Page 164 of Alpha Mates

I glance back and forget to breathe.

Aiden’s lying spread out, his arms loose at his sides, staring at the sunset descending over the distant mountains. He’s entranced by the view, but I’m enraptured by him—by the slow pull of his smile, and the way his eyes seem brighter than ever with the sunlight reflecting in them.

I almost wish it’ll never end, that we’ll stay gliding here forever. But all too soon, we’re back on solid ground. At least I’m not alone.

“What was that about being heavier?” I say once we’re free of our gear and walking back towards the hotel.

“You cheated!” he protests, eyes wide, golden and beautiful.

“We’re in the woods, Aiden. How could you fall for that?” I reply, using his own words against him. He narrows his eyes at me, and I can’t help but laugh as warm memories surface. “What’s next? Are you going to trip over a rock?”

“Come here!” he shouts, grasping for me, but his fingers barely graze my arm before I take off at full speed.

It’s just like the last time. I’m running ahead of him, laughing at the top of my lungs while he chases after me. But now my feelings for Aiden are so much deeper.

It’s not just the bond telling me that this is my person. It’s my heart confirming that he is. It’s so different—wanting him beyond instinct. It feels somehow bigger, brighter. And I want it all.

My heart is bare to him now, and my mind happily muddled when he’s around. It’s a good kind of different, because with him, I’m alive andhappy. Goddess, I’m so fucking happy.

Knowing there’s no reality in which he’ll ever catch me, I ease up so he can close the distance. He snakes his arms around my waist, lifts me off the ground, and as he stumbles to a stop, I laugh and pretend I’m trying to break free.

Aiden spins me around in the air while he laughs with me, and the sound … It’s like happiness, bottled. I get drunk off of it. When he puts me down and turns me face him, my legs are like jelly beneath me.

“Thank you,” he says for the billionth time. His hands on me, warmth around me. “Thank you for all of this. For doing this for me, for being so fucking perfect. Thank you.”

I simply hum in understanding as I stare at him and into those beautiful, dark eyes that he only shares with me. He stares back and my heart starts racing all over again, except we’re not running.

We’re standing still, but I feel like I’m back in the air, staring at him smiling at the sun.

A new warmth floods my body, rushing into every crevice and making its claim. It’s not completely unfamiliar; I’ve felt it before, in small bursts when he smiles at me or holds me at night. Only now, it’s so much stronger, and it’s meant for Aiden and Aiden alone.

I think … Goddess, Iknow… I’m in love with Aiden Calderon.

Chapter 32

Aiden

“Do you have anything else planned for the night?” I ask as I join Julian in the suite’s kitchenette.

Please say no. Please say no. Please say no.

“No. Unfortunately, all my surprises are done,” he says, stirring his tea to help it brew. “We’re in for the rest of the night. Unless you want to go out?” He glances at me, curious.

“Nah, I’m good staying in,” I reply, then point over my shoulder. “How about I grab us something to eat before we settle in, and you try out that bath in the meantime?”

“The bath?” Julian echoes, but I can see his blue eyes sparkle with interest.

“Yes. The bath. You know—that massive thing you’ve been eyeing more than me since we got here?” I snort. “Go take advantage of it before our time runs out.”

Julian wavers a little like he might say no, so I tack on my kill shot. “I should probably mention that I left the water running for it.”

Protests abandoned, he snatches his mug and rushes off into the bathroom. I wait for the door to shut behind him, and the muffled sound of his clothes dropping, then head out of the suite.

I’m getting us something to eat like I promised, but it’s not exactly dinner. It’s step one of my attempt to treat Julian after all he’s done for me the last few days. It’s also maybe a way to calm our nerves before we mate tonight—ifwe mate tonight.

We’re supposed to, that’s the whole point of this trip. And yea, we both want it, but getting to that moment? Harder than it sounds. Do I just say it?Do I wait for Julian to? Hell if I know. What I do know is that I’m making tonight special, no matter how it ends.

My stash of goodies is waiting for me by the time I get to the reception. I grab the tray full of popcorn, both salted and sweet, Skittles, gummies, and Julian’s favourite, Pringles.