Page 157 of Dark Haven Omegaverse

“She’s feeling guilty, like this is all on her,” Drake said before I could sugarcoat it. Kol let out a small growl but it was more frustration than anger.

In a moment, I was swept into the air with Kol. Cool air and the scent of his alpha musk and night skies hit me, easing some of the worry. I brushed my nose against his chest and let out a sigh, wishing I could cling to this moment for a bit longer.

He dropped down on the roof again far too soon. As soon as I had my balance, his hands went to my cheeks, forcing me to look at him.

“I’m working so hard to protect you because you’re my mate. I’m sworn to keep the demons at bay, to protect Dark Haven, but it’s more important for me to know thatyou’resafe. I’d lay down my life for you,” he promised vehemently. It was the most emotion I’d seen from him yet.

“I know. That’s the problem. I feel like I barely know you, Kol. You call me your mate but you don’t even know me,” I countered. “I know that sounds selfish with everything going on but I just hate it.”

I’d reached my breaking point, tears filling my eyes and spilling down my cheeks. Kol looked startled at the sight and I let out a watery laugh.

“Look. I’m not good with words,” he started. “But I don’t want you to cry. I have no problem watching this place. Do I love that you are never with me? No. But it makes me appreciate the other humans and demons you’re with. I never thought I’d say that but even Ivar has shown his worth. You’ve somehow bridged two enemies. It may not be a sturdy one but we’re trying for you, Harlow. Whatever Hel has planned and is desperately trying to put into motion down here? You may be at the center of it but you’re not thecauseof it.”

I let out a small sniffle and looked up at him. “I thought you said you weren’t good with words.”

He let out a rumbling chuckle I felt through my chest. It made me think of the mate bond he had mentioned and his effect on me.

“Can I ask you a strange question?” I asked. My filter was gone, and I couldn’t keep it from tumbling out even though I knew this was not the right time.

Kol nodded, his gray eyes focused on me as if nothing else existed. “Of course. You can ask me anything.”

“What does being your mate mean? Just that you chose me? Is it the same for you as it is for us with scent matches?”

I was being needy, yes, but my omega needed to know that this wasn’t just an order from Hel. That he needed me just as badly as I needed him.

“I chose you, yes,” he said carefully. I could tell he was watching his words, trying to make sure he didn’t fuck this up. I appreciated that he was putting in the effort.

He was so out of touch with humans he could seem cold sometimes, almost brutal in his delivery. This was new territory for him.

“It’s more than that, though. Fate chose us to be together. You were destined for whatever this is. We may all be in the darkbut Hel is not. This was all foretold. You were given to me, Ivar, your humans, and the halfling for a reason.”

“If they’d just fucking tell me what that reason is!” I growled. “I’m so fucking tired of being kept out of this.”

“Maybe it’s not just for you to find,” he stated. “Our connection will be different than others. We were chosen by fate and can’t just walk away or break this easily. It will strengthen as we learn more about each other, as we grow closer, or it can snap if we get careless. Even if we don’t have the answers, you’ll still rise to the occasion. I have confidence in you.”

Vulnerability from Kol was new, and I felt honored he was willing to let me in like this.

“I won’t pull away from you, Kol,” I promised. “I know that this is hard and we haven’t had a lot of time to get to know each other but you mean something to me. I want you to know that.”

“You mean the world to me, Harlow. Even if you weren’t my mate, I’d still choose you.”

A fresh wave of tears formed but I fought them back, leaning up so I could brush my lips over his.

This time, he didn’t feel cold and rigid, but melted into me. He kissed me back with as much passion as I gave him.

My gargoyle was learning and growing, and I was grateful for him.

A horn blared in the distance. Because something always had to break up any second I claimed with my men.

“Go,” I said when he tensed. “I’ll meet Drake on the sixth floor.”

“Do you have your dagger?” he asked, still not backing away from me.

“Yes.” I lifted my shirt to show him the sheath attached to my belt. He nodded before turning and leaving. He glanced back one last time before he launched himself into the night.

Drake was walking into the hall as I was coming out of the stairwell, meeting me in the middle.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

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