"A heart full of love. A heart full of you, A single look and then I knew. From today, every day. For it isn't a dream, not a dream after all."
~Les Miserables, 'A Heart Full of Love'

[A/N - I used lyrics from the second part of the song in the previous chapter, since it was split into two chapters lol]

~~~

*Landon's POV*

"Landon, are you serious?!" Ryland shrieks as we pull up to the theatre. "We're seeing Les Miserables?! That's one of my favorite shows!"

"I know," I chuckle, parking the car. "You have a poster of it in your room."

Ryland bounces excitedly in his seat as I exit the car, coming around to open his door. He practically leaps out of the car as soon as I open the door, latching onto my arm.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" He squeals, hugging my arm. "Have I mentioned that you're the best mate ever?"

"I appreciate that, but I think you're exaggerating a bit. This is just a community theatre group, not the national tour."

"So? It'll still be fun! Plus, isn't it the thought that counts? You're taking me to see one of my favorite shows. It's already a lot more romantic than anything anyone else has ever done for me."

"Wow, you must've been on some pretty bad dates in the past," I venture a guess.

Ryland's cheeks turn pink. "I, uh... have never been on a date before."

I stop in my tracks, turning to face him with my jaw dropped. "What? How have you never been on a date before?"

"Initially, I was waiting to meet my mate before dating anyone," Ryland casually shrugs. "After Roman... well, there was no one I wanted to date."

"I'm finding it hard to believe that nobody wanted to be with you. I mean, have you seen yourself?"

Ryland rolls his eyes with a grin. "I didn't say nobody tried to be with me. Just... no one took me on a date... before or after."

"Before or after?" I repeat curiously before it dawns on me. Oh.

'Oh,' Leo catches on, his shock equaling mine.

It must've shown on my face that I figured out what he meant, because Ryland laughs nervously and scratches his neck.

"Like I was saying, this is my first real date," he emphasizes. "Not just drinking in a club before heading back to some stranger's place."

Leo growls in my head and I clench my fists at my side. I keep my expression neutral as to not spoil Ryland's joyous mood as we walk into the theatre. We settle into our seats, and Ryland can't keep his legs from bouncing in anticipation. I smile at him, loving how adorably excited he is, but I can't shake the feeling of annoyance nipping at my brain.

It's stupid to be bothered by something like that. Ryland was rejected by his mate, with no way of knowing that I was going to be his new mate. He had every right to do whatever he wanted with whoever he wanted.

'Are you hearing yourself right now?' Leo demands, exasperated. 'Our mate has had sex with someone else!'

'It's not like we're virgins, either,' I remind him. 'Ryland knows Easton and Elias marked us, so he obviously knows we've had sex before.'

'I still don't like it,' Leo grumbles defiantly before fading away into my mind.

If I'm being honest, the thought of Ryland having sex with someone else makes my stomach twist. I don't like to think that there are other men that have seen Ryland in ways that I haven't yet. Even if I'm not ready to do that with him, I'm very open to trying... other things.

A fingertip presses between my furrowed brows, forcing my forehead to relax. I turn my head towards Ryland, who's watching me with a curious smile.

"What are you thinking about over there?" Ryland asks, propping his head up in his hand with his elbow on the armrest.

"Nothing," I wave it off, although by the way he raises a brow at me, I can tell he's not buying it.

He studies me for a moment before his smile slowly widens. "You're jealous."

Scoffing, I cross my arms over my chest. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Landon Grey."

"Ryland Ambrose," I mimic him, causing his honey eyes to twinkle with amusement.

"Oh my goddess, you are jealous," he laughs to myself, covering his mouth. My eyes dart around to the other patrons still finding their seats, making sure no one is listening in.

"I'm not admitting to being jealous, but I will admit that I don't like picturing my mate having sex with someone else."

His expression shifts to one of surprise. "Did you think I was a virgin?"

I open my mouth to say yes, but I pause. Now that I think about it... I haven't really given the matter much thought before. Ryland's twenty-four years old, and has been without a mate for the past five years. Actually, I probably would've been more surprised if he said he was a virgin.

Ryland's lips against my cheek snap me out of my train of thought. "You're cute," he says as he settles back into his seat.

My cheeks burn, and I grudgingly reach over to intertwine our fingers. Leo purrs at the contact, all of our jealousy melting away at the reminder that no matter who he's been with in the past, he's ours now.

The lights in the theatre dim as the patrons begin to quiet down. I feel Ryland's grip tighten around mine, excitement rolling off him in waves as the overture begins.

***

"Holy crap," Ryland sniffles, wiping his eyes. "That was... surreal. I can't believe how good that was. What did you think?"

