As much as Ben loved them, he was relieved to see the back of them when they finally left.He walked them out to their cars, then watched them leave, leaning against Taylor.For a moment, neither of them said anything, and Ben allowed himself to enjoy the silence.
“So that was your family,” Taylor eventually said.
“I know they’re a lot, but you won’t often have to deal with all of them at once like this.Except for the holidays, of course.”
“That’s fine.You know the pride.I’m not afraid of big families and noise.You look like you could use some rest, though.”
“I could.As much as I love them, they’re a lot, even for me.”
“Why don’t we go to bed, then?”
Ben’s heart skipped a beat.He and Taylor had been sharing Taylor’s room and his bed since Ben had arrived at the pride house, but it still felt like a dream coming true.It didn’t matter that they hadn’t had sex yet.Ben knew this was where he belonged, and he was happy that Taylor agreed.
Ben didn’t need any confirmation of that, but when they reached their bedroom, Taylor turned to him, looking slightly hesitant.Ben wasn’t worried.Taylor had never been anything but honest with him, so if there was a problem between them, he would have told him already.
“I know we both just assumed that you’d move in with the pride and me,” Taylor said.“I just want to make sure it’s what you actually want.”
“There’s nowhere I’d rather be, Taylor.”
“Not even with your family?”
“I love them, but I don’t want to have to spend any more time with them than I already do.Besides, between you and them, you’re always going to win.”
“You’re always going to win for me, too.”Taylor sucked in a breath.“I don’t care that you’re a man.It might make things awkward initially, but I know we can get over it.We can work through anything and come out on the other end happy and stronger.I want you in my life, and that’s never going to change.”
Ben smiled.“That’s good to hear.Are you officially asking me to move in with you?”
Taylor laughed.“I guess I am.So?Are you going to?”
Ben leaned over to kiss his mate.“Of course I’m going to.”
Taylor’s arms went around Ben, and Ben knew he was home.The four walls around him didn’t matter.No, the only thing that did was Taylor, and this was where he was, so it was the place where Ben wanted to be, too.
When their lips met, Ben sighed and relaxed.Things wouldn’t be perfect right away, and not only because of the trauma Jimmy had left him with.He and Taylor had a lot of things to work through, but Taylor was right.They’d do so together, and they’d come out of it stronger and closer.They didn’t need a bond for that, although Ben couldn’t wait to share that.They just needed each other, and they had it.
That, and so much more.
Chapter Seven
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THE AIR IN THE BEDROOMfelt heavier than usual in a way Taylor couldn’t name.Ben’s presence had become familiar and comforting, but it felt different than usual.They’d shared this bedroom for a while now, but now, the space between them felt different, and Taylor’s stomach twisted in a way that was weird but not unpleasant.
Ben leaned back on their bed as he watched the ridiculous TV show he loved so much.His skin was pale, and it looked like it glowed in the dim light of the screen.He was fully focused on the on-screen drama, which gave Taylor the opportunity to watch him.
“You’ve been quiet tonight,” Ben suddenly said, his voice low and soft.He was always soft-spoken, and Taylor liked that.After the chaos of his days, he enjoyed coming home to Ben’s quiet presence.
Taylor cleared his throat.“Just tired, I guess,” he lied, though his heart was pounding.Hewastired, but that wasn’t what was keeping him quiet.
Ben watched Taylor for a moment before smiling.He shifted slightly on the bed, his gaze lingering on Taylor in a way that made Taylor’s skin prickle.He couldn’t remember ever feeling like this, but then, he’d never been with his mate.That was what made Ben special—not that he was a man but that he was Taylor’s mate.
“Bullshit,” Ben said lightly.“You’re thinking too hard.I can see it in your face.”
Taylor laughed.“Am I that obvious?”
“Kind of.”Ben sat up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.His gaze locked with Taylor’s.“What’s on your mind?”
Taylor’s cheeks flushed, and he glanced away.It’s stupid, he thought.Ben's my mate.I shouldn’t feel awkward talking about this with him.
