"I just wanna take my time. We could do this, baby, all night, yeah. 'Cause I want you bad. Yeah, I want you, baby."

~Niall Horan, 'Slow Hands'

~~~

*Easton's POV*

My heart races as Landon curls up on the couch, inches away from me. I know he can't feel our bond yet, but fuck. Does he not realize what his presence does to me?

I can feel his body heat against my skin, causing goosebumps to arise up my arms. He's so close, yet I can't do anything. Elias whines in my head, growing more desperate to feel our mate pressed against us. But I have a feeling that if Landon moves any closer, I'm going to lose control.

His blue eyes stay focused on the screen, completely unaware of the issues I'm having below the belt. Logic and desire clash in my mind. I want to take him into my arms, but I can't. Not until he's eighteen and can sense our bond. It wouldn't be fair to do anything before then.

Landon laughs at something that happens in the movie; the sound caressing my ear drums and pulling me forward. I inhale sharply, squeezing my hands into fists as I hold tightly to my self control.

Come on, Easton. You can do this. Calm down.

Landon yawns adorably, sinking back into the couch cushions. My body stiffens when he leans his head on my shoulder; the contact sending sparks of electricity through my entire body.

Goddess, help me.

"Is this okay?" Landon asks softly.

"Yes," I quickly answer, even though that's far from the truth.

"So... what's it like to be Alpha?" Landon questions.

My shoulders slightly relax when my mind is able to focus on a new topic. "It's not too bad. I'm three weeks in and not hating it so far."

He cracks a smile. "That's good. It would be pretty awkward if you already hated your job. It's not like you can just quit. Wait... can you?"

I pause. "Well, it's not common, but Alphas do have the right to step down. If I were to step down, the title would go to my younger brother."

"Leon, right?"

Smiling, I nod my head. "Correct. But he's only thirteen, so my dad would take over for a few years until Leon would he ready. But I'm not planning on stepping down anytime soon."

Landon hums. "You know, I never thought that my mate would be the Alpha, let alone a guy."

My breathing hitches at panic begins to rise. "Does that bother you?"

"It did at first," Landon shrugs. "I'm not going to lie. I've never been attracted to another guy before. But I'm not going to fight what the Moon destined for me."

Destined.

My smile widens. "Can I take that to mean you're not going to reject me?"

Landon sits up and furrows his brows. "Of course not. Did you think I would?"

"Sort of," I admit. "You said you're not gay, and you can't tap into the bond to feel that connection to me."

"I wouldn't say I can't feel anything," Landon stresses. "It's not what I imagine the bond would feel like. Like, my wolf isn't screaming mate whenever I look at you. But I still feel something. A spark."

Hope makes my spirits rise. Even though Landon is too young to feel our bond, he still feels a connection to me!

Before I can continue with this conversation, the elevator chimes open. Landon freezes, his eyes widening as my family steps into the living room.

"Oh!" My mother stops short, surprised to see me curled up on the couch with Landon. "Sorry, we didn't think anyone was here."

"Celeste, it's our house," my father reminds her. "We don't have to apologize for entering our own house."

"Who's this?" Leon deadpans, looking straight at Landon. Panicked, Landon looks at me. I know what he's thinking, thought either of us needing to say anything. What do we tell them? Do we say we're mates? Friends? What would be the easiest thing to do?

'They're going to be disgusted with you. You're a pathetic excuse for an Alpha.'

"This is Landon," I answer carefully, eyes darting between my mate and my family. "My..."

"Your mate?" My mom finishes, and my eyebrows shoot up.

"How did you—"

"A mother knows these things," she responds with an excited smile. My dad turns to me with wide eyes.

"Is that true? Did you find your mate?" He questions, and I nod once.

"Yes," I tell them, reaching down to squeeze Landon's hand. Sparks make my skin tingle as Landon stares down at our hands with an adorable blush dusting his cheeks.

"Son, that's fantastic!" My dad smiles proudly. He's... okay with my mate being a guy?

"When did you find him?" Mom asks eagerly.

"Three weeks ago," I say guiltily. "At the coronation.

My mom's smile falters. "You've known for three weeks, and you didn't tell us? Why?"

I bite my lower lip. How am I supposed to tell my parents that I didn't talk to them sooner, because I was worried that they would be homophobic?

"It's my fault," Landon interjects, making everyone look at him in surprise. "I asked him not to say anything."

I single him out in our pack mind link. 'What are you doing?'

Landon flinches, but ignores my question and continues on. "I'm sixteen. I asked him not to say anything because I don't feel our bond yet, and was unsure about everything. It's my fault, so don't be mad at him. He was just doing what I asked."

"Well," my mother breathes out. "I guess I can't blame either of you for that. Easton, you did a good thing by respecting your mate's wishes. Landon, I hope that time will make you feel more sure about your relationship with my son. You will be the next Luna, after all."

He nods with a soft smile. "I know, and... I'm getting there."

The smile Landon gives me is so warm and full of promise, my heart flutters like crazy in my chest. I want to scoop him up and hold him tight; to embrace him all night long.

"We'll just head upstairs and give you two some privacy," my dad says, ushering my mom and brother towards the stairs. Leon throws another curious glance at Landon before sighing and heading up to the sixth floor. Once they're gone, I breathe a sigh of relief.

"Sorry about that," I grimace. "I didn't know they would be home this early. Sorry if you felt like you were put on the spot."

Landon shrugs. "It's okay. I figured I would meet them at some point."

I tilt my head to the side. "You know, you're a lot more mature than most guys your age."

He laughs, curling back onto the couch. "Not really. Trust me, once you get to know me better, you'll see me for who I am. Our neighbors call me and my sister demon spawn. Did you hear about the twins that put cling wrap on all the toilets in the pack school?"

I burst out laughing. "That was you? Holy shit, I remember that! The principal was so mad. My dad had to act all upset about it, but he couldn't stop laughing when we got home!"

"Happy to be of service," Landon grins proudly. His blue eyes twinkle, mesmerizing me. I find myself leaning in, and Landon sucks in a breath as his eyes drop down to my lips.

I want to kiss him.