chapter 10: you and strangers giving each other pet names

I sat alone in my room, my mind racing, replaying the moments with Taylor over and over. Every detail of that kiss was etched in my memory, each moment more vivid than the last. My face flushed, a deep crimson that seemed to seep into my very soul as I thought about how perfectly everything had felt. Taylor—he was incredible. His presence was magnetic, almost overwhelming, and there was something about him that made everything in the world fade away whenever he was near. I couldn't help but smile to myself as I remembered the way his strong arms had held me, how he'd kissed me with such tenderness and passion.

He was a man of undeniable strength, both in body and character. His physique was a testament to his strength, sculpted like that of an athlete—broad shoulders, a powerful chest, and the way his muscles moved under his skin when he walked... I had never seen anyone like him. It was as if he was the epitome of what I'd always dreamed of, though I hadn't known it until I met him.

Just as I was about to indulge in the thought further, I was jolted back to reality by my mother's voice calling from downstairs.

"Gift, dinner's ready! Come down now."

Sighing, I tore my gaze away from the window, where the last hues of the setting sun bathed the garden in soft orange light, and made my way downstairs. The aroma of cheese pasta and macaroni greeted me as I entered the kitchen, and my stomach growled in anticipation. Dinner was simple, but satisfying. The creamy cheese pasta paired perfectly with the tender macaroni, and for dessert, we had chocolate cream cake topped with wolf-shaped candies.

The warmth of the evening, the comforting food, and the laughter around the table did little to quiet the whirlwind in my mind. After dinner, I excused myself early, eager to let the day's events settle in my mind. I headed straight to my room, my thoughts filled with Taylor.

Sleep didn't come easily. I tossed and turned for hours, my mind replaying every second of our interactions. Eventually, I gave up on sleep and got out of bed. I completed my chores—something I insisted on doing myself, not wanting anyone else to take care of the things that were mine. There was a sense of satisfaction in making my space my own.

Once the room was tidy, I took a moment to gather my thoughts and get ready for the day. I was determined to find Taylor. I needed answers. I needed to understand what this connection was between us. I walked downstairs and informed my mother, "I'm going to find Taylor. He's going to show me around the Shining Jade Pack's gardens."

My mother smiled softly, though I could tell there was a trace of concern in her eyes. "Be careful, dear," she warned, but there was a warmth in her voice, a knowing. She understood that this wasn't just a casual tour.

As I walked outside, the morning air was crisp and cool, and a sense of adventure stirred in my chest. Today felt like it was full of possibilities, like the start of something new. I spotted Emily near the garden gate, her face lit up with a grin. "Hey! What do you think of Taylor?" she asked eagerly, practically bouncing on her feet.

I paused, a smile tugging at my lips. Emily was so full of life and excitement, and I couldn't help but laugh. "Well," I said thoughtfully, "he's... cute, caring, loving. And manly. I don't know, I think I love him, Emily. He's my mate, and I can't believe Goddess Selena gave me someone like him." I sighed with a mixture of joy and disbelief, my heart fluttering just thinking about him. "I can't wait to see him again."

Emily raised an eyebrow, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, go on then! Walk fast and find him!"

Without another word, I shut out Emily's playful teasing and hurried toward the garden. I wandered through the lush greenery, my eyes scanning the rows of flowers, until I spotted him—sitting alone on a bench nestled deep within the rose garden. He was lost in thought, his gaze distant, and for a moment, I simply watched him, my heart swelling with affection.

I approached him cautiously, unsure of how to break the silence. "A...h, Taylor?" I stuttered. "H...hi, hello...umm."

He looked up at me, his expression softening as he smiled, though there was a trace of something—maybe melancholy?—in his eyes. "It's okay, you can sit down, Gigi," he said, his voice low and soothing.

I hesitated for a moment before sitting next to him, my heart pounding in my chest. "Thanks," I murmured, feeling a warmth spread through me from just being near him.

"I see you're busy," I said, a little unsure of myself. "I can come back later if you want to—"

Before I could finish, Taylor cut me off gently, his arms opening as if inviting me closer. "Why can't you accept me, Gigi?" His voice was soft, tinged with a sadness that broke my heart.

"I... I'm sorry, Taylor. I didn't mean to—" I began, but he interrupted me, his gaze softening.

"It's okay," he said simply. "It's okay, Gigi."

His words, filled with understanding and compassion, made me feel safe, but also strangely vulnerable. I looked at him, unsure but willing to open my heart. "Can I...?" I asked shyly, barely above a whisper.

He nodded, his eyes warm and patient. "Yeah, do what you want. I'm okay with whatever you decide."

Before he could say anything else, I leaned in and kissed him. The kiss was tender at first, then deepened as he pulled me closer, his arms wrapping around me with an intensity that took my breath away. His happiness radiated through me, and seeing him smile, seeing him happy because of me, made my heart swell with joy. He held me like he never wanted to let me go, and for the first time in a long while, I felt like I had found a place where I truly belonged.

After a while, he pulled away reluctantly, but the bond between us felt unbreakable. He stood and offered me his hand, and together we walked through the gardens. We wandered through the berry garden, the flower garden, and finally into the Christmas rose section. The flowers were exquisite, their petals glistening with dew in the early light, their vibrant colors filling the air with a sweet fragrance.

As we talked about ourselves—our lives, our hopes, our dreams—I felt a deep connection with him. It wasn't just the physical pull between us, but something deeper, something that resonated in our souls. When we finally reached my room, Taylor stopped at the door, his eyes soft and full of affection.

"Go to sleep, Gigi," he said, his voice gentle but firm.

I smiled up at him, feeling the weight of the day's emotions finally catching up with me. "You too, Tay-tay," I whispered, my lips curving into a soft smile.

Before I could step inside, he leaned down and kissed me once more, a tender, sweet kiss that made my heart flutter. As I entered my room and climbed into bed, I felt a warmth spread through me, not just from the kiss, but from everything that had happened today. I drifted off to sleep with a smile on my lips, knowing that Taylor was the one person who could make me feel like everything was going to be okay.