Olivia’s POV:
For some reason, I believed his words even though I wanted to think of him as a liar. He had been lying to me for a while, but I couldn’t bring myself to hate him or think of him in a bad way.
“So, you’re really a werewolf, and I’m what you call a mate?” I asked seriously.
He sadly nodded, then tried to smile.
“Yes, if you want, I can shift right here in front of you and show you,” he answered.
“No, that won’t be necessary,” I said seriously, as he looked at me in astonishment.
“You believe me?” he asked, raising his voice.
“Yes, I do,” I answered softly, then looked at Micah, who was fast asleep in my arms.
I stood up with her and walked to the side, carefully placing her on the bed and covering her.
When I looked back at Alec, who was still kneeling, I sighed softly, then went to him and extended my hand.
“You can’t kneel forever. Stand up,” I whispered.
“Thank you,” he answered, taking my hand and standing up.
“Is it alright for me to take a walk? I want to get some air,” I asked.
“Of course, I’ll walk with you if you don’t mind,” he answered, linking his hand with mine.
“I don’t mind at all,” I answered, and we walked out of the room and went outside.
I had a lot of things going through my mind, like how mates did things in their relationships and how ranks worked here. Now it made sense why I felt such a strong connection to him, despite him being a stranger. I was supposed to be shocked over everything, yet I wasn’t.
“So, the mark on my neck is a way of showing others that I belong to you?” I asked, then pressed my hand there.
“No, that would be a selfish way of putting it. The mark you carry is what shows others that you are my partner and lover. Think of it as humans think of a marriage ring. It shows how committed you are to that person and how you would love and be by their side forever,” he answered, as I felt my cheeks heat up.
I wasn’t happy about him marking me without letting me know, but I was happy to have his mark, which meant he was going to be with me forever.
“Also, that mark allows me to feel what you feel and hear your thoughts,” he said.
“What?” I asked, seriously, then stopped moving as he did.
“Wait a minute, does that mean you will hear everything I think?” I exclaimed.
“No, I can’t hear your inner thoughts no matter what I do. All I can hear are your open thoughts. Whenever you are sad, hurt, happy, or confused, I can feel it. Like right now, I can feel that you are confused and happy,” he said, as I quickly moved my free hand to my cheek.
“This is embarrassing,” I said silently.
“It’s not. It actually makes me feel relieved,” he said as I widened my eyes.
“You heard that?” I asked loudly.
“Yes,” he answered.
“Then why can’t I feel your emotions or hear your thoughts?” I asked as he frowned.
“That’s because you aren’t focusing on me. Relax and connect yourself to our bond, connect yourself to me,” he answered in a whisper.
I sighed softly, then took in a deep breath and released it. After a few seconds, my body relaxed on its own, and I focused entirely on him.
A smile touched my lips when I felt a wave of emotions fill my heart. They weren’t my own, but they felt like a part of me.
“You are happy,” I whispered softly.
“Yes, I am very happy to have you here next to me,” he answered, then shifted his gaze to the ground.
“What’s wrong?” I asked seriously.
“Nothing,” he answered and then looked up and smiled at me.
I could feel his sadness, and if not for the bright moon, I couldn’t have seen the pitiful expression on his face.
“It’s not nothing, I can feel it,” I said in concern.
He moved my hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly.
“Will you leave me behind?” he asked seriously.
How could he think like that after telling me what happened to mates who were rejected and abandoned? I had feelings for him, and I did love him a lot. Leaving him was out of the question. I wanted him safe and happy.
Even when I said I was leaving, I wasn’t sure if I would go through with it. My plan was to drive far away from this place and just think things through, then I would return to his side. I was happier with him than I had ever been in my life.
I wasn’t going to screw everything up by overreacting. Back in my room, I was angry. That’s why I wasn’t rational. But now, I was happy.
“No, I won’t, and I never will. Alec, I love you so much, and I am very happy to be by your side,” I answered honestly.
He smiled, leaned in, and kissed the tip of my nose, then pulled back.
“I love you too, Olivia,” he answered.
I pulled away my hand and wrapped my arms around his waist.
“I’ll stay by your side forever,” I said softly.
“And I will treasure you,” he answered, then wrapped his arms around me.
“Will Jay be alright?” I asked seriously, concerned.
“Why? Are you concerned about him?” he asked coldly.
I pulled back and looked him in the eyes.
“Yes, I am. He means nothing to me, but to Micah, he means so much. By the end of the day, he’s still her father,” I answered seriously.
“I understand. Jay is in Debby’s care, so I’m sure he is alright,” he said.
“I’m glad to hear that. Wait, is Debby a werewolf too?” I asked.
He brushed his hand through his hair, then groaned low.
“There is something I have to tell you about her, Damon, and Jay. But first, shall we go back?” he asked.
“Yes, it’s getting chilly outside,” I answered, and then held my breath when he swept me off of my feet and carried me back to my room.