My hand is resting on the console between us. Kaleb holds his hand out, and I grab it easily. He squeezes my hand, and I smile. It dawns on me that this has been a mutual practice since we met, offering each other comfort and reassurance. The thought fills my heart with hope.
“It’s been a crazy day for both of us,” Kaleb says. “Take your time, okay? I only want you to tell me when you’re ready.”
Lifting his knuckles to my lips, I press a tender kiss to his skin. “Thank you, love. Now, let’s get you home so we can form a plan for the next week.”
Chapter nine
Darius
Kaleb unlocks the door to his place he shares with his best friend and roommate, Stacy. The way Kaleb talks about her makes me eager to meet the person he calls family. The moment the door closes behind me, I take in every detail, hoping to learn more about my mate—the photos of Kaleb and Stacy on the walls, a large TV in the corner of the living room, and the oversized plush sofa decorated with… wait.
“Are those mermaid throw pillows?”
Cleo jumps out of Kaleb’s hold and rushes off to the next room. Kaleb spins around and glances at his pillows with a grin. “Yeah,” he pulls his long blond hair out of its bun, leaving me momentarily speechless.
I don’t know why I forgot how long and beautiful his wavy hair is, but I stare dumbly at this pretty man like he’s my own personal siren calling me to his side. Images of those sexy mer leggings and crop top come to mind. My own little mer-witch.
I chuckle at the thought.
As soon as his hair is free of its confines, he picks up another throw pillow to show me. “I kind of have a thing for the ocean and ocean décor.”
The throw pillow he’s holding has tentacles on the pattern. My gaze bounces between the mermaid pillows and the tentacle pillows, and for some reason, my cheeks heat with embarrassment. Is he unconsciously attracted to ocean creatures because of me?
Inside, my kraken swirls around with joy, waving his blue tentacles wildly like a damn inflatable tube man trying to entice Kaleb to buy a used car. ‘Mate. Mate,’he sings through the bond.
Kaleb’s head jerks up. “Did you say something?”
I gasp, momentarily shocked and thrilled. “What did you hear?”
“I could have sworn I heard the wordmate.”
My inner kraken whoops with joy again.Hush, you!
Kaleb eyes me curiously before giving me a sweet smile. “Anyway, make yourself at home. Stacy should be here soon. In the meantime, tell me more about yourself. Was anything you told me at the club true?” Kaleb walks into the kitchen. The open floor of their apartment gives me a full view. Kaleb opens the fridge and pulls out two water bottles.
I nod, taking a seat on the sofa. “Everything was true,” I reply, remembering how easily we clicked on Halloween. “I might have left out a few of themagicaldetails, but I’ll be honest. I opened up more than I ever have with anyone else on a first date.”
A wide smile spreads across his face as he hands me a bottle of water. He pauses for a moment before joining me, his thigh brushing against mine as he sits. “First date?”
“Yeah. I think so.” I grin back. “Is that okay with you?”
“Yeah, I think so too,” he replies with a flirty tone. “You mentioned working for something called the Guard?”
“The Elite Guard, yes. I briefly mentioned that we protect other paranormals and humans from rogues. Rogues are paranormals who hurt others, and in the process, risk exposing us to normal humans who don’t know we exist.”
Kaleb nods, listening, and allowing me to continue.
“I was a magical tracker for years before I retired several months ago.”
“And now you own a tea shop? That’s a drastic change.”
“I do. It was a change I needed, and I absolutely love it. I’ll show you, assuming you still want to come back to Heart’s Hollow with me and meet your parents?”
The silence lingers. Kaleb’s eyes finally meet mine. “I do, but…I’m scared.”
“Is there something I can do to ease your fears?” I wrap my arm around Kaleb’s shoulders. He leans his head against my chest.
“Will you go with me to meet them?” he blurts. I’m surprised at the request. Of course, I’ll go with him. I’m just shocked he would even want me there for such a private moment.
