บท 22: Hope - (Makai's Point of View)

We stay silent for a few minutes, each of us lost in his own thoughts.

I'm about to speak when Storm talks, his voice sounding small and vulnerable.

"I'm so scared, Kai. I'm scared that you will reject me and just the thought is killing me. I know the bond might force us together one way or the other, but even if we can't do anything about it, and even if rejection doesn't break the bond, I don't want it to be the only reason we're together.

I don't want to carry around the feeling of being rejected by the one person in the world who should want me the most. Please give me a chance to be your mate, Kai. Give me a chance before you reject me"

He looks so dejected and scared, and before I realize what I'm doing, my hands are caressing his face.

"I'm not going to reject you, Storm," I whisper, and a feeling of intense relief fills the room. But before his hopes can go up, I add quickly, "I was hoping you would reject me instead."