The Contrary Mate

Aura

Jack’s frustration while the children had attacked him was hilariously adorable. Even though he was clearly vexed that they were interfering with his time with me, his movements and attitudes were controlled as he tossed them around in a way that they obviously somehow enjoyed.

Once the battle was over I decided that he probably deserved a reward for his restraint, so I swam towards him, not touching him, but getting close enough that only a step forward would bring him up against me. I was getting tired of waiting. Sure, we were moving really fast, and I’d only known him for a little while, but with the bond, we were already pretty much a sure thing, right?

I wanted us to be a sure thing. He looked enthralling, hair wet and pushed back roughly from falling into his face, water droplets clinging to his toned flesh, or winding down the planes of his body when it finally picked up enough weight to move. I wanted him more than I knew I could ever want anyone.

Why wait? I moved even closer to him and looked up at him through my eyelashes. With only the slightest contact he looked like I was torturing him. Even though we’d made out plenty, and he was clearly ready for more every time, he never pushed me. What was he waiting for? For me to be ready? Was he nervous to try?

He tilted his head down and caught my mouth, instantly turning my simmering desire for him up to the boiling point. He was such a good kisser, his lips and tongue moving in the perfect rhythm to make me crave more of him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and our bodies were as close as they could get with only thin swimwear separating us.

Jack’s breathing was as ragged as mine, his hands wandering down over my hips and coming to rest on my ass. The world faded because nothing mattered but his touch and his taste.

I felt like I was on fire, but then he pulled back, with an obvious struggle.

I was disappointed. I wanted more, not to stop.

“I want to show you something,” he said, his voice more gravelly than normal. He didn’t want to stop any more than I did.

Confused, since what he had said came out of nowhere, I did as he said, slipping back into my dress and meeting him back by the pool. Following Jack through his home, I noticed many plants that had been added to take advantage of every bit of sunlight, and more had been placed where there were no windows with grow lights. I would have enjoyed seeing it, but I wanted to know what he was going to show me, if not this.

His body was oddly tense. It put me slightly on edge.

He pushed open, and I was surprised to see a room that appeared to be completely full of plants, more so than the rest of his home.

“It’s the conservatory. It wasn’t really being used as one since I bought the place, but I figured, with all the natural light it would be somewhere for you to take a break if you needed it...”

This room was beautiful, and so clustered with life that I couldn’t even feel the cold emptiness of being away from the forest. Other than a few areas obviously intended for relaxing, the space had been well utilized, and the plants felt healthy although they were newly planted and not yet properly rooted and still adjusting to their new homes. Still, I could feel the growing potential crowding in the air around me. “It’s wonderful,” I told him, as I more closely inspected my surroundings.

“This is for you. If you want it.”

“Thank you,” I said, running my hands along the plants. There were species I’d never seen before, and I wondered if they were kinds that couldn’t normally survive in our climate. Excitement grew in me at the idea of all the things I could nurture in this place that was so sheltered from the outside elements. I could probably live in this room.

“Aura?”

I turned around to find him down on one knee. “Jack?” He grabbed my hands, his grip strong and warm.

“I know this probably isn’t quite what you probably imagined for a proposal. I can’t manage any of the magic that a fae in my position would perform, and I’ve got only the most basic understanding of fae customs now with help from your father. I live in a place where you’re uncomfortable, I eat food you find disgusting, and I’ve only recently learned that I’m a heretical mixer of tech and magic.”

Jack paused for a single breath and kept going. “But if you ask it, I’ll leave it all behind for you. And I know we’ve only been together in the blink of an eye in a fae courtship, but I’m already deeply in love with you.” He paused and inhaled slowly. “So, despite how contrary and contradictory we appear at first glance, will you marry me?”