Page 10 of What the Hex
“It’s also a little different for Otherlings than it is for other celebrities.” Storm took his hand and laced their fingers together. “Many fans will find a fated pairing a lot more exciting than a ghost ship.”
He didn’t know why it surprised him that Storm knew the lingo of his own industry, but hearing it come from his lips sounded strange. Perhaps because the shifter just seemed so…normal. Nothing like how he expected a movie star to act or speak.
King hated to break it to the guy, but no matter how much he might want it to be true, his and Damien’s association didn’t fit the category of a “ghost ship.” They were the real deal. Not some random pairing with only a few supporters.
Yet, he had a point.
It would be a lie to say that humans didn’t have soulmates. He was proof of that. Compared to Otherlings, however, they had a poor time recognizing them. Maybe that was why many had become so obsessed with the idea of fated mates, equating them to the ultimate love story.
“If you think so.” He still wasn’t sold, though. “I mean, it’s your career.”
“But it’s your life,” Storm countered. “If we decide to go public, things will change. People will stop you on the street. Strangers will take pictures of you. Some might want to take pictures with you.”
Talking about the sanctity of fated bonds in terms of practicality felt a little like sacrilege, but this wasn’t a normal situation. He appreciated Storm’s willingness to protect him, but if they intended to pursue a real, lasting relationship, they wouldn’t be able to hide it forever.
He also recognized the unspoken question that lingered between them.
Was it worth it?
Yes, his life would change in many ways. Some could be beautiful and wondrous, while others might be inconvenient and even outright frightening.
Was he prepared? Was he willing to give up everything safe to walk the path of the unknown with someone he had just met?
Storm wasn’t just someone, though. He was a piece of King. A part of him that had been lost, or at the very least, hidden. A fragment inaccessible to him until something bigger and more powerful than both of them had finally rejoined the broken splinters.
Which, of course, all sounded very magical and romantic.
He wouldn’t deny that he sensed a certain connection to Storm, a longing both achingly familiar and excitingly novel, but not even fate could fabricate emotions. In the perfect scenario, the tendrils of love would unfurl and grow from their unique bond, but it wasn’t guaranteed.
Fate only ignited the embers. It was up to them to stoke the fire and tend the flames.
If they didn’t announce their relationship, they ran the risk of it leaking before they were ready. Things like that always did, and the fallout could be catastrophic. If they went public right away, however, there was no turning back.
So, was it worth it?
Staring at their linked hands, he concentrated on the warm, solid weight of the grasp. It felt natural, as if they had done it a thousand times before, and the simple contact filled him with a sense of comfort and belonging.
Next, he looked inward, examining the slow, steady thrum of his own pulse. Despite the worry and excitement of meeting his mate, he was completely at ease with Storm. It might not make sense to someone on the outside, but he trusted the shifter, maybe more than he’d ever trusted anyone.
Searching deeper, he recognized a spark right in the center of his chest, a glimmer of something that felt suspiciously like hope.
He had always felt like an outsider, both among his family and his peers, like an interloper in his own life without a definite place. With Storm, however, he just fit. For the first time in his life, he belonged.
“I get what you’re saying, but I’m ready.” He squeezed his mate’s hand to emphasize his decision. “We should probably talk to your manager first, but hiding our relationship seems wrong somehow.”
“I agree, but are you sure?” Storm didn’t sound like he was trying to talk him out of it. More like he wanted to be sure King understood exactly what he was getting himself into. “It’s a lot to ask of anyone.”
“I know what I’m signing up for.” Sure, it would be an adjustment, especially for someone who had spent most of his life being invisible. “I’m not suggesting it will be easy for either of us, but I’m not that great at deception.”
Storm chuckled. “There’s a selfish part of me that’s glad to hear you say that, but I still worry it’ll be too much.” He placed his free hand against the side of King’s neck and stared into his eyes. “I chose this life. You didn’t.”
King shook his head. Okay, maybe he hadn’t specifically opted to be hounded by fans and have his entire world turned upside down. Still, he considered that more of a side-effect than a symptom.
“You’re wrong.” Placing his hand atop of Storms, he turned his head to press a gentle kiss against the inside of his wrist. “I chose you.” Then he lifted his head to look directly into his mate’s eyes. “I choose you, Storm Black.”
Chapter four
“Obviously, I’m happy for you, but I don’t know why you have to announce it right away.” Priya Salvi paced the living room of the suite, gesturing wildly with her hands as she spoke. “Why does it have to be now?”