Page 80 of A True Mate Bond

“You look beautiful.”

She smiled and blushed. “Thank you.”

He opened his arms and she climbed into bed with him, allowing him to pull her into a hug. As soon as his skin touched hers, he could read her emotions much clearer, and her gasp revealed to him that she noticed it too.

“It’s much clearer when I touch you,” she whispered as she looked up at him.

“I can read your emotions much better now too.”

“This is amazing, but also a little scary,” she admitted.

“Why is it scary?”

“You feel everything now, even when I’m annoyed with you and I might not always want to share that with you.”

He chuckled. “Yes, but is that not normal in a relationship? We can’t always be happy with one another. We’ll always love each other, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be upset at the same time.”

She thought about it for a few moments while he ran his fingers over her skin and drew circles on her arm. There was no need for her to express that she agreed with him because he could feel it.

He laid his hand on her little bump. “We should get ready soon. I think we slept a little too long.”

“We did. I was so exhausted from yesterday I didn’t wake up once last night. I don’t even remember how I fell asleep.”

“One moment you were biting off a piece of cheese and the next you were out like a light.”

She giggled and sat up. “Do you think I have enough time to take a quick shower before heading to lunch?”

“We’ll make time for it.”

Forty minutes later, they arrived at the main house just in time for lunch. Alizia and Darron were the first to run toward them and pull them into a hug. Niev picked up Darron while Alizia took Blake’s hand and motioned him to follow her.

“We are playing cards.”

He let her tug him to the couch and sat on the floor with her. They’d spread the memory cards all over the floor. Seth and Ann were also sitting on the floor, patiently waiting for Darron and Alizia to return. Alizia explained the rules to Blake. Apparently, Blake needed a refresher on the dos and don’ts of memory, and was only allowed to join the game with Alizia on his team.

Niev sat behind him on the couch and ran her fingers through his hair. She was content, happy, and soaking in the good vibes of the morning. The way she loved her time with his family made him adore her even more. She must have felt it too as she leaned forward and kissed him, a silent thank you.

During lunch, it seemed as if none could hold back their curiosity anymore. Ann leaned forward and asked the question everyone seemingly wanted the answer to.

“So, are you still feeling the bond between the two of you?”

The whole room fell silent, and Blake could see that Niev’s cheeks had turned red.

He nodded and answered for her. “We do.”

“All the time?” Ann’s curious tone only increased.

“Yes, all the time.” The fact that their bond seemed to strengthen with touch was something he wasn’t willing to share.

“That is very interesting.” Kareem’s voice was more relaxed than that of his mate. “It does make me believe that you both were truly chosen for one another by the moon goddess.”

Everyone fell silent after that as no one seemed to know how to respond. After a few moments, little conversations arose here and there and Niev leaned toward his mother and father.

“I haven’t forgotten to bring back the necklace and the hair clip, but I wanted to ask if I could have the cases for them so I can bring them back safely.”

“All the jewelry boxes are still in the office. Just grab them on your way out,” his mother said smiling. “And the hair clip is all yours, my love. It looked beautiful on you, and I would love to see it worn much more.”

“I can’t accept a gift like that,” Niev argued, but his mother’s look was stern.

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