Chapter 16: Make It Clear

Elirsha

I couldn't process what she just confessed to me and it took me quite some time to let it sink inside my mind. It was definitely like I pictured before. I mean, my first impression without alcohol content in her system won't let her speak to me like this. So honest and frank about what she really feel. It took me by surprise but I am flattered. I could feel the heat was drastically forming over my cheeks and it's really not just over my cheeks but also to my heart.

"That took me off guard." I finally managed to say something to her and she didn't expect that I would speak like that. I mean, she looked upset which I can't help but smile since she thought that I won't return her blossoming feelings for me. I already told her once or twice that I can't bear any rejection coming from her.

"But I already told you that I do. I feel the same way to you and I know that it wasn't just the mate bond since there are some mate bonds that differ from the usual." I continued as I stood up from my seat after I finished the glass of my blood wine.

"What do you mean?" she was curious about it all of the sudden. I found myself smirking from hearing that tone as I went closer to her seat.

"I'm going to tell you about the mate bond in our realm." I almost sounded like I am whispered as I stood in front of her.

"Make it clear then." She said as if she was challenging me which made me smile and leaned closer.

"As you wish, my beloved." I took some strand of her hair above her chest and kissed it as I told her that. I could see the blush creeping out from her cheeks again.

"Let's continue talking over the lab." I smiled genuinely at her which her blush never fade.

"But you didn't touch your meal." She noticed which made me glance for a second over my table locker before turning my attention to her.

"I had my blood wine already unless you want to skip work and just talk here." I answered then kissed her forehead as gratitude for caring for my well-being.

"N-no, I'm cool talking while working but are you sure not to take solid food?" she really wanted to make sure that I am satisfied with just my blood wine since she saw me ate solid foods.

"I am but I'll be taking blood wine from time to time." I answered as I distanced myself to give her room to stand up.

"Okay. Let's back to work then." She finally gave up and stood up from her seat then clean up her table which I did the same before taking another sip from my blood wine.

We both headed back inside the laboratory and check the fridge again. We took turns writing what we've observed before heading back to our designated lab table and focus on our work. We didn't even realize that it was already past our working hours when I recall our unfinished conversation over our late lunch.

"Mate bonds have different types. Conservative or the old fashion way meaning it's a type of mate bond that is based on courtship. Then there's also Neutral or the friendship to lovers kind of thing meaning it's a type that established friendship before going further. Also, the irritating or the opposite attract meaning this type of mate bond started in wrong-footing yet still complimented each other – they balance each other. Equal." I started by explaining to her the different types of mate bonds that I knew.

"I see, does it affect what I am feeling toward you?" she wondered in her sad tone.

"No, since feelings or emotions can't be manipulated. But to be honest, the relationships that the night realm was no different from what humans going through yet, to us, our mate can't be replaced unless we're being given a second chance. It's very rare for us the night creatures to have second chances in love and definitely not like the humans." I explained which made her looked at me in curiosity.

"What do you mean?" she was indeed curious which I just smiled at.

"If we're broken once it's really hard for us to move on which mostly leads us on being a fallen rogue or we're going to die." I honestly told her which made her flinched.

"Are you going to die if I reject you?" she was curious about what I think if she ever rejected me.

"I am not sure if I do or I might turn into a fallen rogue or found a second chance. I can't see what lies ahead of me. All I could do is hope that if found someone, I hope that person would secure and love me for being me." I honestly told her what I've thought on the spot.

"Elrisha…" she whispered my name which made me turned my full attention to her since her voice was the voice that I very rare to hear from her. Longing.

As soon as my head turned to meet her, I was automatically being pulled and the next thing that I felt was her quivering lips touching mine. I kissed her back but I pulled away and cupped her face which made my heart ached. She's crying. I wipe those tears away from her eyes and kissed some of them before pulling her into my arms. I am not sure why but no words were formed over this situation but my action was really precise and I wanted her to feel what I am feeling now.

"I honestly didn't know what to say or how should I respond to your confession that's why I explained to you the mate bonds in our realm since you're my human mate. I've already met some human that we're mated to night creatures like us but it's really different when it happened to me." I cut the silence that was building in between us and it made Mirna agitated.

