Soren’s in my arms, kissing me the way I’ve yearned to kiss him.
I’ve dreamed of this moment almost every night for years, but nothing compares to the reality of having my mate’s lips on mine.
Finally, we part for air, breath mingling.
“That was… very, very good,” I say, making him chuckle.
“I can tell.” At some point, his leg ended up straddling my hips. There’s no hiding just how good that kiss was, how good it felt to have him so close after so long. It pleases me to no end that I’ve affected him, too.
“Do you, uh…” Soren rocks his hips, making us both gasp.
I push him back against the bench, kissing his warm, swollen lips. “There is nothing I want more, but I will not rush this. The longer the hunt, the sweeter the reward.”
Soren smirks up at me, arching a brow. “You saying I’m your prey?”
“As much as I am yours.” With one final kiss, I take his hands and pull him to his feet. “Are you willing to wait for me?” I can’t stop the hint of fear, that mayhap I have disappointed him.
Soren squeezes my hands. “Yeah. Of course. Whatever you want. I’ll be here.”
I smile, relieved.
“But, uh, just so we’re clear… we’ve done that before, right? Sex?”
“Oh, aye. We were very good at it.”
Soren laughs, cheeks reddening. “Were you with anyone else since?”
I shake my head. “I was not. It would have felt like a betrayal to you.”
Soren’s fingers grip mine tighter, eyes widening. “Oh. Uh…”
The scent of his worry makes me slip my arm over his shoulders, pulling him near to kiss his temple. “Tell me.”
“I’ve been with other guys, Lyall.”
That makes sense. He had no clue about our past. “It does not bother me. You were unaware of our history.” But are there any now? He smells like lots of people, but the only scent that lingers is that of his grandfather’s magic. “Are you with someone now?” I find myself holding my breath while I await his answer.
“No. But I was with someone for a while,” he admits.
“Did you care for them?”
“Yeah, but also… not really? No one I’ve been with has ever stuck around.” Soren lowers his gaze, shoulders slumping. “My relationships never last. They either leave me, or I leave them because there’s something they were always missing.”
My poor Soren. While my heart was breaking, his was being broken time and again. His soul was seeking mine, but he didn’t know it.
I stop and make him turn toward me. Leaning in, I touch my forehead to his. “I am sorry.”
“For what?”
My eyes sting, so I close them tight. “If I’d only known how to find you, I would have. I could have spared you so much heartache.”
“You think so?”
I open my eyes, rubbing my thumb along his jawline. “I know so. Your heart knew those people weren’t who you were meant to be with. Your soul was crying out for mine.”
Soren blinks fast. “You think that’s why none of my relationships have worked? Because they weren’t you? But how does that even work?”
How do I explain what we are to each other? He’s already learned so much so quickly. I fear this will overwhelm him. “You were made for me, Soren, and I for you. I will explain more. I promise. For now, let’s get you home, get you rested. Aye?”
