Page 24 of The Alpha's Addiction
I blink."How did you…"
"Asked Mrs.Lockwood.She says you’re predictable."
"That’s...terrifyingly accurate.Come in.I want to talk to you."
I let him inside, and he heads toward the kitchen.I watch him for a moment, admiring howrighthe looks in my space.He seems so at ease here.It’s unsettling how natural this already feels.
Maybe we are meant for each other,I think as I close the door and move to join him.
He unloads the bag onto the table.Two croissants, a breakfast burrito, and a tiny container of jam.He knows me so well already.It should scare me, but it has the opposite effect.No one has ever put this much effort into getting to know me.No one has ever taken care of me the way Rhodes does.
We sit, and I sip my latte, the caffeinated warmth slowly dragging me into wakefulness.
"You okay?"he asks quietly.
I nod.Then pause, really thinking it over.
"I think so."
His brow furrows.
"I just...I have a lot on my mind."
"Tell me."
I take another sip, trying to find the words."I like you, Rhodes.A lot.Probably more than I should for someone I’ve just met, but this—us—feels so big.Like it’s already more than I know how to handle.I mean, I have no experience with any of this, and now I feel like I’ve been thrown in the deep end."
He waits patiently, his gaze steady.
"What if I’m not who you think I am?What if I’m not enough?I’m not strong or loud or confident.I bake cookies and read fantasy and romance novels.I get anxious in crowds.I don’t know anything about being in charge.I like being a wallflower."
He sets his cup down and reaches across the table, taking my hand."Adeline.I don’t want you to be anything other than exactly who you are.You’re my mate.That means everything."
“I guess I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around all of that,” I admit.“I’m not used to permanence.Everyone leaves eventually.”
“I’m so sorry you’ve had that experience, mate.I wish that I could go back and change everything with your mom.”
I nod, blinking back tears.
“I know it will take time for you, but I’m going to prove to you that I’m not going anywhere.You’re my person, and I’m yours.We were made for each other.Chosen by nature.By fate.It’s rare, sacred.When we meet our person, our fated mate, it’s instant.Irrevocable.Permanent."
My heart races as I listen to him talk about our future.I’m afraid to admit how badly I want what he’s offering me.
"Permanent," I whisper.
"If you say yes," he adds softly."If you agree to bond with me, then yes.We’ll be connected forever.I’ll mark you during the full moon, claim you as mine, and we’ll be bound together, mind, body, and soul."
"Forever."
He nods.
My breath comes out in a slow exhale."That’s...huge."
"I know."
"And the full moon is…?”
“Tonight,” he says thickly.
