“Um, no. She said you need a few days to rest, and I plan to make sure you follow orders.”
“Oh? And just how do you plan on doing that?”
Nix’s sexy grin took Noah’s breath away. “By not letting you out of my sight. You’re staying in my quarters, with me.”
“What?”
“You got a problem with that?”
A problem? With his mate taking charge—finally, thank fuck!—and showing him how much he cared? Not freaking likely!
“No, I don’t have a problem with it. But are you sure you won’t have an issue with us being in such close proximity?”
“You can take the bedroom, I’ll take the sofa.” Nix shrugged. “No big deal.”
Hurt speared Noah and he struggled not to show it. “Whatever.”
“Good, it’s settled. I’ll be back later to check on you.”
But Nix didn’t stand up to leave. Instead, he hesitated, then leaned over, closed the short distance between them . . .
And melded their lips together.
The impact was like a solar flare detonated inside him. Sweet baby Jesus! God, the man could kiss. He demonstrated just how awesome he was at it as he slowly took charge of Noah’s mouth, tongue slipping past his lips to explore. Nix’s hand cupped Noah’s cheek, and Noah leaned into his touch, almost whimpering with the need for more as he buried a hand in his mate’s long hair.
All too soon, Nix pulled back, breaking the kiss. But his thumb was stroking Noah’s face, and the look in his eyes was pure fire. For about five beautiful seconds, this was the man Noah longed for as his life partner. The self-assured partner who’d love, desire, and cherish him above all others.
Then Nix retracted his hand and the doubt crept back in, shadowing his eyes. Whatever, or whoever, had put that look there, Nix’s reactions represented a lifetime of suppressing who he was meant to be. Noah really had his work cut out for him.
“I gotta go.” Nix eased back and stood. He looked like a wolf with his paw caught in a bear trap.
“Okay. See you later.” Noah gave him what he hoped was a reassuring smile.
“I’ll be back. And Noah? Don’t change how you dress, or anything about yourself,” he said quietly. “Not for me or anyone.”
With that, his mate turned and left. After the door shut behind him, Noah relaxed into the bedding and groaned. That man was going to be the death of him yet. Had any of the others had this much trouble getting on the same page with their mates?
Stupid question. Sure they had. Every single one of them had issues to get past before they could make things work, and it seemed he and Nix would be no different.
Bored, he cast about for something to do. It sucked being a patient instead of a nurse. His attention went to the rolling tray by the bed, and the plastic cup and water pitcher sitting on top of it. Reaching out, he pulled the tray over his lap and glanced toward the door. Melina or one of the nurses would probably check on him soon, and they might catch him playing with his gift.
But so what? He lived in a compound full of paranormal beings. Who cared if anyone saw him messing around with his miniscule abilities? They might give him a hard time because he hadn’t said anything about them, but not because he possessed them in the first place. Of course, his so-called powers were no big deal. In fact, his skills were downright embarrassing compared to the cool shit the others could do.
Placing the cup on its side, Noah stared at the object, concentrating. Focusing all his energy, he pointed his index finger at it and made a slow circular motion in the air. The cup began to turn in place in tandem with his finger. Chuckling, Noah made it spin faster. He didn’t have many talents, but this one, among a few other minor parlor tricks, had always made him laugh. His friends, too, when they were kids, or at least the very few he’d ever dared to show them to.
The words “parlor trick,” however, dissipated his good mood. Maybe if he could learn to perform bigger magic, like Kalen or Blue, he’d be more. More than a simple, weak human. Somebody his mate could be proud of.
Don’t change how you dress, or anything about yourself.
But Noah doubted he really meant that, deep down. How could he, when he could barely tolerate the thought of being Bondmates?
A sound at the door alerted him to the fact that someone had entered the room without him realizing it. Noah glanced over to see Blue, their resident Fae prince, regarding him with fond amusement.
The prince’s real name was Sariel, but he was widely known as Blue for his huge, gorgeous blue wings and matching hair.
“Hey,” Noah said, smiling. “What’s up?”
“I got word of your tussle with the tiger shifter. How are you feeling?” The prince moved to the chair Nix had vacated.
“Tired and sore. But glad to be alive.”
“No doubt.” He eyed Noah critically. “You’re looking well. More so than you probably should, even after Zan’s healing.”
“Maybe.” He frowned. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Like what?”