Second Chance Mates

-40- 🌹 Kiss Me

[A/N - Wait to play the song🌹]

"God damn, you're so worth it. God damn, you belong. Suddenly lost in the way that you love me like the blackbird loves the night. Kiss me like your lips could save my life. Light like your love could start a fire. Make me feel the reason I'm alive."
~Anson Seabra, 'Stay With Me'

~~~

*Landon's POV*

I hug Ryland tightly as we cry together. Him; tears of relief that the cursed collar is gone. Me; tears of happiness that my mate can finally live the life he deserves.

Turning my head into his neck, I press soft kisses along the skin that was previously hidden from me by the collar. Ryland shivers in my arms, arching his neck to give me more access to roam. A growl rumbles deep in my chest as I gladly take his offering, allowing my tongue to flick out along his creamy skin.

A moan slips out of Ryland's mouth when I run my tongue from his neck to his jawline, leaving hot kisses along the defined pane. My touches switch from ones of innocent comfort, to something much more heated. The reminder that he's no longer being held back by his collar nearly causes my self-control to snap, and I tightly grip his hips.

"L-Landon," Ryland stammers breathlessly, pressing his hands against my shoulders. "I-I need..."

"Tell me what you need, baby," I growl, nipping at his delectable throat. "Whatever you want, you can have it."

"Shower," he finishes, effectively making me freeze my ministrations and look up at him. "Before we go any further, I-I need to shower."

I tilt my head to the side. "We showered this morning."

"I know, but I need to... clean," Ryland mumbles, his face turning bright red from embarrassment. I smile, leaning forward to kiss his cheek.

"Don't be embarrassed, Ry," I tell him gently. "I had to do it when I was with Easton. Do you know how?"

He nods shyly. "I think so."

"Do you have everything you need? If not, I packed some supplies in my bag."

"You did?"

"Well, yeah," I say with a shrug. "We hadn't decided how we were going to do this until yesterday, so I came prepared for anything."

The grateful smile that spreads across Ryland's face makes my heart flutter. "Thank you. I'll try not to take too long!"

Ryland jogs up to the cabin, closing the door behind him. I sigh contentedly, tilting my head upwards to gaze at the moon.

'I can't believe this is finally happening!' Leo squeals excitedly. 'I'm going to meet my mate! My River!'

'Thank you,' I whisper to him, and I sense Leo pause.

'For what?'

'Ryland wasn't the only one who had to wait for me. You also had to wait until I was ready before getting this chance to meet your mate. You two are the most selfless beings alive, and I'm beyond lucky to have both of you.'