On the Other Side

Goodbye

I find myself lying in bed when I wake up, I don't remember getting there. The suffocating feeling takes over again. The spots dance in my vision and my breathing becomes laboured.

It doesn't take long for me to begin my routine, the tears start to flow

I'm happy

I think

So why am I crying

But before I can fully start sobbing. A pair of arms wrap around me

I feel Linwood's hard chest pressed against my back

"Sssshhh, stop that" he whispers

But I just cry harder and he holds onto me tighter.

"Jeana. Look at me." I turn to him, the tears making my vision blurry but I can make out the frown plastered on his face.

He sighs, mumbling something under his breath

"You know why you are crying" he finally says

"No, I don't. I'm not sad, I'm happy, satisfied-"

"It wasn't a question, you know why you are crying" he says more serious

It clicks

"What has Titus been doing" I ask

I pull away from him, instantly feeling lost when he lets go.

"Linwood answer me"

"I heard he was...."he pauses

"He was what" I am practically shouting at this point

"Well he was.....still is sleeping around"

It all makes sense. The mate bond. Every time he does it, I feel wrong. He's the one making me feel pain

I look away, it makes me feel weak, ashamed but Linwood's tilts my head so I look him in the eye

"The more you train the stronger you will become"

"That doesn't have anything to do with my emotions"

"Yes it does"

"No it doesn't. I left, it's my fault"

"Stop that, If you are brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello."

You're my new hello aren't you

"Yes I am" He smirks

My eyes go wide. Did I just say that out loud

I feel Linwood's fingers brush the side of my face. I want him to kiss me so bad

And he does

His lips connect with mine sending my heart straight through my rib cage. It's more soft than the first time we kissed, that one was rushed. The intentions for seduction not passion. Before I can pull him closer he moves away.

"Linwood" I whisper

He begins to climb off the bed before I grab his wrist.

"Stay with me please" I mumble

———————————————————

The next morning, it feels odd waking up beside someone. I've always slept by myself. The comfort makes me almost melt. I don't want to get up.

I feel his arm wrapped under my neck cushioning my head.

I turn to face him and find him reading a book.