22. River

Over the next two weeks, Akira and I fall into a happy rhythm of performing our act, going on dates, and continuing to get to know each other. Although, at this point, I'm pretty sure he knows everything about me.

But now that we have a break before the jump to our next location, I can see the stress and worry in his face. We continue to search through kitsune lore, trying to figure out if his particular kitsune needs to give me a mating gift. According to everything we've researched, the answer is a solid yes.

Of course, I want to be his mate, but sometimes I wonder if we really need that label. The only reason I'm desperate for it is because I don't want Akira's true mate to whisk him away from me. In my heart, I consider Akira mine.

To let out some stress and clear my head, I go for a run while Akira is out with his sister. I'm running along the beach when I spot Conall painting.

I pause beside him and am stunned when I look at his art. I had no idea the kid was so talented. We don't say a word. I just sit down and watch him paint. The only acknowledgment I get from him is a small nod as I sit down in the sand.

Minutes later, I'm about to get up when he speaks. "I used to be afraid of the ocean, you know." Conall stares out at the waves with a sweet smile on his face.

"What"s changed?" I ask, not taking my eyes off the ocean. The briny scent of the sea breeze surrounds us.

"I met Tidun. Now, I think I was always meant to be near the ocean. It brought him to me, after all."

"That's how I feel about Akira. But I'm scared he might move on without me. I want to ask him to be mine and show him how serious I am. Maybe give him a mating gift, even though his kitsune hasn't given me one. But what if he doesn't feel the same? Do I really allow my heart to get trampled on?"

We stare off into the distance, lost in thought. The way the waves crash against the shore is soothing.

After a while, Conall finally breaks the silence again. "I think you should go for it. What do you have to lose?"

I bite my lip. "I feel like I have a lot to lose. What if I get hurt? Or what if he finds his true mate?"

"But isn't it too late? It's clear you already love him."

I nod, not bothering to deny it. It's true. I'm in love, and it"s the most exhilarating, terrifying feeling I've ever felt.

"And what if you miss out because you"re afraid? What if you end things now? You're already invested. If you two break up now or later, it will still hurt."

"But he might leave me," I argue weakly.

Conall gives me a knowing look. "Did you know Tiden is royal?"

The bouncing back and forth between subjects is giving me whiplash, but I figure he must have a point. But holy shit; royal? "You mean like Seven?" I knew Conall's boyfriend was important with all the council meetings they have in the big top, but it didn't dawn on me that he could be a prince or something.

"Actually, yeah. A lot like Seven, only, instead of being banished from Faerie, Tidun will always have a home in his underwater kingdom." Conall pauses. "He was always meant to go back. But he stayed. What if you give Akira a reason to stay?"

Conall looks up at me with so much hope reflecting in his eyes.

I've always avoided Conall because of his age. But as I look at him now, I get the feeling this kid is wiser than me.

***

A couple of days later, I'm cuddled up in bed with Akira. His arm is a solid presence against me, making me feel whole. Conall's words on the beach keep replaying in my head. I love Akira. He's my person. If I end things prematurely, I would never forgive myself.

He's also a fae immortal. What if Akira is meant to be the love of my life? What if his fated mate isn't even born yet? Maybe his mate won't be around for another century or two? Can I really give him up? I rub at my chest, trying to ease the ache that's starting to form. The idea of not being with Akira shatters me.

I'm going to do it. Tomorrow.

I'm going to tell Akira that he's my everything

Snuggling in closer, I drift into a peaceful sleep. Blue and purple flower blossoms sparkle as they fall from a tree. Even though this is a dream, I somehow know I'm in Faerie. A twig snaps and I whip around. Standing in the middle of the meadow is a kitsune. My kitsune. I smile.

"Akira?" I ask, holding my hand out to them. I still don't really understand the difference between Akira and his inner fox. Is it Akira I'm talking to? Or his inner fox? Or maybe they were truly one and the same? Either way, it didn't matter. I love every part of Akira, fae, fox, and all.

As if hearing my thoughts, the kitsune playfully twirls and jumps. Even in fox form, Akira is charming. They are truly breathtaking with their ombre-colored fur and nine tails stretched out. Their tails remind of a peacock's tail spread wide and presenting themselves for their mate.

I gasp.

That's when I notice something sparkling on the lush grass by their front paws. Is that a necklace?

With slow, gentle movements, the kitsune opens its mouth and grabs the necklace by the chain. I step forward, half nervous they might accidentally swallow the jewelry.

The kitsune gracefully makes their way to me. A giggle tumbles out of my mouth when I see the pendant is an antique key. Their stormy blue-gray eyes lock with mine as they take a deep bow. Front paws extended in front of them, their nine tails high up in the air.

A gasp leaves my mouth, and my heart rate picks up speed. Akira's kitsune is presenting me with a mating gift. With a shaky hand, I reach out and lightly pull the chain from their mouth. Once the necklace is in my palm, it feels warm and solid, and something about it makes my heart full.

The necklace is beautiful, and the detailing on the key is unlike anything I have in my collection.

"Thank you," I choke out, feeling raw and happy. "Thank you for the gift. I'll treasure this moment forever," I say, meaning it. I'm not sure if I will have the necklace when I wake up or if it's just a symbol within a dream. But just in case, I unhook the loop in the chain and wrap it around my neck.

"Akira." I hold out my hand to the kitsune, running my fingers through its beautiful ombre fur. "I don't know if you'll remember this, or if you can hear me. But I accept you. Both of you. I've known, deep down, that you are my mate. I've just been waiting for you to catch up."

The kitsune yips joyfully and pounces on me. Laughing, I fall back on the soft grass as Akira's fox covers me with playful licks.

I wake up with a small smile on my face. Akira's arm is still wrapped around me. Flipping around, I face my mate, his face still relaxed with sleep, and place a light kiss on his lips.

I know exactly what I need to do when we wake up in the morning.