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We enjoy our cocktails and, although I'd love to stay for another, we agree that it's time to head home. Asper has to drive and whilst he tells me that shifters have a higher tolerance of alcohol, drinking and driving is still a thing, even in Arcis.

I feel warm with happiness when he drives me home. I've had a lovely evening with him. He's answered every question I have fired his way and he's done it all with patience and understanding. I know already that I've really hit the jackpot by getting him as a mate.

The thought is still playing on my mind as he opens my door for me and walks me up onto the porch. He's my mate. We're destined to be together. If my aunt hadn't left me her house, I would never have met him.

We stop in front of the front door. I know I should be getting my keys out and unlocking it, but I made the mistake of looking at him and now, I can't seem to bring myself to look away.

He sighs and looks annoyed at himself; he is struggling to keep a smile off his face.

"What is it?" I ask him, subconsciously leaning closer towards him.

"I really want to kiss you," he confesses.

I gasp silently, surprised, and excited by his admission. I rub my lips together as I think how best to reply.

"Why don't you, then?"

I don't think about what is right or whether we should be taking things slow or worrying about our third mate who seems adverse to being near either of us. I just think about what I want in this moment, and it is to kiss him, too.

His eyes widen in surprise and his lips curve upwards in a smile. He doesn't waste any time leaning in and pressing his lips to mine. Our eyes close as we touch for the first time.

His warm hands cup my face, covering my jaw and his fingers spread over my neck. He holds me still as his lips consume mine in a heated kiss that he leads with confidence. I tilt my head back to allow him better access and he uses the opportunity to dip his tongue teasingly into my mouth.

I've never been kissed like this, so thoroughly and with such a caring yet take-charge attitude. It's like he is dominating me and being careful for me all in one. My hands shake a little as they come up to grip the lapels of his jacket. I hold on tightly, feeling as though I might keel over with excitement at any minute.

He breaks the kiss but stays close, resting his forehead on mine. When I open my eyes, I see that his are still closed as he gets his breathing under control. When he does open his eyes, they are darker than usual, as if his pupils have dilated enough to block out his irises.

"That was...too good," he grunts the words. "You are unbelievably tempting, rosa mea."

My rose.

My heart flutters at the term of endearment. I can't resist lifting up on my toes and pecking his lips one more time. He responds straight away, eagerly kissing me back.

We press our bodies against each other, trying to get as close as possible until no space remains between us. Our tongues collide and rub against one another as we pant into each other's mouths.

I have never been so intimate with someone so quickly. I have never kissed someone so passionately on a first date, but it's like something has taken hold of me. My desire for him is uncontrollable, I've never wanted someone more.

We both break apart at the same time, gasping and looking at each other with mirrored heat.

"I should go," Asper pants the words. "Before..."

"Yeah, you should," I agree, nodding.

He turns to leave, and I catch his hand. Our finger touch and a shot of warmth travels up my arm to my heart, filling my chest like the soothing burn of whiskey or brandy on a cold night. Asper looks down at our joined hands and smiles.

"I love that feeling," he confesses quietly. "It's how you know you're made for each other."

He looks back up at me and I want to kiss him all over again. "Thank you for tonight...I loved it."

He grins at me. "So did I. I'll come round tomorrow if that's okay?"

"Of course!" I reply too quickly. "I want to see you."

He lifts my hand to his mouth and kisses my knuckles. "I want to see you tonight. I'll text you to see what time works. Goodnight, rosa mea."

"Night, Asper."

I watch him walk back to his car before turning around and unlocking the door. I enter the house with a big smile on my face. I'm one happy girl right now, I can tell you that.

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I don't drive to Altus' house. Instead, I jog round. Whenever I have settled into a routine in the place that I've been staying in as part of my job as a scout, I have always included a morning jog. It's the perfect way to clear my head and start the day right.

I think of Felicity as I jog past the turning to her street. She explained the situation with her aunt's house last night, she also told me that she prefers people to call her Felicity. In my dreams, she has always been Felicitas. I prefer rosa mea, to be honest.

I've waited so long to meet my mate. Luck would have it that I've got two. I always knew there was something more with Altus. Like I told Felicity, nothing ever happened between us, but whenever we argued, there would be something brewing underneath the tension.

I've found other men attractive in my life, but my main focus has always been women. On my travels, I've dabbled with both, but it was never anything serious because I knew I had a mate out there somewhere.

And fuck, Felicity is so worth the wait. The woman is incredible. Not only is she stunning, but she's also funny and creative and intelligent and everything I could want in a partner.

I admire her so much for adjusting to our world. She has been bombarded with information since arriving here and she's handled it like a champ. She has shown real resilience, it's impressive.

I'm panting when I arrive outside Altus' house. I bend over and put my hands on my knees, taking deep breaths. When I've recovered, I walk up and knock on the front door.

Altus answers a moment later. He's dressed this time and is wearing a black jumper with jeans. He looks me up and down, his eyes hardening. His hand tightens on the door handle.

"What do you want?" He asks bluntly.

I would never admit it to him, but it stings that he is using such a cold tone with me. There was a time when we were closer than close. People said we were like brothers, the bond we had was inseparable. He still can't bring himself to forgive me for leaving.

"I'm here to talk to you."

His jaw clenches. "I don't want to talk."

"Well, too bad, cause we have to address the subject of our mate."

I can practically see him closing off from me. He shakes his head vehemently.

"We don't have a mate. I have a mate and I'm not discussing her with you."

"You know I'm not talking about fucking Mare, Al. I went on a date with Felicity last night."

He grits his teeth. "So, what if you did? What do I care?"

"We had a good time. She's a great woman, she wants to meet you." He looks like he's going to close the door on my face, but he doesn't so I tell him, "We kissed."

The handle actually creaks under his tight grip. His jaw is clenched so tightly, I'm concerned that he is going to damage his teeth with how hard he is pressing them together.

"I don't care," he bites the words out.

"Good for you," I retort. "I'm seeing her again tonight. It would be great if you could join us."

"Not a chance."

"What is it you want from me, Al?" I ask. "An apology? Do you want me to apologise for making the right choice for me? Just because you didn't think it was the right choice, doesn't mean that it wasn't. I had to get away and see the world, you know that I've always wanted to travel."

He glares at me and shakes his head. "I don't want jack shit from you, Asper. Just leave me alone."

I turn on my heel and walk away from him, I don't want to talk to him anymore, not when he's being like this. I hear the door slam behind me, but I refuse to look back.

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