Precious Love

Partners

Chapter 7

Balinda’s pov

I didn’t want to leave his arms, but I knew that we needed to talk more. I took a deep breath and pulled away.

“Come and sit with me?” I asked.

He nodded and took my hand, leading me to the same spot I had been sitting with my dad. We sat facing each other, but he never let go of my hand.

“What are you afraid of, Baby?” He asked, his green eyes never leaving my brown eyes.

“Up until yesterday, for the last five years, I believed that my mother had abandoned my dad and I. I don’t want to go through that again, someone choosing to leave me.” That fear, while rooted deep, was dissipating the longer I am with my mate.

He scooted closer, so our knees touched, then reached up and put his hands on my face.

“I want you to hear me, I will never leave you. You have my heart, the other part of my soul, you make me complete. From now on, you are my partner and my love. I will cherish you until my dying breath. I promise you this.” He spoke with confidence, imploring me to believe him.

“I believe you, and I promise the same to you.” A few tears slipped down and I leaned forward to kiss him.

He responded immediately and pulled me to his lap. The kiss was full of promise for our future. I didn’t want to stop, but Gavin had enough semblance of self control to pull back. We were both breathing hard, watching the other.

“Are you on duty?” I asked.

“I was, but my shift ended around the time that I caught your scent. I already mind linked with Gamma Jonathan, so he knows I’m not heading back right away.” He pulled me tight against him, nuzzling my neck with his nose.

I giggled a little because it tickled. “Well, then we are both in need of a nap. Come on.”

“Where are we going?” He asked, but let me get on my feet.

“Home.” I said, “I’m tired and so are you.”

“Are you sure?” He asked, placing an arm around my waist.

“I’m sure. After some sleep, we can talk about what our next step is.” It’s bittersweet to think about. I love my dad, but it’s only natural that I leave and go with my mate.

He leaned over and kissed the side of my head as I led him to my father’s house. I’ve never brought a boy home, never even been out on a date really. This feels right though, weird, but right.

I listened as Gavin told me about his family. “I am the youngest of three boys, no sisters. We all still live at home because none of us have found our mates, well until today. Mom and dad have been talking about kicking us out for years because we eat so much.” We both laughed.

“They sound like loving parents. Are you on good terms with your brothers?” I’m an only child, I’ve never really been around other kids much. My dad homeschooled me and our home was located away from the rest of the pack.

“They are and I am. We all chose different vocations though. Jax, the oldest, became a doctor. He has been learning under our pack doctors. Casen wanted to cook, so he is learning under the pack chef.” He smiled as he talked, clearly proud of his family. “My dad is a farmer and my mom helps him.”

“I look forward to meeting them.” I said, cuddling into his side a little more. Exhaustion finally gaining a foothold. “We’re almost there.” I pointed in the direction the house was in. “What made you want to become a warrior?”

“I have always had this desire to protect. When I was old enough, I asked the trainers about becoming a warrior. They helped me get stronger and learn to fight.”

“Mmmm.” I mumbled.

“Baby, I got you.” I felt myself being lifted up into his strong, warm arms. I nuzzled into him and let myself drift to sleep.