His Second Mate

Chapter 6

Lillian-Marie's POV

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Waking up in the morning next to Alex was nothing new, we've shared a bed hundreds of times before. A smile came over my face as I listened to his soft snores, his lips were slightly parted and he just looked so peaceful and calm.

My heart felt a tug, as all I wanted was to cuddle up next to him and wake him up with kisses. I slipped out of the bed and went off to the bathroom to start getting ready for the day, but more so to put a tad of distance between us. I can't have many of these vulnerable moments with him. Just enough, I had to find a balance, we were too close but not as close as I wanted to be. I turned the shower on and proceeded to take my time while putting together a gameplan for the day. Lia yawned "Last night was wonderful."

I smiled remembering how she and Bernulf explored the woods together. After the movie, we went on a short run, we went to our creek and swam for bit, then found some of the really yummy flowers. Then we played in the tall, untamed grass, letting the moonlight illuminate our surroundings. After we got back to my cabin, we both passed out from exhaustion.

I began to rinse my bodywash from off my skin, the space filling with the sweet scent of cocoa bean and hints of vanilla. I let out a sigh, letting Lia have her own thoughts while I focused on my shower routine. I wet my face and then grabbed my face wash. Lathering up my face and scrubbing my eyes trying to wake myself completely. After my face was cleared I wiped my eyes and let the hot water wash over me. I closed my eyes again and just enjoyed the loosening of my muscles.

As much as I was relaxed, I couldn't forget that Alex was currently staying with me. Of course it was all temporary, even though, if he asked to move in, I would gladly let him. He was just so easy to be around, even though my blood burned for him, he was so charismatic that after awhile to just felt natural to be close to him.

The water dropped by a few degrees and brought me out of my thoughts. I sat a minute later, figuring Alex would also like to shower, so I reluctantly turned the water off and grabbed my towel, wrapping it tightly around myself. I carefully stepped out of the bathtub and made my way to the sink. I loved doing skincare, it brought a sense of happiness that I couldn't quite place. I enjoyed letting my skin absorb the products, as I gave myself positive affirmations in the mirror.

I am beautiful. I am strong. I am worthy. I am loved. I am giving. I am kind. I know my worth. I am going to make it. I stared into my own eyes, willing myself to believe the statements I was telling myself. I opened my container of under eye patches and applied a pair while I began to detangle my curls.

My arms ached slightly but after 20 minutes my hair was detangled and placed in a sleek ponytail. A simple but beautiful hairstyle. I unplugged my blow-dryer and put it back into its place. I removed my eye patches and added my last serum to my face, going in small circles all over my face. I finished by placing my favorite lip gloss on my lips, I stared as my reflection and I decided I wouldn't do much make up. I grabbed my eyebrow pencil and favorite mascara and precisely filled in my brows and then coated my already long lashes to make them darker and stand out.

I smiled at my reflection and my eyes traveled to the towel wrapped securely around my chest. My breath caught in my throat as I realized I forgot to bring in a change of clothes with me. I squeezed my eyes shut, s**t, surely Alex was awake by now. I opened my eyes and bit my lip, feeling slightly panicked, I came to the conclusion that I couldn't sit in the bathroom all day.

'You're a bad b***h', I whispered to myself. 'hell yeah you are' Lia confirmed. The corner of my lips turned up slightly and I took a deep breath as I opened the bathroom door. My blinds were still shut and the light was off. The soft but vibrant colors of the sunrise spilled through my blinds and curtains, casting the room with warm orange glow. My eyes snapped to the bed and I found it empty. Disappointment filled my core momentarily, I was hoping to see his expression seeing me in nothing but my towel. I shook my head. Why would I want that to happen? I walked over to my closet and pulled out a pair of leggings. I opened my smaller dresser drawer and grabbed a pair of seamless panties. I slid them on and then my leggings as well. I looked for a sports bra and found my favorite one. I would definitely need to do my laundry tomorrow. Walking back to my closet I put on an oversized sweater and put on my socks. I looked at myself in the mirror that hung on my closet door and was satisfied with my overall look. I looked refreshed and put together.

I took a deep breath and opened my bedroom door. The weather was transitioning into autumn, my favorite season. Something about watching everything change into something so beautiful right before dying. My cottage wasn't huge, but it wasn't small and it could easily fit 3-4 people comfortably. My bedroom was in the very back, with a spacious bathroom attached. I also had a smaller guest room and a main bathroom that guest could use. Mostly my dad added it at request to my mother, she likes to visit me often, it also comes in handy when I have Des over. I love cooking, it's another creative outlet, and plus you get to physically enjoy your art by devour it afterwards.

I walked through my short hallway into my living area. I could still smell Alex, so he must have just stepped out. I picked up my sage green throw blanket and decided this would be the main one in my couch today. I spread it out elegantly over my dark brown couch, the cushions sat in a wooden frame, from our own woods. Then I grabbed my extra cream orange blanket and placed it into my wicker basket that sat in the corner. A blush came over me as I thought of last night.

I heard him before I even felt the cool morning breeze wrap around me, penetrating the warm air. I turned and locked eyes with him. He had a smile that reached his eyes and radiated off of him. "I know you see them all the time but I just had to bring you this." he spoke in a low husky voice as we stood only inches from each other.

I looked at the space between us at one of my favorite flowers that grew at the edge of the wood in my backyard. The bloomed in the summer and had been recently dying off. I reached my hand out, our fingers brushing together as I grabbed the flower, a small smile playing on my lips. I looked up and was captivated by his bright green eyes. Strong and full of authority they held me hostage, seeming to search my very inner being.

"Thank you" I let out in a whisper without breaking eye contact. My body seemed to naturally pull closer to him as soon I felt the air evaporate between us. If only I could stay like this forever. My breath caught in my throat as I felt his hand brush against my neck. I think I forgot how to breath. What was he doing? I'm sure it's not the biggest secret that I have stronger feeling for him, but we were both very adamant on finding our mates. And well, I have found mine but he never seemed to feel that connection. As far as I knew he was also a virgin still. I gulped and my eyes fluttered shut, a moment from his gaze was all I needed. I took a step back and let out an airy laugh. "I will enjoy this beauty for another few days." I spoke while filling a small skinny table vase with water.

When I turned around I saw a look on his face that I couldn't quite place. Feelings burning in words unsaid. "Alex-" I was cut off by the ringing of my cell phone. My eyes darted to the caller name that popped up in bold letters.