Chapter 12 - Liam

Sebastian slowly placed his hand in mine and I sighed happily. He relaxed a little and gave me a small smile in return.

"I'm really sorry Sebastion," I started and he stiffened. "Don't stiffen, I just want to apologise for everything I've done to you."

He relaxed a little but still looked guarded. I couldn't blame him,

"I should never have rejected you," I sighed.

Sebastian's wide eyes told me he hadn't expected that. I could see a little flicker of hope start to rise in his eyes.

"Even before all this, I knew I'd made a mistake. My fear of magic affected my decision and I acted rashly. As I got to know you, I realised what a big idiot I've been. Sebastian," I swung my legs off the bed and gripped both hands. "Can you forgive me? Can you give me another chance?"

Tears filled his eyes as he nodded with a smile.

"Yes, I forgive you," he quietly muttered.

I smiled back and pulled him towards me. Our lips met and I groaned at his taste. My hands gripped his head as our passion took over.

"Yay!"

We broke apart to see Aria wide awake and bouncing on the bed, clapping her hands. She flung herself at us and pulled us both into a hug.

"I have two daddies now!" she called out before running out the door.

We laughed at her before looking at each other. Sebastian's cheeks were flushed bright red. He bit his lips and looked everywhere else but at me.

"Sebastian."

I pulled his head so he had to look at me.

"Can I take you on a date?"

Sebastian's eyes widened and tears started to fill them. I was worried I'd just said something wrong.

"Shit! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. If you don't want to, I understand. I …"

He stopped me with a kiss. When he pulled back I was breathless, I never knew a simple kiss from my fated mate could leave me gasping for air.

"I'd love to go on a date with you."

---

Later that day I stood in front of my mirror trying to figure out what to wear. Several outfits were discarded on my bed as bad choices or at least that's what Aria called them.

My little girl stood assessing every outfit as if she was the fashion queen. I took a breath and turned to her. She tapped her little chin and looked me up and down. I'd never felt so self-conscious.

"You look good Daddy," she finally confirmed and I sighed in relief.

"Thanks, Ari?"

I gave her a kiss and headed out the door. When I stopped outside Sebastian's door, the nerves almost got the better of me as I was tempted to go back to my room and change again.

Ari had finally picked dark jeans with a crisp white button-down with a dark green jumper. I suddenly felt underdressed. However, when Sebastian opened the door all those nerves vanished.

He was wearing dark jeans too but with a dark green shirt and jacket. Sebastian looked handsome and I wanted to forget the date, push him inside and see what was underneath.

"Hey," he smiled shyly.

"Hey," I greeted back, sounding like a teenager.

"So, should we get going?" he asked, after I stared too long.

"Oh sorry, yeah, come on," I blushed as I held my hand out.

We walked out of the alpha's house holding hands, briefly splitting apart as I drove but then clasped together once again after I helped him out of the car. It felt surreal but right all at once.

Having the heat of his hand in mine made me feel like everything was going to be ok. Like we could have a future despite all my fears and hang-ups.

We walked towards Stefano's, a fairly decent Italian restaurant at least that's what my uncle said. Cedar Falls only had a few date-worthy places to go to and I hoped he didn't mind.

We were guided towards a window seat and Sebastian looked uncomfortable.

"Are you okay?" I asked as I held his seat out.

"I'm fine, but do you want … to …" he pointed further into the restaurant.

"Oh, don't you want to sit by the window?" I asked looking, at the chair I was still holding.

"I'm fine with it but you might … erm …"

"Tian, do you think I'll be embarrassed to be seen with you?"

He gasped and blushed widely. I smirked as I nodded at the chair for him to sit down. Quickly, he ducked his head and sat quickly. I chuckled as I took the other seat.

"Ok guys, what can I get you to drink?" the waitress beamed at us.

"I'll have a sweet tea please," he asked.

I ordered one too and she rushed off. We scanned the menu, ordered when she came back and then once she left he looked everywhere else but at me. That blush was still on his face and I found it unbelievably cute.

"Tian?" I asked, holding my hand out on the table.

He jumped startled and blushed even more.