Page 89 of Seduced By Moonlight

Each breath, each heartbeat, each touch was a symphony of perfect harmony, a dance of souls in perfect sync. And in this connection, Kayden felt a completeness and a sense of belonging that he’d never experienced before. He watched as the ribbon sank into Ward’s chest.

When Ward lifted his head again, there was a look of wonder in his eyes, and Kayden felt like he was drowning in it.

“That didn’t hurt,” Kayden said with an almost bemused smile. “Not even a little.”

Ward stroked the place where his fangs had been, sealing the small wounds with a touch that tingled just as much. “I promised you it wouldn’t.”

“And you were right.” Kayden flexed his wrist experimentally. “So I guess the question now is—are we?”

“Do you feel different?” Ward asked, studying him closely.

“I….” Kayden tried to sort out the sound of his racing heart from everything else inside of him. “I saw something when you did it. Maybe you should try again just to be sure?”

Ward’s laughter was deep and warm. “Do you want me to?”

“I think I liked it a little too much,” Kayden said with a grin. “Is that normal?”

“Very normal for Fated mates.”

There was something fierce and joyful in the way Ward said those words. It made Kayden feel like they’d already crossed some huge finish line he hadn’t realized they’d been running toward.

“But yes, I saw something—a golden ribbon going from you to me,” Ward said. “I don’t have anyone to ask, but I’m pretty sure that means we are Fated.”

“I’ve never seen anything like that, either. I think you’re right.”

“Are you okay? Or just surprised?”

Kayden’s laugh was only slightly hysterical. “Surprised. Shocked. Startled. Stunned.”

“That’s a lot of ‘S’ words.”

“Flabbergasted. Astounded. Flummoxed. Amazed. Caught off guard.”

“Well, at least I’m not hearing words like horrified or disgusted, so I guess that’s something.”

“Look at you making me word.”

“You’re saying you need a minute?”

“God, yes.”

Ward gave Kayden exactly what he asked for—time to think. Silence hung between them as Kayden absorbed this mind-blowing revelation. Oh, he had lots of thoughts, but one stood out above all others.

And that was the thought Fate had someone for him. It was overwhelming, yet inexplicably appealing. He’d always felt so alone, and now he wouldn’t have to be. But oh dear God, this was huge.

“Ward, I….” Kayden paused, searching for the right words. “I’m nonhuman. A teek. I don’t have magic like you—no ancient lineage or anything like that. Can a nonhuman and a paranormal like you even be Fated mates? My lifespan doesn’t even match up with yours.”

“That’s exactly why we needed to talk. We may be a different species, but destiny, or whatever it is you might believe in, would not have made us Fated mates if there wasn’t a way around our differences. And there is a way around the lifespan problem.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I’d just as soon not go into it right this second, but it has to do with blood, of course.”

“Of course. Okay, please don’t take this the wrong way, but what if I’m not ready right this minute for something that… heavy? Do we have to mate this second?” Kayden asked hesitantly.

Ward smiled softly. “Being potentially Fated mates doesn’t bind us to an immediate commitment—it’s more about understanding the depth of our connection and exploring where it could lead without denying its possibility. We don’t have to decide anything at the moment.”

Relief mixed with curiosity surged through Kayden. “To be clear, I’m not saying no to mating you. I’d just like to get to know you.”

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