He turns to me for an answer, but I'm too busy blowing my nose into a tissue. Ryland giggles, reaching over to wipe a stray tear from my cheek.

"Awww, baby!" Ryland coos, snuggling into my side. "So you liked it?"

"That was the saddest shit ever!" I exclaim. "Are you kidding me? They lost! Everyone died!"

"Not everyone," he points out. "Cosette and Marius lived. And the innkeepers."

"Well, congratu-fucking-lations to them," I roll my bloodshot eyes. "Doesn't change the fact that all the best characters died."

"I'm sorry, babe," Ryland cups my cheek, pressing his soft lips to the corner of my mouth. "Thank you anyway for taking me to one of my favorite shows." Another kiss to the other corner of my mouth, making me shiver. "I'm sorry it made you sad." Another kiss, this one fully on my lips.

I grin mischievously. "I'm really torn up about it."

He hums, rubbing his nose against mine. "Is that so?" He whispers, and I nod my head dumbly. "I guess I'll just have to make it up to you."

Moving in for another kiss, Ryland bites my bottom lip before standing up from his seat and pulling me along behind him. I walk in a daze, my eyes following the sexy sway of my mate's hips as he leads us out to the car. I open the door from him, leaning over him once he's settled into his seat. Ryland places his hand against my chest, holding me back with a smirk.

"Drive to your place," Ryland instructs, pushing me away. I frown, but still climb into the driver's side.

"I think Lucca is home, which means we won't be alone if—"

"We're not staying there," he interrupts. "We're just going there so you can pack whatever you need to bring to my place." My heart nearly stops as my eyes bulge, making Ryland laugh. "Kai is staying at Ronnie's place tonight. I mind-linked them when we were leaving the theatre."

"You little minx," I accuse as Ryland smiles slyly at me.

As I drive to my shared house with Lucca, I'm extremely aware of Ryland's hand on my thigh. The skin beneath his hand feels hot as electric tingles cause goosebumps to arise. His hand slides up farther, and I step on the gas to speed to our destination.

At the house, I jump out of the car and race inside, ignoring Lucca's questions. I quickly grab a bag and pack clothes and toiletries, taking less than a minute before I'm running out the front door again. Ryland giggles at my enthusiasm, but even he can't mask the scent of his arousal. The intensified sent of vanilla and honey mixes with lust, and I find myself saying mental prayers to the Moon that we get to Ryland's pack in one piece.

Luckily, the merciful goddess hears my prayers and we manage to not crash before getting to the house. I'm at the opposite side of the car in a flash, my heart hammering as I swing the car door open and lift Ryland into my arms. Ryland purrs, nestling his head into the crook of my neck as I carry him to his house.

I set him down so he can open the door, my anticipation ramping up as he fumbles with his keys.

"Ryland," I whine just before he finally manages to unlock the door. We stumble into the house, locking the door behind us before I'm lifting Ryland up, his legs wrapping around my waist. I press him against the wall and cover his tantalizing mouth with mine.

A deep moan escapes me from the sweet taste of his lips. Everything about him is sweet. His scent, his taste... fuck, even his looks. A tooth-rotting, sugary sweet addiction that's somehow good for me.

Ryland is good for me.

With that thought in my head, I lift Ryland away from the wall and carry him up the stairs to his room. I throw him onto the bed, making him gasp softly as his back hits the mattress. Standing at the edge of the bed, I'm struck in wonder at how disheveled and sexy he looks.

Plump, red lips that are swollen from my kisses; dark silky hair tousled and dipping slightly into his dazed honey, almond-shaped eyes. I nearly pinch myself to remind myself that this is not a dream. This gorgeous, sweet, sassy, intelligent man is my mate.

"Come here," Ryland purrs, beckoning me to him. I obey without hesitation, crawling on the bed over him. His soft hands slide into my hair as he pulls me back down to him for another heated kiss.

I tug at his thighs, linking his legs around my waist as I pull his hands away from my hair. Interlocking our fingers, I press his hands into the bed next to his head, deepening the kiss.

Ryland's tongue presses against my lips, and I instantly grant him access to my mouth. Our tongues swirl together, caressing and tasting as moans drift back and forth in a melodic harmony.

Sitting up on my knees, I yank my shirt over my head. The pink in Ryland's cheeks deepen to a dark red as his eyes trail over every aspect of my chest. I smile at him, brushing his heated cheek with my knuckles. Ryland returns the smile, sitting up and raising his arms. Grabbing the hem of his shirt, I roll the fabric up over his body, exposing the lean muscles underneath. My mouth waters at how his smooth skin is accented by soft abs leading down to the waist of his pants.

I place my hands on his stomach, exploring the delicate ridges of his muscles as I move upwards. My fingertips brush over his nipples, earning a gasped moan from my mate. Ryland watches me with eyes so filled with lust that I'm encouraged to keep going. Dipping my head down, I capture one of the pink buds between my lips. Ryland arches as he moans, and I press my hands to the delicate curve in his back as I flick my tongue over his sensitive nipple.

