Page 12 of Traveler (Soulbound #1)

Aly

The sound of Barrett' s car engine hummed steadily as I climbed into the passenger seat, excitement and nerves tingling in my stomach. I tried to act casual, like this was any other dinner, but it was hard to ignore the fact that Barrett was, well, the Dean of my college and my mate, Husband? Or is that after we complete the bond? Vivianne had said it was fine but, it’s not like I can forget the social norms from my world so quickly.

He glanced over at me for a second as I buckled in, his lips curving up in a small, relaxed smile. “ I can practically hear you thinking…You look Beautiful,” he said, his voice smooth and easy.

I smiled back, catching my own reflection in the side mirror. “ Thanks. I like that suit it’s a nice color” He looked effortlessly put-together, his suit a light grey, fit well. His broad shoulders and tan skin make it seem like it was made just for him. Well, okay it probably was, the dude was stupid rich.

The car moved into gear, and we started rolling down the street, the city lights flickering outside the windows. I was n’ t sure what to say, so I went with something safe “ Yo u’ ve been to this place before?” I asked, glancing at him.

“ Yeah,” Barrett answered, keeping his eyes on the road. “ A couple times. I t’ s nothing fancy, but i t’ s good food. Thought Yo u’ d like it.”

I nodded, already feeling more relaxed. ‘ Nothing fancy. ’ I can do nothing fancy. I am not built for a 5-star Michelin restaurant. Do they even have that here? Ugh this is so difficult. We fell into a comfortable silence for a few moments,

“ How are You settling in?” Barrett said, breaking the silence. He turned his head slightly, glancing at me with a raised eyebrow. It was a simple enough question, but for some reason, it made me stop and think.

I shifted in my seat, tapping my fingers against my bag nervously. “ Good, I mean it’s hard I'm not so sure how things work here but Vivienne has been working with me. And I have my aunt too incase I need anything else. “

Barrett smiled, “I’m glad. Saul and I are here as well if You need anything You know that right?”

I thought about it for a second. “Of course, I just- I don't know how to navigate relationships like this. How do You juggle 7 People?” I say rambling

He tilted his head, the corners of his mouth turning up in that easy smile of his. “I’ ll admit, I haven't had many relationships, but it’s all about communication we talk when things are good and when they are difficult. It’s important we all talk. Sometimes one of us might need more of You. But that’s something we work out as a family.”

He reaches over to take my hand, and squeeze. “ I guess, it’s just overwhelming. Where I’m from relationships like this aren't usual.” I said, sheepishly. “it’s just going to take some getting used to.”

Barrett nodded

The car ride did n’ t feel long, even though the restaurant was a bit out of the way. The way we talked made the time pass easily, and by the time we pulled into the parking lot, I realized how relaxed I felt. No weird tension, no awkward silences. Just.... normal. Like we were two people going to dinner. No weird power plays or formalities. It was just Barrett and me.

When he parked the car, he turned off the engine and looked over at me with a slight smile. “ Ready?”

I nodded, feeling a little nervous now that we were here, but more in a way that was just.... excited. “ Yeah. Le t’ s go.”

We walked into the restaurant together, the warm lighting casting a soft glow on everything. It was a cozy place. Barrett led the way to the stand in the front giving his last name. The waiter nods motioning for us to follow him, to a table in the back. Out of the way and isolated. I took a seat at the table near the window, the quiet hum of the restaurant around us, and Barrett took the seat opposite me.

“ So,” Barrett said, picking up the menu. “ Tell me about Your realm.”

I scanned the menu quickly, my nerves kicking in a little, talking about home is hard. There was nothing there that I missed. My parents are gone. I had no friends, no other family. It was just me. “ Uhm, honestly, it’s a lot like here. Bigger, the map Vivienne showed me makes it seem like it’s around half the size. Obviously, there is no magic there. Honestly so far that seems to be the only major difference. That and the government structure.”

He glanced up at me, “Do You miss it?” He asks his voice low.

I Shake my head. “After my parents died, I was on my own. I mean, I was in foster care for a while, but it was really just me. And since I’ve been here, I’ve felt… closer to my mom . “

Barrett smiles lightly. “ I’m glad You're here.” he says lightly. The waiter comes and takes our drink and dinner orders. We both just got wine and steaks. Great minds think alike. Aside from the fact I'm sitting across from a psychopath who eats his steak well done.

I met his gaze, “ So,” I said, a little more casually now, “ how did you end up as dean?”

Barrett chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair like he was settling into a good story. "How did I end up as Dean?" He repeated, as if weighing the question. "Well, it was n’ t exactly part of the plan." He gave me a quick, wry smile, his fingers tracing the edge of his wine glass before taking a slow sip.

