Chapter Five

The first thing I register as I wake up is that I'm not in my usual bunk in the RV. I take a deep breath, freezing when I'm surrounded by the wonderful scent of fresh flowers. Mmm, that might be a new scent but I know exactly what that smell means. I'm with my true mate.

The next thing I realize is that I'm not only in my true mate's presence but he's got his arms wrapped around me from behind. I feel so safe, so warm in his arms. I feel like I could stay here forever.

I scoot back even further only to freeze once more when I feel something hard press against my lower back.

Oh.

Oh my gods.

My stomach warms with arousal as I realize my mate's morning wood is pressed against me. I don't think I've ever felt anything like this before. The warmth in the pit of my belly is new but not unwelcome. It leaves me feeling breathless and antsy to do even more.

It would be so fucking easy to press against him even harder, to wiggly my ass just right to feel good. My own cock begins to fill with blood, tingling with anticipation.

If this is how my cousins feel all the time, I have no idea how they can even think straight. I've only just started experiencing arousal and already I want to stay in bed all day, naked, with my mate.

"Morning," a husky voice says right beside my ear and I bite my bottom lip, keeping myself from groaning. Fuck, Zeke's morning voice is hot as fuck which does nothing to stop this budding arousal from rising even further. It feels like a volcano preparing to erupt and I don't have the experience to even attempt to cut it off.

"Good morning," I say back, my voice breaking. Zeke's hand moves to my shoulder, pushing me until I flip over onto my back. He leans up on my elbow so he can properly look down at me.

I am so fucking lucky. Zeke is so incredibly handsome with his short hair, dark eyes, and strong jaw. I'm struck with how much I want to kiss him. I want to feel him pressed against me. I want so fucking much with this man.

It's almost scary, the strength of these impulses, the intensity of these wants for someone I've only just met. Experiencing all of this for the first time makes them all the more overwhelming. Is this a true mate thing or is this a thing happening for just the two of us, something special. Either way, I'm very much on board with it.

"Wow," Zeke whispers, his eyes soft, his face the picture of awe. "I thought maybe I'd dreamed you up."

"Nope," I assure him with a grin. "I'm really here."

Zeke touches my cheek and I lean my face against his palm. If I was in my lion skin, I'd practically be purring at the simple touch. "I feel so goddamn lucky, Casper. I didn't think I had a true mate out there for me, but Lady Fate proved my worries wrong."

"Why didn't you think you had one?"

I watch as emotions play across my mate's face, something close to fear before it's fading away, replaced with a smile that I can tell is forced. "I just didn't think She'd want to force someone to put up with me," he says, trying to change the topic with a joke.

"If it makes you feel any better I used to say the same things to my cousins."

Zeke hums. "Then I guess we really are meant for each other."

I run my hand over his wrist, holding onto the hand that's against my cheek. "Hey, Zeke?"

"Yeah?"

"Will you kiss me? Please?"

"I can't think of a single thing I'd like more," he breathes out, leaning down in order to kiss me.

As lips press against mine, I feel like something inside of me is moving, rearranging to make room for Zeke. My head swims yet at the same time I'm completely present in the moment. The kiss is achingly gentle, but the emotions inside of me are rambunctious.

It's a perfect first kiss.

My hand tightens around Zeke's wrist. His lips move against mine and I mimic the movement, opening for him. His tongue traces my bottom lip before moving deeper, touching my own tongue. I make a broken noise at the back of my throat that's caught with Zeke's mouth, my cock throbbing with desire, craving more from my mate. Craving things I don't even know about yet, only that unfamiliar instincts are rising up inside of me. I want to rut against him until I make myself come. I want to hear the noises Zeke makes when he feels good. Fuck, I want everything with this man. The feeling is heady.

Zeke moves until he's more than just hovering over me. He moves until his body is leaning against my own and I can feel his hard cock pressing against the side of my hip. It's long and hard and hot.

Oh my fucking gods. He's just as aroused as me, the realization makes me want to whine, it makes me feel more desperate than I've ever felt before. It makes me want.

My free hand goes around Zeke's back, tucking itself under his shirt so I can feel his hot skin. His back is toned and strong. His hips move and I can't stop myself from whining this time, the noise breaking free without my permission. Our kisses grow even sloppier as we chase each other's tongues, chase each other's taste.

