[Gemma]When I woke up in the proper morning, Austin was still sleeping. I could hear his deep, heavy breathing. I thought about everything that brought us here. The scent I smelled on Timothy had been from my mate. That was why my heart felt like it was breaking. Something in me knew I wouldn’t find him at that conference because he wasn’t there, only his scent. I knew Carmen was holding something back when she talked to me about Austin on the phone. He was more than just a servant to that cоcky asshat. I shook my head. That wasn’t what was important at the moment. Supporting myself on my left arm, I looked at Austin’s face. He was sleeping really well. I hoped this meant he would be well-rested. I slipped my arm off of his waist gently and pulled the blankets up to tuck him in better. Carefully, I snuck off to the bathroom. This was a chance for me to gather my thoughts and figure out what to do next. I splashed water on my face, looking at myself in the mirror. I sighed, thinking about my mate again.My heart still ached for my mate, but I knew I had to focus on the present. I walked back into the bedroom, and Austin was still sound asleep. I went to the side of the bed and watched him sleep some more. He looked so pure and innocent. That wasn’t something I ever thought I would want in a mate, but I found myself adoring his angelic expression. I knelt down by the side of the bed and kissed his slack mouth gently. He mumbled something and started kissing me back. His lips were soft and warm, and I couldn’t resist deepening the kiss. I pushed him onto his back and climbed on top of him, straddling his waist. My hands wandered down his chest, feeling his muscles tense under my touch. I smiled down at him, brushing a hand over his cheek. “Good morning,” I murmured.“Good morning,” he whispered voice hoarse from sleep.Leaning down, I kissed him again, my hands trailing down his sides until they rested on his hips. I could feel him stirring underneath me, his body responding to my touch. I pulled away from the kiss, leaning back to look at him.“How did you sleep?” I asked. “Pretty well until you woke me. What’s this about, Gemma? I thought you were giving me time.” “It’s just a good morning kiss, Austin. I love you and want to kiss you awake every morning.” “You love me already? We just met last night.” “And I loved you before I met you. I will always love you, Austin. Now I have your mate mark and I’m happy to wait as long as you need, but in the meantime, I will be showing you how much I love you every moment we have together,” I murmured as I kissed all over his face. “I thought I had dreamed that. I really marked you in my sleep last night?” he asked. “You did and I marked you back. I’m not upset or anything. I want you to know that I will never regret being your mate, Austin. This is what I wanted from the moment I met you. I wanted you to be mine and I wanted to love you.” “Even though I’m a rogue omega? Even though I’m weak?” “Austin, you are the strongest man I know. Leaving your pack is a hard decision and it’s even harder for omegas. You pushed through that and did something incredibly brave. You are an amazing man and I love you,” I murmured and kissed him again. He looked up at me with desire in his eyes, his hands reaching up to grab my shoulders. I could feel his fingers digging into my skin, urging me closer. I pressed my body against his, the heat between us sparking into something intense.Austin held me to him, accepting my kisses, his eyes eventually closing while he focused on the sensation of our mouths together. I rested my hands on his chest and let myself get lost in his kisses. I didn’t think I could get any more lost in him. He kissed me with a fierceness that took me aback. I was so caught off guard I didn’t know how to react. This was the most intense kiss I had ever experienced in my life, and it made my body ache for him. I wanted him more than I ever wanted anyone.He rolled over onto his side, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me close to him. His hand slid up my back, caressing the skin there. His touch sent a tingle through my body, and I pulled away from his kisses to look at him.“You really do love me?” Austin whispered.“I really do, Austin,” I whispered back. “You can feel it in our bond. You felt my love for you last night. That was real, too. The feeling in the bond that makes your chest swell is my love for you.” “Part of me feels like I’m going to explode, another part feels like I’m about to lose everything. I think... I think I’m scared of your love a little, Gemma.” He blushed a little. “There’s nothing to be scared of, Austin. I’m not going anywhere. I’m here for you, always. And I know that you’ll love me back in your own way, in your own time,” I said softly, stroking his hair.Austin leaned in and kissed me again, his lips tender and soft. I felt my heart soaring, knowing that I had found my mate. His touch made me feel alive, and I couldn’t wait to explore everything with him.We stayed wrapped up in each other’s arms for a while, simply enjoying the closeness. I knew there would be challenges, but I was ready to face them all with Austin by my side. We would support each other and I would be more than happy to gently teach him more about love. After a while, Austin’s stomach growled and we laughed. He let me go and got up for the day. I changed into my clothes from yesterday while he took a shower and changed in the bathroom. When we got out to the dining room, we saw Carmen and Rock setting out four plates full of food. I smiled at my friend and her mate. They were thinking about us and caring for us. “This looks amazing,” I said. “Rock is a great cook, but I see Carmen’s french toast and I know you have to have had that before. It’s so good,” Austin answered. Carmen blushed at the compliment. She never got enough viable praise when she was in the pack. They praised her for bullѕhit stuff and not for things like her skills in the kitchen or at work. We sat down at the table and started eating. Even though I ate a ton the night before, I felt as if I were starving. Maybe it was some of Austin’s hunger crossing the bond. He really was too skinny. I couldn’t wait to help thicken him up. As we ate, I couldn’t help but steal glances at Austin. He radiated nervous energy as if he was scared to be too happy, too content, too loved. I knew it was going to take time for him to fully trust in our bond, but I was willing to wait.After breakfast, we decided to take a walk around the neighborhood. The sun was shining and the birds were singing. It was a beautiful day, and we wanted to enjoy it together. As we walked, we held hands, enjoying the warmth of each other’s touch.We passed by a park and decided to sit on a bench and watch the children play. Watching the children play reminded me of my childhood, how carefree and fun it was. But Austin’s grip on my hand made me realize that I had something better now, someone to share my life with.I looked at Austin, his eyes fixed on the children, a small smile on his face. He looked so peaceful, so happy like he belonged here. And he did, with me.