Fallen Alpha

-11- 🥀 I'll Always Stay

[A/N - POV changes partway through]

"I may not be wise, and I won't save the day. But look in my eyes, and know I'll always stay. And I won't run away, I won't run away."
~Ben Platt, 'Run Away'

~~~

*Easton's POV*

I sigh in contentment, staring at the bare back of my mate. Landon is lying on his stomach; soft breathes escaping his pink lips as he slumbers peacefully. Spots of dark purple freckle his smooth skin, leading to the fresh mark on his shoulder.

So perfect, I think to myself, admiring my beautiful mate. Our bond is so much stronger now, allowing me to feel even more connected to Landon than I have for the past two years. His blonde hair is disheveled, curling slightly at the ends. Smiling, I comb my fingers lightly through the golden locks. The soft tresses slip easily through my fingers as Landon begins to stir.

His blue eyes focus on me, peeking up innocently and making me fucking swoon.

"Good morning," I murmur, leaning down to press a soft kiss to his bare shoulder. "How are you feeling?"

"Good," Landon smiles shyly. He begins to sit up but stops with a wince. "Sore. Very sore."

"Wait here," I instruct, scrambling out of bed. I head for the bathroom connected to my bedroom and turn on the hot water in the tub. I make sure it's hot enough to relax his muscles, but not not enough to scald him. After adding bath salts to the water, I also light an old, forgotten candle. Satisfied with my quick work, I turn the water off and walk right over to my mate, scooping him up in my arms.

"H-Hey!" He protests, wincing as he's jostled around.

"Sorry," I press my lips apologetically to his temple. "I have something that'll hopefully make you feel better."

Landon's eyes widen when I carry him into the bathroom. A delicate blush graces his cheeks as his gaze focuses on the tub filled with hot water. Baths and showers were thing we tried sharing together in the past, but were never able to get through it without wanting to rip into each other. Landon might not have been affected by the mate bond, but goddess, he was still hungry for anything I could give him.

I gently set Landon in the deep tub; the water coming up to his chest. As I start to kneel beside the tub, Landon grabs my wrist.

"Aren't you getting in?" Landon asks, tilting his head quizzically.

I raise an eyebrow. "Are you sure you want me to? I thought you said you're sore."

He rolls his eyes. "We don't have to fuck. I just want to take a bath with you."

"You're going to be the death of me," I grumble under my breath. Landon's lips stretch into a grin as I climb in the tub behind him. He wiggles around, settling comfortably between my legs, with his back resting against my chest. Grabbing a washcloth, I lather it with soap and start washing his arms.

"How are you feeling about moving in with me?" I question while gently wiping the rag over his delicate skin.

He shrugs. "I spend most of my time here anyway. Actually, I think I've spent the night here more often than I've slept at my family's house in the past year. So, it's not a huge change."

"Gee, try not to be too enthusiastic about it," I respond with dry sarcasm.

Landon chuckles, leaning his head back against my shoulder. "Of course I'm excited. I always want to be around you; you know that."