Precious Love

Mate

Chapter 6

Balinda’s pov

Sarina and I stopped mid step when we saw him. Before our eyes was the most handsome man that I had ever seen. He sat next to my clothes, waiting for us. He had been looking up at dad, but then his eyes moved to Sarina and me. Thornton growled again, but took his clothes behind a tree to shift back and get dressed.

“Love, my name is Gavin.” He stayed seated, but I could tell that he just wanted to hold us. I’m glad for his patience.

“My daughter’s name is Balinda.” Dad said, coming into view. He didn’t look mad, but he sure didn’t look happy.

I stomped our foot at him to tell him that he was being rude. He smirked at me, but it went stony when he turned back to Gavin. Uh oh.

“So Gavin, how old are you? How long have you been a warrior?” Dad asked, looking down at my mate.

“I’m twenty, sir. I’ve officially been a warrior for almost two years, but I have been working towards this since I was sixteen.” He answered confidently, but his eyes never left mine and Sarina.

“You’re eyes.” Dad linked us. Oops.

Sarina moved back, but was still listening. I accidentally took a step forward and ended up falling. No doubt I looked like a baby deer taking her first step. How embarrassing.

I could hear my dad trying not to stifle his laughter, but Gavin had risen a little. He was now resting on one knee, ready to jump up if I needed him.

“Baby, are you alright?” He asked, never breaking eye contact.

I nod and stand.

Sarina, maybe you ought to walk us over to our clothes so we can shift back.

As you say, Babe. I knew she was trying hard not to laugh too.

I’ll laugh at it later, right now it definitely wasn’t funny to me.

Sarina walked cautiously to our clothes, gathering them in her mouth before taking us into the woods to change.

I want you to think of our human form; fingers, toes, arms, legs and so on.

Before I knew it, we had changed forms. I threw my clothes on and tried to pat my hair down, but it would just have to go into a bun. I dug in the bag my clothes were in and grabbed a hair band.

I kind of wish I was clean when I met my mate, but at least I’m not naked.

You might not feel that way later. She laughed.

I rolled my eyes at her and walked back toward my dad and mate. I didn’t hear any fighting, but I wouldn’t put it past my dad to be staring a hole through his head.

When I was in view again, they both looked at me. Gavin’s chin dropped as he stared. Dad reached over and slammed it shut, “It’s rude to stare.” Thornton growled.

“Thorntan.” I said in a warning voice.

“No, he’s right. You’re just so beautiful.” He said, slowly walking towards me.

I was blushing, but kept eye contact. I turned a little, ready to defend myself, just in case. My dad made sure that I knew how to defend myself and I wanted to be ready.

You’re being ridiculous. You do know that, right?

Yep, I do.

Great.

He took in my stance and stopped, slowly grinning.

“What is so funny?” I asked, kind of annoyed, but curious. He is quite handsome with that smile of his.

“Honey, do you want us to stay?” Thornton asked. I could tell he was amused with the whole thing now and didn’t feel the need to stay for my protection.

“I think we’re okay. Thank you, daddy.” I looked at my father, so proud of him. I know my time with him is now limited, even more so than it was when we talked last night. We couldn’t have expected to find my mate so soon.

He winked at me and grabbed the bags that carried our torn clothes and the picnic basket. He then headed in the direction of home. When he was out of sight, I turned back to Gavin. He hadn’t moved, but he now wore a different smile, though equally as beautiful.

“He loves you very much.” Gavin said.

I nod slowly, “I know.” Answering softly.

Gavin c****d his head, “Is everything okay between you two?”

“Yeah, we’re okay. He shared some hard stuff with me yesterday, I guess I’m still processing some of it.”

Why am I talking to him?

Because he’s our mate, dummy. He was made for us.

Right.

“May I hold you?” He asked. I could tell it was taking every ounce of self control he had not to just come and grab me.

I took a deep breath and slowly walked up to him. So far so good. When I was finally in front of him, I nodded. He raised his arms around me and pulled me close. I totally thought that I would feel squished, but his arms were warm and brought me peace.

I lifted my arms in return and hooked them over his wide shoulders, pulling him closer. He let out a breath that I didn’t know he was holding. Almost like now that we were close, he could breathe. We took in each other’s scents, allowing ourselves to relax into the other.