His Secret Hybrid Luna

Chapter 8: Mate

POV: Amara

The walk back through the backyard is charged, both of us hyper-aware of the new thread tying us together. Carter’s hand is massive and warm, enveloping mine, and I can’t stop sneaking glances at him. I half expect him to wake up and realize this is a mistake—that his fated mate isn’t really me, the awkward little sister, the girl who never belonged anywhere except maybe in her own head.

But every time I look over, his gaze is already fixed on me, bright and hungry and also a little scared. He swings our joined hands gently, and I feel like I might float off the planet.

“Are you nervous?” I whispered. My voice sounds fragile, but I can’t help it.

“Terrified,” he says, and then laughs. It’s a real laugh, low and rough but it softens his whole face. “I mean, the Alpha’s son and the Beta’s sister? There’s going to be some serious pack gossip tomorrow morning.”

“Great,” I mutter, I wasn’t ready for that yet. “I always wanted to be the center of attention.” My free hand tugs the blanket more tightly around me, but it’s useless; embarrassment is a sun, and I’m stuck in the middle of its solar flare.

He stops at the porch steps and turns to me, his face suddenly so earnest it’s almost painful to look at. “I know this has to be a lot. For you. For us.” There’s a catch in his voice. “If you want to wait, or take things slow, or even just pretend I’m, like, not glued to your side for a while, I’ll do that. Whatever you need.”

For a moment I just stare at him, blinking, and then I decide I need to ask. “ Are you absolutely sure? I thought you and Angela were a thing?” I look down ready for him to come to his senses and reject me.

He reaches under my chin sending a jolt of heat from where his finger touched, and lifts my face to him. “Angela and I are long over. She means nothing to me. As far as you and I, yes, if you will have me that is. So Amara are you willing to put up with me?” He looks into my eyes and I can see the raw emotion glowing in his.

“Yes, Carter.” I whisper just loud enough for him to hear me.

“Baby that is what I was hoping to hear.” Carter leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on my lips. The fireworks it set off made me heart race and I could feel my body heating at its very core as he deepened the kiss. His tongue seemed eager to devour me and honestly I wanted him to but I placed my hands on his chest and gently pushed.

“I’m sure our parents are waiting for us inside.” I looked towards the windows and could see what looked like movement inside. He smiled as we turned hand in hand and walked through the door.