Chapter 21

I n three weeks, Kaydian had crash-landed into my life, and if I was being honest, it terrified me. Elder Alo had warned me that not only will I never know peace until my second time around, but they would be a force to be reckoned with. What did the second time around mean? He wouldn’t expound on it. He just stated that nothing ever given comes free. Never wanting to be disrespectful toward any of the elders, much less Elder Alo, who’s been like a second father to me, I left it alone. Ever since our conversation a couple of nights ago, I kept thinking back to that conversation that cold February night.

After spending all day fixing the repairs on the elders’ homes and dodging the death stares from the pack and Oni, which were becoming unbearable, I laid in the darkness of our tiny haven. One would think she would be tired until a small finger poked me in my side. Kaydian’s plush mouth was twisted into an adorable frown.

“That’s the second time you zoned out on me. What’s bugging you?”

Should I tell her how nervous she makes me? How would someone like me fit into her life? Kaydian had a not-so-subtle way of sneaking in her return to her coven…and that scared me more than using my chaotic magic that had seemed to be permanently embedded in my chest since Kaydian and I touched. The mauling sensation of the one thing I ignored for so many years. Choosing to bury it deep inside me behind the brick wall around my soul. My magic, the little I may have, wanted to reach out and touch Kaydian’s even when I was on the other side of the forest, letting my wolf run. It called to both of us, like a siren song, begging to be touched by her magic. My wolf growled from deep inside my body, wanting to mark her as ours and bury ourselves deep inside her soft body.

The thought scared me and excited me.

I had always been attracted to the female pack members in the village, but I never could bring myself to touch them. Their scents made my wolf hide deep in my chest, and no matter how much I tried, I remained unmoved by their advances. But Kaydian’s body was made to be loved. To be researched as I found my way around her it. Will she be okay with being patient with me? I knew she had kissed her previous “boyfriends.” My stomach churned at the word. I was never brave enough to ask her if she’s ever been with someone…sexually. The thought alone sent a throbbing pain in the back of my throat.

Kaydian’s finger came out, nudging me again. This time, I plastered on a smirk, doubling over as I clutched my stomach. I guess I wasn’t convincing enough, as she gave me a haughty smile that caused my inside to melt and my dick to twitch inside my blue swimming trunks.

“Sorry, Hiema. When I’m with you, I tend to lose time staring at you.”

She tucked her head down, causing her wet, long curls to stick against the side of her face. My hand reached out to tuck one side of her hair behind her ear, which was red at the tips. She folded her arms under her plump breast, pushing them up, drawing my attention to the red one-piece bathing suit I brought her when I snuck into town. We had crept down to the shallow spot of the river, deciding we wanted to get away from the prying eyes of the Pack.

“Thank you…you’re good for my ego, Grey.” I loved when she called me by my nickname. The sound sent a shiver down my spine.

“Maybe we can…” She bit her plump bottom lip. Her soft, small hand glided down my naked chest, leaving me trembling, not from the water but from my magic and my wolf that has become deranged with a single touch. With each painstaking inch she took, my tongue dried up, and the magic in me chased her hand, begging to burst out. Her little tortuous finger plunged under the salty freshwater mix, stopping right by the patch of dark pubic hair. I shuddered as blood rushed to my already straining length.

“We—We should get going. It’s late.” The words stumbled out. My wolf bark juddered and scraped, begging me to let him out. I turned away from Kaydian, but not before seeing the tears well up in her emerald eyes and her finger dug into the soft flesh of her wrist. Using my speed, I ran ahead of her and gathered the little things we carried with us. I wrapped my towel around myself and handed hers to her when she finally trotted back to the dry area. When she was done deodorizing herself, I handed her the handmade bag Kathleen had made to replace her old one, and I carried our clothing.

Each step back to my home thudded in my brain, and the sound of her swallowing her sobs made me wince. I’m not unfamiliar with this feeling. I knew it all too well. Disappointment hung in the air like my father was right here with us. His deep frown that marred his russet-colored face. The eyes that cut me down to nothing as he railed about being me just as feeble hearted as my mother when I disagreed with storming the coven in Britain. My dad became best friends with homemade beer we made in the village after my mother died. And then he became my biggest tormentor. At every corner, he tore straight into the wall of love and self-confidence my mother helped build.

Some part of me still pined after my dad as if he could love me from the other world. If he could make me the fearless leader that the Swiftwater Pack needed.

