That would be easier to do if he could feel Alan.Matthew had been thinking about it, and he wasn’t sure how to bring it up.
For a human, it would probably be way too soon to bond.They liked taking their time, maybe because they didn’t feel the bond as strongly as shifters.Matthew didn’t need Alan to.He just needed Alan to be okay, and he’d feel better if he could feel his mate and be sure that he was.
But they hadn’t even talked.That wasn’t what last night had been about.When they’d left Rikar’s house, Alan had been all over the place.He still was, and Matthew suspected that wouldn’t change until he was done with Victor.
Maybe Matthew could distract Alan for a bit.They still had a few hours before they had to leave the house so that Alan could meet his boss.Alan would obsess over what would happen if Matthew gave him the opportunity to do so, and it wouldn’t be good for him.
Matthew cupped Alan’s cheek.Alan blinked at him, clearly surprised, but he didn’t lean away, not even when Matthew pressed into his personal space.Matthew hoped it meant that his mate wouldn’t stop him.
Alan didn’t.When Matthew pressed their lips together, Alan pushed forward to snuggle into Matthew’s arms.Matthew welcomed him.He belonged to Alan.Whatever Alan wanted, whatever he was ready for, Matthew would give it to him.
The kiss was like a dream.If it was, it was a dream Matthew never wanted to wake up from.Alan’s lips were soft, his tongue slick, and he smelled of sleep and Matthew’s shampoo.Matthew never wanted this to stop.In fact, he was planning on asking Alan to move in with him as soon as this mess was over.
He knew that Alan’s life was a mess.Alan had lost someone he’d considered a friend, and he still had to confront Victor.He’d lost his job.He might not have lost his apartment and everything else, but he couldn’t be sure of that yet.It depended on what happened during the meeting with Victor.Even if Victor was neutralized, there was a chance that the company would come after Alan.His life was in danger, no matter how little he liked it.
Matthew wanted to give Alan stability.He knew they needed to have a conversation about all of it, but no matter what they told each other when they did, he also knew that Alan was it for him.He would never be with anyone else.He would neverwantanyone else.No matter what happened with Alan, that wouldn’t change.
“Bond with me,” Matthew murmured against Alan’s lips.
It took Alan a moment to react.When he did, he leaned back, blinking.“What?”
“Bond with me,” Matthew repeated.He’d never been more sure of anything.He and Alan should bond.
He hoped Alan would see things the same way.
* * * *
THE DIM LIGHT OF THEsun rising outside the window cast shadows across the room.Alan blinked at Matthew as he tried to make sense of the words that had just come out of Matthew’s mouth.His mind had already been a whirlwind before—he was meeting Victor today, and the weight of what he needed to do pressed heavily on his shoulders.But it wasn’t just Victor that had him on edge now.No, Matthew was right there with the asshole.
Matthew, who was staring at Alan, looked almost boyish in the pale morning light.The tension that usually lined his jaw was gone, replaced by a softness that made Alan’s chest tighten.The faintest hint of a smile played on his lips.He knew what he’d done by asking Alan to bond with him.He’d known he’d shock Alan, and he had.Alan didn’t know what to say.
“I know it’s soon,” Matthew said.
“Yet you asked, and right before I need to go and meet Victor, too.”
“You’re not alone, Alan,” he murmured.“I’m here.And if we bond, you’ll feel me with you every second you’re forced to spend with Victor.I’ll be able to feel you, too.”
Alan swallowed, his throat dry.The idea of bonding—of sharing that kind of connection with Matthew—was both thrilling and terrifying.They’d only known each other for what?A week and a half, if even that.
But there was no denying that they were mates.That wouldn’t change, no matter how much time passed, so would it matter if they bonded now or if they waited?Would it change anything beyond making both of them feel better about Alan’s meeting with Victor?
“Is ittoosoon?”Alan asked.
Matthew’s lips curved into a faint smile.“For mates?No.Time doesn’t matter when we know it’s forever.”He reached up to brush a strand of hair from Alan’s forehead.The touch was feather-light, but it sent a shiver down Alan’s spine.
He wanted to say yes.
Their gazes locked.Alan could feel the heat radiating from Matthew’s body, could smell the faint scent of his skin, could see how beautiful he was.His heart thudded in his chest, a steady rhythm that he knew would be in sync with Matthew’s if he reached out to feel his chest.
Matthew leaned in, his lips brushing against Alan’s in a kiss so soft it hurt.It was a question, but also a promise, and Alan answered without hesitation, reaching up to grip Matthew’s shoulders.The kiss deepened, slow and searching, their breaths mingling as they explored each other.
Matthew’s hands slid down Alan’s back, pulling him closer until their bodies were flush.Alan could feel Matthew’s chest against his own now, and the strength in his arms as they wrapped around him.The kiss grew more urgent, and Alan yearned for more.
When they finally broke apart, they were both breathing heavily.Matthew’s eyes were dark, his pupils dilated as he stared down at Alan.“You feel the bond just like I do,” he said.
Alan nodded.He did feel it—the pull between them, the way their bodies seemed to fit together perfectly.It was more than just an attraction—he knew how that felt, and this was different.It was deeper, something he’d never thought he’d find.
Matthew’s hand cupped Alan’s cheek, his thumb brushing over his bottom lip.“Let me bond with you,” he repeated.“Let me be therewithyou when you face Victor.”
