“I can.” I could and would care about him for the rest of my life. Drakcol could take multiple sex partners, but we had one mate. Some sought the Crystal to find their perfect soulmate, like my younger brother Kalvoxrencol. Others, like me and my elder brother Hallonnixmin, met the person we wanted for the rest of our lives, choosing for ourselves.
I’d chosen Bartholomew. He was my mate. I would never desire anyone else, ever. Whether he chose me back or not, Bartholomew held my soul. I was willing to give him my one chance because he was special. I’d never felt this way before, and I was willing to stake my life on this feeling.
Most drakcol did not outlive their mates or survive when they were rejected, which was why we guarded our emotions, but I hadn’t bothered. Bartholomew was meant for me.
Besides, it was only a matter of time before he chose to stay with me for the rest of his life. I was attractive, successful, and perfect for him. Why wouldn’t he keep me? He wouldn’t abandon me. I was sure of it.
“You can’t know that, Serlotminden,” he repeated.
I cupped his cheek. “I can and do. I will always want you. I am never going to leave you. Trust me.”
His wide eyes stared at me. “Do you promise?”
“Yes.” Easiest promise of my life.
Bartholomew grunted, rolling to his side.
Once again. Why did he do that?
I settled behind him, my knees against his, his butt cradled against my hips, and I kissed his neck, making his pulse jump beneath my lips.
“Mate, speak to me. I do not understand.”
His muscles tightened, and I surrounded him more, sliding my wings out from the back of my shirt so one draped over him. Bartholomew was completely enclosed in my embrace. Safe.
“I have you, and that will never change,” I said.
“Okay.”
I frowned. Maybe he needed more reassurance? “You are amazing.”
He grunted.
“You are. You are caring. You always make sure I’m resting and not doing something foolish. You have an amazing laugh, and you always make me happy. You’re so smart and clever. You’re gorgeous. You are my perfect match in every way.” I did not need the Crystal to tell me who I belonged with. Bartholomew was my mate. He was it.
Bartholomew rolled over in my embrace. One of his legs slid between mine. I cupped his cheeks, running my fingers over the sparse hair. My soul pounded in need. He was mine, and I was his.
“Don’t hide from me, please,” I said in a low voice. “I like all of you.”
“I’m not hiding. I promise.”
“Then what are you doing?”
He frowned.
“What?”
“I’m worried.”
“Why?” What did he have to worry about? I was here.
“I’m worried you’ll change your mind about wanting me.”
I laughed, kissing his cheek. “Trust me. I am yours. No one else’s. Not now. Not ever.”
“Do you promise? No matter what I say or have done?”
My lips pursed in thought. “There is nothing that would change how I feel.”
