We kissed and grinded against each other with eager desperation until my body couldn't take it anymore. With a shaky whimper that escalated into a loud cry, I came into my mate's hand. Animus grinned and kissed the corner of my mouth until I came down from the high. I panted heavily, sweaty and out of breath, ready to cuddle my mate until we fell asleep.
But Animus seemed to have other plans. Instead of saying goodnight and closing his eyes like he usually did, he stroked my hair with a contemplative expression.
"Animus?" I murmured. "Is something wrong?"
"No." He smiled. "Very much the opposite."
I tilted my head, examining his face. I felt like he was holding something back. I adjusted myself so we were at eye level.
"You know you can tell me anything," I reminded him.
"I know."
"Then what's on your mind?"
He huffed playfully, raising a brow. "For someone who has difficulty reading people's emotions, you seem to know exactly when I'm keeping something to myself."
"You're my fated mate. It's different. Also, you're bad at hiding your emotions."
He snorted and wrapped his arms around me. "Well, excuse you."
I continued to stare, waiting for him to tell me what was bothering him. Finally, Animus sighed. He sank against the pillow and stroked my hair absentmindedly.
"Leveret," he said quietly. "You know how much I love you and your family."
His touch felt nice. I leaned into it.
"Yes," I replied.
"And you know how much I don't fit in with my fellow spirits."
"Yes."
Animus paused. His gaze was unfocused, like he was deep in thought. I cuddled against him, sharing his warmth while I waited patiently for him to continue. To add extra support, I held his hand. When I laced our fingers together, that brought Animus out of his daze. He smiled and let out a soft chuckle.
"You know, you're the only person in the world I feel comfortable saying this to," Animus remarked.
"Really?"
He nodded. "Anybody else would think I'm crazy. But you, Leveret... all you've ever done is support me."
I kissed his forehead. "Of course I support you. You're my mate, and I love you."
"Even after I tell you what I'm thinking?"
Why was he acting cagey? I frowned and held his hands tighter.
"Animus, we're fated. I'll love you no matter what. There's nothing you can say that will change the way I feel about you."
Hesitation flickered in his pale eyes, but only for a second. My declaration calmed him. He exhaled and smiled again. "You're right. I trust you." He was quiet for a moment. He glanced down at our linked fingers, then met my gaze. "Leveret, I don't want to be a spirit anymore."
I blinked in surprise. "Oh. Sure, if that's what you want."
Animus laughed, touching our foreheads together. "You're the only person in the world who'd respond like that."
"Why don't you want to be a spirit anymore?" I asked curiously.
Animus shrugged loosely. "It's tiresome. All this magic and immortality... and for what?" He looked into my eyes. "I have everything I could ever desire. You, our baby and the pack. A true family."