Fated

Chapter 17

My voice grew horse in the middle of the book, and I could no longer read out loud. I set the book down to get a glass of water, sure that Damian was no longer listening. I was surprised to hear Damian leaving off from my bookmark, continuing reading. He paused just long enough to look up and ask, "What?"

"Why are you reading?" I couldn't stop my voice from sounding surprised.

"You were tired, so I thought I would step in and finish reading for you," Damian shrugged and went back to reading. I walked back over to the bed and placed my hand on the page so he couldn't read anymore.

"So, do you like the book?" I had to ask, thinking that maybe he was holding back how much he enjoyed it. Maybe he was secretly enjoying the book as much as I was, and I had already lost the bet. 

"No, you won," he chuckled. "I hate this book and we will have to go for a run tomorrow. You won't he bet, and there is no debate from me."

"Then why read?" I said with confusion.

"Because you like it," Damian pulls the book away and continues to read as I settle next to him. I listen to his deep voice, reading the romantic words straight from the pages.

A couple more hours passed as the end of the book neared. Damian didn't seem at all tired, but my eyes were growing heavier. I laid my head to rest on his shoulder and closed my eyes, listening to him read aloud.

I wasn't sure when I fell asleep, but I awoke early the next morning, wrapped in Damian's strong grip. I was tucked between his arm and body, carefully protected. I smiled and couldn't help but reach for his face as he looked so handsome. A smile grew on his face and he slowly opened his eyes to say, "Good morning."

"Morning," I smiled back.

"You seem to be in a much better mood," Damian smiled. "Was it all that romantic reading I did last night? Or was it the fact that you had my strong arms wrapped around your waist?" He was very flirty in the morning.

"It was the fact that I slept comfortably," I nestled in closer to him.

"I am glad," he smiled and kissed my forehead. "What shall we do today? I am available all day, so we can go into town, ride horses, read books... or stay in bed all day."

His last suggestion left a blush on my face.

"I think we should stay in my room all day, but not necessarily the bed," I sit up. "I don't feel like leaving, and it is nice, it being just the two of us and all." I still wasn't up for going out and hanging around a lot of people, so I wanted to stay inside most of the day. With Damian, of course.

"Alright," he nods. "But my room is much larger. We could go there?"

"Your bedroom?" I couldn't quite wrap my head around it.

"It is large and has a sitting room and library attached to it, so there would be more space," Damian tried to convince me, but he had me at the library.

"Alright," I nod, getting off the bed. "First, let me change."

"I shall order breakfast in my room and wait for you then," Damian sits up.

I walk into my closet and grab a comfortable-looking dress that was dark blue. Then I went to the bathroom to change. When I came back out, Donna was talking to Damian. "Donna?" I asked in surprise.

"Hey," Donna smiled. "I just came here to check on you."

"I am fine," I swore, hugging her. "Thanks again for yesterday."

"You know I always have your back," she smiled. "Also, Conner and I are going into town to do a little shopping. I heard you and Damian had other plans, so I just wanted to let you know."

"That sounds fun," I smile. "You two have a good time."

"And you too," she smiled and gave me one last big hug before leaving. I turned to Damian as he closed the door.

"What did she want?" I asked, knowing my friend.

"She wanted to make sure you didn't have any more nightmares. When I said I spent the night with you, she started asking me questions," Damian sighed and sat on the bed.

"What did she ask you about?" I sat beside him, wanting to know how far my friend went.

"What were my intentions? When would I complete the mate bond with you? When would I have you move in with me?" Damian listed off a few. "Though she was pleased when I said we would be spending the day in my room."

"I am sorry about her," I sigh. "She can be overprotective sometimes."

"It's nothing," Damian smirked and looked at me. "Are you ready now?"

"Yes," I nod.

"Let's walk then," Damian stood up and offered me his hand.

His room was at the other end of the castle but we were lucky to not run into anyone. It was a quiet morning, and thankfully Damian didn't have to be anywhere. Being away from him for a few days was already enough.

"Here," Damian stopped us in front of two large double doors. "This is my room, soon to be yours too. Our room if you will."

He opened the door for me and let me walk in first. The place was all grey, with very little color besides the book spines on the shelf. It was spacious and had a nice fireplace beside two sofas. I walked in further, taking it all in.

"What do you think?" Damian asks.

"It's nice," I smile. "Very you."

"You mean all the dark colors and very little furniture?" He asked as he sat down on a chair. I could tell my reaction to his room amused him because he was smirking at me.

"I mean organized, clean, open." I list the things that come to mind. "Of course, it is very different than most bedrooms, but it is not bad."

"You have the freedom to do whatever you would like in this room," Damian shrugged. "I never much cared about decorating because I spent so much time outside this room, but now that I will be sharing it with you, I would like to spend more time here."

"What colors were you thinking?" I sit beside him and try to brainstorm some ideas to make this room more friendly.

"Maybe some emerald green, dark purples, and keep the grey walls?" Damian suggests.

"Why those colors?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Because emerald was my favorite color and purple would match your eyes, which are my new favorite color," he put an arm around my shoulder.

"The romantic stories are going to your head," I put my hand on his forehead to check his temperature. "Are you sure you are feeling alright?" I tease. "We should call the doctor to make sure you didn't catch something on your trip."

"I am more than fine," he grabs my hand and kisses it gently. "I am with you, now."

I blushed and leaned in, getting comfortable in my new room. It wasn't right yet, but with Damian here, it already felt like home. It felt safe. I felt safe. I could stay like this for the rest of my life.