SOON TO BE MATED

MIA

I can't believe Gabriel and I are finally talking about our mating ceremony. It feels like a dream, one I've been scared to wake up from. But here we are, sitting on the edge of our bed, the moonlight casting a soft glow through the window, making everything feel a bit magical.

"So, what do you think?" Gabriel breaks the silence, his voice pulling me back from my thoughts. "Big ceremony or something more intimate?"

I chew on my bottom lip, considering. Part of me craves the intimacy of a small gathering, just us and our closest friends and family. But another part, the part that's still a little girl at heart, wants the fairy tale. "Can we find a middle ground? Not too big, but not too small. I want it to feel special, but I also want it to be us."

Gabriel smiles, his eyes lighting up in a way that makes my heart flutter. "That sounds perfect. Just like you."

I roll my eyes, but I can't hide the blush that creeps up my cheeks. "We need to decide on a date," I say, trying to steer