He grinned sheepishly. "Um... Is it too late to take that back?"
Relief hit me in a massive wave and I let out a breathy laugh. "No, of course not. Oh, Leo..." I wrapped my arms around him tightly. "So you'll stay?"
"Yup." Leo snuggled into my chest as he embraced me. "Before I was scared of all the unknowns and of my own doubts, but now I feel dumb for being afraid. This is the best night of my life, Maverick. I want this all the time."
My heart soared. I buried my nose in his hair, soaking up the scent of him. "You'll have it, Leo. I promise you."
Leo's smile was bright even in the dark—because he already knew gryphons could not break a promise.
9
Leo
Clear morning lightfiltered in through the sheer curtains, greeting me to a bright new day as I blearily opened my eyes. I was warm and cozy, with somebody's arms wrapped lovingly around me.
Maverick.
My heart soared. Waking up beside him was a dream come true. His strong body was pressed against my back and his arms were curled around me like he had been keeping me safe all night long.
When I craned my neck back to see his face, he had one eye open. He smiled at me. "Good morning, Leo."
"Morning." I kissed his cheek, then giggled, feeling overwhelmed by positive emotions. Maverick didn't mind that I was being silly. He peppered my face with small kisses, which only made me laugh harder. It was the best way to wake up.
"I could get used to this fated mates thing," I teased.
"Well, I sure hope so, considering you might be carrying our baby," Maverick replied, letting his hand roam over my belly.
Butterflies tickled my stomach. The idea of it was a little scary, but mostly exciting. I'd always wanted a baby of my own, and Maverick was the perfect partner. I had no doubt he'd be an amazing father.
Crawling out of bed was a massive chore because all I wanted to do was lounge around comfortably with Maverick, but eventually hunger won out. As if reading my mind, Maverick asked, "Shall we head down for breakfast, my little mouse?"
I stood up and stretched, then blushed as I remembered last night's stickiness still lingering on my body. "Shower first?"
"Good idea. How about doing it together to save water?" Maverick asked, winking.
"Even better idea."
Hot steam filled the glass shower as we pressed our bodies close together, soaking up the spray. Maverick rubbed his hands over me sensually, soaping me up and making sure I was clean all over. It was silly yet intimate, and a sweet romantic gesture.
When we no longer smelled like last night's, ahem, activities, we headed down for breakfast.
I grabbed my phone from the charger and stuffed it in my back pocket without looking at it. Maverick had pre-arranged a table by the ocean for us as a surprise. An exotic pink flower sat in a small glass vase on top of the crisp white tablecloth.
"After you," Maverick said, holding out the chair for me.
I happily took my seat, feeling fuzzy with affection. He was such a gentleman. The best part was, I knew he wasn't doing it to show off or be something he wasn't. He truly did want me to have the best.
Unlike some other alpha I used to know.
But I didn't let him poison my mind while I was with Maverick. I basked in my fated mate's presence—it made my heart clench to just think those magical words—and embraced whatever the day had to offer for the two of us.
"Coffee or tea, my love?" Maverick asked.
I grinned. "Hey, if we're fated mates, shouldn't you know that already through some kind of shifter mind-connection?"
"I'm a gryphon, not a psychic. But hang on. Let me guess..." Maverick cupped his chin in thought, examining me playfully. "You're a coffee man."
"Bingo. How'd you know?"
