"So," Zayn said, sitting next to Liam on the bench. The fresh smell of roses mixed in the warm breeze. "Let's talk more about heat."
"Well, your dad talked to my dad, and then my dad talked to me about it. He said that you will feel more affectionate," Liam said, trying not to
blush.
"Yeah, but I want to know if you're worried about it?" Zayn asked, scooting closer and putting his arm on the back of the bench, touching his mate.
"I'm worried about you. I don't want you to suffer because I'm not ready to- you know- be affectionate every night.!"
"I completely understand that," Zayn said quickly. "Just because we have done it once doesn't mean you're ready for me in heat."
"Why do I not feel it?"
"Because you have only just found your wolf. It will take a few years to kick in fully, which means you might feel it next year but not as much as me."
Liam nodded and skimmed the grass with the bottom of his feet, enjoying how the blades tickled his skin.
"How long does it last?"
"About five days."
"Does it get worse over the days?"
"It varies" Zayn shrugged, not wanting him to worry. He knows how Liam's mind works. The worrying festers until it becomes a huge problem for Liam's anxiety to feed on, then suddenly the worry turns into a huge breakdown.
"I'll be able to control it, that's the main thing."
Liam sat very still like he always does when his mind is thinking deeply. Sometimes, Liam would lose himself for a long time, and Zayn didn't like to interrupt, so the werewolf would find the opportunity to stare at him, catching unusual traits, like how many times the God blinks in his daydreaming state. Which oddly enough, isn't very much.
"Can you feel it now?" Liam asked, staring at his hands.
"A bit. Your scent is driving me mad." Zayn moved even closer and pressed his lips delicately against Liam's neck.
"Do you think it's odd that other werewolves only smell you on me now?" Liam asked, fidgeting.
"No, it's normal. It doesn't mean you're mine, even though I like to think that because I have serious trait issues," Zayn chuckled, "It means that we are mates and if they try anything, I will kill them."
Liam glanced at him from the corner of his eyes. "You do have trait issues."
"Says the God who did kill to protect me" Zayn snorted, but Liam didn't find that funny and his guilt hit hunter in the chest. "Sorry, that was uncalled for"
"It wasn't. I'm just in a weird mood today." In other words, Liam felt sensitive and fragile. Of course, Zayn could already feel that.
"That's okay, we all have those days." Zayn sank down on the bench, looking around the garden, feeling content next to his mate. "Have you thought much about Cordelia?"
"Yes," Liam replied immediately. "I can't stop thinking about her and Reyana."
Zayn then listened to his thoughts.
"Why isn't she here? Is she lying about not wanting to kill me? What if she does bring Reyana and Samuel and they are planning to hurt our family?"
On the surface, Liam seemed calm, but underneath was worry turning to chaos.
"Summon a storm," Zayn said, squeezing his shoulder. Liam turned with a small frown.
"Summon a storm" Zayn repeated. "You'll feel better."
