Page 98 of Inked in Bloom
“It can be.”Though there are other ways I’d prefer to relieve stress. “Not sure that’s what I’d call what you were doing.”
“And what would you call it?”
“Rage painting.”
Monroe’s lips scrunch together. It’s unfortunate her anger makes her so damn kissable.
“I’m sorry you were punished and have to organize the ceremony.”
She cocks her head at me. “Are you?”
“Of course I am. I didn’t want you to be punished at all.” I try not to let the hurt come through my words that she would think I agreed with any of it. “They didn’t tell me what they were going to do. But I’m glad it’s nothing more severe.”
“Like making me go through the Conservatory again?” she teases.
“Actually, I’d be on board with that.” Means I’d see herevery day, making going to work infinitely better. But I keep that thought to myself—I’m grateful to be on this side of the wall versus left out in the rain.
Monroe sighs. “I’m sure it could have been worse. And it would be interesting to learn more about Bloom customs and traditions.”
I try not to let her curiosity get my hopes up.
“What can you tell me about it?”
“I don’t know much other than the basics. It usually kicks off solstice after Blooms return from the mortal realm. The ceremony is the formal and public acknowledgment and acceptance of the bond.”
“What do they do at it?” she asks. When I arch a brow at her, she holds up a hand. “Other than the claiming aspect.”
I grip my jeans above the knees, trying not to imagine taking her beneath the sun. Teeth sinking into skin. The vise of her lock pulsing. “Not sure. Never been.”
It’s all I can get out without cracking my teeth from clenching them so tightly.
“What?” Her eyes grow large. “How’s that possible?”
“I always volunteer at the Solstice Center during it.” I blow out a breath, tamping down the memories from our time there. It’s no use, though. Not when I’m talking with my mate about claiming.
“I bet being such adedicatedvolunteer kept you pretty busy.” Envy darts across the bond, and my cock twitches against my damp jeans. “But everyone else I’ve talked to seems so into it around here.”
“I mean, I’d be very into it, under the right circumstances.” The shade of her cheeks deepens from its usual pink into near scarlet. “But when you grow up knowing you have eternity and a mate to spend it with, it seems pretty trivial in comparison.”
It’s different for most of my Bloom counterparts. They were raised in a different world with a different set of rules around sex, relationships, and what’s acceptable. I see the appeal of letting loose, the sexual freedom of exploring your appetites where the rules are different and you’re free from mortal consequences. But I never had a mortal life, never felt like I was missing out.
Until now.
“I see.”
Doesn’t she realize? No Bloom could ever captivate me like her. But my volunteering had come in handy. It helped me maintain some level of control and got us safely back. Otherwise, my instincts would have led to us locked together in the dirt, watching our rabbit hole disappear.
I’ve spent years planning out how I’d care for my mate during our first solstice together, but I should have known the moment Fate tethered me to Monroe that no plan could’ve prepared me for falling for her. Maybe one day, when we aren’t racing time, I’ll earn the privilege of her choosing me to tend to her every solstice-related need. There’ll be no wall between us, and I’ll give her everything her wildest fantasies conjure and more.
“I know it’s frustrating to have to work on the ceremony, but if you want, I’ll help you.” I offer her a reassuring smile. “No ulterior motive.”
“Uh-huh.” She purses her lips at me. “That’s a bit hard for me to believe.”
“Fine, maybe there’s a bit of an ulterior motive.” I throw up my hands, my thighs aching where I’ve been clutching them more tightly than I realize. “It’s an excuse to spend time with you.”
Her stare drops to the floor before she looks up at methrough fanned lashes. “You act as though it’s the only way I’ll see you.”
“Aside from climbing up that ladder?” I tap the window behind me. The pelting rain shifts to a drizzle. It’ll fade into sunshine within the next fifteen minutes. “Possibly.”