"Landon," Ryland whimpers, hands gripping my shoulders as I continue my ministrations of his chest, absolutely loving how responsive my mate is. "More, please."

I can't suppress the possessive growl that pushes forward at the sound of my mate begging for more. I bring my hand to the front of his jeans, pausing to look up at him.

"Is this okay?" I check, and he eagerly nods. Grinning at him, I kiss his stomach before unbuttoning his pants and pulling down the zipper. Ryland squirms beneath me whenever my hand brushes over the obvious bulge in his jeans; one that I'm sure mirrors my own. I pull his pants down his creamy, smooth legs, leaving his black boxer-briefs on. Standing up, I start to take off my own pants, but Ryland puts his hand over mine, stopping me.

"Let me," he says, pushing my hands aside and undoing my dark jeans. I'm left hypnotized as my mate keeps his eyes locked on mine, slowly pushing my pants down my legs. Once they're low enough, I step out of them and kick them aside. As I stand over Ryland, with him looking up at me with swollen lips and shining eyes, I grip his silky tresses.

"You're so beautiful," I praise huskily, bringing my hand up to his collar; the only thing Ryland's wearing besides his underwear. Ryland quickly grabs my hand and redirects it to his chest, where I can feel the rapid beating of his heart.

I clench my jaw, wanting to ask him about his collar again, but also not wanting to risk spoiling this perfect evening. So instead, I settle for pushing him down into the bed and pressing my body to his. The feeling of his skin against mine makes me groan; our barely covered erections pressing against one another.

I roll my hips forward, grinding against him. Ryland mewls, grasping at my back as he bucks his hips forward.

"Fuck," I breathe out into his neck, continuing to press my pelvis to his in a way that has my brain short-circuiting. My mind feels hazy, overwhelmed with the desire to pleasure my mate.

I lift my head, looking down at Ryland who looks just as crazed with lust as I am. "Can I please touch you?"

"Goddess, yes," Ryland pushes his hips closer to mine. "Please, please touch me."

Slipping my hand between our bodies, I cup his erection over his underwear, rubbing against the hard shaft. Ryland moans loudly, throwing his head back into his pillows. Feeling bold, I dip my hand past the garment and grip his cock, pleased with the amount of precum already dripping from his tip.

"Yes!" Ryland cries out as I pump him, swiping my thumb over his tip every so often.

"You're so wet," I whisper, and it's not a lie. His precum helps make his shaft slick, allowing me to pump him with ease. My lips latch onto his neck, suckling and bitting his buttery smooth skin as I continue to work his length.

His moans grow louder and louder, music to my ears as my mate gets closer to his release. I want to see him cum, I want to taste his essence on my tongue after I drag him to his high, I want—

"L-Landon, wait!" Ryland presses shaking hands to my shoulders, his eyes squeezed tightly shut. My hand freezes, and I look down at him with concern.

"Are you okay? Did I hurt you?" I ask worriedly.

Ryland shakes his head. "N-No, just... give me a second."

I withdraw my hand, watching him carefully as his shaking begins to gradually stop. After a minute, his eyes reopen, that beautiful honey color focusing back on me.

"I'm sorry," he whispers, shame making his cheeks turn red. My heart cracks and I quickly shake my head.

"No, baby, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to push you too far. Did I make you uncomfortable?"

"No, it's just..." Ryland trails off, biting his lower lip. I press my lips to his forehead and give him a soft smile.

"You don't have to tell me right now. We won't do anything you're not comfortable with. When we're both ready, we can decide how far we want to go. Okay?"

Ryland smiles with relief, nodding his head. I softly kiss his lips before rubbing our noses together.

"How about we turn on Netflix and go to sleep?" I offer. "I've been wanting to spend a night in your arms."

His smile widens as he pinches my cheek. "You're so cute!" He squeals, rolling over to grab a remote off his nightstand. Clicking the TV on, he opens Netflix and we browse through the shows and movies before agreeing to re-watch The Office. I settle down next to Ryland, pulling him to my chest. The warmth and comfort of having my mate snuggled close sends a calming wave over me, and my eyes flutter closed.

I press another kiss to Ryland's head, telling him goodnight before drifting away to the sound of Michael Scott doing his Prison Mike impression.

~~~

Steamy! Honestly, writing this is feels so different from my fan fictions. Since these are my characters, I have a deeper connection to them, and my heart melts whenever they have even small kisses

Why do you think Ryland wanted to stop?

Thoughts??

Oh, and I completely forgot to mention that I posted a guide to the wolves in Gumbie's Journal if anyone is interested in checking that out!

Q: What's your favorite episode of The Office?
[Mine is Stress Relief pt. 1 😆]

Let me know that you're thinking!
-Gumbie