Page 23 of Ghosted AF
Relying on muscle memory to get me to the kitchen, I stared down at my palm, smiling like an idiot as I traced the delicate lines of my mating mark. While pretty, I cared less about what it looked like, and more about what it symbolized.
Commitment. Belonging. Promise.
There was a new steadiness to me, a quiet certainty I couldn’t quite put into words. My entire world had shifted on its axis, and yet everything felt sturdier, more grounded.
In the kitchen, I moved on autopilot, pulling what I needed from the cabinets as my thoughts hummed with memories of theprevious night—Caius’ touch, the weight of him pressed against me, the way our bodies had come together in the dark.
Once I had the coffee brewing, the air filled with its rich aroma, I leaned against the counter with a contented sigh. I wasn’t naïve enough to think we’d never argue or disagree, but for now, everything felt perfect.
When the sound of muffled footsteps drew me back to the present, I smiled and turned to greet my mate. “Good m—oh, my god!”
My eyes widened, and I stumbled backward, gripping the counter as I tried to figure out where to look.
Basking in my post mating glow, I had completely forgotten about the magical bird camped out in my living room. Only, now, instead of a phoenix, I had a very large, very naked man standing in the entryway of my kitchen.
“Mykal. Hi. Uh, you look better.” What the fuck was I even saying? “I mean, not that you looked bad before.”
“Why am I naked in your apartment?”
“That is a very good question.” And one I was wholly unqualified to answer.
“Rylee? Is everything okay?”
I took a deep breath and released it slowly, Caius’ voice inside my mind a soothing balm to my frayed nerves.“Yep. Everything is great. Could you come to the kitchen, though? And bring some pants.”
“What’s wrong?”he asked, his tone instantly alert.
“Nothing’s wrong. Just…Mykal is back. Yay!”
There was a pause, then Caius’ laughter floated through our connection to fill my head.“I’m on my way.”
“Rylee?”
My gaze snapped back to Mykal, and I instantly regretted it. Though I made a determined effort to keep my eyes on his face—dark hair, dark eyes, thick brows—my brain had no trouble filling in the rest.
“It’s kind of a long story,” I hedged. “Do you remember bursting into flames at any point?”
“Ah, hell.” He carded his fingers through his thick hair, and a frustrated grunt puffed from his lips. “I’m sorry. I thought I had a few more days.”
“Rebirth is a bitch, isn’t it?” Caius joked, tossing a towel at the male before sliding past him to join me in the kitchen.
“Honestly, I can’t say.” As he spoke, he wound the cotton around his waist and secured it at his hip. “It was my first, and I don’t really remember it. What day is it?”
“Friday,” I answered, my pulse settling now that he was covered. “This is Caius, by the way. He’s mine.”
Smirking, Caius rested one hand on the back of my neck as he extended the other in greeting. “I contacted the management office to let them know what happened, but you’ll probably want to call as soon as you get a chance.”
“I appreciate that.” He gripped my mate’s hand briefly before returning his attention to me. “I’m sorry if I caused you any trouble.”
“You didn’t.” Sure, it had been terrifying at first, but if it hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t have met Caius.
“Thanks for looking after me. I’ll get out of your hair now.” He glanced down at the towel around his waist. “Do you mind if I return this tomorrow?”
“No rush,” I assured him. “You can just drop it off the next time you’re in the building.” My gaze flickered past him to the living room. “Don’t forget your tools.”
He thanked us both again, and Caius walked him to the door while I pulled a couple of mugs down from the cabinet and filled them with coffee.
“Your phoenix problem is officially over,” my mate said when he returned to the kitchen.
