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Hearing about his emotions made him seem morehuman. Or if not human, more relatable. I felt like I understood him a little more, at least.
Knowing he wasn’t going to make the first move after everything, I leaned my head on his shoulder and asked quietly, “Do you think we loved each other?”
“I don’t know.” His reply was honest, and that made me appreciate it more. “What I do know is that you smell like home to me. It was the strangest sensation to take in your scent for the first time. It flooded my senses, and I realized that despite centuries of living, I had never smelled my home before.”
My eyes stung again. “That’s really intense, Ivaylo.”
“What could be more intense than a bond that exists beyond worlds?”
I didn’t have an answer for him, but I didn’t think he was looking for one. For the moment, it was enough just to be beside each other, sharing our thoughts.
“I feel comfortable around you,” I admitted. “I thought it was just because of your magic or something, but it wasn’t like that around your pack. I think it’s justyou.”
“Your soul recognizes mine, even without the magic of a sealed bond,” he said.
“I think it does, as insane as that sounds.”
“It doesn’t sound insane at all.”
A soft laugh escaped me. “You’re from a magical world. A lot of things that sound insane to me are probably normal for you.”
He chuckled. “I suppose that’s probably true.”
A few minutes of silence passed. It wasn’t like our last silences—it wasn’t awkward, or uncomfortable. It was peaceful.
My insecurity crept back in. “You’re attracted to me too, right? You made a big deal about lust not equaling attraction, and I know you said you think I’m beautiful, but—”
He squeezed my hand tightly. “I am more attracted to you than I ever imagined was possible, Ezra. Do not doubt that.”
I nodded, trying not to show my relief. “Do you think we should hold off on the kissing until I’m more sure about everything?”
“I would sooner take the opportunity to persuade you with my mouth. I don’t feel the same uncertainty you do, so the only one who can decide that is you.”
My lips curved upward. “I’d rather do that too, but I think it would be smart to wait until the frenzy gives us no choice. We would have more time to build a friendship that way, too.”
“That sounds fair,” Ivaylo said.
I nodded, and he slid closer to me.
He released my hand and wrapped an arm lightly around my waist. “You need to sleep. Your body is likely still adjusting to the magic.”
I didn’t know enough about that to argue with him. “Alright.”
He lowered us both to the pillows, taking a moment to press his front to my back as he inhaled the scent of my hair. His chest rumbled softly, and it warmed me.
The frenzy was already reacting again.
His lips brushed my ear. “I’ll need to sleep in my wolf form if you want us safer from the lust.”
“Probably a good idea,” I whispered, though I would’ve much preferred to sleep beside him like he currently was.
He tugged the blankets over both of us before shifting forms and snuggling up with me. I ran my fingers through his fur, pressing my face to his neck as I inhaled deeply.
Maybe he smelled like home to me too.
nine
EZRA
