Page 5 of Bloom
“Alltime?”
“Yes. Demigods have the immortal properties of their godly parents. And when they bond, that passes onto their mate as well, since they cannot survive without one another. When the pair bonds, their lifelines and souls intertwine. They truly become one.”
“And…your mate…that is me? But how do you know? We just met.”
“I knewbeforewe met. When you were driving towards my home, I felt a shift in the air. I knew you were going to change my life. And when you stepped out of your truck and I laid eyes on you for the first time, I knew from the depths of my soulthat you were my forever. I know it is different for humans; the instinct isn’t as strong. But I’m sure you’ve felt the pull between us; an indescribable need to be close.”
“I have,” I admitted. The way he was talking, there wasn’t any use playing hard to get. “But wait…what about your mom?” Timber’s eyes widened and I snickered at how strange that had to sound. “You said that once a mate is found, you can’t desire anyone else, but she had kids with different guys.”
“She did, but that was before she met her mate. Since they got together, he has been her world and she, along with all of those children, have been his. He loves us, and their worlds are completely intertwined, just as ours will be. I’m here to help, support, and love you.”
“Hell, you’re helping heal my land. You can have my heart, my asshole, my name - whatever you want.”
Heat flashed in Timber’s eyes before he cleared his throat. “I will help you, but I’ll earn your love.”
I gave him a caring smile before asking another question on my mind. “You said one purpose of coming here was to find your mate. What was another?”
“To care for the earth. Because of my lineage, I was born with special abilities.”
“Like bringing dead plants back to life?”
“Well, yes,” he answered with a smile. “I have control over flora, and sometimes I revive farms or forests with my touch. But I also understand what vegetation needs to grow and thrive, so sometimes my assistance comes through educating farmers on how to care for their land. I’ve worked with companies when they’re developing chemicals, and with small business owners like Chuck, so they can care for their communities.”
“That’s beautiful.” Instead of just waving his hand for a temporary fix, Timber took the time to teach and nurture. He was teaching men to fish, instead of providing a one-time meal.
His pretty smile faltered. “You know, different demigods have different abilities. Some are gifted with great strength; they are mighty fighters and protectors.” I couldn’t believe my ears; Timber was apologizing for what he thought were shortcomings.
“I think a true sign of strength is caring for others, and for things that can’t care for themselves.”
His grin returned and my heart warmed. “Thank you. You don’t know what that means to me.” He sighed and looked at the blackened earth around him. “Speaking of which, we need to get to work fixing this and setting up those cameras.”
Chapter Three
Jersey
Timber and I spent the rest of the afternoon working together on the farm. I watched in awe as he brought my poor crops back to full grandeur. He may claim he wasn’t strong and powerful, but watching him control the very earth itself was something to behold.
After a run into town to purchase supplies, we set up cameras and motion detectors all around the perimeter of my property, making sure they were hidden from view. I downloaded an app on my phone that would allow me to monitor the live feeds, and I would receive an alert if any of the motion detectors were activated.
Timber and I worked together seamlessly. We were a perfect team as we chose hidden camera locations, passed tools back and forth, and got everything set up. We anticipated each other’s needs and talked and laughed easily the whole time. We fit together as though we were crafted for one another, and I suppose we were. It seemed impossible that we’d known each other for such a short period.
By the time everything was set up, the sun was hanging low in the sky. Dusk would be creeping in shortly, and when I heard a quiet rumble, I looked up, expecting to find gray clouds, but quickly realized it was the sound of my stomach in the still evening air.
“You need food,” Timber announced, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards my house. “I’ll cook for you.” He was taking his ‘provide and nurture’ role very seriously.
“That might be a problem,” I admitted, and his feet abruptly stopped. “Things have been chaotic lately, and mygrocery situation leaves a lot to be desired. I might have some peanut butter, though.”
Timber let go of my hand, leaving it cold and lonely, to cross his arms over his chest. “We’ll be fixing thatgrocerysituationtomorrow. And my mate deserves better than peanut butter.” His face lit up with a wide smile. “I know just the thing. Oh, and grab your guitar.”
I didn’t ask questions; he was so excited, I just went with it, eager to see his plan. So, I retrieved my guitar from the house, and handed over my truck keys when he asked. Timber claimed that I was too hungry and worn out to drive, and he wanted to keep me safe. I was fine to drive, but I’d never had anyone worry or care about me in that way, so I happily slid into the passenger side of the truck.
After a quick stop at a local market, Timber drove us out to a wide open field, which was lined with wildflowers and bushes. Sweet, floral fragrance hung heavy in the air, and it was the perfect spot for stargazing as they were beginning to pop across the sky.
We took a seat on the plush grass, and Timber served our food out of the grocery bags; carved turkey sandwiches, grapes, Gatorade (to ‘replenish my electrolytes from working so hard’, how sweet), and two huge chocolate chip cookies. He apologized for it not being homecooked, but I thought it was perfect.
I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I took the first bite of my sandwich. The only thing I’d had all day was a cup of coffee. After that, I was too concerned about my problems, and then busy with Timber. Actually, I couldn’t recall the last time I sat down and had a decent meal. Eating or even taking care of myself hadn’t been high on my priority list lately.
When I told that to Timber, he promised to make me dinner every night. When I tried to argue, he said that he insisted, and wouldn’t take no for an answer; that it was his duty,right, and honor to care for me. But luckily, I was able to talk him into letting me take him out for dinner dates from time to time. He wasn’t the only one who wanted to care for his partner.
