Secondhand Skin (Soulbound Universe)

by Hailey Turner

Wade watched as he shrugged out of his leather jacket, the shape of it flowing into the soft pelt of his sealskin. Riordan stared down at it for a moment before he looked at Wade again. “I want you to have this. I never thought I’d ever find my mate, but I’m glad it’s you.” He extended his hands, sealskin gripped in his fingers, offering up the whole of him for Wade to keep. Wade made a desperate sound he refused to be embarrassed about as he reached for the sealskin. He took it from Riordan, stroking his fingers over the soft fur, the weight of what it meant a priceless gift Wade had no intention of sharing with anyone. “I will hoard this like I’ve hoarded nothing else,” Wade promised, finally looking up to meet Riordan’s eyes. “But I’ll give it back whenever you want it.” Riordan’s smile was something Wade knew he’d always want to see for years to come—sweet and warm and full of what he realized just then was love. “I know you’ll keep it safe.” “I’ll keep you.”