“ I started as a professor, just like everyone else," he continued, his voice easy, but there was a quiet kind of conviction in the way he spoke. "I Hated it, I was rethinking my job choice when the previous dean announced she wanted to retire. Saul came home one night and told me I should try it out. Said he thought I’d be good at it. I’ve always done better with more administrative work. So, when the opportunity to take on more responsibility came up, I thought, why not?"

"How about You?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, clearly shifting the attention back to me. "What did You do before You came here?”

The waiter returned with our drinks, and I took a sip of my wine before answering. “ I was in my last year of my psychology degree. I liked it but I didn't’ love it. “

We continued chatting about everything and nothing—school, life, random thoughts that popped into our heads. By the time the food arrived, w e’ d covered most of the usual first-date topics.

Siblings? Barrett had two: a brother and a sister, twins who were four years Younger than him. I could tell he adored them.

Favorite food? He loved sushi

Parents? A little more complicated. His parents had passed away when he was 20, and h e’ d ended up raising his younger siblings. The way he said it was n’ t heavy, just matter of fact, like it was part of his life.

Dinner itself was just.... comfortable. There was no pressure, no awkward pauses. laughing over stories of his childhood—most of which involved a lot of sibling antics and him trying to keep his younger brother and sister out of trouble.

As we finished the last of our food, I found myself laughing so hard I almost spilled my drink. The more Barrett talked about his family, the more I realized how much of his sense of humor came from those chaotic, messy years of growing up. He might have had a more serious side when it came to work, but right now. Right now, he was just a guy with a great laugh and a ton of stories. Maybe the gods had the right idea. Because right now the two of us made so much sense.

***

The night air was cool against my skin as Barrett and I stepped out of the car, the soft hum of the academy around us. It was late but people were still out, walking around. I was still feeling that warm buzz from dinner, full, a little light-headed from the wine, but mostly just.... happy. It had been a good night, surprisingly easy. It was just what I needed. Things have been so intense and crazy that having one night where I can pretend to be a little normal, it made me feel so much better.

Barrett walked beside me, hands casually tucked into the pockets of his jacket, the quiet click of our footsteps on the pavement the only sound between us. I glanced over at him, trying to read his expression, but he looked relaxed, like the world was n’ t rushing around him.

We rounded the corner of the building my dorm was in, and I could feel the Bond pulling at my chest.... My steps felt heavier, like I did n’ t want this night to end, the easy flow of conversation, the relaxed chemistry between us, was something I did n’ t want to lose just yet. Rubbing at the spot on my chest I tried to lessen the pressure. It wasn't working.

When we reached the door to the building, I stopped and turned toward him. “ Well, this is it,” I said, trying to sound casual, but I could feel my pulse quickening a little. “ Thanks for dinner. I had a great time.”

Barrett stopped too, looking down at me with that same quiet intensity. He did n’ t say anything right away, just studied me, like he was weighing his next move. Then, after a moment, he stepped closer, just a little, the air between us thickening.

“ So, how was the rest of the night?” Barrett asked, his voice low and easy. “ Did You have a good time?”

“ Yeah, I’ m good,” I replied, flashing a quick smile. “I had a great time. I’m glad we had some time together.” I say quietly ducking my head

“I’ m glad you had fun,” he said softly. “I’ m looking forward to doing this again.”

I smiled, feeling a spark of excitement in my chest. “ Yeah. Me too.”

His eyes move between my lips and eyes in question. When he sees whatever, he was looking for he dips his head. His kiss is strong, intense, and all consuming. He reaches his hands around my waist pulling me flush to him and I sink into the feeling of his body.

Comfortable, safe, home. This feeling isn’t normal. It’s like nothing ever felt. I can’t tell if it’s just him or because he’s my mate it makes it more intense.... But if it’s the latter, pucker up boys I’m going to be kissing you all, often. Barrett freezes eyes going wide before he pulls back. “Did You just?”

“Talk in Your mind? Yeah, I think so. It’s been happening all day. Vivianne said she’s never heard of that happening, so I don't really know how to control it. I’m so sorry.” I ramble panic gripping me.

He pulls me into his chest taking a deep breath and soothing his hand over my hair. “You can be in my mind whenever You like baby. I’m not mad I was just shocked.” He gives me a sincere look before dropping a kiss to my forehead and moving me to my door

“I’ll see You soon, be good.” He says before turning to walk back down the hall

“Yes, sir” I say mock saluting he stops in his tracks and groans.

“I’m going to need You to walk into Your room now gorgeous, I’m trying to be a gentleman here.” Scrubbing his hand over his face. I squeak and rush into my room. The last thing I hear before I close the door is the sound of his deep laugh. Asshole.