Page 109 of Destined Paranormals: Volume One

“I also liked your kisses. Both of them. And the one on my forehead. It felt different but still special, just in a different way.”

I leaned down and kissed Asher’s forehead again. “Forehead kisses are a way of showing affection anywhere. They are sweet, show that you are with a person and they are with you, and can be given anywhere. Some places don’t really like more affectionate displays of affection, and forehead kisses are a way that we can show affection and how much we care no matter where we are.”

“You care for me already?”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Of course I do. I understand why you ask though. We’ve only known each other a very short time. Not even a few hours yet. But you are my mate. I’m completely wired to love, protect, and care for my mate. That’s how shifters work. In return, we hope the same happens with our mate. I’ve known a few who didn’t have a returned bond, and it wasn’t a pretty relationship.”

Asher looked thoughtful for a little bit before he finally nodded. “You mentioned places not liking affection.”

I winced. “Yes. Some places aren’t accepting of male-male pairings or female-female pairings.” I sighed. “Unfortunately, where we are currently at can be a hit-or-miss place. Some locations are safe, like our hotel room. Others, not so much. I have worked with Dr. White for a long time. He and his office would be what I would consider a safe space. But he’s not from here—just happens to be living and working here. He’s actually from England, which is where I was born.”

“What about where your family lives?”

“Well, Pierre still lives in France. France is safe. So is England, although I no longer have a house there because I sold it. As for Montana, yes, very safe. My father works for the paranormal council. They are obviously safe. There is a den, a pride, and a pack in the immediate area, and they, too, are safe places. Unfortunately, the towns themselves do have some humans in them as it’s a touristy area. That means that when you are pregnant, you cannot be seen out in town.”

“But when I’m not? We could be together there?”

I grinned at my mate. “Absolutely.”

He nodded once. “Good. I like the idea of Montana more and more. Do you know, are there any other fae in that area?” Asher asked as he laid his head on my shoulder.

“I’m not sure. I can ask Father, and he can find out for us. I’ve only visited the once, and although I did go for several runs while there, I didn’t spend a lot of time with anyone other than my parents and Ben and Eli. Their twins were newly born, and I happened to be there because of the babies.”

Asher sighed. “That sounds lovely. I hope to meet them someday. If your brother is anything like you, I’m sure he’s nice.”

I smiled again as I rested my chin on Asher’s head. “Yes, Benjamin is nice. Eli is sweet, and despite everything he’s been through, he’s open and friendly.”

Asher moved, raising his head to look at me. “Been through?”

“All I will say was he was kidnapped, and it wasn’t a good time. It’s not really my story to tell. Just know that he was held by very bad people, and he had to work through a lot of things because of it.”

Asher’s scent turned to sadness. “That’s terrible. I’m sorry he went through something like that. We have bad apples in our realm as well. You never truly know how someone will turn out.”

Asher laid his head back down on my shoulder, and I snuggled him a little tighter. “No, you don’t. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You didn’t.” He sighed. “This is so nice. I know you have things to do, and I should let you do them, but can we cuddle like this for a little longer?”

I smiled and then kissed the top of his head. “We can cuddle as long as you’d like.” I would hold him all day and night if that was what he wished.

Chapter 6

Asher

Calum was comfort. He was security. He was somewhere to feel safe. He made me tingle in ways that weren’t sexual but relaxing. So much so I felt my body growing heavy with sleep, and I knew I needed to move, or I would fall asleep in his lap.

I sat up, and Calum seemed reluctant to let me go. But he had things to do, and I didn’t wish to be the reason he didn’t finish his work. I wanted to have that time with him that he’d mentioned. There was nothing wrong with that, was there?

“What’s wrong?” Calum asked.

“I’m just moving. You’re warm and comfortable, and if I stay there much longer, I’m going to fall asleep.”

“Are you tired? Would you like to lie down and take a nap? The bedroom is just through that door right there,” he said, pointing to the door that was open. I had figured it was a bedroom or washroom.

“No. I just…you’re my mate, and when you’re holding me, the tingles in my body smooth out and aren’t as intense.”

“Are they causing you pain?”

I walked right into that one and smiled nervously. “When you kissed me, they started to intensify. But when you were holding me, they calmed down. It’ll be all right. I have several days before they become unbearable. I’m not too worried about it.”