Destined

•14•

Song: Test & Recognize by Seekae

[Destined - 14]

•••

It was difficult to know how long Kian and Theo laid on their backs, a silence floating above their heads. Seconds, maybe minutes, ticked by as they tried to develop words in their minds to address the unavoidable elephant in the room.

"I never thought I would find my mate," Kian confessed as he nervously fiddled with the strings of his sweatpants. "I didn't think I deserved one because of all the fucked up shit I have done..."

Theo glanced at Kian from the corner of his eye, but remained quiet, actively listening to Kian's deep, alluring voice.

"I just assumed that either the Moon Goddess wasn't going to bless me with one or that my mate wouldn't want me after they found out how much of a fuck up I really was."

"I think you've proven that there's more to you than what you let people believe," Theo admitted.

"What do you mean?"

Theo propped himself on his elbows as he stared at the dark-haired boy next to him in disbelief. "You're kidding me, right?"

When Kian remained silent, Theo explained, "For example, you're smarter and braver than you think. You are the only reason the Alpha of this pack is here, alive and safe. If Autumn and I went to find Jax by ourselves, we probably would have failed miserably. Autumn would not have found her mate, and I most likely would have died in that hospital room. Hell, we would not have even made it to Canada in one piece because of your superly-awesome flying skills, which by the way, still impresses me. You are a hero to Jax, Autumn, and me, as well as the rest of the pack."

Kian blinked at Theo, processing his thoughtful words. Was it true?

"You also improved your school grades and graduated, proving to everyone that they were completely wrong about you. You have shown me that there is bravery and determination inside of you. Despite everything you have been through, you are still pushing," Theo added. "The last thing you are is a fuck up, Kian."

Kian felt his cheeks heat up, and he hoped Theo didn't notice his flustered state.

"You need to stop shooting yourself down for all of the bad shit and start seeking out the positive aspects. From what I have seen, you are a really great guy," Theo smiled. "I am extremely lucky the Moon Goddess decided to pair us together."

The words that left Theo's mouth caused Kian's heart to skip a beat. "Really?"

Theo nodded his head, meaning every word he said.

"I've considered our situation a lot, to be honest. I don't want to keep denying the connection between us and pretending the bond isn't there. I have no clue what goes on in that head of yours, but I do know that you and I have similar mindsets. For the most part, anyways. And I believe that we could make this work if we really tried..."

Those words left Kian speechless. His heart hammered against his chest as his eyes widened. He rolled onto his side and scrutinized Theo's face, trying to detect any signs of doubt or deception. Theo stared back intensely, certainty written all over his face, and Kian failed to find any signs.

"You know, a year ago if someone told me a dude was my mate, I probably would have laughed in their face and told them to fuck off," Theo chuckled. "I was obsessed with women, and it would have been impossible to imagine myself with a guy. I'm sure the same goes for you."

"I know what you mean. I was addicted to pussy, too. But now that I think about it, I feel disgusted with myself," Kian agreed.

"Right? Like it was not as great as I remembered. I came across some really horrendous feminine parts," Theo shuddered with a grimace. "I was so desperate for sex, I did not even care. How disgusting is that?"