Entering my home, I held the door for Kaydian as she breezed past me without a backward glance. She sat down on the yellow battered couch my mother had brought. Her lips folded between her teeth as she stared aimlessly at the blank wooden wall on the other side of the room. I’m almost sure that if I said go, she would prance up like a deer in the woods and leave me here standing like a pitiful dumbass.

“I’m sorry—” I said. But was cut off when the night air rushed into the room, and Hawk’s lanky statuette filled the downtrodden room.

“Hey, Grey! What’s up, Shorts?” Hawk said. His brown eyes gaze between Kaydian and me. He opened his mouth to speak, but I stopped him before a stupid question fell from his lips.

“Hey, Hawk, yes, let’s go!” I blurted out as I grabbed Hawk’s bony arm.

Turning to Kaydian, whose eyes looked right through me as if I weren’t there. I wanted to run away from her absent stare, but my wolf and my magic wanted to kneel, begging for forgiveness. “I’ll be back in fifteen. We’re going to run the perimeter.”

I didn’t stay around to see if she would spare me a second glance without those sorrow-filled gem eyes. I’m a shitty coward! As Hawk and I made our way to the edge of the forest behind my home.

“Ah, did I walk into something back there?” Hawk asked. His question was innocent and Hawk, who is my brother in every sense of the word, was the only person who knew I was a virgin. “What happened?”

“It’s nothing, Hawk. Let’s get this over with so I can sleep early.”

“Hey, Grey…don’t do that.” His large hand cradled my shoulder. “Spill it before we do the perimeter sweep.”

My tongue was heavy as it moved around my cottonmouth. Should I tell him how I fumbled? I knew Hawk would never judge me, but the stones in my stomach were weighing me down. A deep sigh from my chest left me as I spilled the events of the two weeks, besides Kaydian being a witch. That was her secret to tell. With every major detail, Hawk's bushy eyebrows furrowed and rolled his lips into his mouth. His head shook rapidly, and I was afraid he may lose it at any given moment.

When I was through with my sordid story, he slapped my back and sighed.

“My friend…I hate to break it to you, but you really fucked this up.”

“I—I know.” I finally admitted out loud.

“I know you’re nervous, and I don’t blame you, but being truthful is essential if you want this to work. You already have an enormous battle before you to complete the bonding ritual. Don’t make this any harder for yourself. You’ve made up an unrealistic, perfect mate in your mind and now that you have your mate right in front of you, you keep putting your foot in your mouth. If she’s trying to get closer to you, then let it happen. Tell her you’re a virgin. I don’t think she’ll judge you…well, too hard.”

“I know, but you know I wanted to wait until...”

“After the bonding ritual.” We both said simultaneously.

I chuckled awkwardly, trying to sweep away the embarrassment.

“How long are you going to wait to complete the bonding?” Hawk asked. I had stuck inside of my mind since Kaydian arrived.

“You’re right. I’m nervous, and I’m not sure why. I just know that something feels different.”

“That’s normal, Grey. It’s a new experience for you.” Hawk squeezed my shoulder. “Just talk with her when we get back.”

Throwing him a shaky smile, we headed off to the edge of the woods. Once a week, Hawk and I ran the perimeter to check for any changes. When we got to the area with the old Sacramento Woods sign, I kept watch as Hawk transformed into a goodly brown wolf with deep brown eyes, just like the rest of his family. Hawk trotted close to my thigh and nudged me in my side with his massive head. Biting my lip against the sharp pinch that I’m all too familiar with as I gave my wolf access. A spine-tingling warmth spread throughout my body, dropping me on my knees and hands. Every bone in my body stretched and molded to welcome my wolf. My toes and hands kissed and dug into the soft ground as my wolf’s paws clawed at the soft tissue. The dark coat of my wolf's fur replaced my fleshy skin. The pine and earthy smell of the forest dampened and mingled with my scent. I blinked rapidly as my vision adjusted to the dark shadows of the forest. My headache left me weak enough onto the ground as my wolf plunged me to the back of our mind completely. Any other time, the darkness would bring me peace, but not tonight as I let my wolf take reign over our body.

