Page 5 of With the Stars

“I have no reason to lie to you. You’re my mate. I will always be honest with you. I’m almost three hundred years old. I was in a relationship with a female for over fifty years, until she met her mate. I stepped aside because mates are sacred. I would never stop mates from being together.”

“But you look…I look older…” Peter rubbed his hands over his face. “You knew thirty years ago but did nothing. I could have died and you would have let me.”

“You were happy, in love. Both of you were. Your happiness was more important to me than my own.”

“That’s…” Peter paused, seemingly lost for words. “That’s…I don’t know what to say.”

“I’m here now and so are you. Let’s have our meal and talk.”

“Did you see the first cars and planes?” Peter asked as he walked on. He pointed ahead. “The place is just up there.”

Minho nodded. He knew where it was. It had become a favorite place for Peter after Diane’s death. “It’s midweek, so we shouldn’t have trouble getting a table.”

“You probably know I like to eat here.”

“I may have noticed it.”

Peter glanced at him, then scuffed his shoe on the floor. “Tell me about you. You know so much about me, so tell me something.”

“I once met the Wright brothers, along with another vampire.” Peter spun around and stared at him, his mouth falling open. Minho grinned. “I saw the first plane fly. I was covered head to toe, but I had to be there. Human ingenuity is amazing. I had a bit of a sunburn after.”

“So the whole no sun thing is true?” Minho nodded. “What about food? No, that’s a stupid question. We’re going to a restaurant to eat, unless you’re planning to watch me eat.”

“I love food, so I will be eating as well.”

“Mirrors! Can you see your reflection in a mirror.”

“I can, and I try to avoid them when I get up. Bedhead.”

“Pfft. If you can see your reflection, then you know how attractive you are.”

“Thank you. I find you sexy as hell.”

Peter laughed and shook his head. “I’m almost fifty. My sexy days are behind me. Sorry, but you’re getting a middle-aged man.”

“I would have had you old and gray with wrinkles and saggy skin. You’re my mate. That’s all that matters to me.”

“At least I can still get it up, as we both know now.” Peter’s skin flushed, and he smiled ruefully. “Been a long time since I did something like that.”

“Have sex?” Minho watched, waiting for his answer. He knew Peter hadn’t slept with anyone else since Diane’s death.

“Have sex within ten minutes of meeting someone, and with a man. No, I’m not homophobic. It was never something I saw myself doing, so this has been an eye-opening evening for me.”

“I’m hoping to open your eyes more, if you’ll let me.”

Peter rolled his eyes. “Kiss me and it seems I’m yours.” Peter flushed again. “I’m this novice compared to you. I’ve slept with two people my entire life.”

“I like that about you. You’re faithful.”

“Doesn’t seem to be too much of that around nowadays.”

“I will never cheat or leave you. You are the one for me.” Minho pulled Peter close and put his hand on his chest. “Mates are forever. No one else. Me and you, if you’ll have me.”

“I barely know you. This has all come out of the blue, so I need some time, which goes against the fact we had sex on the table in my cafe.” Peter mumbled something, then caught Minho’s quizzical look. “Glad no one walked past. Can you imagine it plastered all over social media?”

Minho snorted then chuckled. “I’ve been on plenty.”

“How?”

---