Page 101 of A True Mate Bond

“That’s the scary part,” Seth said quietly.

“How did you defy him?” Niev was even more curious now.

“My wolf kept pacing in the back of my mind and as soon as I let him take control, the Lycan’s command no longer applied. I’m not sure why, but it felt as if it couldn’t grip my wolf.”

Niev’s gaze rested worriedly on Seth. “Are you alright? You look like something is bothering you.”

Seth looked down at her and seemed hesitant. It took him a while before he was ready to speak. “I’ve never felt anyone but my father command me. I’m his heir, so my wolf doesn’t mind it. He doesn’t like it, but he still obeys. Having to submit myself to the Lycan was torture. It felt as if I was burning alive.” Seth’s eyes slowly trailed up to Blake, guilt radiating from them so deep that it even pained Niev. “Is that how you feel when you’re with me?”

Niev slightly sat up and took Seth’s hand as if she wanted to calm him.

“It used to feel that way. The beginning was the worst. With time, I got used to you. When Niev stepped into my life, she soothed my pain.”

They fell silent and sat with each other until Bill arrived with the van. Blake carried Niev into the back and held her tight as they drove home. All of the others decided to run back themselves–Kyle being the only one to ride with them. Niev fell asleep ten minutes into the ride. Enjoying her presence, he caressed her back with gentle strokes. Her heartbeats were steady and calm as she sunk deeper into her dreams.

Mourning a Friend

Niev woke up when Blake carried her out of the van. She opened her eyes and saw the sun rise above the trees as he walked through the village. She leaned her head against his bare chest and closed her eyes again, appreciating each minute she could spend in his strong, warm arms. His heart beat steadily in his chest like a mesmerizing song, beautiful and peaceful.

She only opened her eyes when she felt him climb up stairs and saw that they’d arrived home. He skillfully opened the door and carried her inside and to the bathroom where he gently sat her on the bathtub rim.

“Let’s get you out of these awful clothes and get you cleaned up,” he said gently before kissing her forehead.

She watched as the tub slowly filled up and let Blake help her out of the horrible nightgown and into the bathtub.

“I wish you could fit in here too. I would love to cuddle with you.”

He smiled and leaned down for a kiss. “We shall put that on the wish list for our next home.”

“Or we keep this beautiful home and just expand it.”

“Your wish is my command.”

She giggled and reached up, grabbing the hair by the nape of his neck and gently tugging him closer for another kiss. Words could never describe how much she loved this man and because of their bond, she didn’t even have to try to find them. He smiled down on her knowingly before he kissed her one last time and left her to relax.

She closed her eyes and listened as he busied himself around the house. At some point, someone knocked on the door and Niev could hear quiet voices talk. She soaked and let her body rest until the water was too cold to enjoy. Standing up, she let the water drain out and quickly showered her body off.

The door opened and closed behind her, Blake’s warm and soft voice wrapping around her soul. “I brought you something comfy to wear.”

She turned around and saw him holding up a fluffy towel. He helped her dry off before getting her bundled up in sweatpants, a t-shirt, and a big, comfy hoodie.

“Thank you.”

He bent down and kissed her forehead. “Christa and Mother are here to see you. Christa wants to make sure the babies are fine–she doesn’t trust my hearing. Mother wants to spoil and nurse you back to health.”

She nodded and took his hand, letting him lead her out to the living room where Mayra and Christa were already waiting for her. Christa with her instruments sitting in her lap, and Mayra in the kitchen preparing food. Niev walked over to Christa and sat next to her. Right away, she started her exam.

“How are you feeling?”

“Tired.”

Christa nodded and measured her blood pressure before moving on to her pulse. “Sounds good to me. May I listen to the babies now?”

Niev’s fingers started tingling in excitement, she always loved hearing her babies’ heartbeats. “Yes, please.”

Christa gently lifted Niev’s shirt, placed the doppler on her stomach, and started searching. It didn’t take long before Niev’s ears heard the most wonderful sound in the whole wide world. Aruna and Emlyn were singing her a beautiful melody. Niev gasped and gently laid her hand on her stomach, caressing her two girls, closing her eyes. Blake came closer, gently kissing her cheek and laying his arm around her shoulder.

“Aren’t they wondrous?”

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