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)
“Okay.” He thought for several moments before nodding again. “Well, Grady, you’re big and strong, but you’re a gentle soul, so I’d make you an elephant.”
“I love it,” he replied with a bright smile, and my mate relaxed.
“Enzo and Felix, you two seem to love to joke and laugh, so I’d draw you as hyenas.”
“Nice,” they both answered before giving each other a high five.
“Cedric, I’d draw you as a pink octopus because of your bright personality and the way octopuses sacrifice everything to take care of their families.”
“That is so sweet,” he gushed, gripping Brandon’s hand on the tabletop. “And sexy; I’d get to share the ocean with Aquaman and be at his beck and call? Yes, honey.”
Bradon laughed and turned his attention to Hunter. “Talon told me that you’re always looking out for him and that you are a fierce friend, so I picture you as a brown bear.”
“You’re very good at this,” Hunter smiled. My mate was incredibly insightful and intelligent, and I loved the way his mind worked. When he looked at me, my heart raced with anticipation.
“You’re physically strong and you’re also brave; when things went sideways between us, you sought me out and told me how you felt. You’re protective and fun, you’re not timid, you like to nap, and I swear I’ve heard you purr.” He smiled and finished with, “You’re my lion.”
Everyone in the room was silent, and the air was thick with expectation. I wanted to blurt out my secret; to reveal my truth to my mate and pray for his acceptance, but it seemed like a conversation better had in private. Plus, I was still trying to work out what I’d say to him.
“Or I can think of something else,” Brandon offered in a quiet voice, and I realized that he’d taken my silence as a negative reaction.
“No,” I replied quickly before cupping his cheek in my wide palm. “It’s perfect.” I kissed him slowly and deeply, right there in front of my friends, and heard Grady and Cedric’s wistful sighs in response. When I pulled away, Brandon’s cheeks were as red as flames, but his lips were curled into a shy smile.
A second timer beeped and Cedric announced, "Ice cream is ready," before popping out of his seat to retrieve it from the freezer.
We all dug into our frozen treats and discussed possible storylines for Brandon's special comic book issue. I won't deny that I was a bit jealous that he was going to write about all of my friends, but at the same time, I was thrilled that they were building solid relationships. We'd all be together forever, after all.
After dessert, Brandon packed his comics back into their box and when I offered to do the dishes, I thought Cedric would pass out from shock. Hunter helped me and we finished quickly.
We all played a few hands of Rummy (after I had to growl at Enzo for suggesting strip poker). My mate meshed perfectly with the pride; they all got along as if they'd been together for years, and I couldn't be happier.
One by one, our friends turned in for the night. We were usually early to bed and early to rise, but I wasn't surprised that my pride wanted to spend more time with Brandon. My mate was a delight.
Cedric was the last to leave the room after giving Brandon a tight hug and inviting him to stay for breakfast. He shot me a wink and hummed as he strolled towards his bedroom, seeming proud of himself.
When I turned to Brandon, I found him nervously picking at his jeans. Before I could ask what was bothering him, he asked, "Do you want me to stay?"
"Of course I do, sweetheart."
That didn't stop his picking. "I know I'm not officially staying here yet, and you said that when I did, I'd have my own room and I appreciate that, but I was wondering...I mean, I was hoping…"
He stopped talking when I palmed his cheek and gently turned his head to face me. "I want you with me. I want to love on your beautiful body and then hold you all night. Is that what you want too?"
"That's everything I want."
I leaned forward and kissed him deeply, pressing my tongue between his teeth. Brandon fisted my shirt and pulled me closer, and his act of need drove me crazy. I lifted him by the hips and hauled him onto my lap as he moaned into my mouth.
I tasted the lust on his tongue as it tangled with mine, and it was delicious. But as much as I tasted and groped, it wasn't enough. I needed his body like I needed air. I craved to mark him as my own on the inside and out; my lion demanded its mate and my soul demanded its match.