Sleuth

Clear

Do you remember when we had the conversation about mates?" Kaddian asked, watching her to make sure she stayed in this reality.

Kaddian had said her name three times previously to break her from her last reverie. He finally had to get close to her and practically yell her name to get her attention. He desperately wanted to know what she was thinking.

He could tell, from the look on her face, that she was no where close to deducing what he was about to tell her and could not understand why he would bring this topic up now.

"Yes" Lauren Hale's tone was laced with confusion.

Kaddian felt conflicted about where to go from there. He also struggled with whether he should go back to his chair or continue to squat, placing his face so close to hers. On one hand, the idea of being that far away from her after being so close sounded abhorrent, but on the other, he was having trouble thinking this conversation through to the end with her so close.

Finally, he chose to stay and said, "do you also remember how I had explained the Alpha pair?"

"Powerful she-bear" was all Lauren Hale murmured. Kaddian realized he wasn't the only one having trouble focusing.

"That was said, yes. And you remember that you asked me if I had found mine and I told you no?" Kaddian's heart was racing, something he was not used to.

Lauren Hale only nodded.

"I lied" Kaddian said quickly.

"Oh?" Lauren Hale was leaning closer to him, something he was sure she didn't realize she was doing. As if her mouth was on autopilot separate from her mind, she asked "who is she?", then heard the words. Her nose wrinkled ever so slightly, and Kaddian hoped that perhaps it was because she realized that the idea didn't sit well with her.

Kaddian Grayson finally unclenched his fists, something he had been doing since being left in the room alone with her. That was the only way he had been able to keep from touching her.

In answer to her question, he lifted his hand to her neck, tangled his fingers in her soft hair, and gently closed the distance between them to kiss her.

Kaddian Grayson's heart beat was so thunderous and loud that he could hear nothing but the sound of it pounding against his ribcage. He waited for some sign of rejection, as he expected there would be one.

Lauren Hale didn't move at first, but suddenly, Kaddian felt the smallest, softest touch of her hand on his jaw.

Kaddian only slightly deepened the kiss before pulling away to gauge the reaction on her face. He wanted to give her ample opportunity to change her mind.

Lauren Hale sat there for a few seconds with her eyes closed before she whispered, "are you insane?"

____________________________________________

"Check-mate" Sarai said quietly.

Porter Alment sat back in his chair and stared at the board, trying to find the point where he went wrong.

He looked up at Sarai with a smile, realizing that she had undoubtedly beaten him.

"You didn't strike me as a chess enthusiast" Porter admitted.