His Selected Mate

Chapter 47

The sound of birds playing was the first thing I noticed when I woke up. I took a deep breath in and realized that Maxon's hand was tightly wrapped around my waist.

"Good morning," Maxon said, still very sleepy. I let out a sigh. "Good morning," I replied. I turned around so I was facing him. "Hi," I whispered. A smile came onto Maxon's face and he let out a chuckle. "Hello darling." Suddenly, Maxon's lips were kissing my neck and I couldn't help but let out a giggle. I loved Maxon so much. Why couldn't life be this simple? I wanted nothing more than to wake up in my mate's arms everyday but all these stupid rules stopped us.

I let out another sigh but this time it wasn't a happy one and Maxon noticed. He pulled back to look at me. "What's wrong America? Are my kisses not enough?" he asked with a smirk on his face. I rolled my eyes. "You know, now that you mention it..."

"Come here," he said, his fingers wandering to my torso to tickle me. I squirmed to get out of his grip but, as much as we were enjoying ourselves, he saw something was bothering me so he stopped. "What's wrong?" he asked again. I moved to sit up and he did the same.

"I just can't wait to get married. Every time we kiss or run around out here together, it just makes me wish that you were my husband already. That way I wouldn't have to wait for you to call on me so we can spend some time together. So I can love you freely without worrying if someone's going to see us. And honestly, I'm tired of having to share you and pretend I'm okay with the others thinking they have some shot with you. You're mine but I can't exactly tell them that." Conveniently, there was a butterfly floating near us so I looked away and watched its wings flutter.

Maxon let out a sigh. "I'm tired of it too. You have no idea how much I want to send all these girls home and run away with you and marry you in some chapel. To see you in a simply white gown without the cameras and the audience. To be alone with you. If I'm being honest, part of me is scared to just end the Selection. I don't know how my father would react and I'm too much of a coward to find out." I bit my lip.

Then that was it. I couldn't force Maxon to do something he didn't want to do and I understood the fear he had for his father and the repercussions he may face for doing what he wanted. I could feel my heart squeeze. This sucked. There was no other way to say it.

I felt a tear move down my face. Maxon noticed and a look passed on his face. "Don't mind me," I said, wiping the tear away. "I don't even know why I'm crying." Maxon's hand gently came to cradle my face; our eyes locking. I felt more tears fall. "Why can't things be simple?" I asked. Maxon pulled me in for a hug and let me cry.

After what felt like forever, the tears stopped and I stopped sniffling. "I'm sorry. I promise I don't usually cry this much." He shook his head. "You have nothing to apologize for America. I understand your frustration."

We were quiet for several minutes before Maxon spoke. "Come on, we need to get back to the palace." I suddenly remembered I didn't have any spare clothing. I looked at Maxon. "You don't have any spare clothes, do you?" He let out a laugh. "No, I do not. I was in such a hurry to get out here last night that I didn't think about it."

I shook my head playfully. "Of course." I moved away from Maxon and shifted. "Let's go, we don't have any time to lose." He nodded and shifted. I took a second to admire Maxon's wolf. It suddenly reminded me that I needed to take the time to get to know Ryder. He's probably feeling so rejected by me.

He is responded Tempest. How would you know? Because he told me. He wants to spend time with you America and he asked me to speak to you on his behalf. So why has it taken you this long to say something? I asked irritated. Because you haven't brought it up until now. I wasn't going to force you to do something you didn't want to do.