After taking a shower and having dinner, I was fresher and better with a full tummy. I knocked on my mother’s room, and when I checked inside, she wasn’t there. “Mom? Where are you?”
Finally, after checking our house, I found her in our small garden. “Oh, you are here.”
“Here, sit here, sweetheart.” My mother patted the chair next to her.
After I sat, we said nothing for a while. Instead, we enjoyed the comfort of the garden surrounding us.
“Mom, it’s about Ethan that I want to talk with you.”
“Sure, I’m listening.”
“Well, Ethan and I have been through a certain ritual in his community that bound us together. He said it was like a marriage for us, mom.”
“Oh, I see. No wonder Ethan asked for your hand in marriage.”
“Yes.” I nodded. “Because in his world, I’m his wife already. But he wanted to ensure that I’m his wife too in our world.”
“I see. Ethan is a good man then.”
“I’m glad that you aren’t mad at him.”
“No, why should I? I like Ethan. He is kind and considerate to you. I think both of you are great together.”
“Thanks, mom.”
“So, no problem, right?”
“The thing is … well, Ethan hasn’t consummated our relationship yet.”
“What do you mean? Didn’t you confess to Kenneth that you have already shared Ethan’s bed?”
“It’s true. But Ethan hasn’t done it. I mean—” I blushed and looked away “—Ethan hasn’t penetrated me with his manhood yet.”
My mother blinked a few times. Then she smiled. “Ah, maybe Ethan wants to protect you. Maybe he will do it after the marriage is legalized.”
“I don’t know, mom. I mean, well, he is a passionate man. I know it for sure.” I blushed and covered my cheeks with both hands. I patted it a few times since my cheeks were hot. “He loves kissing and touching me.”
“Well, as long as you enjoy it and it is consensual, I think it’s okay.”
I nodded. “I do, mom. But I wonder now, why hasn’t he done it?” I sighed. “No wonder Ernie asked me if I felt an ache for the first time.”
“Who is Ernie?”
“She is my maid. Ethan took me to his villa once, and Ernie told me that she was my maid.” I shrugged. “Well, for sure, Ethan is a rich guy. Also, he is a leader in his community. I met someone, Red Sutton. Ethan introduced him as his man and his best friend. Red called Ethan ‘Alpha’.”
“But so far, has Ethan asked you to do unusual things?”
“Like what?”
“Like drinking blood, stabbing someone with a knife, or anything like that?”
I stared at my mother in horror. “No, mom! Why did you ask that? Ethan is truly a kind, protective, and romantic man.” I giggled. “He hasn’t told me yet, but I think he loves me.”
My mom inhaled deeply and then let it out. “I’m relieved then. Since who knows if you’re dealing with a cult’s leader. A cult’s leader is usually described as a charismatic and attractive man.”
“No, no, Ethan is for sure not a cult leader. Though their community has a ritual like marking.” I then opened my top buttons to show my neck. “See? Ethan bit me on my neck. It’s the marking. I bit him too.”
My mom stared at my neck. “Did it hurt?”
“Only a little. The most interesting thing is, afterward, Ethan can read my mind sometimes, and so can I.”
“Hmm, I see. So, no strange ritual whatsoever?”
“No, he is a bit possessive, but I love it.”
“I’m glad then. As long as Ethan treats you well, you don’t need to worry about anything. But if you see any strange or scary ritual, run and never look back!”
“Mom! You watch too many scary movies!” I giggled as I hugged my mother’s waist from the side.
“Well, I only have you, and who knows how crazy it is outside. I hope Ethan is truly the one for you.”
I snuggled my face on my mother’s shoulder. “He is, mom. I can feel it.”
“Do you love him already, sweetheart?”
“I think so. I mean, I can’t stop thinking of Ethan. Also, when I needed him, he came. It was when Kenneth blocked me. I was on my way home, but Ethan protected me from Kenneth.”
“It’s great! But how can he know that you need him?”
“Well, Ethan asked Red to take care of me. Also, when I touch the bite mark, it connects me to him. So, I only need to touch it, and he will feel it.”
My mother said nothing, and she shook her head after a while. “Maybe it’s fate. I truly hope that Ethan is your soulmate, and you will find happiness with him.”
“Yes, mom. I truly hope so since I feel a strong bond with him that I have never felt with any man before.”
“It’s good. But your relationship with Ethan is still new. So, we’ll see it after three months. But, if you still feel a strong bond, it’s great.”
“Mom, if Ethan asks for your blessings again after three months, will you give them?”
“Yes, sweetheart. As long as you are happy, I’ll give my blessings.” My mother smiled and hugged me. “I like Ethan. I hope he will be my son-in-law soon.”
“Oh, mom!” I hugged her and smiled from ear to ear. “He will be a great son-in-law. I know it.”
“Yes. I want to hold my grandchild soon. So hopefully, you will have them soon.”
“Oh, mom!” I blushed, but then I giggled. “It will be lovely.”
When I returned to my room, I called Ethan.
He immediately picked up his phone, “Darling, do you miss me already?”
“Uh-huh. Do you miss me?”
“All the time, my mate. All the time.”
“Really? Then why didn’t you call me?”
“Well, I planned to finish my business first. Then I’ll come to you. We’ll enjoy our moments. I promise you.”
“I wish you were here with me.”
“I wish the same, love.”
“Ethan?”
“Yes, darling?”
“Do you love me?”