His Guardian (MxM)

Chapter 28

Jackson

It had been weeks since the incident. Ben was doing well. He was healing, physically and mentally. I was so proud of him. He had been through hell and back at the hands of my father, yet still managed a smile. I never wanted to lose my little mate. 

I decided to get a ring. Liam was the only other person that knew, as he helped me pick out the ring. I assumed this meant Luca also knew, but even if he did, I trusted him to keep the secret. He was such good friends with Ben, he wouldn't want to spoil that surprise for him.

I had been trying to find the perfect time to propose, when something happened. A geomagnetic storm was forecast to happen tomorrow night. I wanted to take Ben to see the aurora borealis. I could propose to him under the colorful sky. 

Currently, I was walking across our home to my mate. He was sat with Beth in front of a fireplace in one of our living areas. They were on the couch, Beth wrapped in a fluffy blanket, and Ben with a long sleeve, blue sweater. It was rare to see him without long sleeves now. The two were giggling about baby names while he held his hands on her stomach to feel him kicking. I leaned over the back of the large couch and planted a kiss on top of Ben's head. 

"Hey, baby," I greeted him softly, and smiled at Beth.

"Jax!" Ben exclaimed his newer nickname for me before placing a chaste kiss to my lips.

"How would you like to go camping?" I asked him.

"Camping? When?"

"Tomorrow. I want to take you to see the aurora borealis." Ben gasped at my words.

"The northern lights!" I smiled and nodded. "But, Beth. She could have the baby any day now, we can't leave her."

"Liam and Luca have agreed to stay while we're gone," I told him, "If that's alright with you, Beth?" I asked.

"Of course! I would love to have a sleepover with Luca. You two should have fun! Don't worry about me," she insisted while smiling at us both. She was nearing the finish line of her pregnancy, and the little guy kept poor Beth's feet swollen and back aching. It comforted me to know Liam and Luca would stay with her while we were gone. We wouldn't be far away, and could come home at a simple text or call if she went into labor.

Ben spent the rest of the day preparing for our camping trip excitedly. I also prepared with all of the essentials. By the time we went to bed, he could hardly contain his excitement. I calmed him with kisses and held him close to stop his wiggling. I smiled to myself. Hopefully within twenty four hours, we would engaged.

I woke to a face full of Ben's curls which made me smirk. My mate is so adorable. I went to stand up, but he reached out for me. I turned to face him and he only let out a sleepy grunt. I smiled at him.

"Good morning, sweetheart."

"Mmph."

"Wanna shower?" He nodded at my words. I picked him up in a bridal carry, and walked us to the bathroom. I helped Ben undress, and undressed myself before stepping under the hot spray of water with my mate. He seemed to be more awake now, and I caressed his body as I held him close. His little body fit so perfectly against mine, like puzzle pieces.

I washed him, getting to explore him even more in the process. His body had many raised scars all across it from the abuse he had endured. It was just normal now, but he was still so beautiful. Nothing could ever take away  from his beauty.

After our shower, we dressed and headed downstairs. We were sat at the dining table eating breakfast with Beth when I heard the front door open, as far from us as it was.