The Alpha's Mate

Chapter 20

Charlie's POV

Slowly but surely, things began to get better between Presley and me, over the past few weeks. He would come home and give me his full undivided attention. It felt good to have the attention of my mate, as it should have been all along. We bonded more as mates, both physically and emotionally. It was easy to fall for my mate, but I found myself still hesitating on fully letting myself be vulnerable around him in fear of being let down.

He had proven me otherwise so many other times, taking me out to dinner, trying to include me in things. He would let me know he would be home a little later than usual but would still make sure to give me the time of day. We would entwine our bodies, making us one, time and time again. But neither of us said the words that meant the most. I could see it in his eyes when he looked at me, but it was almost as if he were wanting me to tell him that I loved him first, for whatever reason.

Currently, we were cuddled up on the couch and Presley was watching a tv show I had no interest in, and I was reading one of my books that was holding on by a thread because I had read it that many times. I glanced up at the tv, watching one of the characters fighting another. I looked up at Presley, who had been absent-mindedly combing his fingers through my hair, laser-focused on the show.

"What's happening?" I asked, laying my book down on my chest.

"Well that character," He pointed to the tall mysterious-looking character. "Is pissed because, that character—" He pointed to the other that the camera panned to the one he was fighting. "— stabbed his lover in the chest, almost killing their baby."

"Why would he stab the guy's lover?" I questioned.

"Because for whatever reason he was best friends with the lover and hated seeing the other guy with her, so when the other guy broke her heart one too many times the friend got mad at her for not listening. He got mad at her and stabbed her." Presley waved his hands around with each word he said. I admired how passionate he was about this show.

"That's really shitty," I responded, furrowing my brows.

"Tell me about it."

"Honestly I still can't get over that you're a sop for drama shows." I giggled.

"I was just as shocked when you told me you read sex-filled stories. So, checkmate, angel." He kissed my forehead. My cheeks reddened in embarrassment.

"How many times do I have to tell you, it was a form of rebellion on my papa. He would probably keel over if he knew the things I was reading under his roof." I bit down on my lip.

"I think he would keel over twice over if he knew your mama was the one that gave the books to you." Presley chuckled.

"You're right. But– back to the topic of you liking drama-filled stories. How on earth?" I asked.

He rolled his eyes dramatically, leaning his head on the back of the couch. "My mom, we would watch shows every Saturday night together when all my little shithead siblings went to bed." His Adam's apple bobbed with every word he said. His lips turned upwards at the memories. "One went on for years, and that was our little Saturday night ritual for a while. But then my dad retired, and I took over, then I moved out..." He trailed off. "I miss spending time with my mom, but then again, I missed a lot over the years just trying to keep myself busy."

"Are you telling me you're a mommy's boy?" I raised a brow, a smirk fell on my lips. Presley snapped his head down, cocking his head to the side with a flabbergasted look on his face.

"No, if anyone's a mama's boy, it's you." He challenged.

"I digress, my little brother was a mama's boy too, it's okay to admit. I think it's sweet. Just like this one story your mom told me about." I chuckled.