Page 86 of Lust & Lollipops

My face was thinner, after surviving on little more than fish for so long. My curves were smaller. My eyes were harder.

The woman in the mirror didn’t feel like me, but I had to imagine it would take time to get back to that. Especially if I was about to watch my body change with the bond.

“You okay in there?” Cameron called out, knocking lightly on the bathroom door.

“I’m good.” It didn’t feel like a lie.

I was fine.

Just… different.

“I found the clothes the Society left and heated up a mountain of chicken fettucine alfredo. I’ll leave the clothes outside the door. Alfredo’s in the dining room downstairs. I’m going to start eating, so take all the time you need. I’ll save plenty for you,” he said from behind the door.

The words eased whatever worry I’d had.

Cam was going to give me as much space as I wanted. He wasn’t in a rush. He wasn’t going to force me to do anything.

He was still Cameron. The Cameron who had guarded me, and the one I knew on the island.

I didn’t know how he would change when we became mates, but I didn’t think the change would be for the worse. If anything, it should just make him calmer and more confident, because he no longer had to deal with shitty possessiveness and the fact that he was fading.

Right?

I couldn’t say for sure, but that was my assumption.

I heard him leave the room, then waited a few more minutes before I finally let out a long breath and opened the bathroom door.

Sure enough, one of my suitcases was on the floor.

I had packed it with all the others when I was boxing everything up, so someone must’ve moved some of my clothes.

There was a luggage tag on the top with my name on it, and it didn’t look like it had been opened, so I didn’t think Cam had snooped.

He could’ve been the one who packed it, though.

I closed the large bedroom’s doors and locked them, then lifted my suitcase onto the bed and opened it up.

Everything inside was folded neatly and separated in fabric packing cubes. On top of them, there was an envelope with my name on it in pretty cursive handwriting.

My forehead creased as I opened the envelope and pulled out the card. Two printed photos fell out with it, but I read the card before bothering to pick up the pictures.

Dear Molly,

Thank you for fighting for my son. I’ve waited centuries to see him happy, and started believing I’d never get the chance. I haven’t seen him smile the way he does with you since he was a wild little boy.

Welcome to the family!

Love,

Christina Cassette

P.S. It’s tradition for the compatible mate’s mother to fill this bag. I saw that your grandmother packed nothing but racy lingerie, and figured you’d prefer something more comfortable after spending so much time on the island. I put the things she provided in a duffel and had them shipped to Cam’s home.

P.P.S. Couples usually only get a week in the house provided by the Society, but I convinced my husband to change it to two for Survival. It’ll be a much more difficult transition from the island to mating to reality.

P.P.P.S I had nothing to do with you getting thrown out of an airplane. I was furious for your sake when I found out. Cameron’s told me about your fear of heights! And yes, I should’ve written this letter a few days later so I didn’t have to add so many post-scripts. My husband says I’m forgetful, and unfortunately, he isn’t wrong.

My lips curved upward at the note.

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