I smiled just at the mention of Brian’s name. “Yes. Yes, he is.”
“How did you know? I mean, our kind hasn’t gotten mates in years, and most think they’re just a fairy tale, and here two people have found their mates within six months.”
I could sense the disbelief in Talon’s voice. I was one of those people. I believed love was for suckers, and it was all fairy tale bullshit, and yet.
“I understand what you’re asking. I was like the majority. I thought fated mates were just crap. I was wrong. Meeting your fated mate is like….” I paused and closed my eyes, remembering the feeling I first met Brian. I exhaled and opened my eyes. “It’s like taking your first breath and your heart really beating for the first time. It’s like electricity rolling across every fiber of your being, awakening you to something new and incredible. Your lion knows instantly and roars in your mind, and it's all you can do to control him from breaking free.”
I inhaled deeply and faced Talon. “It’s the single most profound thing that ever happens to you, but also the scariest. Your emotions run all over the place, but it’s also worth it. Fated mates are real, and I hope and pray every member of my pride has the ability and the blessing to meet theirs—that hope extends to you as well.”
Talon looked at me and smiled. “I hope so, too,” he said before focusing back on the road.
It wasn’t long before we parked in the underground garage and headed for the main lobby. Henry immediately opened the door for us.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Satchel. How are you doing this fine day?” he asked.
“Good afternoon, Henry. Good to see you. I’ll be heading up to Hayden’s apartment,” I replied.
Henry bowed his head in acknowledgment. “I’ve been made aware. I also got a call saying a helicopter will be landing?” he lifted his brows in question.
I grinned. “Yes, we’ll be leaving for a few days, and the transportation is easier this way.”
“Of course. Shall I notify Mr. Bondar that you are here?”
“No, that’s okay, Henry. We’ve got it,” I said, already walking toward the elevator.
“Very good, sir. I hope you have a pleasant trip.”
“Thanks, Henry.”
Talon waited for the elevator doors to close before he spoke. “Is that Henry guy always so formal?”
I chuckled. “He makes me seem like a street rat. He’s always been formal and very well-reserved. He’s a very good man—very loyal and has a heart of gold.”
“That’s cool. He made me all nervous.”
“And I don’t make you nervous?” I asked teasingly.
Talon fidgeted. “You make me nervous for a different reason. I mean, you’re not only my king, but you can also kick my….” He trailed off the last word as if realizing he was about to say ‘ass’ in front of me.
I laughed. “You can say ass. I’m not your mother, and I won’t scold you for swearing.
The elevator stopped, and the doors swooshed open with a ding. Excitement ran through my body, and I couldn’t help but all but run toward the door. I rapidly knocked, and within moments, Brian was in my arms, and we were kissing like it was the most important thing in the world. In fact, the world faded around me as I deepened the kiss and tightened our embrace.
A subtle throat clearing from behind caused Brian to break the kiss. He stared into my eyes for a moment before tilting his head to see around me. He jerked back in shock and released his hug.
“Talon? What are you doing here?” he asked.
I turned to face the young lion, and he waved his hands. “Ignore me. I’m invisible. I’m not here. You all do what you need to do.”
I laughed again. I was beginning to like Talon. “It’s alright, Talon. You don’t have to be totally invisible.” I looked at Brian. “Talon is our security for our trip. He’ll be staying in the background.”
“Ah… so Walter’s not having the other men tail us?” I pulled back, and my eyes widened. “What, you didn’t think I noticed the men following me?”
I shook my head. “Walter—”
Brian nodded and cut me off. “I know. I had an inside source. Owen filled me in. I was mad at first, but I guess it made sense.”
I smiled before reaching out and pulling him into my arms again. “You are full of surprises, my Bunny.”