I'm about to pull his shirt over his head when we're startled apart by the sound of the fire alarm going off. Zeke quickly pulls away, turning away and hiding his face in his hands. My heart is hammering against my ribs and my breaths come out in sharp pants. I'm overwhelmed by the way I was so utterly captivated by his kisses. I felt like I was drowning in Zeke. Is that normal? Is that the pull true mates have on each other?

"Are you okay?"

Zeke takes a steadying breath before turning back towards me. He gives me a soft smile. "Yeah. Just overwhelmed," he says with a little chuckle. "I should go check on your cousins and make sure they're okay."

He leans back towards me, giving me one last, quick kiss before standing up and heading out of the room. I lay back against the pillows, blowing out a long breath. My cock still aches but now that Zeke is no longer here, it's easier to ignore. The tingling sensations running through me slowly fade until I feel in control once more.

I can't remember a time I've felt like that before, that type of all consuming lust. Sure, I've gotten boners in the past but they never felt like that before. I felt like I couldn't get enough of Zeke, like I was going to explode unless we kept kissing, kept touching each other. A longing for physical affection so strong it threatened to choke me. It was overwhelming in the most delightful way. I can't wait to explore that further with Zeke. Once we're alone, of course.

My cheeks are bright red as I get myself out of bed. Gods, I hope my cousins don't realize what we were just doing. They'll never stop teasing me!

I quickly dart out of the bedroom and into the bathroom. After relieving myself, I make my way into the kitchen, only pausing to grab the compass from my discarded jeans and slipping it into the pocket of my sleep pants. I lean my hip against the breakfast bar with my arms crossed over my chest, watching these three dart around the kitchen.

Zeke is at the front door, opening and closing the door quickly, trying to get fresh air into the duplex while Harbor waves a towel around the fire alarm. Bently is at the stove, rotating the bacon and trying to keep it from burning. Well, from burning more than it already has.

They look absolutely ridiculous. I'm struck with fondness. They might be ridiculous but they're my family and I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Harbor makes a happy noise as the fire alarm finally turns off. I'm so glad it's one in the afternoon so the sound couldn't wake any of Zeke's neighbors. I'd rather not start this new relationship on people's bad sides, especially if I plan on staying here long term. Which I do. Hopefully. As long as Zeke is okay with that.

Fuck, we should probably talk about all this.

"Morning!" Bently says, looking over at me. "Sleep well?"

Despite wanting to keep as neutral as possible to keep my cousins from teasing me, I can't help but get a lovesick smile on my face. "I slept great," I say softly, thinking about how lovely it was to sleep next to Zeke. He was so warm and made me feel so safe. It was wonderful.

"You look well rested for someone who just found their true mate," Harbor says with a giggle. "I'm surprised there wasn't more than just sleeping going on. Are you waiting until Bently and I are gone before you go at it rabbit style?"

I sputter. "Rabbit style? What the fuck is that? You know what, no. I don't wanna know."

"We're all adults here," Harbor says with a huff. "Don't act like you don't know what sex is, Casper. And if you actually don't know, then ask your true mate. I'm sure he'd be more than happy to teach you."

My cheeks warm brighter and brighter the more Harbor speaks. Zeke shuts the door and walks over to me, putting his arm around my shoulders. "Don't worry, he's in good hands, Harbor," he says with a warm chuckle. "Plus, wouldn't we be doing it lion style?"

"Oh my gods," I blurt out, covering my face with my hands. "I hate you all so much."

Bently plates us all some eggs and bacon with toast, shaking his head fondly at us. We all sit down at Zeke's table, digging into our food. Despite the bacon being a bit burnt, the rest turned out delicious.

I'm glad everyone's mouths are full because it gives me a moment just to think and process everything that's happened. I've found my spark. I've found Ray. A tiny voice inside my head is still sure that I'm not good enough for a spark-familiar bond, but I have to hold onto hope that everything will be made right in the end. It might take some time for Ray to come around to the idea of using magic but someday when she's ready, I'll be there to help.

And now my true mate is sitting beside me, eating a strip of bacon and looking adorably rumpled from waking up. Everything has changed in so little time. Am I ready to be someone's mate? Am I ready to leave my cousins behind? Am I ready to help Ray embrace her inner magic?

I have no fucking idea, but there's only one way to find out.

Taking the compass out of my pocket, I stare down at it. It's so strange to see it inactive, lazily spinning but never pointing in one direction for very long. I close my eyes, feeling the magic resonate within me until I know who's getting it next.

