Karen had meant what she told Aiden. She was more than willing to start over with him, and she did her best not to flinch or shy away from contact the following day, to keep herself from voicing out her insecurities in a way that could possibly hurt him too.
“You don’t have to force yourself,” he told her softly after a while.
“It’s not like that,” she shook her head negatively. “It’s just that I’ve been… I’ve been abused by my dad for so long that I forgot what it felt like to be loved. I’m just scared, you know.”
Tears sprung to her eyes. And Aiden’s eyes softened on her when he said, “You’re my mate, Karen. I would never hurt you the way he did.”
“I want to believe you. I really do,” she had a hard time not choking on the words. “It’s just so hard. I told you that I have my own demons to battle as well.”
“I understand that, Karen. But you don’t have to fight them alone,” he assured her as he wiped a lone fallen tear. “Together, united, we can face the world. Divided… well, I don’t know about you, but without you, I’ll be nothing.”
She was taken aback from the admission. And her disbelief showed in her words. “You don’t mean that. You’re the next in line to the alpha ultra title…”
“But a mateless alpha is a weak alpha.”
She was just human. There was no way, absolutely none, she could contribute to his strength, if it weren’t for their fated mating. She didn’t voice out her concern though, afraid as she was she’d upset him by doing so.
“I’m not some power-hungry alpha, Karen. I’m not so hell bent on wooing you just for power.” He cracked a smile at her.
She bit on her bottom lip in worry.
“You’re easy to read,” he answered the silent question that was conveyed through her frown and her eyes.
She mirrored his smile. And then, for the first time since she had known him, she initiated contact. Not because she was afraid he’d turn like she did back in the cellar a couple of days ago. And not because she was particularly aroused, rather because her heart felt for him what her brain couldn’t comprehend yet.
She couldn’t describe her messed up feelings with words. She hadn’t done the best job at that recently. Ergo, she settled for grabbing his hand and squeezing it lightly.
He smiled at their joined hands but didn’t say anything, neither to taunt her nor to thank her, and for that she was glad. It made her blush less intense if that was possible.
But then, he leaned over and whispered near to her ear, “I love it when you blush, mate.”
Spoke too soon, she thought to herself as her blush deepened.
She rolled her eyes at him.
They were in the main living room of the palace, waiting for Aiden’s parents to come. Both had been summoned by them earlier.
“Where are your parents?” She mused out loud, changing the subject.
“Probably in the office, at it again like rabbits,” he answered dismissively.
She was shocked by how mature he was about it. “Seriously?”
“I’d bet everything I own on it,” he told her with a crooked smile. “That office is filthier than the master bedroom.”
“Now, that was uncalled for,” his mother entered the living room, sporting a sweet blush.
“But it’s true,” he countered carelessly.
“Aiden, stop teasing your mother,” his dad instructed calmly.
“Yes, dad.” Aiden raised both hands in surrender.
Then, without beating around the bushes, he asked, “What is the summons for? Are we going to go on the offensive against the witches for the stunt they pulled? Or are we going to investigate that despicable alpha?”
“We are doing neither for now,” his dad smiled proudly at him.
Aiden blinked. “Then?” He probed.
“We want to discuss the future with you two,” his mom said softly.
“What do you mean?” Karen said, appalled. This was too soon. Did they see their joined hands and decided to change the discussion?
She tried to discreetly free her hand but Aiden didn’t let up.
“It’s too soon,” Aiden told them in a determined tone, and she released a sigh of relief.
“You’ve only just begun warming up to each other, but did you speak about what really matters? Upsetting matters should be dissected first and foremost,” his mom went on.
“What are you talking about, mom?” He let out on a sigh.
“I’m a witch. I know my way around werewolf traditions and customs. And yet, even I was reluctant to be uprooted,” she said softly, addressing Karen this time around. “I don’t believe that meeting your fated one at such a young age was your plan, dear. Didn’t you wish you could study more, get a job, and enjoy everything life has to offer before settling down?”
“Mom,” Aiden said in alarm.
“Sure,” Karen said with a nod, not sure what the Luna meant by this.
“Your mother and I discussed this at length,” his dad then took over. “You have 5 years. 5 years to enjoy your life as youngsters before having to claim your respective titles.”
“Fair enough,” Aiden released a sigh of relief.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Karen said, bewildered.
“Well, as you said it earlier, Karen, I am the alpha ultra to be,” Aiden said softly, almost as if trying to ease her into this. “The title comes with responsibilities.”
“I am aware of that. But I mean no offense by this your parents are still alive,” she pointed out the obvious.
“We are not vampire royalty, dear,” Jasmine told her. “We are a werewolf-witch couple. We are not getting any younger.”
“This is so much to take in,” she said as she freed her hand from Aiden’s and grabbed her hand as it started hurting.
“You have plenty of time to make your mind,” the witch told her softly. “You don’t have to think about this right now. We just want you to understand what you are getting into.”
She nodded at them, and then rose to her feet. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to the garden. I need some time alone.”
“Sure,” Aiden’s parents agreed in unison.
“Seriously,” she heard Aiden’s angry shout just as she was leaving the door. “Do you have any idea how…”
She couldn’t hear the rest of the sentence as she had gone too far already, and she was left alone with her thoughts.