Page 137 of Alpha Mates

“You are the best mate ever,” I tell him, making his eyes widen. My lipstug up as I stare at him. “You areeverythingI ever wanted. You’re perfect, Jewels.” I press a kiss to his head, then rest my forehead against his and breathe him in. “You’re perfect.”

Chapter 27

Julian

“Holy shit,” Aiden whistles as we enter the front lobby.

It’s just as extravagant on the inside as it was outside, with towering columns rising into a vaulted ceiling, all cream stone except where creeping flora climb the walls.

“How much did you pay for this place?”

“Don’t worry about that,” I murmur while I struggle not to stare at every person that passes me by.

I still can’t believe we’re here.

Before today, the furthest I’d ever ventured was the edge of the human town closest to our packlands. I’d never gone beyond it, let alone into another species’ territory. But here we are, miles from home in the depths of incubi territory.

Incubi were known for being the “Switzerland of the supernatural” for obvious reasons. While they have their own pieces of the world carved out, they also maintain neutral zones so they could happily dine in others and vice versa. This extravagant beast we’re standing in is the crown jewel of one of those zones, welcoming all supernatural creatures as long as they leave any outstanding prejudices at the door.

I figured it was perfect for Aiden and me to sneak away and mate with its stellar reputation and close proximity to home. But being here now, surrounded by strangers with sharp teeth and stranger wings, is a lot scarier than planning it out in secret.

I, of course, learnt all about my fellow supernatural creatures as a pup, but it’s my first time witnessing the fangs of a vampire in the midst of laughter,or the red-tipped wings of a fairy scuttling by. They’re all so different—weare all so different—and standing among them all is jarring. Every foreign sound, every flash of movement, makes my pulse jump. But I keep my head tilted up and my expression plain.

With Aiden at my side, I navigate the myriad of guests until we reach the large marble reception desk. The incubus on the other side checks us in with practised ease.

“These are your room keys. You’re on the fifteenth floor,” the chirpy incubus says, sliding a small envelope across the counter. “Enjoy your stay in the Lilita Presidential Suite.”

“TheLilita Presidential Suite?” Aiden repeats under his breath as we walk away. He’s got the bag I’d packed for him slung over his shoulder, and a curious smirk on his lips. “You got us a suite?”

“I got us a lot of things,” I reply with a wink that makes Aiden stumble. His cheeks flame as he tries to find his footing, and I’m left biting back my smile as we head for the nearest elevators.

His hand reaches back to find mine, and my brain freezes as he intertwines our fingers. He gives them a squeeze, leading the way. The connection makes a unique sense of satisfaction ripple through my body. I can’t look away, and stare at our hands like an idiot.

“We don’t have to if you don’t like it,” he says suddenly, loosening his hold.

“No! I don’t mind,” I say, and maybe I’m a little too quick and eager to reply because Aiden’s lips spread into a familiar smirk. “It’s nice.”

“Itisnice,” he replies, lifting my hand to press a kiss to it.

My heart jerks viciously in my chest. I look away before I can splutter out something stupid. It’s not the first time we’ve held hands, only the first time we’ve done it in public, and it feels more thanniceto be claimed in front of others.

The elevator takes us to our floor, opening onto a dark corridor lined with a plush, dark red carpet. We look around like two idiots, lost, peering from left to right before we figure out where we’re supposed to go. We find our room at the end of the hall.

I pop the key in before I turn to my mate.

Aiden grins at me, and I smile right back.

“You go in first.”

He narrows his eyes. “Why? Is there a bomb waiting on the other side?”

“Only one way to find out,” I reply, pushing the door open just a crack.

He shoots me a look, then bravely steps inside. I’m right behind him, watching closely, and he doesn’t get very far before his bag thuds at his feet.

“Holy … fucking shit …”

The suite is gorgeous and even nicer than it appeared on the internet when Beckett and I were booking it. As promised, there’s a massive lounge area and a self-contained kitchen, and to the left, I can just glimpse our waiting bedroom down the hall. But right in front of us is the best part—the view.