Rowan chuckled and leaned forward in his seat so his elbows were on his thighs and his chin rested on his hands.
“Honestly, I can’t even remember.” Rowan sighed with his whole body before he carried on speaking. “My dad had just passed away when I was about to finish college, and we found out that we had debt that mum couldn’t handle herself. She had to get a job, and so did I.” Rowan leaned back again and looked over to Mikhail. “I remember searching for jobs that would make me employable, and there was nursing.”
Mikhail’s mouth rounded in an “O,” but no sound came out. His mate had made his decision for his family, and he would bet they didn’t even know it.
“I worked at a dentist’s office during my work experience, and I liked being helpful there, so I figured, why not…? And then I went to Uni and got started. I found I was pretty good at it.” Rowan shrugged as he spoke. “I liked placements, but I especially liked working with the little ones, and, I guess, here we are now.”
“I love my patients”—Rowan chuckled—“and if you haven’t noticed, I love babies… and the mums are okay too. The pay is pretty good, and, if I need it, I can work for agencies to make extra money.”
“Wow.” Mikhail couldn’t help being in awe of his mate, his love for his family… his selflessness. “You gave up everything for your family.”
Rowan’s nose scrunched up, and he shook his head. “I don’t feel like I did, to be honest. I love my job, and sure, when I left Uni, I chose a job that could help out. But so did Axel. He got a job when he was sixteen and kept it through college and Uni.”
“I’m sure you had one while at Uni too?” Mikhail pointed out. He had a feeling Rowan wasn’t one to take credit. He seemed like the kind of person to praise everyone but himself.
Rowan got to his feet and walked over to the railing of the gazebo and looked at the lake glistening before them.
“I did, but I see that look in your eyes.” Ro looked back at Mik briefly, then away. “I’m not some kind of martyr, but you do anything for family.”
Mikhail couldn’t argue that family came first for them too. Mikhail said a thank you to the goddess that his mate had such a good heart.
He walked over so he was beside Rowan with barely any space separating them, and he held his breath hoping his mate wouldn’t move away. Thankfully, he didn’t.
“I agree.” Mikhail kept his voice soft. “Family is definitely most important, but it doesn’t mean that you’re not amazing. I know for a fact that most people at eighteen probably wouldn’t have been so selfless.”
Rowan turned, and so did Mik so they were facing each other now. “I think you’re seeing someone who doesn’t exist.”
Mikhail shook his head and stared into his mate’s eyes as he spoke. “Nope. I think I see you clearly.”
“I doubt it.” Rowan looked away as he said it under his breath, but Mik heard him anyway.
“I won’t hurt you, you know.” Mik kept his voice soft.
“You can’t make that promise.” Rowan didn’t look at him as he spoke.
“Give me a chance to prove I won’t.” Mikhail’s heart was racing in his chest. He felt like he was fighting for his life, and maybe he was, Mikhail knew what kind of life he would have without Rowan in it… He wouldn’t have one.
Rowan turned to face his mate slowly, and when their gazes met, Rowan seemed to be studying him.
Mik didn’t know what Rowan was looking for, but he whispered, “Please.” He could hear every beat of Rowan’s heart, so he also heard the moment his breathing changed. Rowan’s body swayed towards his, closing what space was left between them.
Mikhail’s arms went around Rowan’s waist, and his wolf howled, having their mate that close. He swallowed, feeling like a blushing bride on her wedding night. Mik lowered his head slowly giving Rowan enough time to stop him even while praying he would not.
When their lips touched for the first time, it wasn’t fireworks. It was like that perfect moment in front of a fire with a blanket wrapped around you. It was more than Mik could have imagined.
Mikhail broke the kiss and whispered, “I promise your heart will be safe with me.”
His gaze moved to Rowan’s full lips. Suddenly, he ached to know more. He wanted to know how his mate would taste. Mikhail couldn’t resist. He slowly lowered his mouth to Rowan’s, then took a gentle nip, then another. Each one a little sweeter than the last. Rowan’s breathing grew laboured. Finally, Mikhail closed his mouth over Rowan’s, and he wasn’t disappointed. With a groan, his arms tightened around Rowan.
Rowan made a whimpering sound, and his arms went around Mik’s neck as his mate deepened the kiss. The feeling of Rowan’s slender body against his own, the taste of his mate—it was perfection to Mikhail.
Then suddenly, a phone started ringing, and Mikhail broke the kiss with a groan, and Rowan’s eyes stared into his.
It was Rowan’s phone. It stopped ringing for a moment and neither of them spoke, but then it pinged letting them know he had received a message.
Rowan finally reached in his pocket for his phone and looked at the screen. Immediately he whispered, “I have to go.”
Mikhail nodded and said, “I’ll walk you back.”
