Chapter 46 MY MATE
Adam's POV
I didn’t think happiness could feel this light.
It crept up on me quietly, slipped into my chest while I wasn’t paying attention, and now it sat there; warm and steady, like it belonged. Like I deserve it.
Kael had insisted we wear matching outfits for our dinner date.
Not matching matching, he’d said. “Same design. Different colors.” He handed mine, and didn't let me see his. He said I'd see after we get dressed.
I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the fabric over my chest, staring at my reflection like it might blink back at me. White. Soft, clean white that made me feel… unreal. Like I’d stepped into someone else’s life. Someone really important, apparently, because this can't be miserable Adam staring back at me.
Kael stepped out a moment later, and my breath caught.
He was wearing same outfit as mine… but in red.
Deep, rich red that fit him perfectly like it had been made just for his body. Broad shoulders, strong arms, that calm Alpha confidence wrapped around him like an aura he didn’t even notice anymore.
He looked at me, and smiled.
Not the Alpha smile. Not the polite one. The one he only used for me.
“You look beautiful,” he said.
My face warmed instantly. “You’re biased.”
“Completely,” he replied without shame. “You’re my mate.”
That word still made something flutter painfully sweet in my chest.
Kael normally drives by himself, but tonight, he let his driver take the front seat and pulled me into the back with him. The door shut, sealing us into a quiet little world that smelled like leather, faint spice, and him.
The car moved.
Kael didn’t waste time. His arm slid around my waist, tugging me closer until my side pressed against his chest. His hand rested there, warm and steady, thumb moving in slow circles like he was grounding me without even thinking about it.
I leaned into him, letting myself enjoy every bit of attention he showered me with.
Every street we passed felt farther away from the pack house, from fear, from whispers, from glowing marks and sleepless nights. Tonight felt like a pause in the chaos. A breath.
We arrived at the restaurant, and the moment Kael stepped out, everything shifted.
People bowed. Deep respectful bows.
I'm not exaggerating.
My stomach flipped.
Kael noticed immediately and leaned down, murmuring near my ear, “They’re bowing to their Alpha. Not judging my mate. Relax, darling.”
My mate.
He said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Inside, the staff rushed to us. Best table. Best view. Chairs pulled out. Heads bowed.
Kael guided me to my seat with a hand at my lower back, protective and gentle, like he was constantly reminding the world where I belonged.
The menu arrived.
Kael barely glanced at his.
“My mate would like this,” he said calmly, pointing.
“My mate can’t eat that—it’s too spicy.”
“Bring every special dish on your menu. My mate will decide what he likes.”
I stared at him, half mortified, half glowing and basking in the special treatment.
“Kael,” I whispered, “they’re staring.”
“They should,” he replied easily. “You’re important. And you're also very beautiful, I'm staring too and I'd be jealous if I wasn't with you.” I felt my cheeks heat up with a blush.
Food kept coming. Plates I’d never seen before. Flavors that made my eyes widen. I tried everything, laughing when Kael watched my reactions like they were priceless.
When I liked something, his lips curved with quiet pride.
When I didn’t, he waved it away like it offended him personally.
After dinner, he insisted we take a little walk.
The night air was cool, gentle. Street lights glowed softly, vendors calling out. I pointed at things without thinking— small pastries, skewers, sweets wrapped in paper— and Kael bought everything.
“My mate wants that,” he told them every time.
Even when I protested.
Even when I said I just wanted to look.
“I want to buy you things,” he said simply. “Let me.” And he really just kept buying me things.
By the time the car pulled up to take us home, my hands were full, my chest lighter than it had been in months.
The ride back was quiet.
Kael held me close, his hand brushing my arm, my waist, my back. Not demanding. Not rushed. Just there.
When we stepped into our room, the candles were still burning.
Soft light. Warm air. The painting, my painting, watching over us like a beautiful promise.
Kael shut the door… then turned to face me.
And suddenly, the air felt different.
Not exactly heavy, it's rather Intent.
He stepped closer, stopping just short of touching me. His voice lowered, steadier than I’d ever heard it.
“Dear,” he said, “before we go any further… I need to be clear.”
My heart pounded.
“Marking,” he continued, “comes with mating. So if we proceed, I won't only mark you, I will claim you. It means I’ll cross a line. A permanent one. And I want to make sure you're not feeling unsure or pressured while I do it. I won’t touch you like that unless you want me to. Unless you’re ready.”
His eyes searched my face. Not predatory. Not impatient.
Respectful.
“This is your moment to say no,” he said quietly. “Or to tell me to wait. I will. I promise. I will accept whatever you decide.”
My chest felt too full.
I looked at him, and saw: an Alpha who treated me like I'm precious, who spoke my name like a vow, who had turned my world upside down but actively turning my life downside up.
And for the first time in my life, I realized something terrifying and beautiful… I wasn’t just finally safe. I was wanted. I'm loved here.
Kael held out his hand…
…And waited. For my response.