The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 21

Cory's

POV:

As soon as Iris and Ellie left us, Lucas sat at the opposite side of the booth. He was quiet, but I could feel he was not as uncomfortable or cold as this morning. Maybe the run helped him cool his head off. And, the shower. He smelled good and refreshing, and his hair was still wet. We kept quiet the entire time I was finishing my burger and milkshake; not a word was spoken between us.

"Shall we go somewhere else?" He was the first to break the silence.

"Uh, yeah. But I am not familiar with this town."

"Let's go somewhere a bit more quiet. Somewhere we can talk without people interrupting us."

I nodded. He held his hand for me to reach, and we exited the burger joint. We walked a couple of streets, and I heard a beeping sound. He let go of my hand and opened the car door for me. It was a black SUV that I think can fit about 6-8 humans, but only four can fit in it if you are a werewolf. It was highly tinted, and I could not see anything outside. In front, it says JEEP.

"Is this your car?"

"My father actually first owned this car. That's why it looks old already."

"Oh? It looks new to me!"

"I just try to maintain it and seldom use it now. Come on, hop in."

As soon as we settled down, Lucas drove. He continued driving until we passed by our pack. I knew we were going somewhere but did not realize it would be outside the pack's territory. "So, where are you taking me?"

"It's a secret."

I am still trying to figure out where we are going. The whole ride, he was just quiet again. Only the radio was playing in the background, and I just stared out the window. After a while, he stopped the car and went out. He walked over to the passenger side and opened the door for me. As soon as I stepped out, the sound of my footsteps echoed, accompanied by the crunch of the dry leaves beneath my feet. The tall and slender trees towered over the surroundings. Their branches looked like they were reaching toward the sky. We walked deeper into the forest.

"Be careful; it gets slippery around here."

"You've been here before?"

"Yes, just a couple of hours ago," he said with a smile.

"When I saw this place, I immediately thought of you. So, I hurried back to the cabin, but you weren't there."

"Uhm, yeah. Iris invited us to the salon."

"I noticed. I love the new hair, by the way. It suits you."

"Thank you," I said bashfully. I am glad he liked it! Amy really is an expert!

We walked a couple more, and then I started hearing the pounding and the thrashing of the water against the rocks surrounding the water. As I looked up, I was met with the magnificent sight of the towering waterfall cascading down in a mesmerizing display of nature's power and beauty. It looked even more magical, with the bridge in the middle joining two mountain crests.

"Wow! It's so beautiful! I never knew something magical like this existed."

"I knew you would love it."

"Thank you for bringing me here, Lucas!"

"You don't have to thank me. We can come here again next time and have a little picnic."

"Yes, that will be great! I will prepare the food, the mats, and everything else we might need. " I said giddily. We haven't left the place, but I am excited about returning.

"I am glad that you are excited already!"

"Of course, I would be excited if I could go places, as long as you are there with me." I gave him a broad smile.

"Cory, about a while ago..." he paused, contemplating what he wanted to say.

"I am sorry for acting like that towards you. I should have said something instead of acting cold and distant." I don't know what I will do with this man. He is kind and thoughtful. After talking to Iris and Ellie, I realized I had made a mistake too. I made him feel that way. But instead, he was the one apologizing.

"I am the one who should be apologizing."

"W-why? You did nothing wrong here. I was the one acting like a jerk."

"I should have answered when you asked if I can still feel the mate bond. I should have been honest and told you something. I shouldn't have made you doubt it." Oh, goddess, I am such a crybaby. I could feel the tears forming.

"Hey, babe. Look at me." He cupped my face and tilted my head.

I continued, "The mate bond between me and Alpha Austin, I could still feel it, but only faintly. It is almost close to nothing. I feel indifferent when I see, hear, or be near him."

He continued to stare and listen to me. He didn't speak, and so I continued. I let it out and spoke honestly and from the bottom of my heart. I need to tell him. I have known and realized it for a while now. I was scared and anxious, but I could tell him properly. "Unlike the first few times after he rejected me, I could easily leave and face him now without feeling anything."

He moved closer and pressed his forehead against mine.

"Thank you. Thank you for telling me this. I feel like a thorn was pulled out from my chest."

"B-but I am not done yet. I have other things to say to you."

He chuckled, "Alright, babe. I will hear them all out!"

"I feel sad and lonely when you ignore me and leave my side..."

"Babe, I am sorry..."

"Wait, you have to let me finish, Lucas." I pouted. And all he did was chuckle.

"But despite that, I am very happy to be with you. I have never felt this happy before. I lost all hope when I was rejected. I thought I would never have what my parents had, but then I met you..." "You're making my heart pound hard, babe. You're making me love you even more."

W-what? I wasn't able to speak. Did I hear it right? Did he say he loves me? Then, I heard him chuckle again.

"You look surprised."

"Because I am!"

"Why are you surprised?"

"Because you, you just said, uhm," I don't know how to ask. Confirm? I don't know!

"I love you, Cory. I know it seems early to say this, but I honestly feel that way about you." He hugged me tightly. "1-1..."

"You don't have to say anything now. I will wait."

"Lucas, you really have to let me finish." I playfully smacked his chest.

"I understand how you feel. I know it is fast, and it feels like we are rushing into things. I am still unsure about many things, but all I know is that I am completely, hopelessly, and madly in love with you."

As if it was not magical enough, he pulled me in, leaned forward, and pressed our lips together. It was a short but sweet kiss. He pressed our foreheads again and whispered my three new favorite words. "I love you."