Hawk and I traveled through the thicket of brushes as we scanned the forest and the deserted road. It wasn’t long ago we didn’t have to worry about patrolling more than once a month. Now that the humans were slowly venturing into our lands, we had to make sure our pack, what little that we had, was protected. Our paws gripped the dirt as we darted around the acre of land. Leaping over the trees that the Earth Creator called back to the earth and running over overgrown beds of weeds that used to be a part of our garden. Even though the old corn husk had all but withered away, the moldy scent that seeped into the ground stayed as a reminder to us of what we lost. My mother loved the multicolored corn she grew as a labor of her love. Too bad it was all in vain. Hawk bumped into my side, nodding his head for us to continue. Dragging myself away from the old memory and closer to the edge of the woods just before we entered the town…or what was supposed to be the edge of the woods. The woodland was nearly gone in this area as the scent of sulfur overpowered the air. Bulldozers and wood planks flattened the shrubs that grew here as the humans encroached on our land.

My wolf and I were of the same accord as a growl quivered deeply in our throats. Just another thing to worry about!

Hawk had stopped a couple of feet away, whining to get my attention. Something about our human situation held me captive, staring at the stick-built homes. My wolf wanted to find the people responsible and give them back to the earth. A gift for the Earth for their disrespect. I’m never violent, but tonight, I was on edge.

Hawk’s heavy paws crunched the brittle foliage as he ambled over to me. He nudged me against my stomach, drawing my attention back to his wolf. After a last glance, we started our trek back into the thicker bushes, away from the human homes. I was almost through the thicket when a loud snap resonated among the fallen trees, followed by a loud howl. My wolf didn’t waste any time turning ourselves around and spotting Hawk. His muzzle bit at the brown rusty bear trap that closed in on his front leg.

An ice-cold chill ran through my veins as I hurriedly shifted back into my human form. Luckily, my wolf didn’t fight me as I ran toward Hawk. I grabbed the rusty trap without a second thought and pulled at the rusty metal death trap until the screws gave up their hold. Poor Hawk's whimpers rang loud over my heart beating in my ears. “I got you, Hawk!” The metal grazed Hawk’s bone, sending the tiny bumps on my body to attention. Rivulets of Hawk’s crimson blood flowed from both sides of the pinky-sized wounds that were the length of his long front leg as the sharp metallic scent filled my nose. Another unintended sacrifice to the Earth Creator. The damaged leg hung off the small thread of skin that held the severed leg attached. Hawk was weak. His dark brown eyes stared aimlessly into the dark woods as he whined and begged for relief.

He was already drifting off to sleep, but I had to get him back to the village. Hawk couldn’t change back or heal without bandaging the broken limb. Of course, I had nothing but my hands! I did the only thing I could think of. My hands held the broken ligaments, holding them tightly together. One would have hoped my magic would have swooped in to help, but nothing. It just curled itself into my chest. Useless. Slowly, under my palms, I felt the soft juddering of Hawk’s bones as they repaired, causing the hairs on my arm to stand. I’ve never been as lucky as tonight for our shifter abilities to heal faster, even with our lost magic. The metallic scent that once filled the air was whisked away by the light breeze of the night.

After Hawk’s leg was healed, I said thank you to the Earth Creator.

He won’t wake until his strength is back to normal. I grabbed the trap and lifted a knocked-out Hawk onto my shoulder as I sent thanks for my shifter strength. My feet hit the ground running as the forest blurred before me. Even if I lost my vision, I could make my way back to the village without my sight.

When I entered the now silent village, I carried Hawk to his home and laid his wolf onto his bed. He will be pissed since his wolf had dirt caked onto his fur that crumbled into the blue sheets, but he will survive, I thought as I locked his home and entered mine.

Kaydian had changed into one of my white shirts. Damn! As my eyes landed on her heavy chest. Her nipples strained against my shirt as I wondered if the brown buds would taste as good as they looked. She noticed my wandering eyes and folded her arms under her chest. Hiding away from my newest temptation.

The stones in my stomach threatened to weigh me down until I made it to the afterworld.

“I’m sorry, Kaydian. I’m a coward?—”

“You’re bleeding!” She exclaimed.

I had long forgotten the old trap. My hands gripped the nonsensical item in my hand until it created cuts in my palm. Kaydian rushed over to me as I dropped the trap with a loud thud on the floor.

“It’s okay. I?—”

But before I could finish, my body floated like I was transcending into the sky. My mother explained nothing about magic, but if this was what I was missing, I regretted it. A searing heat touched my soul, mind, and body. Her sweet and floral scent mixed with my lemon and filled not only my nose but my soul as it staked a claim to my heart. My long forgotten magic fluttered in joy as it warmed me deep in my chest. It felt like I was home. I’m whole for the first time since my táat, my mother, died. I couldn’t see her magic, but I felt it working to accelerate the tender, broken, fleshy skin of my palm.

