Page 16 of Twisted Mates

“Thank you for tonight. This really meant a lot to me.”

He squeezes my hand. “It was nothing, really. This is what we’re supposed to do for each other, right? We’ve always been friends. Why should that stop now?”

The warmth in my chest cools off just a few degrees. Is this all he sees this as? Friendship? Nothing more?

But I can’t look at it like that. Either way, this is better than the silent treatment or awkward glances across the room.

“We shouldn’t.” I decide to take it one step further as I unclasp our hands and place our palms flat against each other, running my fingers down his. “It also feels really nice just to touch you.”

He hums and watches my hand move over his. “Do you think it’s strange that we never really felt anything for each other before the cleansing ritual?”

“I mean that was the point of it, so that I had clarity. I’m sure if you would have done it you would have chosen me, and we would be right here anyway.”

“Yeah.” He gives my fingers two quick squeezes. “Speaking of being here. My dad wants to talk to us in the morning. He says we need to start making preparations to rule, and he would like to guide us through that.”

A nervous chill rolls through me. “Okay. Sounds good.”You’re lying. Sounds terrifying.

He scoffs. “If that’s what sounds good to you, then maybe we are about to have a really easy life.”

I bump his shoulder. “Can we finish the movie now?”

He lets go of my hand, but before I can feel disappointment slice through me, he drapes his arm around my shoulders and settles us back against the couch.

I open my eyes what feels like a few minutes later and the movie is over, the room quiet and dark. But I’m not sitting up anymore. My brow furrows as I look around and I realize I’m in Kai’s bed.

And Kai is here too. And while he isn’t holding me close or anything, he’s not all the way on the other side tonight. And he’s turned to face me, sleeping soundly, his arm tucked under his pillow.

Did he carry me up here?

The tips of my fingers tingle as I look at him and the lonely strand of hair resting over his brow. Unable to fight the compulsion, I gently brush it away. Everything about him is handsome. I’ve always thought that. Yet it’s strange to be laying in his bed. I always imagined the chemistry between me and my mate being so simple, like we are two elements that are naturally drawn together. I look forward to the day when Kai and I find our groove, and the time I spend with my mate doesn’t feel somuch like the time I spent with the boy who has always been my friend.

SIX

Alexia

If falling asleep last night next to Kai made me feel at peace, then sitting in Clayton’s office next to him right now makes me feel like I want to come out of my skin. There is just something about being around his father that gives me a bad feeling. I don’t know why; he’s never been particularly rude to me, but he’s never really beenniceeither. And the way this meeting is going so far... I don’t see things changing for the better.

The way he’s eyeing me and Kai is seriously unnerving. It’s like he’s waiting for us to do something, like we’re on display, and he wants us to perform. Newsflash, Clayton: We aren’t your trained seals, and even if we were, we wouldn’t know what to do because we don’t even know what to do in private.

Not like I would say anything like that to his face. I may be impulsive, but even I can hold my tongue around this dude.

So far.

“So, Dad, what did you want to talk to us about?” Kai presses, clearly ready to get this show on the road.

Clayton’s gaze shifts lazily to his son, and he sighs like the question is bothersome to him. “It’s time for Alexia to go ahead and complete the full transition.”

Transition? What transition?

“What are you talking about? My things are being moved here next week?—"

Clayton chuckles, a condescending sound that grates on my nerves and makes me clench my molars together. “No, no. Nothing like that. I mean, the transition from civilian to royal.”

Kai and I exchange a glance. “Meaning... what, exactly?” I ask.

Clayton clasps his hands on his desk and looks me dead in the eyes. “Kai is going to take you to your office today and help you pack up your belongings.”

Every cell in my body goes still and a cold sensation washes over me. “What are you talking about?” I ask, keeping my voice steady.

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