The Golden Prodigies

Chapter 11

"So," Hunter said, sitting next to Jacota 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," Jacota said, trying not to blush.

"Yeah, but I want to know if you're worried about it?" Hunter 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," Hunter 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."

Jacota 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," Hunter shrugged, not wanting him to worry. He knows how Jacota's mind works. The worrying festers until it becomes a huge problem for Jacota'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."

Jacota sat very still like he always does when his mind is thinking deeply. Sometimes, Jacota would lose himself for a long time, and Hunter 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?" Jacota asked, staring at his hands.

"A bit. Your scent is driving me mad." Hunter moved even closer and pressed his lips delicately against Jacota's neck.

"Do you think it's odd that other werewolves only smell you on me now?" Jacota 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," Hunter chuckled, "It means that we are mates and if they try anything, I will kill them."

Jacota glanced at him from the corner of his eyes.

"You do have trait issues."

"Says the God who did kill to protect me," Hunter snorted, but Jacota 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, Jacota felt sensitive and fragile. Of course, Hunter could already feel that.

"That's okay, we all have those days." Hunter sank down on the bench, looking around the garden, feeling content next to his mate. "Have you thought much about Cordelia-"

"Yes," Jacota replied immediately. "I can't stop thinking about her and Reyana."

Hunter 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 Reef and they are planning to hurt our family?"

On the surface, Jacota seemed calm, but underneath was worry turning to chaos.

"Summon a storm," Hunter said, squeezing his shoulder. Jacota turned with a small frown. "Summon a storm," Hunter repeated. "You'll feel better."