Looking up, I find my cousins staring at me, waiting for my announcement. I suddenly feel like I have so much power. For just a moment, I'm the only one who knows which of them is going next. Thankfully for them, I'm not cruel.

I toss the compass over to Harbor who snatches it out of the air, pinning it to his chest. "Oh my gods. Really? My turn?"

"Yep. Sorry, Bently. Seems the compass wants to save the best for last."

"Fine by me," he says with a soft smile, turning towards Harbor. "Come on, look at it. Is it pointing in a direction yet?"

Harbor pulls it away from his chest, holding it out for us all to see. The compass seems to be calibrating for a moment before spinning wildly around and around and around. Finally, it slows, pointing in a North West direction.

Harbor makes a happy little noise, bouncing in his seat. "I hope it's pointing towards the coast. I want my mate to be somewhere close to the beach so we can have our toes in the sand together."

"Depends on how West the compass makes us go," Bently says with a shrug. "Could end up in Canada and your beach will be more snowy."

"Snow. Eww. I hope not."I can't help but chuckle at Harbor's nose wrinkle. "Maybe your spark loves snow forts. You won't know until you find them."

Harbor pouts. "But but but. Beaches!"

"Don't worry, no matter where they are, you're gonna be happy to meet them," I tell him seriously. "Hopefully your spark has a better reaction to you though."

Zeke puts his hand on my back, rubbing up and down. "Ray will be happy to meet you once she's had some time to let everything sink in. Give her time."

"She can have all the time she needs," I promise, picking up another piece of bacon and popping it into my mouth. "I'm not surprised by her reaction. She had a normal life and then I showed up with all these complications and bonds and stuff. I feel bad."

"Lady Fate wouldn't have crossed your paths if She didn't think Ray was ready for this next step of life. Focus on that, Casper," Bently says, giving me a sympathetic look.

"You're right. I guess I'm just a little jealous after seeing the way Jude and Willow's meetings went, you know?"

Harbor reaches across the table and flicks me. "Comparison is the thief of joy. Just because your story is different doesn't mean it's bad."

I do the mature thing and blow a fart with my mouth in his direction. Once we're all done eating, I pick up everyone's plates and take them over to the sink.

"I guess this is farewell for now," Bently says, pulling me into a tight hug. I hug him back, squeezing him so tight that he makes a pained noise.

I look over at my mate with bright red cheeks. "I know we haven't talked about this yet," I start to say. Thankfully, Zeke must know what I'm going to say. He cuts me off, giving me an achingly soft smile.

"I want you to stay."

"Oh," I breathe out, feeling my stomach flutter happily at the confirmation. "Okay, good. I want to stay."

"Then it's settled!" Harbor says, dropping my bags onto the floor and when the fuck did he sneak out and grab those without me noticing? He's like a little ninja! "You're staying here with your mate while I head off to find my spark. This is so exciting!"

"I mean, you don't have to leave right this second," I say with a pout.

"Yes, we do. I'm not waiting around while my spark is out there missing me! Plus, I might find my true mate like you guys have and I want to start boning as soon as possible! I've been waiting so long already. I have needs, Casper."

"Jesus Christ," I breathe out with a groan, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Fine, weirdo. Get out of here and get your needs met."

"That's the spirit!" Harbor bounds over, pulling me into a hug. "I'm going to miss you but we're still gonna do our Sunday calls. If you miss out I'll turn the RV around and have Bently fight you. We both know he could take you down no problem."

"He'd have to go through me," Zeke tells him with a grin. "I don't look quite as tough as Bently but I assure you, I'd take him down no problem."

Hmm, I'm conflicted. On the one hand, I really don't want anyone to fight. On the other hand, why is the idea of Zeke defending my honor or fighting someone on my behalf so fucking sexy?

Gods, what's gotten into me? It's like now that the can of worms that is my libido has been cracked open I can't seem to put the lid back on.

Maybe my cousins leaving won't be such a bad thing if it means getting to be alone with my mate.

"There will be no fighting," Bently says with a laugh. Then he quickly adds, "and for the record, I would give you a run for your money."

Bently and Harbor give me giant hugs. This is such a bittersweet moment. I'm so excited to start this next chapter but I'm starting to panic at the idea of my cousins leaving me here. What if I need them? What if I screw this up somehow and Zeke kicks me out? What if Ray never comes around?

Harbor squeezes my shoulders. "You've got this," he says under his breath, giving me a knowing look. "This is your true mate. Things are gonna be great, Casper. Embrace them, okay? Don't fight it."

