Page 59 of Kidnapped Forced Mate

I already feel his warmth long before I see him. When I open my eyes again, I’m met with the striking green depths of Stryder’s slitted eyes. He stares at me softly, gliding over with his webbed wings raised out on either side of him. With the moon glowing in its fullness behind him, it creates a gentle glow of silvery light permeating around him. It’s the picture of perfection, as if Stryder flew out from the pages of the most extravagant fantasy tale, painted in front of my eyes so beautifully, that my breath is snatched and my heart skips a beat.

“Stryder…” I breathe, his name falling from my lips so naturally that it feels like it’s a part of my breathing.

He shifts into human form and lands on the balcony in front of me, standing a few inches away, his brows etched compassionately.

“Olivia…” he whispers gently, my name falling equally as easily from his lips. He takes my hands in his, broad shoulders straightened out as if he’s preparing what he needs to say next.

“Stryder, I–”

He shakes his head to stop me from speaking, lifting my hand to his lips to press a gentle kiss. “Let’s go inside,” he suggests, clasping my hand to lead me inside the bedroom.

I can’t help but notice how gentle he’s being, unlike any other time I’ve spent with him. Something has shifted in him, and I know it’s because of his confession earlier today.

He has no idea how much I’d been thinking about how he’d professed his love for me before flying off to take care of the mortal world’s troubles. Now that I’m back in his territory, I wonder if he meant those words, though I can see it play out in his actions as he leads me to the chaise lounger in the corner and guides me to take a seat. He doesn’t let go of my hand when he joins me on the sofa, turning to stare deeply into my eyes.

“Is everything alright, Stryder?” I ask, brows furrowing with concern.

He nods, offering me an earnest smile. “I’m not in much trouble. For now,” he adds. “Draco will take care of things and ensure I’m not punished for what I did.”

I breathe a sigh of intense relief. “Thank God.”

“No,” he shakes his head. “Thanks the gods that you’re back here, with me. I just don’t feel I’m worthy of such grace.”

“Stryder…” I begin with a sigh, but he shakes his head softly.

“I was foolish to withhold the truth from you, Olivia,” he shares, giving my hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze. “I understand your anger, and I need to explain myself.”

I nod in encouragement for him to go on.

“For centuries, my brother and I frequented the mortal world, enjoying the freedom of having no responsibilities. As the youngest in our family, we didn’t have to concern ourselves with clan duties like our older brothers. We were reckless, unbothered,” he sighs. “And I’d grown accustomed to baseless pursuits out there. So accustomed…” his eyes flit away almost shamefully. “...I thought I’d spend the rest of eternity doing just that.”

I gulp, hard. The thought of Stryder meeting with other women is a tough pill to swallow, only because I realize how strongly I feel for him. Even now, as he holds my hands, it feels as if an electric current flows through the touch, my fingers tingling pleasantly while the sensation spreads through me and builds in my heart.

“That’s until you came along. When I first felt drawn to you, it was an intense need to keep you safe. But as time went on, I began developing feelings for you that I didn’t understand. In fact, it was feelings I was denying because I thought I’d lose the freedom I once had.”

I nod slowly. “Still, you should have told me…”

He lifts his eyes back to mine – eyes that now shelter the sheen of unshed tears. “I know,” he admits tentatively, pressing his lips into a firm line of contemplation. “I was afraid of what was growing between us, and I thought I could avoid it when you didn’t know. When my family returned to the island, I knew I’d run out of time, and I was going to tell you before dinner that night. My sister beat me to it, of course.” He takes a deep breath then, filling his chest with determination. “But losing you made me realize that I do love you. You give me a sense of freedom I could never find out there. There’s no life I’d rather live other than the one with you in it. And if you’ll have me, I’ll spend eternity making it up to you.”

My heart skips a few beats as he stares expectantly into my eyes. I finally find the words I’d been searching for amidst the starstruck haziness of my mind, and ask, “What you said about us being fated mates… Was it true?”

“The truest thing I’ve said,” he says as he pinches the flesh of his neck as if to solemnly swear. “The truest thing I’ve felt, too.”

“That explains it,” I giggle.

“Explains what?” he looks confused.

My giggling subsides as I stare deeply and firmly into his eyes this time. “If we’re fated mates, Stryder, there’s no denying it.” I take a deep breath before admitting, “I love you.”

When the words leave my lips, it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It’s like I’m finally able to breathe again, the momentary silence between us feeling lighter than ever.

“You–you do?” Stryder hesitates with a frown.

I shift up closer, reaching a hand up to cup his cheek where the light stubble of his facial hairs tingle my palm. “I do,” I admit with conviction. “Despite how angry I was, I knew I loved you already, Stryder. And I knew you had a valid reason for whatever happened. I’m not angry anymore.”

“Does this mean you’ll stay?” he asks as he places a hand over mine, turning his face to kiss the inside of my palm.

“Yes,” I concede. “I want to be your mate, your lover, the bearer of your dragonspirit children.”

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