One Night

Chapter 150

Audrey

Climbing up on a nearby ladder, I pulled the thick, worn book from the shelf. Its golden spine glinted in the dim library light, and I turned it over in my hands as I came back down.

“It’s a text on pack birth records,” I said, glancing up at Edwin as strode back over to him. I handed it to him. “Think it could be useful?”

Edwin studied the cover, then shrugged. “At the very least, it might have some information that could help you figure out your lineage.

I suppressed a shiver at the thought. It seemed silly, this idea that I might be the same creature from legend. But Edwin looked serious enough that I didn’t question him.

Over the next few hours, we pored over that book and others, soon covering a table with open books and scrolls on the third floor of that library. Eventually, my eyes grew too bleary to keep reading, and I moaned that I needed a break.

We checked out the birth record book, which I had only gotten a quarter of the way through since it was so thick, then headed back to Edwin’s apartment.

Edwin stayed true to his word about a big dinner, while I pored over birth records at the kitchen table, he prepared two heaping portions of saucy pasta, bread from the bakery across the street, and roast chicken.

We settled cross-legged on the floor around the coffee table, books spread out all around us. Edwin put on a record, the soft strains of a violin filling the quiet space.

“I could live like this forever,” I murmured, taking a bite of the pasta he’d made.

up from his book, a soft smile on his face. “We can, you know. If that’s what you want

Edwin looked up

I felt my cheeks flush with warmth at the implication. Forever with my mate, just like this… it sounded perfect.

Finally, long after we had washed the dishes and curled up on the couch beneath a fuzzy blanket, I got to the modern births section of the book. My eyes widened as I spotted a familiar name.

“Look,” I said suddenly, sitting up and thrusting the book into Edwin’s half-asleep face. I pointed to the page. “Fiona’s birth

record.”

Edwin startled, having dozed off somewhat, but took the book and furrowed his brow.

“Born at Claudia’s estate, of course,” he muttered.

“There’s something else,” I said, my finger tracing down the page “Another baby girl was born that same night, to a nanny. Did Fiona grow up with another girl her age in the house?”

Edwin shook his head, looking confused. “I’ve known Fiona since we were kids. I was about fer when she was born, and I never saw any other children around when I would visit Claudia’s estate.”

We looked at each other, the implications hanging heavy in the air. Edwin cleared his throat. “Audrey, do you have your birth certificate?”

I shook my head. “I don’t.” I paused, swallowing hard. “But my adoptive parents might have a basic record back home. As far as I know, I was left at the orphanage when I was just a few weeks old at most”

Edwin nodded, his expression thoughtful. “We should visit your parents next weekend to get that file.””

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Chapter 150

I felt my stomach drop at the suggestion. “…”

Whatever I had been about to say, the words caught in my throat. I couldn’t even bear to send my thoughts and feelings to him through our bond, they were so lodged inside of me.

Edwin noticed this immediately, Setting the book aside, he pulled me into his arms, holding me tight. “We don’t have to go

shield.” if you don’t want to. But if we do, I’ll be right there with you,” he murmured into my hair. “Remember, I’m your

I nestled into his arms, biting back the tears that threatened to come.

The next day, we spent most of our time holed up in Edwin’s apartment, just the two of us. The mate bond had made us both insatiable, and we could barely keep our hands off each other.

Whenever we had the briefest moment to do so, we could be on top of each other. He must have filled me more times than could count that day. Soon, every piece of furniture was a viable option; the table, the sofa, the armchair right by the balcony. We didn’t even bother to shut the curtains, too entranced by each other to care if anyone saw us. The shower, the bathroom sink…

Everywhere.

Edwin showed me the pleasures of our bond, how to m**y stroke it in the most delicious ways possible.

I think that turned me into even more of an insatiable monster, though, because whenever he tried to find a moment to himself to wash the dishes or open a book, I would be in his mind, stroking that little thread until he was storming up to me, growling, and bending me over the table.

We only took a break when our bodies were screaming for rest, and we ventured out so Edwin could buy me a new phone to replace the one I’d lost in the river. I protested, insisting I could buy it myself, but Edwin was adamant.

