Page 14 of The Suspicious Mate

“So, what do you think of the place?” Cross asked light-heartedly as he reached out to Autry and pulled him in for a hug.

"Interesting." That was all Kallan felt comfortable saying.

"Autry wasn't sure about the place at first either." He laughed and kissed Autry's cheek. "But it grew on him, didn't it, baby?"

"Yes, it did, and so did the guy who runs the place." Autry smiled large.

"You say the sweetest things, baby."

Noa appreciated Autry getting Kallan's mind off his troubles for a few minutes, but now they were on their way to his place, and the silence in the truck was becoming oppressive. "We'll figure this out, Kallan. The bastards who wrecked your place will be found, and your life will get back to normal." He felt the need to reassure, although Kallan simply glanced over at him and nodded. "It will be okay, sweetheart."

"I've been thinking about going back home to Dickinson." He blurted, and Noa felt his heart sink. "I've only been here in Cincinnati for two days, so it's not like I've put down roots or even secured a job. I can go home and pick up where I left off pretty easily." Even as he was saying it, Noa could sense that he was not happy with the discussion. He didn't want to leave, and that at least gave Noa hope he could convince him to stay.

“Is that really what you want to do?” Noa began. “You left for a reason, and I don't believe a break-in is enough to send you running back there."

"I'm scared," Kallan answered truthfully. Noa pulled into his driveway and cut the engine before reaching over and pulling Kallan to him. He then kissed him softly at first, gently gauging his acceptance, and then harder and deeper when Kallan began to reciprocate. The kiss was magnetic and powerful, drawing out everything Noa was feeling and setting fire to their soul. He plunged deep inside, tasting his mate and experiencing the special sweetness and touch of the man that was meant only for him.

The kiss went on for several minutes before breathing became an issue, and Noa slowly released him but still held him in his arms and rained kisses down the side of his face and across his jaw. Noa could not get enough of the fresh, sweet taste of his Fated mate.

Someday he planned to call home and let his cousins know that what they were told about mates was all bullshit. Just because the elders never met their mates doesn’t mean that mates don’t exist, and he is proof of that fact.

He decided he'd make that call sooner rather than later, considering some of his cousins were looking at finding a partner and settling down. Even he had thought about when he would choose someone and build a relationship. Thankfully Fate smiled on him and gave him the precious gift of Kallan Temple.

Kallan laid his head on Noa's chest and just composed himself for a few minutes. Noa smoothed his hair and rubbed his back, reveling in the trust and rapport they were developing. Finally, with a long, drawn-out sigh, Kallan pulled back and stared up at Noa.

“Why do I trust you so much? What is it about you that makes me relax and believe that everything will be fine?” He said this with just the mere shadow of a grin.

"We're mates Kallan; you and I were meant to be together. It was written in the stars." Noa smiled, and Kallan took it as sarcasm when in actuality, Noa was speaking the truth.

“Soul mates?” He asked.

"Deeper than that, we are Fated mates bonded body and soul." Noa continued to speak truths, and Kallan continued to smile.

"I like the sound of that." He said and slid from the truck just as Noa was rounding the front to meet him. He placed his arm across Kallan's shoulders and led him inside. He wondered what Kallan would think of his home. He liked his home. It was large, with high ceilings and wide doors, and it suited him and his bear. He wasn't much for decorating, but it was somewhat furnished.

He'd only lived there for two years, he justified to himself, and decorating and furnishing takes time. As he looked around, he wished he'd made more of an effort to have the place in order for his mate. The living room consisted of one sofa and a matching chair. The area really needed a throw rug or maybe an end table. Noa shook his head and pulled his thoughts back to his mate.

"I like your place minimal but stylish, and the pieces you have are quality pieces. Very nice, Noa." Kallan complimented him, and Noa wasn't sure if it was coming from a place of truth or manners. He decided it didn't matter what his place looked like. As long as his mate was there, everything was perfect.

"It needs some work, but thank you all the same." He gave him a one-armed hug and brought him to the kitchen, and sat him down at the counter. "Can I get you anything, coffee, water, juice, pop, beer?" Kallan raised his hand and laughed.

"I don't need anything, Noa. I had a couple brandies at the Zephyr, so I'm okay."

"Food, are you hungry? Can I fix you anything?"

“No, not hungry.” He watched Noa move around the kitchen and come and sit next to him. Noa loved the way his eyes followed him. Noa handed him a bottle of water.

“Just in case.” He said, and Kallan took the water but didn’t open it.

"I should call Mac and let him know what happened and where I'm staying," Kallan announced, but then, after a moment, decided to wait. "If I call him now, he'll be upset and come over and try to help, and there is nothing he can do right now. I'll call him in the morning, and maybe he can help me salvage some things from the apartment."

"I think that's probably best." Noa agreed. "Mac is a doer and would probably end up over at your apartment getting into trouble." Noa also wanted to have Kallan to himself tonight, getting to know each other here in Noa's home. He didn't want to give that up, not even for his good friend Mac.

Kallan fell silent and closed his eyes. The emotion he was trying to control was intense. Noa could feel the roiling within him and sympathized with his mate. He rubbed his back in slow circles, and slowly, Kallan leaned toward him, and Noa took him into his arms once again. Kallan was finding peace with Noa as he should. Mates were there to comfort and support. Their connection was growing stronger, and Kallan's feelings were coming through clearly.

He was feeling confused and disheartened, but also there was solace in being in Noa's arms. Kallan was not hiding himself from Noa, and that sort of trust was always the hardest to achieve. He was comfortable enough that he could let go and show his feelings. Noa was stunned for a moment when he felt Kallan's soft, warm lips press against the underside of his chin. This was Kallan making the first move, and Noa was there for it.

Noa moved slowly, lowering his head and capturing Kallan's lips with his own. The kiss grew as they both became animated in their desire for more. Noa picked him up in his arms, and Kallan wrapped his legs around Noa's waist. The kiss continued with the heat and craving escalating. Noa wanted this man so badly he could hardly see straight.

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