A/N: I'm so so sorry it's taken so long! You guys are so awesome, thank you so much for everything – especially waiting. (Apologies in advance for a bit of fluff I couldn't get away from. Teehee.)
Chapter Three
My breath caught in my throat. He radiated sincerity and hope; I nodded slowly. His perfect lips curved up into a half-grin, and his breathing sped up ever so slightly.
His kiss was like the first breath of spring . . . dew on rose petals . . . butterfly wings . . . I pulled away from him unwillingly.
"Matt . . . Oh, my Matt . . ." He looked so innocently confused. "Matt . . . We can't do this."
"What? Lily . . ."
I felt tears fill my eyes. "You . . . Your kisses are sweet, like honey . . . and your eyes . . . nice, clear blue, like the sky . . . Matt, you're toxic."
"I . . . I don't . . ."
"Don't you understand, Matt? Until you get things figured out, you can never love me like I love you. And it's unfair to lead me on like you could, and poison my lips with your wonderful kisses."
I walked to the door; he followed, reeking of confusion and despair.
"Lily. Lily, I don't understand. I- I- "
I turned, feeling a single tear run down my cheek. He looked as crestfallen as I felt.
"I know you lust for me. But that is not enough."
I began running and didn't stop until I reached my favorite tree. Soon, my dad appeared, no doubt having sensed my sorrowful presence.
"Lily? Lily-pie, what happened?"
I sniffed. "Oh, Daddy, it's terrible!"
His eyes narrowed darkly and I knew he was biting back a growl. "Lily, you have to tell me what happened."
"He- Dad, he kissed me!"
"Wha- I- " He let out a small whimper. "Lily, how is that bad? For you, I mean."
"Dad . . . He's still afraid of us. He's confused and blinded by his lust. He can't really care about me until he can trust me."
"But he's doubting his fear. Lily, it is only a matter of time before he realizes what an extraordinary mate he has, just waiting for him. But you have to trust him. And be there to wait for him."
I sniffed again. He was right. Of course.
"I'll wait. As long as it takes." I let out a howl, a promise to my beautiful mate-hopeful, and jumped down from my tree. We walked slowly toward home together.
"So soon, so soon," he whimpered.
I rolled my eyes and took off running. "Race you back!"
A/N: Sorry it's so short! I was trying to wait to post until I could get it as long as the other chapters, but I'm totally stuck. Any ideas? Thank you all so much for waiting, and for reviewing. Special thanks to:
Tracykingdom (Is your real name Tracy? Mine's Traci. : ) )
Dr. Huff-Puff (Coming from you that means a lot!)
Pallas Athena olympian (I hope I'm not too late!)
Much thanks, and cookies and hot chocolate for everyone! With marshmallows! Mmmm . . .