Page 42 of Monster's Mistake

“I’m not even sure how I would do that.”

There’s a pause in the conversation as our drinks arrive, giving me time to figure out how to explain it.

And coming up with nothing.

“I don’t really understand it myself,” I admit. “Most people say it’s something about accepting all the parts of one another.”

She raises an eyebrow. “That sounds like sex.”

“It’s not,” I respond. “It’s more like a gradual thing that grows over time, I think. Like a relationship, but magical.”

She nods, but there seems to be something on her mind. “Okay.”

“What is it?”

“Why haven’t we had sex, Meic? I thought that was where things were going, but you seem to freeze up every time I move as if that’s what I’m going to initiate.”

I clear my throat. I wasn’t intending to have this conversation while we were in the middle of a pub, but I also don’t want her to think that I’m brushing her off. “You really want to know?”

“Would I have asked if I didn’t?”

I steel myself for what I have to say. I’ve no idea how she’s going to react to it. I check around us to make sure no one’s listening and lean closer. “It’s the knot.”

“The what?”

“The knot. You’ve felt it.” Just the thought of the times she’s done that is enough to make me hard. No doubt I’ll be that way until we’re back at the academy later.

Her eyes widen. “Oh.”

“You know about it?” I ask, wondering how much I need to explain and how much she’ll already be aware of. Though there is a small hint of jealousy at the thought ofhowshe might know.

“I know enough to understand the basics,” she responds. “I guess I didn’t realise that’s what one would feel like.”

“Too small for you?” I joke.

Her cheeks turn pink. “That’s not what I meant.”

“It’ll grow.” I think. “But yeah, I guess I was worried it would scare you, because I’m not going to be able to control it once we start.”

“Is that normal?” she asks, fiddling with the straw in her drink while she waits for me to answer.

“No. But you’re my fated mate, Nati. Just existing is enough for you to make me lose control.”

She bites her bottom lip, seeming lost in thought. Which is a good thing, considering our food arrives, and as much as I like the idea of her thinking of us being together, I don’t want to betalking about it when a stranger comes to bring us something to eat.

Nati eats one of her chips, a pensive expression on her face.

“What is it?” I ask.

“Is the knot the only reason you’re nervous?” she asks.

“Yes.”

“Okay, so if I say that we should try it and see how it goes, then it’s fine, right?”

I swallow hard. “Yes.”

“Then we should.” The way she says it makes it sound like it’s such an easy decision to make. She knows what she wants, and is going for it.

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