Harbor's bluntness sometimes comes off as overbearing or borderline insensitive but other times, it's exactly what I need to hear.

"Thank you," I tell him seriously, hugging him one more time before he's heading out the door with Bently. I sit in the doorway, watching them climb into the RV. I give them a wave as they pull away from the driveway and head down the road.

I turn away and close the door. Leaning against it, I let out a shaky breath, desperately trying to get my nerves under control. Just because they're gone doesn't mean everything is about to go to shit. I don't need them as a crutch.

I don't!

"You look like you're about to toss up your breakfast," Zeke says softly, ducking his head down so I look into his eyes. "You doing okay? Second thoughts?"

Seeing him so openly concerned for me makes some of those nerves inside my belly fade away. I'm not alone in this. I can see the same anxieties and uncertainty mirrored in Zeke's face. The same things I'm feeling, my mate is feeling them too. It helps calm my racing heart, knowing we're on the same exact playing field.

"I'm okay," I tell him truthfully. "Kinda nervous, but I think I'll be okay as long as I'm here with you. You'll help me through this transition, right?"

"Of course." Zeke gives me a soft smile as he holds out his hand for me. I take it and sparks dance over my skin at his warm touch. He leads me to the couch, sitting beside me. "I'm not going anywhere. We're both jumping into the deep end and learning to swim."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Anything."

I take a moment just to look over his face, breathing in his lovely scent. "Actually, I want to ask you a million and one questions but I'll start with one." Zeke hums, spurring me on. "I don't want this to come out weird but I'm curious. You know I'm a familiar and my other skin is a lion. I can't tell what you are by scent alone, so what exactly are you?"

Something crosses Zeke's face. It's almost like a part of him doesn't want me to actually know. He's holding something back. The moment passes quickly. He swallows and looks away before he's finally whispering, "I'm a banshee."

"Okay," I say right away, not wanting him to second guess my feelings for him. Him being a banshee doesn't bother me even a little bit. Do I know anything about banshees? Not even a single thing. Does that change my feelings? Nope. "Thank you for telling me, Zeke. I have no idea what that entails but it must be wonderful because from what I know, you're wonderful."

"I kinda like that you're sappy. Are you always like this with your partners?"

I feel my cheeks heat and I look away, biting my bottom lip. "Well," I say slowly, "I guess I am since I'm being sappy with you and you're my one and only partner."

"I'm your first?"

"My first everything. We were gifted this compass by our grandmother when Harbor turned eighteen. I never had a desire to date or have one night stands while on our travels. To be honest, I didn't have any desire for anything like that, until I met you. You're awakening all these desires and instincts inside of me. They're so fucking overwhelming, Zeke. Is this how everyone feels or is it special because you're my true mate?"

Zeke tilts his head to the side. "I can't answer that because I have no idea what other people experience, but my feelings? They're overwhelming too."

I reach for him, needing to touch him, needing it like I need to breathe. In turn, Zeke leans closer, kissing my cheek. When his mouth is near my ear, he whispers, "I want you more than words can say, Casper. I want you here with me, but I also want you."

I swallow thickly, feeling my body heat up. I don't even recognize my voice as I whisper back, "how do you want me. Tell me. Please."

"Gods," Zeke curses, pulling back so he can look at my face. His eyes are lidded with desire, his cheeks turning a pretty rosy color. Gods, I need to hear that he wants me the same way I want him. "When you say please it takes all of my self-control not to take you right here, right now."

I suck in a sharp breath, my cock twitching in my jeans. I just barely keep myself from squirming or doing something ridiculous, like rutting myself against his leg. I've never felt so horny in my entire life.

"I want you in the most animalistic way," Zeke confesses slowly. "The fact that I'm going to be your first means I'm going to show you pleasure you'd never be able to experience with your own hand. I want to mark you and claim you. I want to fuck you and mark you with my cum. I want to learn what makes you moan and what makes you tick."

My breathing is coming out in sharp pants, overwhelmed with my mate's words. I want all of that. I want so much more than that. I want everything.

"Take me," I breathe out, wrapping my arms around Zeke's neck. I quickly shift until I'm straddling his lap. "Please, Zeke. Claim me. Mate me. Make me yours."

Are we going too fast? Maybe some people would think that. But this is my true mate and I don't want to spend another minute not being his.

Zeke stands up, placing his hands on my ass to hold me against him, walking me to his bedroom. As my lips collide with his, I know this isn't too fast. This is just right for us.