“It’s a mating gift,” he said as we stood in the electronics store, looking at various expensive phones. “Since we can’t have an official mating ceremony just yet, it’s the least I can do.” He glanced at me, gray eyes flicking over me. “Assuming you want a ceremony someday.”

I felt a warmth spread through my chest at the thought. “L. I don’t know much about those sorts of things,” I admitted. Edwin’s eyes glowed slightly as he explained. “It’s a sacred ritual, binding us together in front of our loved ones. There’s an exchange of vows, a marking bite… It used to be, back before the days of dating and one night stands, that werewolves would. save themselves for their fated mate-often mates would be found through witches or soothsayers, and the ceremonies would be arranged as their first meeting.”

“Like an arranged marriage?” I asked.

Edwin nodded. “Similar to that, yes.”

He paused, his mouth lifting up in one corner. “But now, it’s seen as more of a symbolic thing, since mates usually solidify their bond in bed first.”

I swallowed hard, cheeks heating at the thought. “I think. I think I’d like that,” I said softly. “But

“Not yet,” he finished for me, looping an arm around my shoulders and drawing me close. “It can wait.”

Edwin helped me pick out a simple but nice phone after that As he handed me the box and I went to reach for it, he pulled it out of reach and said with a grin, “Promise not to lose this one in the river?”

1 laughed, jumping up on my toes and sn**ng the box. “I can’t make any promises, but I’ll do my best.”

That night, we showered together, the hot water cascading over our bodies as we explored each other once again. Edwin’s hands roamed my skin, leaving trails of fire in their wake. I gasped as he pressed me against the cool tites, his lips finding that sensitive spot on my neck.

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Chapter 150

“Mine,” he growled, his teeth grazing my skin.

I let out a little whimper of pleasure, but pushed him away. He growled, eyes flashing as I grabbed the bottle of soap and squeezed it all over myself. I didn’t break eye contact while I sudsed myself up, hands sliding across my wet skin until I was covered in tiny bubbles.

Then, slowly, sensually, I rubbed my body across his until he, too, was covered in those bubbles.

He carried me to bed after we’d rinsed and dried off and made love to me there, our bodies moving together in perfect synchronization. The mate bond hummed between us, amplifying every sensation. I howled as we reached our peak together, the pleasure almost overwhelming.

As we lay tangled in the sheets after, catching our breath, I found myself musing aloud. “I could live in this little apartment with you forever.”

Edwin chuckled and pulled out of me, rolling onto his back. “If that’s what you want, then it’s yours. But I do own other properties. Not just the cottage by the lake, but also a small mansion further out in the country. I could take you there someday if you would like.”

I propped myself up on one elbow, intrigued. “I’d love to see it. What’s it like?

“It’s secluded, surrounded by woods,” he explained. “There’s a spring-fed pond nearby for swimming in the summer. The house itself is old, but I’ve had it renovated. It’s peaceful there.”

“It sounds wonderful,” I said, already imagining lazy summer days by the pond. I pictured bringing my friends there, having big barbecues on the lawn together, just as we had in our summer home this year.

The thought made me smile, and I sent the images down the bond when Edwin shot me a curious look. It made him smile,

100.

But then Edwin’s expression turned slightly wary. “Just know that my family lives in that area. It might not be as peaceful as it is here. My parents. His voice trailed off.

I nodded, understanding. But then I teased, “If you’re going to make me confront my parents, then it’s only fair if we confront yours.

Edwin pulled me close, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Fair enough. For now, though, we should probably get some sleep You have school in the morning, and I have classes to teach.”

I snuggled closer to him, breathing in his comforting scent. “Goodnight, Edwin. I…” My heart throbbed a little, and I murmured, “I love you.”

I could have sworn I heard his breath catch. To hear each other say those words, not as a confession or a plea but simply promise. It was still new, still captivating, for both of us. I hoped we’d never tire of it.

“I love you too,” he murmured.

The next morning, bright and early, we walked into the dean’s office. The dean lifted his head from behind his desk, eyes widening as he saw our hands joined together. He pushed his chair back, prepared to stand-and likely shout at us for whatever the hell was going on.

But before he could, Edwin cleared his throat and said proudly. Audrey Thatcher is my fated mate.”

We’d like to fill out a relationship form,” I said, beaming.