“You know, I’ve never been in a park before,” Austin said suddenly, breaking the silence.“I thought you were Timothy’s companion.” “They never took me to the park with them. Those were family times and they took all their kids while I stayed home with the nanny. She would let me play with Timothy’s toys as long as I put them back before they got home,” he replied.That made me sad and angry all at the same time. I stood and pulled Austin up. He didn’t fight against me until he realized I was taking him to the playground equipment. Then, he stopped in his tracks. “Gemma, no. I’m an adult. I can’t go play in the park like a kid.” “I guarantee you some of those kids are older than you, Austin. This stuff is rated for troll kids to play on, so there is plenty of big stuff you can do. We’re playing. Come on. Trust me.” He looked at me, then looked over at the park. Some of the kids were looking at us and waved at us, calling for us to join them. I knew fae kids liked playing with adults and that childlike adults were always welcome among them. I tugged on his arm a little. Austin seemed nervous. I stepped closer and laid a kiss on his cheek. “Come on, my love. Let’s play for a while,” I murmured.Austin hesitated for a moment before finally giving in to my urging. I could see the apprehension in his eyes as we walked towards the playground equipment, but I was determined to help him let go of his fears and enjoy the moment.We climbed up the ladder and onto the platform, where we were immediately greeted by a group of excited fae children. They were chattering away in their high-pitched voices, their eyes wide with wonder as they looked up at us.“Hi there!” I said, giving them a wave. “Mind if we join in on the fun?”The children cheered in response and Austin smiled for the first time since breakfast. It was a different kind of smile. This one didn’t have any of the tension in it that the earlier one had. We climbed the monkey bars, went down the slide, and even swung on the swings side by side. The children were thrilled to have us join them and Austin quickly became a hit.Austin’s laughter was infectious, and I couldn’t help but join in. It was freeing to let go of our worries and just enjoy the moment. I couldn’t remember the last time I had felt so carefree and alive.As we played with the fae children, I noticed Austin’s eyes shining with pure joy. He was having so much fun, and for a moment, I forgot all our troubles and just enjoyed the moment with him. We spent hours running around, playing hide-and-seek, and chasing each other around. I felt like a kid again, and it was amazing.We eventually tired ourselves out and said goodbye to the kids, making our way back home. Austin’s hand was firmly in mine, and I could feel the connection between us growing stronger with each passing moment.As we walked, I couldn’t help but think about what had just happened. It was as if a switch had flipped inside of Austin, and he had finally let go of his fears and insecurities, even if just for a little while.We arrived back at our house, exhausted but happy. I made some sandwiches for lunch, and as we ate, I couldn’t help but stare at Austin. He looked so relaxed, so at ease, like he finally felt like he belonged somewhere.“Thank you,” he said softly, breaking the silence.“For what?” I asked, taking a bite of my sandwich.“For today. For showing me what it’s like to let go and have fun. I haven’t felt that carefree in a long time,” he replied, a small smile on his face.I leaned over and kissed him gently, feeling the warmth of his lips against mine. “Anytime, my love. I’m glad we could share that moment together.”We finished our lunch and spent the rest of the day cuddled up on the couch, talking and enjoying each other’s company. It was a perfect day, and I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we could face them together, as a team.My cousin and Mike came to drop off my things and I was grateful that they didn’t try to press the meeting into anything more. Ben shook Austin’s hand and welcomed him into the family, but didn’t go any further. They both left after a quick chat. Carmen and Rock made sure to give us space. I think they were in the garage most of the day. I appreciated that. Austin needed my full attention and he didn’t need to be the focus of anyone else. They were good friends. At some point, we must have fallen asleep, because we woke to Carmen letting us know it was time for dinner. I’d never had a day that felt as complete as today did. Even though we didn’t really do anything, I felt as if we had done everything. In the dining room, Austin sat next to me and held my hand. He smiled when I looked at him. I was glad he was feeling happier. During dinner, we chatted about our favorite moments from the day and reminisced about how much fun we had with the fae children. Austin was still beaming from the experience, and I could tell that he was grateful for the chance to let loose and be carefree for a change.As we finished our meal, I noticed Austin’s gaze lingering on me. Carmen and Rock started cleaning the table and I looked over at Austin. “What?” I asked, feeling a warmth spreading through my cheeks.“I... I think this is what love feels like for me. Not a swelling inside, like it is for you, but a warmth. Do you think that is love?” Austin whispered. I smiled at Austin and leaned in close to him. “Love is different for everyone, Austin. It doesn’t matter how you feel it, as long as you do feel it. And I know you do,” I whispered back, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek.Austin blushed and looked away, but I could see the happiness in his eyes. I knew we had a long road ahead of us, but I was ready to face it with Austin by my side. We had each other, and that was all that mattered.