Page 20 of Wilder Obsessions

Wilder’s eyes widen slightly at my question, and I can see the storm of emotions raging within him.

“No, she wasn’t my fated mate,” he answers softly, his voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and conviction.“We had an arranged marriage.It was something our families decided for us.At first, it was out of duty and respect for our families’ wishes.But over time, I did grow to love her deeply.Our bond was built on shared experiences and mutual care, but it wasn’t the same as a fated mate bond.”

He gently wipes away a tear that escapes down my cheek, his touch warm and reassuring.“You are not a substitute, Arwen.What we have, what I feel for you, is unlike anything I’ve ever known.It’s something deeper, more profound.I know it’s hard to believe, especially with everything I’ve told you, but you are the one I’m meant to be with.”Confusion swirls in my mind.How did he...?As if sensing my bewilderment, Wilder leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead.It’s sweet and tender, a foreign feeling for me.

“You knew what I was thinking,” I murmur, the statement half-question, half-wonder.

Wilder’s gaze softens as he pulls back slightly, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that takes my breath away.“It’s part of being fated mates,” he says softly.“We have a connection that goes beyond words.It’s like our souls are intertwined, allowing us to sense each other’s emotions, thoughts, and even fears.”

I blink, trying to comprehend the depth of what he’s saying.“So, you can read my mind?”I ask, my voice trembling with a mix of awe and trepidation.

“Not exactly,” Wilder replies, shaking his head slightly.“It’s more like a heightened sense of awareness.I can feel your emotions, sense your hesitations, understand your unspoken thoughts.It’s as if there’s an invisible thread that connects us, guiding us toward each other.”

“Why can’t I do that with you?”Fear grips at my chest.Maybe he was wrong about us.All the beautiful promises he’s made seem like they may be out of my reach.

“Arwen, it’s okay,” he soothes.“Our bond is still new, and it takes time for both of us to fully connect on that level.It doesn’t mean the connection isn’t there or that I’m wrong about us.It’s a journey, one we’re just beginning.”

He cups my chin, his thumb stroking my cheek.“You’ll start to sense my thoughts and emotions more clearly as our bond strengthens.It’s not something that happens overnight.It’s like learning to walk together in perfect sync.It takes patience and trust.”

His words hang in the air, a fragile promise I desperately want to believe.The pain and fear in my heart begin to ease just a little, replaced by a glimmer of hope.“I just ...I don’t want to be second best,” I whisper, my voice trembling.“I’ve never felt like this and I’m scared it’s going to end in disaster just like the rest of my life has.It’s been a dumpster fire since I was born.”I try to look away from his handsome face, the pain in my chest is overwhelming.

Wilder’s grip on me tightens, grounding me and forcing my eyes to meet his.“Starlight,” he begins.“You are not second best.You are my fated mate, and that makes you my first, my one, my only.”He presses his lips to mine in a searing kiss then pulls away.“And I will remind you every fucking day until you finally believe it.”

He lifts my chin again, the intensity in his gaze is almost too much to bear, but I’m transfixed by him and I can’t look away.“Your past doesn’t define you,” he continues, his words like a balm to my wounded heart.“I know you’ve been through hell, but that doesn’t mean your future has to be the same.We are stronger together, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that our future is filled with love and happiness.”

Tears blur my vision, but I can see the sincerity in his eyes.“I’ve seen the dumpster fire that life can be,” he admits, his own pain flickering in his gaze.“But I’ve also seen the beauty that can rise from the ashes.You are that beauty, Arwen.You are the light that I never knew I needed.”

“Thank you,” I whisper.

“You don’t ever have to thank me, Starlight.”He lays down pulling me with him.As my head rests on his chest, I trace the outlines of his tattoos once more.

“You’re very wise,” I whisper, wishing I didn’t sound like an insecure child.

He chuckles, the sound a low rumble that vibrates beneath my cheek.“Well, I’ve been around the sun a few times.Seen a thing or two.”

“How many times have you been around the sun?”My words come out almost too fast, desperation clawing at me to understand him better.Will he think I am too young?Too innocent?At twenty-two, I feel like a fledgling in a world where he has soared for what feels like centuries.

He pauses, his breath steady and thoughtful.“Let’s just say...I’ve counted enough moons to know that age is just a number,” he replies, a smile illuminating his face.My chest swells with something that feels a lot like hope.

“But—” I hesitate, feeling the weight of our differences.“I mean ...you’re older than me.I don’t want you to think...”

His finger lifts, gently resting against my lips to hush my worries.“Arwen, I’m only thirty-nine, not a hundred,” he laughs, the sound so contagious it makes my worries melt away.

“Oh.”I sigh, relief washing over me like a gentle tide.

“I want one,” I murmur.“I always have,” I confess as I resume tracking his tattoos under my fingers.

Wilder’s arms tighten around me protectively as we lay there.His steady heartbeat is a soothing rhythm beneath my ear, grounding me in this moment.

“Really?”he asks softly, his voice vibrating through his chest.

I nod, tracing the intricate designs on his forearm with my fingertips.“Yes.I’ve always wanted a tattoo,” I murmur.“Something meaningful, something that tells a part of my story, like yours do.”

He tilts his head slightly to look down at me, a thoughtful expression on his face.“What kind of tattoo would you get?”

I ponder the question for a moment, my fingers still absently following the lines of his tattoos.“Maybe something that symbolizes strength and resilience,” I say finally.“Something that reminds me of where I’ve been, but also where I’m going.Like a phoenix rising from the sea, since that’s where I began.”

Wilder’s eyes light up with a mixture of admiration and curiosity.“A phoenix rising from the sea,” he repeats thoughtfully.“That sounds perfect.You need to embrace your siren origins.”

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