Alpha’s Badass Mate novel

---- clips that probably cost more than her entire wardrobe and beams, "I thought they'd look good on you!" She always says this to the old ladies. Monika looks like an overexcited kid who just bought her first flower bouquet for all the girls. She smiles even brighter when everyone accepts them, and he never fails to compliment everyone when she sees they use the hair clips or carry the bags. Sam knows they only use them when she's certain that Monika is visiting.

"T think, in a sense, she sees me as her mom," the old woman comments once, staring at the piles of shopping bags sitting in their living room. Sam thinks she's telling her to propose to Monika with that statement, but his aunt just laughs and clarifies, 'You told me she always misses something, right?" Oh.

"I'm probably the first adult woman she buys these things for, and I know how children like to buy these things for their aunts and mom." "Although, you should also propose to her." One aunt of his pack continues , half-joking and half -serious. Sam raises a brow.

"Don't you think we're a bit too ---- young to get married?" "There's nothing wrong with settling down at a young age-more time to spend together and more memories to make." She says wistfully, "And you've been in love with him for so long, I can tell that you're very serious about her." His aunt has always had a romantic heart, even if she's a divorcee. She's cynical about it, but she also sees the world through rose-tinted glasses. "Tam," he says easily.

Sam has been in love with Monika for nearly ten years now, and he knows he will love her for more years, like twenty, thirty, forty, and forever. Loving Monika isn't just his feelings; loving Monika is an integral part of his life, the puzzle piece that makes him whole, the golden threads that sew his being into place. "But I don't want to do that to her," he goes on. "I am. leaving next year, after all." His aunt's face falls. "Oh baby, I'm so sorry; you don't have to...

1 know it's-" "Aunt," Sam cuts in. They've had this conversation before. It didn't change his mind then, and it's not going to change his mind now. "I made my mind alright." "But it will keep you from your happiness." "No, it's not; music is my happiness too," he ---- counters. "Besides, Monika understands." "Ok, but always remember that Monika is your mate; sometimes you need to choose between her and your music. I hope you will choose her." "Twill, aunt, Twill". She doesn't look convinced.

So, he tries to smile encouragingly, and, for his effort, he receives a forehead kiss and an apology. Sam draws the line when Monika randomly suggests they go to Gift during their winter break. "Sure, we can go next year or something," Sam agrees, leaning to look at Monika's phone screen. "Or...

we can just go this winter break." "You do realize I need to save up, right?" "You do realize I can pay for both of us, right?" Monika asks, a brow raised in amusement , and Sam heaves a sigh, staring at Monika for a moment. He tries not to look around his room, at the chair, the phone, the bedsheet, the charging port, and the matching silk pajamas Monika bought for them. When he tells Monika that it makes him uncomfortable to be on the receiving end of such expensive presents for no apparent reason , Monika grabs his hands and pulls him close until they're