Kaydian gasped and jumped back in fear. Her eyes were the size of the sand dollars in the San Francisco Bay, but that didn’t matter at all.

Not at the very moment of my awakening.

I’ve kissed no one before tonight, and hopefully, I won’t make a fool of myself. My hands captured her soft, warm cheeks as I planted my lips on hers. She tasted like the afterworld, rich and tempting, in the simplest words. My mouth engulfed hers licking and sucking on the plump, soft lips. Her hands barely wrapped around my upper arms as I plunged my tongue into her soft palate as I mimicked the few times I'd seen some of the pack members kissing. The loud whooshing of my heart in my ears made it hard to hear. Kaydian pushed against my arms, but I barely felt it until she dug her short nails into my arms, causing me to pull back immediately.

Kaydian and I both were silent in the dimly lit room as both of us stood rooted to our spot, heaving as we grasped for air.

“I’m sorry.”

After a moment, a half-smile graced her face.

“It’s okay…I…It just caught me off guard.”

Her answer calmed the doubtful voice in my head that told me I wasn’t good at this. That I somehow fail at every aspect of life. Lifting her into my arms, I led us to my small room, placing her on my bed. Strings of her dark curls fell loose from her bun. My finger itched as I fought the urge to run my hands through the tight curls. Her dark emerald eyes stared back at me with wonder... or repulse. I wasn’t sure, neither did I care as she ran the tip of her pink tongue over her plump bottom lip, causing my breath to hitch in my throat. She shifted to remove the thin white shirt, leaving her naked on my white sheets. A vision of perfection laid before me. Her soft curves looked even more tempting than before. I wanted to trace them as I buried myself deep inside of her thick thighs. I wanted to paint her insides with our future and mark her beautiful skin, letting everyone in my pack know she was mine.

“Are you sure you’re ready, Grey?” she asked.

She was simply gorgeous as she bit her lip, waiting patiently for my answer. Does she know how nervous I am? My hand shook as I worked up the courage to say something.

“I’m sure,” I whispered.

Please let me do this right!

Was my last thought before my mate opened her thick brown thighs. My mind short-circuited. My eyes traced along her soft skin until her damp brown lips turned into her pink fleshy pussy. Hot coals settle in my groin as my dick wept at the sight. With my face flushed as the room perfumed with her sweet floral scent. Kaydian’s scent made my mind hazy, blocking my na?ve brain. Sensing my hesitation, her small hands snaked out, grabbing hold of my steel-hard dick. My wolf howled, and my magic burned through me the moment her hand connected with us. With my fist balled up and my breathing shortened, a war to take control broke out inside of me. Death would be the outcome, surely, if…

Kaydian’s small hand glided up my shaft, making my knees buckle, and the last of my mind turned fuzzy. The small glob of pre-cum hadn’t formed fully before her finger swiped over the sensitive head, causing me to moan behind my clenched lips. My balls were tighter than I’ve ever felt them, and I knew I wouldn’t last long. Two weeks of sleeping with her plush ass on my dick made the both of us anxious.

Kaydian stuck her pre-cum covered finger into her mouth, moaning as she lapped at my essence. The hypnotic rhythm made my dick twitch as I grabbed myself. Deep in my chest, my wolf dug into our soft, wet flesh. Begging. Pleading to come out and play. She released her fingers with a wet pop and laid back on her elbow in her original position.

Her thighs slightly parted as she bit her plump bottom lip.

“You can have a taste, Greyson,” she said.

Her mouth twitched as it turned into a smirk. Those same small, perfect brown fingers held me hostage as they slithered down her curves until they reached her saturated lips. My mind spun with the idea of lapping the clear juices that dripped from her pussy. Maybe I’m way over my head. But I was too far gone to think twice. A groan from the wood floors filled the room as I introduced it to my knees. As I paused, I looked up at my Hiema and saw her sitting there, watching me intently, like a predator stalking its prey. Her eyes were blown as her mischievous hand held her petals open for me.

I can do this!

