Page 10 of Immortal Bonds

Why hadn't his sister told him about this place? It was adorable and quaint. Plus, he saw more than one thing he wanted to try.

It took him a second to pick just one, and when he told the girl his order, she said that he had made a great choice and that it would be out soon. He stepped away, moving down the counter. It was there he picked up more of the scent.

Okay, so whoever it was had come in, ordered, and moved down to wait for their order. He contemplated many questions all at once. Were they a regular? Could he find a way to run into them again? Was their scent stronger somewhere else where he could track it?

His dragon was strong, and if he did a spell, he probably could find them.

But he was hesitant. As much as the idea of locating his fated mate appealed to him, there was one major problem. His Little Biter. He'd fallen in love with him.

They didn't need to see each other in person for him to know it, and the thought of no longer being able to communicate with him — of having to delete the app and spend the rest of his days with someone else — made his heart ache. It made him so sad he wanted to drop down and cry.

The barista came over with the drink in hand, her smile in place. She took a breath in as if to speak and froze.

"Sir, are you okay?" she asked softly.

He gulped, nodding, because he didn't have the ability to speak. He took the cup from her, which she was slow to release.

"I don't believe you, but I also don't know you. If you need a minute to sit, the café is open. But if you want privacy, there's a park nearby. I'm sure you can probably get some space there. Really let yourself feel your feelings."

Thalric knew what she meant. Unfortunately for him, he could not do such a thing. Now that he'd been spotted out and about, it was only a matter of time before the entire horde knew he was there. He would have to be on if he stayed outside of the castle walls. Even knowing that, he understood he had to take a moment to regroup.

He dropped into a chair near the fireplace in the corner of the café and pulled out his phone. He exchanged texts with his Little Biter, checking in on his boy and teasing him gently. It eased some of the ache in his heart, while also furthering his decision to delay finding his fated mate. He didn't want to be torn. He couldn't understand how fate would give him this type of situation.

For now, he would hold strong, wait it out. If things exploded later, he would deal with the consequences. Besides, if he stayed in San Noctis, he would run into his fated mate anyway. Maybe that meant he shouldn't stay.

Fuck.

What was he going to do?

CHAPTER 4

CREIGHTON

"The fun has arrived."

The door to Creighton's shop slammed open at the announcement. He looked up, eyes wide and body full of terror. It wasn't because of the words that were said. It was the fact that someone had barged into his space so abruptly.

He blinked a few times, then realized it was not a threat. No, it was very much not a threat.

"Eden?" Creighton asked, voice full of confusion.

"That is me," the young man said as he skipped further into the store.

"What are you doing here? I thought you would have a courier come pick up this order."

Eden spun in a circle, letting the fabric of his long shirt fan out. It was gorgeous. Creighton had a touch of envy. He didn't want to wear flowing pretty things, but he did love that Eden had the freedom to be who he wanted to be. He was careful not to let it show. Eden would have him changed and dressed in a quick flash. No reason to get the other man involved. He didn't know how to take no as an answer.

Creighton took another moment to catch his breath and then stood from his desk. He went into the back where he kept completed orders and pulled out the one designated for Eden Saint. The royal prince was one of his best customers. He had found Creighton through an event where Creighton had donated some items, and where Eden was apparently volunteering at as part of his royal duties. They quickly bonded. Both of them being Littles and loving stuffies helped.

Eden always let Creighton have creative control. He would simply say what type of animal or creature he wanted, and Creighton would design it. They exchanged texts back and forth to verify the photos and then they were a wrap until Eden sent someone to come gather them.

Others would have seen it as a pretentious move, sending a courier for something they could get themselves. But Creighton understood why it was such a big deal.

Being a royal meant that Eden was observed often. He was put on a pedestal, and if he took one step out of line, others would call him out for it or make a big deal. The fact that Eden was a Little who often struggled to be Big made things more difficult.

"Here it is." Creighton held out the bag of stuffies to the other man.

Eden yanked it, pulling it to his chest and hugging it for a moment. Then he opened it up and pulled out the bright yellow sunflower stuffy.