Once My Mate, Always My Mate novel Chapter 20

Sabrina's POV

I woke up today with a plan for myself. My life has given me lemons and I plan on making some sweet lemonade!

First order of business, Xander.

"You look good today," I say, watching Xander walk out of his bathroom with nothing on.

"What brings you here?"  Xander says with a smile as he puts his joggers on.

"I have decided to accept responsibility. I will play my part, give heirs to that world and do my job." I say confidently but the words cut me.

It's not what I want but what I have to do.

"Time passes differently there. I'll wait for you." Xander tells me.

"I am not here to ask you to do that," I say, standing up to walk up to him but he beats me to it.

"All I have to do is wait a week, tops and you'll be here. I am an understanding man and we have had to fight some demons to be together, we can wait." He says to me and I feel the tears coming.

"I will be with another man. For years, creating life and raising it. That is not fair to you." I say.

"Is it fair to you? Is a life chosen for you and forced upon you fair? Is it fair that you have to go through it for years? The least I can do is be your peace. Let me be your retirement package and give you something to look forward to when all is said and done, allow me to do that for you." Xander says to me, wiping a lone tear on my face with his thumb.

"And don't ever think because you have been with someone else, that I won't love you any more or that I will find you disgusting. Give me some damn credit, I  have never let you down." He says and I smile.

He was right.

Xander has been nothing but peaceful and loving...

I kiss him.

His wet skin, and wet hair, almost sent me into a frenzy but it is not that kind of kiss.

This is goodbye for now.

For me...

By accepting my job wholly, I have to accept everything that comes with it and that means accepting my true mate, Aiden. That means, no more Xander or any other man for a while.

Xander's hand pulls me in tighter, his other hand getting lost in my hair. Seconds pass and I don't want to let go, I can die like this. I'm at peace here...

His soft lips gently leading the kiss now, there was no rush. It's like he is trying to memorize my lips, the way I taste and I do the same...

I want to remember his scent, it will be the one to keep me going, to help me hold on and have hope for the future. His scent always seems to wrap me up like a blanket, securing me in and I will need that for the years to come.

Xander pulls away, both of us gasping for air. His hand cups my cheek, looking into my eyes with so much love.