My Immortal Fated Mate
“I feel no shame for being the woman I am… but I’d be lying if I said there weren’t moments where I hoped I was a bit softer. Moments like now, if I’m being honest. But I can’t be that for you. This cannot be.”
“So you will condemn me because of your cowardice?”
“Cowardice?!” Khadeem seethed as she pulled her sword from her back, “I’ve made men twice your size bow to my will. Must I do the same with you?”
In one swift motion, she swung her blade forward to meet him head-on. Her eyes gleamed with anger—“Say it again. I dare you.”
Khadeem’s barely controlled panting filled the space between them. Malaika’s unshakeable gaze reflected on the polished blade. His eyes stayed locked on hers, never fleeing.
“Your strength is one meant to match mine,” Malaika retorted.
Khadeem could’ve sworn she saw a literal fucking spec sparkle in his eye. She flinched at the sight of it. She was at a loss for words at the face of his audacity. He slowly lifted his hand and glided the sword down to her side.
“But it was never meant to rival mine,” he added. He stepped closer to run his fingers through her unruly curls as his other hand pulled her waist closer to his. “Must I show you why fate made you my mate, sweetheart?” His fingers tugged at her roots, tilting her head up to meet his.
Khadeem took in his breath, softening at the relief. They stood there—gaze to gaze—only taking the other in.
“Damnit, how do I get you to see that I don’t mean to be this way. It’s who I am.” Khadeem pulled away, breaking the moment. She shook her curls loose and rolled her shoulders.
“I can’t help it,” she added.
Malaika planted his feet and held his wrists behind his back. His eyes remained locked on her.
“You want my honesty, you want me, but this is who I am,” Khadeem continued. She paused, waiting for his acceptance of it all, but Malaika only watched her. She took a step back, shifting her body away from him.
“I don’t back down because you have an opposing opinion; that is not how I was made to be. I was made to push. I was made to protect!” Khadeem yelled, lifting her sword to him again.
Rays of light bounced off the blade rapidly, flickering over Malaika’s unflinching gaze. Khadeem’s resolve wavered.
“I was meant to fight. It’s who I was called to be. And what?” She choked out. “You expect me to bow to your every word because you’re my mate?” She chuckled and then immediately huffed in disbelief. “I don’t know how to be that!” She yelled again.
Malaika continued to stand firm, unwavering.
“I can’t be that,” she concluded, struggling to be louder than even a whisper.
“You were made to be my equal. I want nothing less of you. I will not leave your side now that I’ve found you,” Malaika answered. He unclenched his wrists and rested his hands by his side.
Khadeem exhaled and stepped closer to him. The clattering of metal clanking on the pavement beneath them ushered in a tang of relief.
