“For trying so hard to brush our bond to the side. For never letting us be what the fates had meant for us. You're my best friend, my other half. Part of me was afraid if we took things past friendship, it would change everything, and I wasn’t ready for that. But also, I was afraid of holding you back. I know what my life is going to be like once I hit twenty-one. I didn’t want you to feel obligated to stay with me and live that same kind of life. I knew once we embraced our bond, I’d never be able to let you go.”
Tears fill my eyes as I spill everything that I’ve been keeping to myself. Being away from him for these past few months has been some of the hardest times. I’ve missed him so much it physically hurt, and I don’t want to live like that anymore.
Leo loves me, and I know it's not just the bond. And I’ve been selfish by keeping him at arm’s length.
“Abby,” he says, moving to stand up to come to me, but I hold a hand out to stop him.
“No, let me finish. Please?” He sits back down, nodding. “I love you, Leo. And I don’t want to deny what we have anymore. I want to hold you, kiss you, love you. If you still want that.” I feel vulnerable right now, putting my heart out on the line for him.
“Of course, I want that,” he says, moving to me in a flash, pulling me into his arms. “I wanted you before the universe told me you were meant for me. I knew that already. I’ve loved you for so long, and I’ll love you forever, no doubt in my mind.”
Tears are spilling down my cheeks now, his hand coming up to brush them away.
He kisses me again, and I really meant it when I said I can’t get enough of it. He guides us back to the bench, never breaking away from me. I straddle his lap, feeling his hard cock against my throbbing core. Our bond thrums to life, making our kiss grow more heated. My hips move, causing me to grind into him. His hands shoot out, holding me still.
“As much as I’d love for you to keep doing that, if you do, I’m going to cum in my pants, ruining this whole moment.”
I giggle, biting my lip as I pout inwardly, my clit throbbing for attention. But he's right, now isn't the time.
“So, are we okay now?”
“Abigail Morningstar, will you make my wish come true and agree to be my mate, my girlfriend, my everything?” he asks. His voice might sound playful, but I see the desperate need for me to say yes in his eyes. And I do, but because it's everything I want.
“Yes.” I nod, unable to keep the smile from my lips.
His grin matches mine, before slipping a little bit. “Now, you want to tell me about this other mate you’ve met while being here?” he asks, cocking a brow.
Right, Zed.
SITTING IN LEO’S LAP, I relax into the warm, safe feeling my body is humming with due to his contact. In the past, I thought every time we touched it just left us turned on, but the longer we touch, the more our bodies are in tune with the other person. Yes, I still wanna jump his bones, but it has nothing to do with the bond at this point.
He holds me as I tell him about Zed, and how we first met. About how kind, but possessive he is with me, but also how he’s understanding about Leo’s and my bond, that Leo was my mate first.
“Well, I already like the guy. He seems to respect what we have before he came along, and I appreciate that. To be honest, I knew you would most likely end up with more than one mate. And as much as it sucked I wouldn’t be the only one in your heart, I never want you to give anything up. I just want you to be happy.”
“I could have a hundred mates Leo, but I would never love you any less.” I lean up and press a soft kiss to his lips.
“Whoa there, Starbright,” he chuckles. “Let's not go crazy there.”
I grin, slapping his arm. “Shut up.” I laugh. “I know I could end up with more mates because of my demon side, but I would be the luckiest girl in the world if it stays you and Zed.”
“When do I get to meet this other mate of yours?”
Come to think of it, I check the time on my phone, my brows furrowing. “He normally meets me here around this time.”
“Well, why don’t we go find him?” Leo asks.
“I’ve never been past the graveyard. I don’t have any idea where he lives.”
“Try calling him?”
“Good idea.” I click on Zed’s name and put the phone to my ear. It rings a few times before going to voicemail. “He’s not picking up,” I sigh, ending the call.
“You don’t have any idea where he could be?” Leo asks, brushing some hair off my shoulder and giving my neck a kiss. My eyes flutter shut, but I mentally shake myself so I can concentrate.
“He did mention he works at an auto body shop not far from here. It’s called Frank’s Auto.”
“I say we go for a little walk, and see if anyone can point us in the right direction. I don’t have a curfew at the dorms, so I’m in no rush to get back there.”