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The threads of the wick on my skirt start to make my fingertip feel raw as I can’t seem to stop myself from drawing the shape into my skin. “As you’ve already expressed, I need time to process things. If we’re soulmates and meant to be, I will not ignore that.”
His eyes light.
My heart jerks. “That is to say I still need time to come to terms with it emotionally.”
“Of course. I am in no hurry to make you mine. I prefer the certainty that comes from calculation. Test me against your desires for as long as it takes, and I shall pursue you for as long as you allow until there is not a single question in your mind that you want me.”
Oh, honey…
Flutters erupt in my stomach.
…I wish I had more questions in my mind concerning where I stood in wanting you.
Fighting down the impulses I’m now allowed to blame on soulmate bond magic, I ask, “What happens next?” Telling my parents? Moving in together? Getting human married so my father can walk me down the aisle in front of a bunch of people I barely know, because really my only friend is Zahra, and everyone will think I’m pregnant because it happened so fast, and the people on my school board—who will be there out of posterity—will inevitably ask me invasive questions concerning how a pregnancy will impact the school?
Something…else? Ideally less horrible?
“Next…” He sets his teacup down and extends his hand. “May I have your unlocked phone?”
Wait. We’re just skipping right to that part of a relationship? Isn’t that a toxic part that shouldn’t be in a relationship? I hesitate. “Why do you need it?”
“It is important to provide you with an adequate support system during this transitional time. I like to call said support system Willow, Brittny, and Alana. During Alana’s last session, I asked for their numbers.”
“You’re…giving me a friend group?”
“I suppose.”
I cross my ankles and change to a different finger before the embroidery thread makes my index finger bleed. “No, that’s weird. I’m an adult. I don’t need someone to set up play dates for me.”
“I am providing you with contact information. You may set up the play dates yourself.”
I scrunch up my shoulders. “Calling outings with friends play dates is strange at my age. Don’t infantalize me just because you’re at least three thousand.”
He arches a brow. “I am merely reiterating your own language not attempting to treat you like a child.”
I’ve backed myself into a corner. My stomach is starting to hurt, and a headache is crawling up the base of my neck. I have no systems in place to handle any of this. My smile and wave default is not particularly helpful right now.
“The moment Willow finds out you’re aware, she will locate your phone number regardless.”
“I’m sorry, what?”
“She has your full name and knows where you work.”
“Unless I call a parent first, my personal phone number isn’t public.”
“That will not stop her.”
I am beginning to see why Willow and a man made of fear are friends. She seems pretty terrifying in her own right.
Burying my fingers in my hair, I close the folder and rest my elbow on the table. “I’m not the best at friendships. I don’t really like them. The ones I have right now are more than enough.”
“Do you find relationships exhausting?”
I sigh. “I’m an introvert. I need a lot of my own time and space. After being around twelve kids for eight hours most days, all I want to do is go home to my sewing machine and crochet hook. Maintaining one friend is hard enough.”
Pollux stares at me, his red eyes boring through my flesh.
A shiver works its way down my spine, and I shift in my seat as I push back my tangled curls. The messy bun isn’t going to cut it for much longer. It’s got to be wash day soon. “What?”
