Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 31591 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 158(@200wpm)___ 126(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31591 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 158(@200wpm)___ 126(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
Brandon and I bounced in our seats as he drove down the uneven path. The pride’s Suburban handled the road better than my mate’s small car, but I didn’t mind a few bumps. I just hoped his meeting with my pride went smoothly. If he didn’t get along with my friends, it could change his mind about living with us, and make our bonding more difficult.
But I knew my pride would welcome Brandon; he was my fated one, and they would accept him without question. Besides, he was impossible not to love. I had faith that everything would turn out perfectly; but just to be on the safe side, I texted the twins before we left Brandon’s dorm and instructed them to be on their best behavior.
“Oh wow,” Brandon sighed when we came through a cluster of trees and into the clearing where the lodge sat. The spring sun was setting, casting the area in a heavenly golden glow. He parked his car and unbuckled before smiling over at me. “It’s so beautiful.”
“I’m glad you like it.” I couldn’t help myself, and leaned over to kiss him before he went back to inspecting his new home.
“And it’s so much bigger than I thought it would be. I was expecting a little cabin in the woods; not a four-story mansion.”
I wouldn’t call it a mansion, but still, “That’s my fault; I said we each had our own rooms, but really, the lodge is separated into apartments. We have common areas, but we need our own space too.” We knew it would be important when we found our mates and grew our families. “Are you ready to go in? I’ll show you around.”
I could actually feel Brandon’s anxiety setting in as he took a deep breath. “I’m nervous.”
I took his hand and gave it a squeeze. “Why?”
“Because I’m not great around new people. I get all weird and awkward; you’ve seen it.” I had no idea what he was talking about. “This is their place, and I’m gonna walk in and drop the ‘Oh, hey, I’m living here now’ bomb on them during our first meeting. What if they hate me and don’t want me here? They’re your best friends who know you better than anyone. What if…” He looked down at his legs and picked at something invisible on his jeans. “What if they think you deserve better?”
His self doubt made my heart ache. I was obviously not doing a good enough job showing him how great he was. I cupped his cheek in my palm and turned his head so that he was looking at me. “Brandon, there is no one better than you and you’re the only man I want. You’re the whole package; sweet, talented, smart, gorgeous, and sexy as hell. I’m so lucky to be with you.” I traced my thumb across his skin and laid it all out. “I love you.”
Brandon’s eyes widened and shimmered. “Really?”
“Really.”
He threw himself at me, wrapping his arms around my neck and squeezing, and I hugged him back just as tightly. He didn’t say the words back, but I didn’t mind; I understood that it might take some time for a human to feel the same way. A shifter’s love bloomed the moment they came upon their mate, and grew rapidly. The important thing was that he accepted my love and that it didn’t scare him.
I was so damn happy that I couldn’t stop a purr from vibrating in my chest. I froze, worried how Brandon would react, but he just chuckled and nuzzled his cheek against my shoulder. “I love when you make that sound.” Did I make it before? It didn’t surprise me; I couldn’t hold back my joy around him.
I eased my mate back and pounced on him, slamming our lips together. I kissed him fiercely, licking and nibbling his lips until he was moaning into my mouth and fisting the hair on the back of my head.
I ripped my mouth from his and asked, “Do you wanna have a quickie in the backseat before we go in?”
Brandon laughed as if I were joking before easing back into his own seat and peering down at his chest. "Do I look okay?" He was dressed in light jeans and an oversized brown sweater in an argyle print.
"You look beautiful."
"Thank you." He straightened his glasses and let out a deep breath. "Okay, I'm ready."
We climbed out of his car and I held his trembling hand on our way up to the porch. Before we reached the door, it opened and the whole damn pride was crammed into the doorway, trying to get a peek at my mate.
Hunter wriggled his way out of the crowd first, stumbling onto the porch and sticking out his hand. "Hey, Brandon. I’m Hunter. It’s so nice to meet you.”