Page 40 of The Prince's Mate

"Oh look! I think that's Kym's old tattoo parlor," Walker said after a few moments, and I glanced up, recognizing the place from one of the few times I'd visited it when Maximus first found his mate.

"Do you want to get a tattoo?" I asked since his gaze seemed to be stuck to the place, and he shook his head, eyes sliding back to me.

"Nah. And if I did, I'd just ask Kym to do it. Everyone else does," he said, and I nodded. Reece had helped Kym set up a mini tattoo parlor in Otherworld, and he'd given many Otherworlders new tattoos.

"True that," I answered, and we finally started walking again. I glanced over at Walker as we walked, and like it had a habit of doing at random moments, I was once again struck with the realization that he was mine. That I finally had him.

Ever since the day I left Otherworld, I'd daydreamed about returning to a grown-up Walker, of finally telling him what we meant to each other. It'd taken a little while longer, but we were finally there, and I was glad we'd taken our time, resolved our issues before we got to this point.

"I think I'm ready to head home," I murmured, and Walker met my eyes, the green flecks in his amber eyes glittering in the sunlight.

"Yeah, I think it's time to go back," he replied before glancing around. "Shit. We're on the other side of town. Come on." He tugged me toward an alleyway, and I followed him willingly.

Ajax appeared at the mouth of the alley, and Walker waved him over. As soon as he was close enough, Walker grabbed his hand and magicked us all back to the apartment.

Ajax shook his head before eyeing us both. Then, he headed for the door. "I assume you plan to stay inside for the rest of the day?" he asked as he reached the door, and I nodded.

"Oh yeah, we're not going anywhere," Walker answered with a grin, and I shook my head as Ajax's cheeks went a little pink.

Clearing his throat, he nodded quickly. "Then I will leave. Please call me if you go out. Either of you," he added.

"We will," I assured him, and he was gone.

Walker was on me in an instant, and I kissed him back with just as much fervor. He pushed me against the door, and then turned us around so his back was against the door instead. Was it because of the other night? I didn't care, and frankly, I did feel a little better not being trapped against the door, even though I knew Walker would never force me.

"Fuck, Walker," I groaned against his mouth, and his lips tilted up in a smile. "Maybe we should move this"—I gasped as he nipped at my lower lip—"to the bedroom."

"Yeah," he answered, grabbing my hand and pushing me back before tugging me toward the bedroom. "Come on."

And of course, I followed him right away.

Ro'Shassz

"It's like he doesn't exist," Max growled. "Harlan found no magical traces in the place they held Caelan, and none of my informants have heard anything about this vampire."

"Very few beings have a powerful enough grasp on magic to be able to evade our eyes," Day murmured, sharing a speaking glance with Arty.

"His escape was rather quick too," Arty added. "I know they usually stick to their realm, but I think he has a fae helping him."

"A fae? Really?" I asked, and Arty nodded grimly.

"All signs point to them. Their cloaking spells are unlike anyone else, and their magic practically untraceable."

"I think we need to talk to Tharion," Day said, and Arty nodded.

This trip to the human realm was supposed to get Caelan and Walker together, not put them in danger. I'd been the one topush them into this trip, which meant it was now my duty to keep them safe.

Step Eighteen: Keep Caelan and Walker safe at all costs.

Nineteen

Walker

"Fuck. You have no idea how long I've wanted to do this," I said as I stared up at Caelan, and he raised a brow. He was back in his true form, and my fingers itched to brush against those furry ears of his.

"Are you really trying to tell me you wanted me before you found out we were mates?" he asked, and I frowned.

"I told you I did, didn't I? I've wanted you for as long as I knew what wanting meant, Caelan. It's only ever been you." I leaned forward, brushing my lips against his, and he hummed against me, his body pressing me into the mattress, his leg sliding between mine.

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