His Apprehensive Mate - Brea Alepou Page 0,23
they say, and they challenge me on things, but we don’t fight each other over it. We aren’t that type of shifter pride. We are more of a family where everyone’s thoughts are heard and taken into consideration. Dezi and Kash have the ultimate say, but do you think those two will disregard what you have to say?”
Morgan thought about it for a second. He shook his head.
“Exactly, and with me I want you to always be honest, even if you think it’s something I don’t want to hear.”
Morgan looked into Kenny’s eyes, seeing nothing but truth. He sighed in relief, but why had he even doubted Kenny? Because he was being stupid—being with Kenny was different than with his old pack. It wasn’t about survival or saying the right things. With Kenny, Morgan needed to be himself, because if there was anyone in this world who would still accept him, weakness and all, it was Kenny.
Holy hell, how in the world hadn’t he seen it before. Morgan closed his eyes as he laughed at his stupidity. He was just having all the aha moments.
“I’m sorry,” Morgan said.
When he opened his eyes, he looked at Kenny in a different light. The man before him was his mate, and yeah, Morgan had fallen in love with him before, but he’d subconsciously held a piece of himself back. Maybe Kenny had noticed that, and that’s why they hadn’t taken the step toward being bonded mates just yet.
“I can’t promise that I will always voice my thoughts, at least not right away. But I promise to try and always be open and honest with you.”
Kenny gave him a warm smile that had Morgan’s heart thudding hard in his chest.
“That’s all I ask.”
Morgan wrapped his arms around Kenny’s neck and pulled himself up for a kiss. “I want to be a mate that you can be proud of,” Morgan whispered.
Kenny kissed him back. “You already are.”
Morgan stopped short. He was?
“I can practically hear you thinking you aren’t.”
Morgan nibbled on his bottom lip as he fidgeted in Kenny’s lap. “But I am so weak, a ru—”
“You are far from weak,” Kenny cut him off.
But Morgan was weak—he hardly contributed to the pack, shifting was extremely painful for him, and he couldn’t do it as often as others. Four shifts a week was his max, and that’s when he was feeling great. The few times he did it with the Bliss Pride, Morgan had been exhausted after. He’d kept that a secret the best he could.
Morgan sighed. “But I am.”
“You’re stronger than you think.”
Morgan shook his head. “You just don’t know, but it’s so painful shifting that sometimes I get stuck. That day I shifted twice here I was sore and had a headache most of the next day.”
Kenny didn’t look surprised. “I know. Why did you think I held you most of the day and suggested a nap in the middle of the day?”
Morgan opened his mouth a few times. Kenny had known and hadn’t looked at him differently.
“When I pledge myself to the alpha, I won’t give any power to him.”
Kenny’s head tilted to the side. “As Bliss Pride’s beta and the alpha’s best friend, I’m going to let you in on a secret.”
“What?” Morgan asked.
Kenny kissed the tip of his nose. “No one cares about that. You being safe and a part of the pride is more important than the amount of power you contribute.”
Dare he hope? “But each shifter gives a certain amount of power to the alpha when they submit. It’s for the whole group of shifters—it helps them heal faster, change with ease, and helps keep them safe. If we were ever attacked, my contribution would do nothing.”
“Those are all valid points, but let me ask you, would you rather a half cup of water or no water at all?”
“Huh?”
“Morgan, my beautiful strong mate. You can’t live without water, and it is better to have some than none.” Kenny pressed their foreheads together. “You are my water. I’d much rather have you than not at all.”
It finally dawned on Morgan what Kenny was saying.
“You mean that, don’t you?” Morgan asked, pushing back the tears of relief.
Kenny kissed him warm and reassuringly. “Yes.”
“And the pride?”
“They already think of you as family and one of us, even without your submission to Dezi and Kash.”
Morgan sat there letting everything soak in. He pinched his arm until it was a deep red, the pain letting him know it wasn’t a dream. A part of