Chapter 19: Kiss

                                    

                                          
*Xavia's POV*
I was still in awe, staring at my mate as she stood before me in her Archangel form. The look on my face was as clear as the bright blue afternoon sky, and I loved everything I saw. I wanted her to know that I truly accepted her. Out of nowhere, something pulled me to change my form. It had been a long time since I showed my full power and potential, so I was a bit nervous, but... I was scared about what she thought of me and how I looked. 
And so, I tightly shut my eyes. 
My entire transformation took much longer than in the past, and I knew it was because I was scared of her reaction. I was terrified of the possibility that who I was and what I honestly looked like would make her hate me. When I felt my tail intrinsically curl between my legs, I was embarrassed that she'd know how fearful I actually was. 
I inwardly scolded myself. 
I couldn't stop constantly unclenching my jaw and fists, and I was nowhere ready to open my eyes. All my life, I was told I was evil, wouldn't find love, and would never have a mate or be happy, but... that was apparently untrue... It's false because here she is, standing before me in all her angelic glory—my mate. Deep down, I knew by that term alone that I should trust the bond and meaning behind it, but... I also have heard of mates not accepting each other and breaking the bond, which could end fatally. 
I don't want that to happen to us... 
I wasn't expecting Grace's words, but... my God, I felt them in my heart as she said, "Xavia... don't be afraid of me or my reaction..." Then, she paused, placing her hands on either side of my face, adding additional comfort I needed. Having her touch me in that reassuring, calming way helped me more than she could ever know. With her voice barely above a whisper, she said, "I am right here. I'm not going anywhere... Please, look at me." 
My eyes opened instantly, and I didn't even wait for her to finish her last few words. When I looked into my mate's fiery, golden eyes, I saw my soul staring back at me; she wasn't afraid and was smiling so warmly at me. When I was ready to speak, I said, "You're still here?" 
Grace nodded; I felt her thumbs grazing my cheeks, and her smile just grew. I could tell she really liked doing that, and her following words were so full of emotion as she firmly stated, "I'm not leaving you." 
"Promise?" My response was so emotional that I could almost hear my voice crack. 
Grace's expression told me she knew exactly what she needed to say to reassure me. She took another step closer to me, and it was so intense and amazing at the same time because our bodies were basically touching. When she leaned her forehead against mine, my heart slowed down, and all I heard was her beautiful voice whispering, "How can I leave you when you hold my heart and soul in your hands?" 
That was all I needed. 
I became utterly calm and relaxed. 
How can she be so damn perfect? 
Within mere seconds, my heartbeat matched hers, and I couldn't decide; I kept looking into her eyes and then to her lips. Grace's words reassured me with ease, and I felt my entire being melting into all she was. It was a new feeling, but I was ready for it. I trusted her, and I could tell she knew it, too. The genuine smile I produced next was proof of that. My tail responded by removing itself from between my legs and began to sway. 
I am truly happy. 
My eyes landed on Grace's lips again, and I had to admit something to this beautiful woman that I had been dying to say, let alone do to her. And so, I said, "I really want to kiss you."