My insides turned into a liquid pool as I ran my tongue over her wet folds. She tasted forbidden, like decadent chocolate, rich. The favors exploded on my tongue as I licked every inch of her soft pink pussy, her wet, thick brown lips and thighs. Kaydian shook every time my tongue roamed over her warm pink center. The soft moans shot through my veins, causing my groans to mix with my wolves begging pleas. If I could, I’d suck the little wet spot on the sheets dry just to savor the taste.

“Please, Grey!”

Kaydian begged, but my thoughts were frozen as time slowed down. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out for once. As if sensing my hesitation, her hand found her center as she opened her delicate folds to reveal her moist center. Her essence leaked out of her middle. Gingerly, I licked at her weeping pussy. Her wet hand delved into my hair. My magic wolf and I shuddered as her fingers raked my scalp. Slightly pushing my head into her center as she gripped me. Licking and groaning against her sweet hole, she grounded herself into my face, coating me with my new addiction.

A painful groan fell from my lips as a sharp sensation radiated from my scalp. Hissing her small hands were intertwined with my hair, pulling and controlling me. Her breath was uneven as she said breathlessly, “You can suck my clit, fuck me with your fingers or tongue, but please, all of that licking is killing me.” Heat blossomed in my face from shame. I don’t remember what a clit is! As my hand shook against her silky, thick thighs.

I wanted to please her and not disappoint her.

My two shaky fingers slid into her wet pussy. Heat scorched the exposed skin as I slid them deep inside of her. A deep sigh fell from Kaydian’s parted lips as a single tear streaked down her face. My mind took over my fingers as I unhurriedly moved my fingers in and out of her wet center. The velvety texture of her canals was foreign to me, and I couldn’t wait to feel how she would fit around me. In and out, my fingers plunged into the soft canal as I watched her beautiful face contort. Her scent was potent, causing hot tears to spring in my eyes, with my balls tightened even more with every tortured minute.

“Bend your fingers, baby.”

Her silvery voice dropped several octaves as she whimpered her request. The beating organ thumped against my chest. Does she mean to bend it all the way? Or just partially? Panic set in as she waited for me to comply. So, I bent my fingers inside of her, and my fingertips caressed the heated, fleshy walls.

Kaydian’s hand shot out and grabbed my wrist.

“Straighten your fingers, Greyson…” Her eyes were wide as saucers. “I’m ready,” she said softly. Gently, she removed my drenched fingers with a wet pop and brought it to my lips. My tongue snaked out, washing my own fingers clean of her essence. I almost cum on myself, and I shamelessly didn’t care. Standing on my shaky feet, I watched my Hiema position herself against the headboard of the rickety bed. Her thick thighs dropped open, welcoming me again to her kingdom. The compliment on my tongue died in my throat.

This was it.

The bed cried and dipped under my weight as I crawled between her long legs, which engulfed me, holding me close to her as my dick pressed flush against her pussy. My wolf whimpered while I growled. The result was something unnatural, causing me to drop my head onto Kaydian’s soft chest. Licking and sucking her cinnamon nipples until she arched her back, bringing her heavy breast flat against my inflamed face. If I died tonight, I wouldn’t complain. I would gladly welcome death like it was my best friend. A shudder raked through my body as fire lit a trail through my veins. Sweat dripped off my body, coating the bed and Kaydian’s slick skin.

It took all of my might to pull myself away from her warm body. After several nights of dreaming of this moment, I was petrified. Kaydian’s sweet aftertaste had disappeared, leaving my mouth dry as cotton. My glazed-over vision caught Kaydian’s mouth moving, but I couldn’t hear anything over the thundering beating of my heart. Her hand wrapped around my stiff dick, lining me up to her center.

“I-I don’t think I can last long.”

The words fell out of my mouth before I had time to think about it.

A sweet smile graced her slightly dampened face. How is she not dripping with sweat? As I nudged my wide head into her pussy. Inch by tortuous inch. It felt like pure agony as I entered her soft, fiery core until I was fully inside of her. Pelvis to pelvis. Nights of dreaming about what she may have felt like wrapped around me couldn’t compare to this moment. Kaydian was tight as her soft fleshy walls gripped me, tattooing herself onto my dick, marking me as hers and hers alone. Slowly, as I practiced before with my hand, I moved. Pulling myself out of her until the tip of my head lined up with her opening. The loud bang of the metal headboard hitting the wooden walls filled the room when I entered her once again.

