When we finally parted, our gazes lingering on one another, Silas studied my face as if to understand my reaction. I saw the moment confusion bloomed in his eyes.
“I hope that was okay,” Silas said, unsure. “I just…”
“Yeah. Yes, of course,” I said quickly. “I’m just disoriented. I only just woke up a few minutes ago. I’m still trying to figure out what this fated-mates situation means for us.”
“You always have a choice in this matter, Alessia. Always. Fated or not.”
I stood, moved around the table, and eased myself onto his lap. “I understand. But I choose you. I don’t have doubts about you; I’m just getting used to how strongly I feel connected to you already.”
Then I kissed Silas on the lips. This time, it was all me. My hands in his hair, down his back, around his neck. In return, he didn’t let me go, not until the glow of the flowers began to dim and the sunlight took the moon’s place.
I rested on his lap, my head on his chest. His fingers traced gentle lines down my back, and we just held one another as daylight slowly broke over the island. I looked around and realized that this place was home. And apparently, I was its queen.
