He nods thoughtfully, pausing his cooking to look at me with genuine concern. “I understand that. It’s important to you and it always has been.”
“Right.” I sigh, running my fingers through my hair.
Rion leans against the counter, his green eyes filled with empathy. “Have you considered what you want to do after you graduate? Is becoming an editor still your goal?”
“I do want to be an editor,” I admit, fidgeting with the edge of my notebook. “But the more I think about it, the more I wonder how that would even work. I want to stay with you and the team, so maybe joining the Alpha Team would make more sense.”
“Being part of the Alpha Team would certainly allow you to stay close to us,” Rion agrees, his voice thoughtful. “But it’s a dangerous path, and I wouldn’t want you to feel forced into it just because of circumstance.” I chew on my lip, feeling the weight of his words.
I watch Rion’s graceful movements as he stirs the simmering pot on the stove, his muscles flexing beneath his thin shirt as he thinks. The scent of garlic and rosemary fills the air, teasing my heightened senses.
“Anna,” Rion says suddenly, turning around and pulling me from my thoughts. “If you worked remotely, you could just travelwith the team. I’m sure you could find a role like that, be with your mates, and not give up on your dream.”
I pause, considering his words. The idea is appealing – a way to combine my love for literature and my loyalty to those who’ve become my family. “That… that might actually work,” I admit, feeling tendrils of hope take root in my heart.
“And I’ll be right there with you, every step of the way,” Rion assures me, his green eyes warm and encouraging.
“Thank you, Rion,” I say softly, touched by his unwavering support. “What about you? What do you want to do? Do you plan on joining the Alpha Team?”
Rion hesitates before he joins me at the island, resting his lithe frame against the cool marble countertop. His expression is contemplative, weighing the gravity of the decision before him.
“I’m not certain yet,” he confesses, his voice tinged with uncertainty. “Being part of the team is an honor and I’ll begrudgingly admit I like working with these guys. Plus, I want to help the world, the opposite of Killian. But this… this passion for cooking has ignited something within me, and I can’t imagine giving it up.”
“Nobody says you have to,” I reply gently, reaching for his hand. “You could find a balance, just like you just suggested I try to do.”
He nods and puts his dish in the oven to cook.
I stand up from the counter and move into his space. I’m ready to take things further with Rion and this feels like the perfect moment.
I press my lips to Rion’s before he knows what I’m doing.
He pulls back gently.
“Anna,” Rion whispers, his voice tinged with uncertainty. His green eyes lock onto mine, and I can see the flicker of nervousness behind them. In this moment, he appears just as vulnerable as I feel.
“Rion,” I respond softly, my lips barely moving. My own voice quivers, betraying my nerves.
Slowly, I close the gap between us, leaning forward. Our breaths mingle as I lean in, my eyes never leaving his. I hesitantly reach up, placing my hand on his cheek, feeling the coolness of his skin beneath my fingertips.
Our lips finally meet, and it feels like time itself freezes. The kiss is tender and slow, a gentle exploration of each other’s mouths. Rion’s lips are warm and soft, as they press against mine.
His arms wrap around me, pulling me closer.
As our lips part, Rion’s emerald eyes lock onto mine, brimming with emotion. Our breaths mingle in the space between us.
Be bold, Anna. Tell him what you want.
“Rion, I want to have sex with you,” I blurt out, face turning pink.
“Anna,” he murmurs, his voice low and filled with concern. “Are you sure about this?”
I know what I want with the taste of him still lingering on my lips.
“Yes, I want this, Rion. I want us.”
His gaze flickers between my eyes and lips, the uncertainty in his expression replaced by a warmth that makes me feel cherished. And then, without another word, he pulls me close, our mouths meeting again in a passionate embrace.
“Rion,” I say, my voice steady and resolute. “I love you. This is our fresh start and I’m ready to be with you, again.”
