“Mom,” I answer.
“Son,” she says, lowering her voice. “I messaged you today.”
“I know. I was busy.” I glance out the window. “I planned to call.”
“Did you have another job?”
“I did. It wasn’t expected.”
“Another bad man,” she says softly.
“The worst,” I say.
“Oh, no.”
“Yeah.” She doesn’t want the details, but we use the same words for the different abusers. “I have news.”
“Good?”
“Very.” I exhale. “I found my mate.” Silence. “Mom?”
“You…what?”
“I went out with Allie, and she walked into the room. Momma, I’ve never seen someone so beautiful. Her name is Rylee. She’s a fox shifter. There was no denying we are mates.” I rub my chest. “I feel her inside me already. She makes me…” I drop my arm, propping it on the window frame. “Feel everything.”
“Rylee,” she says softly. “Are you with her?”
“No. Mom, she’s been hesitant. I don’t know the reasons yet, but I can guess. You know what I do. She alluded to needing someone like me when she was young.”
“Oh, no,” she whispers.
“She came with me today. She knew what I had done beforehand and asked if she could come. It wasn’t a shock, and she helped. You know what that means to me,” I say.
“I do. Is she open to the bond?”
“Yes, she needs time, though.”
“And you will give it to her. My thoughtful boy.”
“She needs it, but I think today was a good step towards it. I met most of her family. There are more shifters here who have formed a family, vampires too. It’s odd, yet they protect each other.” I drop my head to the seat. “I protected them from pain.”
“Shit. Are you recovered?”
“I slept most of the night after instead of sitting outside her home,” I drawl.
“That’s what you're doing now.”
“You know me.”
“I do. So, I know you will do everything to make her comfortable. You will tear yourself apart, denying your needs to gain her trust. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. I’m proud of how you're handling yourself.”
“But?” I grin.
“Don’t forget to express what you need. Holding back your emotions will damage the relationship. Make sure she knows how much you want her.”
“Yes, Mom.”
“Ezra, you deserve this. I know you are going to be a wonderful mate. Thoughtful and kind. I’m afraid your calm nature is going to be tested.”
