb her, my bare feet padding softly on the cool wooden floor. I pulled on a pair of sweats and headed downstairs, the stairs creaking faintly under my weight, the house enveloping me in its familiar quiet.
Down in the kitchen, the air was cool and fresh, carrying the faint, lingering scent of last night's dinner herbs that clung to the counters. I fired up the stove with a soft click of the burner, the blue flame flickering to life as I set about making breakfast—scrambled eggs whisked vigorously with fresh herbs from the market, their green flecks adding color to the golden mixture; thick slices of toast buttered to a perfect crisp; and a bowl of fresh fruit, strawberries and apples sliced neatly on the side, their juices glistening. As the eggs sizzled in the pan, filling the room with a savory aroma that made my stomach rumble, I pulled out my phone from my pocket. Scrolling through the maps app, I double-checked the location of the lake Viktor had mentioned—a hidden gem about an hour north, nestled amid pine-dotted hills with winding trails leading to secluded spots by the crystalline water. The satellite view showed it sparkling like a jewel, surrounded by lush greenery, far from the town's bustle. It felt right—private, romantic, a place where our moment could unfold without interruption.
A few minutes later, the soft creak of footsteps on the stairs announced Miko's arrival. She appeared in the kitchen doorway, her hair tousled from sleep in that adorably messy way, wearing one of my oversized shirts that draped loosely over her curves and the subtle swell of her growing bump, the fabric hanging just above her knees. Her tail swished lazily behind her, and her golden eyes lit up at the sight of the food. "Smells amazing," she purred, padding over on bare feet to wrap her arms around me from behind, her chin resting on my shoulder, her warmth seeping through my back as she nuzzled into my neck.
I turned off the stove and plated the food, the eggs steaming invitingly, and we moved to the table. But Miko had other ideas for closeness—she bypassed her chair entirely, sliding onto my lap with a graceful, feline ease, her body pressing flush against mine, her tail curling around my waist like a possessive belt. As we ate, sharing bites from the same fork—her feeding me a strawberry with a playful grin—she shifted deliberately on my lap, grinding her hips against me in slow, teasing circles that sent heat rushing southward, making me harden beneath her. The friction was subtle but intentional, her breath hitching slightly as she felt my reaction. "Oops," she whispered innocently, but her eyes sparkled with mischief, her claws lightly tracing patterns on my arm.
I set my fork down, my hands finding the curve of her ass under the shirt, squeezing firmly through the thin fabric, feeling the soft give of her flesh under my fingers. "Tease," I growled low in her ear, pulling her closer so she could feel exactly what she was doing to me, my grip possessive and playful. "Keep that up, and breakfast might get cold—or forgotten entirely."
She giggled, a light, melodic sound that vibrated through her chest into mine, nipping at my neck with her fangs just enough to send a jolt of pleasure-pain. "Promise? But fine, I'll behave... for now." We finished eating like that, her clinginess a warm, intoxicating distraction, the playful tension building like a promise for later, the flavors of the eggs and fruit mingling with the electric undercurrent between us.
After breakfast, plates cleared and stacked in the sink with a clatter, I suggested it as casually as I could, though my pulse quickened at the thought. "Let's check out that lake I heard about from customers at the bar. Sounds relaxing—pack some water and snacks? We could make a day of it."
Miko's ears perked up immediately, her tail swishing with enthusiasm. "Love it! Been cooped up with work and cravings—fresh air sounds perfect. I'll grab my stuff and meet you in the car." She darted off upstairs with a bounce in her step, leaving me alone for a precious moment.
Heart racing, I took the chance—racing back upstairs two steps at a time, my footsteps muffled on the carpet, to the bedroom drawer where I'd hidden the ring. I snagged the small velvet box, feeling its weight in my palm, the silver band with its emerald accent waiting inside like a captured star. Slipping it into my jeans pocket, I joined Miko outside, where she was already buckling into the passenger seat of our modest car, the engine humming softly as I turned the key.
The drive was scenic and unhurried, winding through rolling hills dotted with vibrant wildflowers in shades of purple and yellow, the road curving gently under a canopy of trees that dappled the sunlight across the windshield. The radio played soft folk tunes, melodic strings and vocals in Bulgarian that added to the relaxed vibe. Miko turned to me halfway through, her hand resting warmly on my thigh, squeezing lightly. "Could you teach me to drive? Like, properly? I want to learn—feel more independent, especially with the baby coming."
I glanced at her, smiling at the determination in her eyes, my free hand covering hers. "Sure, probably—we can practice on some quiet back roads around Zemen, take it slow. Or you could go to a driving school here; they've got hybrid-friendly instructors who understand things like tail accommodations or enhanced reflexes."
She nodded thoughtfully, her fingers intertwining with mine. "School might be good—professional and all. Don't want to crash your baby... or ours." We laughed together, the sound filling the car, the hour passing in easy conversation about everything from baby names to her latest cravings, the landscape blurring by in a tapestry of greens and blues.