"You see, having human mate there's a lot that needs to be considered. First, the human mate has the knowledge of our existence or could take of knowing that we do exist and not just by the books or movies. Second, does this human mate could fall in love with our kind and not because we're night creatures but because we're a being that also has a right to live and experience love. Third, could this human mate would take the risk of being mated with us or even deal with the danger that behind our shadows since death and danger always follow us. We might not want our human mates to be in danger yet, we couldn't stay away for too long since it could lead us on being fallen rogues or death." I told her what I've been going through ever since I met and kissed her that night in the party. I've been watching her secretly like any good stalker since all I wanted was for her to be safe.

"But Mirna, let me ask you this, are you willing to take me as your mate or your girlfriend even danger is always around the corner? I can't guarantee a perfect or simple life since the only thing that I could give is to be there when you need me just give me a call and love you as long you want me to. So would you?" I wondered if she's willing to take the next step with me even though there's danger around the corner.

"I –" she was about to answer that but I had to cut her off since I don't want her to feel pressure on answering that.

"You don't have to answer that now but let me express these feelings I have for you through a song because I can't find a word for it." I cut her off since I have to let these things out of my chest. I've been having these ever since that very night and it was keep growing inside of me that's why I decided to sing the song In Love With You by Regine Velasquez and Jacky Cheung.

"Just a gentle whisper,

Told me that you're gone.

Leaving only memories,

Where did we go wrong?

I couldn't find the words then,

So let me say them now.

I'm still in love with you…" I started singing the song while Mirna was sitting still and listening. I am pouring what I am feeling to her since we've gone up and downs ever since we started working together. She irritates me with her curiosity over things that intrigue her which invaded my silence.

"Tell me that you love me

Tell me that you care

Tell me that you need me

And I'll be there

I'll be there waiting

I will always love you

I will always stay true

There's no one who loves you like I do…" I kept singing as look straight into her eyes which made my heart began to throb hard as if it's squeezing the life out of me. I am feeling the lyrics as I am looking beyond her orbs.

"Come to me now

I will never leave you

I will stay here with you

Through the good and bad I will stand true

I'm in love with you…" I continued which I never thought some tears would fall out from my eyes and she's watching my vulnerable side. I am not afraid of showing these tears for her since she's worth my tears.

"Now we're here together

Yesterday has passed

Life is just beginning

Close to you at last

And I promise to you,

I will always be there

I give my all to you…" I was about to sing the second stanza when Mirna cupped my face and sang it for me. Well, it sounded as if she's the one who's telling me those exact words on the lyrics. I feel them which made my heart squeezed hard even more.

"Living life without you…" I continued even tears were blurring my sight of her tearful eyes as well.

"Is more than I can bear

Hold me close forever…" we both sang together as our forehead touched.

"I'll be there…" Mirna reassured me as if she's agreeing of being with me even though the danger was lurking around me.

"I'll be there for you

I will always love you

I will always stay true

There's no one who loves you like I do

This I promise

I will never leave you

I will stay here with you

Through the good and bad I will stand true

Hold me closer

Our love is forever

Holding us together

Nothing in this world can stop us now…" we sang together again while both of us stared at each other orbs and feeling the song while our foreheads still against each other.

"Love has found a way…" Mirna pulled away before leaning closer to kiss my forehead which I savor the feeling that she's putting over that gentle kiss.

"Yes, I'm in love…" I confessed with the help of the lyrics of the song.

"I'm in love…" she answered as leaned her forehead against mine again while smiling at me.

"With you." We both stated then we both giggled like an innocent kid that found love for the first time from each other's arms.

"So, is that a yes?" I wanted to make sure that I heard her right throughout the song that we just shared together.

"Didn't you hear me? That's kinda upsetting." Mirna playfully pouted which made me smile as I wipe some remaining tears over her eyes.

"Just say it." I insisted.

"Yes, I'm so in love with you, my lady boss, Elrisha Cross." She was so cheerful when she made it clear to me.

"Are you ready for the danger lurking around the shadows of the night?" I seriously wanted to be sure about her answer since she's going to face a lot of them sooner than later and I don't want to surprise her with it.

"Yes because you're going to save me." She smiled at me which made my heart felt so warm. So that's why.

"Indeed, I will. Always will." I pulled her into my arms and kissed her cheek then to her forehead. I stayed there for a moment since I don't want this night to be ruin…I think.