Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

- - -

Morning with Duke in bed was never so blissful.

We left the glass double doors open and the sound of the waves seeped in, bringing a rhythmical calming sensation.

I was running my fingers over the perfect landscape of Duke's abs while remembering his words from the previous night.

Duke was deep inside me, and I heard him talk through my lustful haze, "You know, Serina…" His hot breath splashed against my ear and just a memory of it gave me goosebumps. "This is also one of the signs that we are mates because mates have an unyielding need to merge into one, and it's never enough..."

I remembered Lazarus saying the same thing about mates, "It's like when a lecherous couple takes a triple dose of aphrodisiac. Any touch, no matter how innocent, sends sparks through their bodies and gets them aroused if the scent alone is not enough. They can't get enough of each other…"

Well, I don't feel the sparks, but maybe that's because I don't have a wolf to amplify my senses. But everything else is there.

Duke's proximity is intoxicating and just one look from him is enough to arouse me beyond belief.

How come I didn't make the connection at that time? Even before Duke and I went all the way, I was aware that only he can make my body come alive.

Why did I allow my insecurities to cast shade on my happiness?

Now that Duke knew about mates and explained things to me, it all made sense and I couldn't believe how stupid I was to think that our relationship is fragile. Nothing is more solid than my love for Duke, and I knew that he loves me wholeheartedly.

He said that we were mates, and I knew that he was right. After all, Duke is always right.

"Serina…", Duke called me lazily.

"Yes?"

"Do you love me?"

What kind of a question was that? "Of course."

"Say it. I want to hear you say it."

I looked up at him and met his expectant gaze. "I love you, Mateo."

He smiled and kissed me tenderly before wrapping me into his embrace and holding me close to him.

We were naked, and normally this situation would quickly spiral into lovemaking, but Duke only held me and breathed in my scent, just behind my ear.

Seconds passed and he didn't get handsy despite his raging erection that pressed on my thigh.

"Are you OK?", I asked.

He hummed in confirmation. "Never better."

"You know I love you, even if I don't say it with words."

Duke chuckled. He held my chin and looked me in the eyes while saying, "I know. We will travel around the world, and I want to hear those words coming from your sweet lips in every country, mountain, sea, forest, lake… I want every part of Earth to know that you are mine."

I thought how he was silly.

Maybe this came out of his insecurities and if this much is enough to soothe him, I will do it gladly.

"I love you, Mateo. I love you now, and I will love you forever."

Duke's smile widened. "I'm happy to see that you are not worried about our future anymore."

I didn't get it. "Eh? What was that?"

"I don't want you to worry about our future, Serina, because no matter what happens, the two of us will be together. Regardless if we have years or centuries ahead of us, we will hold each other, and I will watch your back while you watch mine. Nothing and no one will come between us."

I liked that. I liked it very much.

I was aware that Duke was addressing my insecurities related to us being mates.

He planned last night's romantic picnic on the beach and the talk about mates, and probably this whole vacation, only to convince me that I should not fear the future.

Can he be any sweeter?

"I am yours, Duke…", I said dreamily and kissed him on the lips.

"And I am yours, Serina.", he responded. "I can't wait for the house remodel to be completed so that we move in together officially. I want our every morning to be like this."

I didn't think about it so far. Sure, we spoke about living in that mansion, but it was always like something that will happen in the future, and the way he said it, it sounded like it's just around the corner.

Duke and I spent many nights together but moving in will be a big step.

Ah, I didn't discuss it with father! What if Aldus doesn't approve?

Duke's kiss brought me back into reality where the two of us were in bed, naked.

His hands moved over my back as he caressed my body, and he pressed his erection on my thigh harder, grinding himself slightly.

There were many ways I wanted to tell him that I love him, and a perfect idea came to my mind.

I pushed him to lie on his back and I saw his eyes flashing in approval a second before I slid under the cover.

I took him into my mouth, initiating another round of carnal pleasures, knowing that there is a good chance we will spend the rest of the vacation in bed, but I didn't mind. Not even a little bit.

…

It was late afternoon when we finally went downstairs.

Duke was hungry.

We picked two labeled containers from the freezer and put them to defrost in the microwave while we washed remnants of lovemaking under the shower.

I leaned on him and let him wash my hair. His fingers pressed on my scalp just right and I enjoyed the sensation profusely.

"Can we stay here forever?", I asked, and Duke responded with one of his killer half-smiles that makes my knees go weak.

"We can…", he said after some time. "But I will prefer that we find many other places like this one."

"I like that it's just the two of us.", I admitted.

"No matter where we are, I feel that it's just the two of us. No one else is important."

"You are such a sweet talker. Where did you learn that?"

Duke looked at me innocently. "How is this sweet-talking? I'm only saying what's on my mind." He narrowed his eyes for a moment and pinned me against the wall. "Why does it sound like you don't feel the same? Is it possible that someone else can enter your eyes when I'm with you?"

I was not sure if he was really jealous or just pretending, but I did my best to pacify him. "What are you saying? It doesn't matter if you are with me or not. No one else compares to you."

"It will take more than words to convince me that's true."

It took me a moment to see his mischievous look and realize he was messing around. And sure, only a second later, he said, "I think I need to remind you that you belong to me…"

Duke grabbed my buttocks and lifted me up. My legs wrapped around his waist, and I felt the pressure against my entrance, and a stretch, and he swallowed my moan as delightful friction overtook my senses.

Yes, he can remind me that I'm his anytime.

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