Kaydian’s soft hand wrapped around my wrist as she tried to move my hand, causing me to falter slightly. Luckily enough, I caught myself before I lost balance, pausing. I shakily nodded to her.

“I want your hand around my neck, Grey. Don’t squeeze me too hard.”

My eyebrows drew up as she guided my hand, placing it onto her long neck, causing me to stop my thrusts. Sand filled my mouth as I yanked my hand away. She wanted me to choke her. I wouldn’t…couldn’t be able to fulfill that wish of hers. How would I know if she was okay?

“I’m not comfortable with that…I’m sorry.” I choked out.

Kaydian’s smile faltered for a split second, but not before I noticed it. The corners of her mouth twitched, but she nodded, patting my heated cheek, and said, “It’s okay, Grey.”

Sticking my head into the crooks of her neck, my hips moved once again as I continued to fuck her. With each thrust, her scent blossomed and blessed me with her essence that coated my dick. Agony . That was the only word that came to mind as a rush of raging heat filled my veins. It was painful and blissful simultaneously. Kaydian sharp nails raked down my back, causing me to softly bite into the tender flesh of her neck. Not hard enough to break skin, but enough to coat my mouth with the salty taste of her sweat, which caused black dots to swirl in my vision. My magic and my wolf wrestled inside my chest, but it was my wolf that dominated my feeble magic. The muscles in my back stiffened as my balls tightened. My mouth fell open as I pushed myself further into her fiery core, and my wolf howled. The joyous sound shook me as my cum emptied into Kaydian. Shaking, I tried to move, but I ended up falling back into her, careful not to push my throbbing knot into her. I’m not sure if she is ready for that yet. My room was a hazy cloud of lemon, sweat, and happiness. The mixture caused my balls to clench one last time as I gave Kaydian the last drop of my cum. When I rose from on top of Kaydian, this time, those gem eyes held curiosity. Giving her a chaste kiss on the lips as I pulled myself from her, limp and satiated. I dragged her close to me in our usual sleeping position, with her nestled by my side, only this time we were naked together.

And I’m not a virgin anymore.

Kaydian, who was silent until now, turned to me. Her face broke out into a smile as she patted my cheek.

“You were amazing, Grey.” She paused and bit her lip. “…was this your first time?”

I covered my face with my hand as I stared up at the ceiling. Do I lie? Or tell her the truth? “Yes, this was my first time…was I…I mean. Did you…” I said. The thought I was so nervous about asking was preposterous, but I needed to know.

Kaydian’s mouth twitched slightly, and I couldn’t make out if that was a good thing or not. “Yes, I came. Maybe I can get on top later.”

My hand stifled my yawn. Later? I could sleep for about two days. My wolf and my magic had found peace within me.

“You could do whatever you want to me after I get some sleep.”

She smiled and turned away from me as I drifted off to sleep.

Kaydian POV

Clamping my eyes shut in the room's darkness. I prayed to Youna that I could keep the acid tears behind my eyelids. I’ve dreamed of this night for years. Years! Only for this moment to fall flat like Greyson had when he was done from my countless boyfriends to my fingers. Night after night, I wished to experience the longing need for my first orgasm. To the fiery touch, I spent dreaming up on my lonely nights at home. Now I had to sleep with the unforgiven pent-up need from Greyson, taking his fill and leaving me high and dry.

Not that I blame him because it was his first time having sex.

I waited until the soft snoring filled the dark room to let the pent-up tears coat my face and onto my half of the pillow. Plunging my face into the softness as I sobbed, hoping that Greyson wouldn’t awake from his sleep to find me suffocating myself. Maybe then I could find some relief. Whimpering, I cursed myself for being so weak.

I should wake him and demand Greyson to take care of me, but I was too much a coward, and that was something else I hate to admit. Every neatly planned idea that I’ve made for my life has crumpled in front of my eyes. And what can I do to fix it? Cry. Hot shivers racked my body as my fist wadded up the bedsheets to keep from shaking the small bed.

Everything they said about being mated felt like a sordid lie right now. My poor lips ached from gripping the soft structures.

My mother would be so embarrassed if she could see my face right now, all with a snotty nose and red eyes. Greyson exhaled deeply as he turned towards me. My body stiffened as his arms wrapped around my body, pulling into his arms. Engulfing me into his heated body. He placed a kiss into my hair and went back to snoring. Ending all of my late-night breakdowns.

As I gripped the yellow comforter, I wondered if this was worth it.