His Chosen Mate (Complete- Standalone)

Chapter 27

I am halfway back to Kingston’s loft and a cramp rocks my lower abdomen. F*cking hell.

I hadn’t had my periods in over a year, the implant had made them so short and eventually, they just stopped happening. I wasn’t expecting them to start again so soon though. As another twinge twisted through me, my skin pebbled and the undeniable feeling hit. Absolute perfect timing. I muttered to myself, I turn around hoping Kingston is there. I have the codes to get into his building and access to the elevator but I want to go home. I want to wear granny panties, sweats, eat ice cream and not worry about blood on anyone else's bedding.

“I think I started my period,” I say to him. “I am gonna pack up and head back to my house. I don’t give a s**t about Troy and my safety. I don’t believe a word he says but I don’t think he means to harm me. Let me PMS in peace.” The truth is, I don’t trust him either.

“Okay.” Is all he says as we walk the rest of the distance to his place.

I immediately unstrap my heels, kicking them too aggressively off, and stride to his bedroom, slamming his bedroom door behind me and then I head to the bathroom to confirm my suspicion. Thanks to Kingston’s booty calls, I at least have a tampon. I throw all my stuff lazily into my bags and within ten minutes I am rolling my suitcase and bags into the living room.

“Should I call Uber or will you drive me?” I am literally tapping my foot, hand on my hip, acting a bit like a spoiled princess.

“I’ll drive you.”

“Thank you.” He grabs my bags and silently loads them in the elevator. I do a final sweep, grab the heels I had kicked off and the phone charger, I think that belongs to me and stomp down to meet him. Still wearing my black cocktail dress.

The car ride is silent and I can’t get a read on Kingston’s emotions but at this point, I am over it. My world has been turned upside down, I am a mess and now I started my period. He carries my stuff up and stands a little dejected in the doorway of my condo.

“Can I come to check in on you tomorrow?” His gaze doesn't meet mine, for as confident as Kingston can be sometimes he has these moments, that almost seem like a facade. Just vunerable and full of emotion. Those moments seem so raw and cut through to my heart.

“Yeah.” I offer him a smile, a genuine one.

“If anything happens and you need me for anything. Text or call, okay?”

“Okay.” He stands staring at me, looking confused, like he wants to say or do anything but he isn’t sure what. That vunerable side of him fighting with his baseline alpha energy for dominance, I imagine. I walk him to his car and he kisses my forehead and tells me to get some rest and feel better. I lock the door as soon as I am inside and drag myself back into my bedroom. I want to unpack and change and shower before I can crash. I also am way too f*cking hungry. So, first thing first, I order a steak and cheese sub and jalapeno poppers from the late-night deli down the road. Take a quick shower and change. I’ve got another twenty minutes on delivery so I start putting my clothes away. I am nearly done with everything besides the garment bag when there is a knock at the door.

A text had alerted me that my driver was close a few moments ago, so I swung the door open without a second thought. Kingston is standing there, two CVS bags in his hands and flowers.

He hands them to me, “I’ve been a real jerk since you got back, I’m sorry. I hope you feel better.” Behind him walks the delivery guy and Kingston steps out of the way. I can't help but feel for him. Kingston looks so defeated, his face reads like how I am feeling, a bit exhausted, confused. Where we were before everything happened with Troy, is not where we are now. As much as this has been a bad trip for me, I am sure it hasn't been easy for him either.

“You didn’t eat before we went to that party. Are you hungry?” I ask.

“No, no. I want to respect your space.” He takes a step back, putting his arms up.

“I’m inviting you into my space but if you have other plans for the night, no problem.” I smile at him holding up the delivery bag.

“Is that Tony’s?” He asks.

“It is.” I smile.

“Steak and cheese?” His brow lifts.

“A footlong, I had to hit the minimum delivery amount. So, it's really enough for two. It would be a crime not to be shared, it's not the same next day.” I’m grinning like a Cheshire cat now.

“Well, sh*t, if it would prevent a crime.” Kingston smiles back and I open the door the whole way and walk towards the kitchen, inviting him in, hoping he will follow. He comes through, kicking his shoes off and shutting the door behind him.

I am surprised to find all things feminine care related in the bags he brought. There is Midol, a heating pad, tampons, panty liners, chocolate, Skittles, and Slim Jims. When I hold them up with a questioning look, he responds that they are Mae’s essential period snack.

We settle in on the couch and both eat quietly while watching some survival show that popped up on my Hulu. As soon as I am done, he takes our plates into the kitchen and when he comes back he pulls me into him on the couch. I snuggle into him because it just feels so good to be cuddled up with someone. For a moment, I have a pang of guilt, I think about Troy but I don’t have the capacity to deal with it right, now. I push my thoughts of Troy away and lean into Kingston’s warmth.

~

“Ashleigh, hey baby girl.” Kingston is gently stroking my hair. I purr into his side. “It’s getting late, you are falling asleep. I want to respect your space. So, you need to head to bed and lock up after I leave.”

I sit up and roll my neck. It’s 3am. I have no idea how long I was out. “Okay.” I shuffle to the door and he goes to give me another forehead kiss but I wrap my arms around him instead, pulling him into me. I like this version of Kingston, the sweet, vunerable, honest, kind, comfortable version.

“Go to bed, I’ll see you a little later.” Kissing me on the head. “Sweet dreams.” I shut the door and shuffle my way to the bathroom before I blop down on my bed.