The Elemental Mate

Chapter 18

Xander POV

I felt nervous as I got back to the house. Running my hands through my hair, I walked up to the porch.

Are you sure everything is set? I mindlink Hayden and Asher.

For the last time, yes! Hayden snapped. I growled at the show of disrespect, but I couldn't really blame him. It was probably the tenth time I had asked since I left the pair in the clearing. I just wanted everything to be perfect for Aurora tonight.

God, I sound like a girl, I complain to myself as the thought crossed my mind.

I swear you are a girl, Kai laughed.

Wanting to roll my eyes at his childish comeback, I push him to the back of my mind and open the door.

"Aurora, I'm home," I call out, listening for any movement to tell me where she is in the house.

I hear a slight squeak and a small thud coming from upstairs. Slight panic fills me as I start to move up the stairs.

"Aurora, are you okay?" I am about to open the door to the bedroom when it swings open to reveal my beautiful mate.

She wore a simple blue dress that hung lightly off her shoulder and showed off her legs. Her long red hair was curled around her shoulders to frame her face.

"You look stunning," I breath out.

She bit her bottom lip gently as red blush moved up her cheeks, "Thank you," she said quietly, "You do too."

With her complement, I was so happy I decided to change this morning after Ellie found out I was taking Aurora on a date. After her input, I was now dressed in a nice blue polo and a pair of khakis.

Moving closer to her, I wrapped her in my arms as she gently laid her hands on my chest, "What was that thump sound?" I asked her.

"Me," she blushed even more, "I was rushing, and I tripped over a pair of shoes."

I try to hold in my laugh, but I can't. She smacks my chest when I can't stop as she glares at me the best she can, "It's not funny, Xander."

"It's a little funny," I play with her before changing the subject, "Are you ready for our date?"

"Very," she smiles as we start to walk down the stairs and out of the house, "So are you going to tell me where we are going?" she asks when I pass the cars and start walking along a path into the woods.

"Nope," I answer, intentionally popping the 'p' sound, "It's a surprise."

"I hate surprises," she mumbles.

Drawing her closer, I place a quick kiss on her lips, "Trust me, you're going to love it."

We walked for about ten minutes in comfortable silence. My hand never leaving hers as we got close to the clearing.

Moving around her, I wrapped her in my arms and whispered in her ear, "Close your eyes."

She shut them immediately. Pride and love went through me at the pure show of trust she just displayed. Kissing her cheek lightly, I slowly moved her forward to the edge of the clearing.

"Open them," I instruct.

She gasps slightly at the scene before her. In the middle of the clearing, a small blanket sat with a small picnic prepared for us. The soft glow of the sunset shown through the trees, highlighting the surrounding cherry blossom trees.

"I wanted to do something simple," I tell her, hoping she likes it.

She turns in my arms and stares up at me with her beautiful blue eyes, "It's perfect."