Connor sat back, processing, blinking away sudden tears.Yes!
The emotional connection with Leyden was solid. Built over weeks of patient understanding, shared responsibilities, vulnerable conversations. Leyden watered that garden every day with his unwavering acceptance.
Maybe the flowers were starting to bloom.
Connor scrolled further, finding a post titled“Attraction after bonding.”
“Mating bonds accelerate the process for some demisexuals. The emotional intimacy is instant and overwhelming. That connection we need? The bond provides it on steroids. I went from zero attraction to moderate interest within a month. Six months later, I initiated sex for the first time. Best decision ever.”
Connor’s heart rate picked up.
His bond with Leyden was a constant warm thread, letting him know every minute that he was loved. That bond allowed Connor to trust in what he needed – the fact that Leyden’s feelings were unshakable…Even when mine waver.
The foundation was there.
His body was responding.
Slowly. Gently. But it was responding.
Connor closed the laptop and lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, fitting pieces of what he’d read – those bits that applied – into his picture of who he was and how he felt.
He wanted to kiss Leyden again. That was fact. He also wanted to touch him, explore his mate’s body and discover what made Leyden gasp and groan. For himself, Connor wanted to know if his curiosity could build into something more.
It’s not something I want to do today.Connor was savvy enough to know he shouldn’t put a deadline on how his feelings were growing full stop.
But his desire was real. It existed now. Fragile and new, like a seedling pushing through soil.
Connor smiled.
He wasn’t defective. Just different.
And different didn’t mean wrong.
His wolf rumbled agreement.Mate understands. Mate waits. Mate loves us.
Connor checked in with his bond again. There was steady affection tinged with lingering arousal from their earlier conversation. Patient. Hopeful. Content to let Connor set the pace.
Connor stood and headed downstairs, finding Leyden in the kitchen starting dinner prep.
“Hey.” Leyden looked up. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” Connor moved into Leyden’s space, close but not quite touching. “I did some reading. About demi attraction patterns.”
“And?”
“And I think what I’m feeling is normal. For me, anyway.” Connor reached out, fingertips brushing Leyden’s forearm. “The bond gave me what I needed. The emotional connection. The trust. Now my body’s catching up.”
Leyden set down the knife, giving Connor his full attention. “You don’t have to explain…”
“I want to.” Connor traced up Leyden’s arm to his shoulder, fascinated by the solid muscle beneath the fabric. “You’re in this with me. I want you to know this is real. Not an obligation on my part or duty. Actual want.”
“Connor.” Leyden’s voice dropped low. “You’re killing me.”
“Good killing or bad killing?”
“The best kind.” Leyden caught Connor’s hand, pressing a kiss to his palm. “Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.”
Connor stepped closer, chest nearly flush with Leyden’s. “What if I wanted to kiss you now?”
