Chapter 11: Tale As Old As Time

One Week Later

“Everyone, come on! We have a schedule to keep. Kano has to look perfect for his official date with Essence!”

Cayden’s eyes shot to Rafael. “He told you his real name?!”

Proudly, Rafael puffed out his chest. “Absolutely.” Knowing he was overselling, he shrank. “Welllll, he really didn’t have a choice. After I accidentally shaved his eyebrow off that one time, he got pissed and shifted into his wolf. I guess he entrusted me not to make up another story about it. Plus, I also think he was too mad to think straight.”

Cayden stepped closer to him. “Rafael Cogs, hear me and hear me good. You betray my brother and tell his secret, I’ll slaughter you.”

“I wouldn’t do that. Kano has been kind to me. He’s punctual to his appointments, he’s silent, but considerate, and his meme game is unmatched.” Looking around, he whispered, “Does he know about the new laws you put in effect a few years back about red wolf education? I think if he knew, maybe he wouldn’t feel so afraid.”

Cayden nodded. “He does. I try my best to shed light on the reality of the things we were taught that were wrong, but I think after what happened when we’re kids, he just is worried that not everyone here understands who he is inside.”

Rafael cursed under his breath. “If he’s a beast, then what does that make the true monsters among us?” he said.

Nodding in agreement, Cayden placed his hand on his shoulder. “A conversation for a different day. Tonight, we get Kano ready for a date with his mate. I’ve been schooling him as best as I can on the proper wooing of a woman.” Taking the feather duster from Anastasia’s hand, he whirled her around the room. Teasing her, he whispered in her ear, “Why do you insist on cleaning when I have a full staff?”

She blushed. “I clean when I’m nervous.”

Pushing further, he schmoozed at her, “And what makes you nervous? Could it possibly be your handsome fiancé? The light of your life? The master of your heart?”

Anastasia laughed. “You are so annoying.” Kissing him, she left to help with getting Essence dressed.

Emerging from the bathroom in his room, Kano was almost green. Cayden tilted his head. “Something tells me you’re nervous.” Nodding frantically, Kano grabbed his chest, and Cayden nodded in understanding. “Essence knows that this is your first date, brother. She wouldn’t back out of you two dating just because of a few nerves.” Poking Kano in the chest, he huffed. “Besides, Fifi and I worked overtime to make sure today would happen.”

Kano cocked his head back in disgust, and Cayden rubbed the back of his neck. “You don’t like the pet name? Neither does Stasia. She said it makes her sound like a show dog, and now that I hear it again, I have to agree.” Kano shook his head and looked down, and Cayden made him raise his head. “You can do this! Tonight is the night. You charm her with your mysterious Silent Alpha thing, and then you reveal your desire for her. Then, get you some t-r-i-m—respectfully, of course.”

Kano’s face reddened at the thought of repeating what happened in his room a week ago. The desire on Essence’s face had almost kept him from pulling away. Still, he wanted to take her on a date first to show her he was serious about her. He needed her to know how deeply he already cared. That it wasn’t just because they were mated, but because she’d come into his life and turned it upside down. As Rafael poked and prodded him, he felt a tug on his leg. Looking down, he saw a little boy with big green eyes staring back at him.

Savina rushed into the room. “Chip!” she shouted, stilling when she saw him attached to Kano. She stammered, “I-I’m so sorry. I didn’t have anyone to watch him, and Alpha Cayden allows me to sometimes…” Her voice trailed off, and Kano gave her a smile before picking the boy up. Wagging his finger at him, Chip put his head down at the silent scold.

“Sorry, mama, for giving you a hard time,” Chip murmured. Savina couldn’t help but swoon at the way Kano looked with him. He handed her son back to her, and Rafael nudged her.

“Savana P! I thought you left here years ago!” he said.

She chuckled. “Of course not. They really are kind here. Besides, who else would make sure they eat a proper meal if I don’t?”

Looking at Savina’s son, Kano’s thoughts traveled to what it would be like to have children. He thought about the fact that he was so stunted in the world, and how it would never want them to be the same way. He pushed the thought from his mind, realizing it was way too premature. He needed to get through his date first, and a few ones after, if he had any hopes of convincing Essence to stay.

