Page 88 of Severed By Magic

He shrugged and continued reading. He could be so oblivious sometimes. So dumb when I knew he was incredibly intelligent.

“Fine. Everyone else's loss is my gain.” I headed down the hall and knocked quietly on the door before pushing my way in and peering at the absolutely incredible sight of my mate sleeping. She was so beautiful.

I didn't want to disturb her, especially when she's looks so peaceful, but this was too rare of an opportunity to pass up. I pulled off my shirt and stepped out of my sweats, then crawled into bed behind her and pushed her hair back from her face.

“Saige,” I whispered.

Her eyes fluttered open, and she smiled. “You're back.”

I leaned forward and kissed her bare shoulder.

“Everything okay?” she asked while she stretched into me.

“Everything's fine.”

She stared at me for a moment before her brows knit together. “Something's wrong.”

I swallowed, not sure how to explain what I was feeling. “I'm so sorry.”

“For what?” Panic filled her voice, so I leaned forward and kissed her, trying to reassure her.

“For not being able to promise you a better future. For not being able to promise you'll be safe. That I can’t keep all of us safe.”

“That's impossible to guarantee,” she whispered, running her fingers over my chest.

“I know, but I wish I could.”

She rested her hand on my cheek. “You just need to promise me you'll do everything you can to stay with me.”

I considered her words. “I can promise you that.”

She smiled. “Good.”

I wanted to freeze this moment and live in it forever.

I love you, Saige.

Her lips curved up.I love you, Kaden.

“I need to hold you,” I confessed.

She pulled back the blankets. I slipped under onto my back, and she settled into my side, resting her head on my chest and roaming her fingers up and down my abs.

“Did something happen tonight?” she asked in a quiet voice.

I sighed. “No. I just feel like I’m waiting for the next shoe to drop. I want to feel safe and settled here, but I’m worried.”

“Me too.” She pressed a kiss against my chest, and I squeezed her to me.

Her hand drifted further down with each pass until she hit the waistband of my boxers.

“What are you doing?” I hadn’t meant for anything to happen when I climbed into bed. I just didn’t want her alone.

She didn’t answer, just slipped her flingers under the fabric and found my hardening length. Without hesitating, she started slowly pumping. I closed my eyes, enjoying the feel of her hand wrapped around me. Her confidence was turning me on. She didn’t ask questions this time. She trusted herself and me to tell her what I wanted.

But I didn’t want this to be just about me tonight. I needed to feel her too. I needed to remind myself she was here and safe. After the attempt to get to us, I craved a connection with her. Was she ready for that?

The last thing I wanted to was push her when we had so much else going on, but she was on top of me, touching me. She was in control, and I wouldn’t doubt her.

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