Finally, after a good hour or so of driving, the GPS chimed our arrival. I parked in a small, gravel lot near the trailhead, the air fresh with the scent of pine and earth as we stepped out, a light breeze rustling the leaves overhead. We walked hand-in-hand along the shaded path, the ground crunching softly under our shoes, birdsong filling the air with cheerful trills. The trail opened up to the lake—a breathtaking expanse of crystal-clear water shimmering under the sun, framed by gentle hills and reeds swaying in the breeze. We found a private spot away from the few scattered hikers—a sandy cove tucked by the water's edge, secluded by a cluster of boulders and overhanging branches, the lake lapping gently at the shore with rhythmic, soothing waves.
Miko kicked off her shoes, dipping her toes into the cool water with a delighted sigh, the ripples spreading out like whispers. "This is paradise," she said, turning to me with a radiant smile. I pulled out my phone, capturing the moment—a picture of her standing there, wind tousling her hair, the lake a stunning, azure backdrop behind her, her ring hand—soon to be adorned—resting on her bump.
Then, scanning the area, I spotted a couple nearby—an older hybrid pair, both with fox-like ears and tails, sitting on a checkered blanket with a picnic spread, chatting softly. My heart hammered in my chest as I approached, nerves buzzing. My Bulgarian was still rough, words tumbling out haltingly: "Zdrasti... moga li... snimate tova? Predlozhenie." Hello... can you... film this? Proposal. I gestured to my phone and mimed getting down on one knee. They understood immediately, the woman's eyes widening with excitement as she clapped her hands, her partner nodding warmly. "Da, razbira se!" Of course!
I handed over my phone, set to record video, the screen glowing as they framed us. Taking a deep breath to steady myself, the sand shifting under my feet, I walked back to Miko, who was now skipping stones across the water, oblivious. I turned her to face me gently, her curious gaze meeting mine, the lake's reflection dancing in her eyes. "Miko," I started, my voice thick with emotion, "I've known you for a while now—through the chaos, the escapes, the quiet moments that built us. You've made me the happiest guy alive, every day, with your laugh, your strength, this life we're creating together." My voice cracked a bit, the weight of it all swelling in my chest. I crouched down on one knee, the sand soft and yielding, pulling out the box and opening it to reveal the silver band with its emerald gleam, catching the sunlight like a promise. "Will you marry me?"
Her eyes widened in shock, then filled with tears of joy, her hands flying to her mouth as a joyful squeal escaped. "Yes! Yes, a thousand times yes!" She took the ring with trembling fingers, slipping it onto her hand—it fit perfectly, the emerald complementing her eyes—and launched herself at me with exuberant happiness. We tumbled onto the sand in a heap, her on top, laughing breathlessly as we rolled a bit, the soft grains cushioning our fall, sticking to our clothes and hair. She cupped my face, kissing me deeply, passionately, her lips soft and urgent against mine, her tail wrapping around us both in a tight embrace. "I love you so much," she whispered between kisses, our foreheads pressed together, tears mingling with sand on our cheeks, the world narrowing to just us in that perfect moment.
After a minute, disentangling with more laughter, the couple approached, handing back my phone with beaming grins. "Chudesno! Mazel tov!" Wonderful! Congratulations! I thanked them profusely, my Bulgarian stumbling but sincere—"Blagodarya mnogo, mnogo!" Thank you so much!—and they waved us off, wishing us a lifetime of happiness before retreating to their picnic.
We drove home buzzing with euphoria, the ring catching every ray of light on her hand as she admired it, turning it this way and that. Midway, hunger and the need to celebrate hit, so we stopped at a roadside restaurant—a cozy, rustic spot with outdoor tables overlooking golden fields swaying in the wind, the air scented with wild herbs. We ordered local specialties: sparkling non-alcoholic wine for her, robust red for me, grilled meats seasoned with garlic and rosemary, fresh salads with feta and olives, toasting repeatedly to our future. "To us—Mr.[my last name] and Mrs.[Miko's last name]," she said, clinking glasses, her foot teasing mine under the table, the flavors bursting on our tongues as we fed each other bites, the sun warming our skin.
Back home as dusk painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, Miko's eyes turned heated, her hand trailing up my arm. "Celebrate even more?" she purred, leading me to the bedroom with a sway in her hips that promised everything.
She stripped us both with eager hands, pushing me onto the bed and straddling me, her slick heat enveloping me as she rode with fervent energy—hips grinding deep and slow at first, then faster, her breasts bouncing with each bounce, claws raking my chest lightly as she clenched around me, moans echoing off the walls like a symphony. "Mine forever," she gasped, her tail thrashing, building to a shuddering climax.
We switched seamlessly—she lay back on the bed, legs spread wide and inviting, her ringed hand clutching the sheets as I thrust into her, deep and steady, angling to hit that perfect spot, her walls pulsing around me with every stroke, her cries urging me on.
Then, on all fours for doggy style, her ass up high, presenting herself with a wicked arch of her back, tail raised teasingly. I gripped her hips, pounding from behind with raw intensity, the slap of skin mingling with her feral moans, her body rocking back to meet me until we both shattered in waves of release, collapsing in a sweaty, satisfied heap.
We fell asleep tangled in the sheets, her ringed hand resting on my chest, the day etched in perfection, our future sealed with sand, kisses, and unbreakable promises.