Cayden looked at Rafael’s work. “He looks like an alpha should,” he said. Seeing his reflection in the mirror, Kano could hardly believe it was him. His blue royal robes hung down like a cape and his hair was neatly styled back and trimmed just right. He rubbed his hands over the golden buttons of his clothing, amazed at the transformation. Cayden whispered to him, “Kano, I don’t want you to think about this tonight, but I need you to know that I truly think you’re the alpha that Blood Moon needs, and honestly, I want to assume my role as beta. I’m tired and want to be by your side to support you in any way I can, while watching how amazingly you rule.” He hugged his brother, wishing more than anything Kano could see what he saw in him. Fidgeting with his fingers, Kano nodded before exiting the room.

Walking down the enormous staircase, Kano paced back and forth at the bottom. He couldn’t help his nerves. He’d worn nothing so official. At least if anyone asks, I have another identity. He thought, looking down at the floor. He took in a deep breath; the smell of vanilla permeated his nose. Looking up, his breath caught in his throat. Essence peered down at him with a smile so bright, he grabbed his chest. Her yellow dress seemed to flow in an invisible wind, and sat off her shoulder with jewels encrusted on each side. Kano stared at every curve of her body that the cinched waist showed. The slit that went up her smooth leg made his wolf thump against his chest. “My God,” he murmured low under his breath. He watched her come down the staircase as her long train trailed behind her.

Reaching him, she ran her hands over his robes. “Why, don’t you look amazing,” she said, smiling.

Kano pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. Releasing her, he whispered, “So do you, Belle.”

She chuckled. “I should have known Ani would have told you my middle name. I’ll let you get away with calling me that, but only because you’re so damn cute.”

“Back at cha,” he murmured, matching her chuckle as he opened the door to the castle, excited for the night.

The high ceilings of the opera house left Essence in awe as she and Kano walked through the entrance. Wrapping her arm into his, she leaned against him, feeling his nerves. “Hey?” she said low as they took their seats. “I know it’s a lot of people around, but don’t be nervous, okay?” He nodded his head at her, not wanting to tell her the truth, which was that she was the reason his nerves had been spiraling all over the place since they’d agreed to go on a date. Cayden’s words continued to replay in his mind, but his nervousness somehow drowned them out. Leaning in, Essence kissed his cheek. “I know the night just started and I’ll probably say it a thousand times, but thank you for bringing me. It’s amazing,” she said, giving him a smile.

He watched her marvel at the large painted ceiling and Greek statues that all seemed to control the way the gold encrusted protruding lights danced off them. She looked happy—excited even—and for a moment, Kano felt his nerves dissipate.

“Please take your seats. We will begin soon,” one attendant stated as the others closed the wooden arched doors. Others around them found their seats and the lights of the opera house dimmed. The curtain lifted, and the smooth beautiful music of the orchestra whirled through the perfectly acoustic space. It was unlike anything Essence has ever seen and leaning over to Kano again, she tapped his arm.

“I have a friend that sings Opera, and I’ve attended a few of her performances, but I’ve never been to something as grand as this,” she whispered, as they sat in the darkened theater. “Thank you so much again for bringing me.” He kissed her temple in response. A man and a woman appeared on stage, causing the music to quiet. Parting her lips, the woman sang with a voice that was one of the most beautiful things she’d ever heard, and Essence’s eyes started to tear.

Picking up the pamphlet, Kano pointed to the pair singing.

Maestro Antonio Cadena and his wife Madame Laurette Garderobe.

The Maestro looked at his wife lovingly as he played the piano. Essence listened to their song that spoke of a love that was lost and then reunited. “This is beautiful,” she whispered. Kano nodded his head in agreement before leaning in closer to his mate. Wrapped up in the words of the song, they clung to one another, drowning out everyone and everything around them.

After the opera and an expensive dinner, Essence and Kano returned to his castle. Walking side by side in the grand hall, she looked up at him. “I had a wonderful time tonight. It’s honestly the best date I’ve ever been on,” she said genuinely. With a smile, Kano leaned down, and kissed her. He caressed her face and started to speak, but stopped as beautiful, melodious music filled their ears. Taking the cue, he bowed and extended his hand to her, causing her to laugh. Giving him a curtsy in return, she took his hand and said, “I would love to.” Pulling her into his arms, he held her close as they danced. From the corner he saw Cayden wink before dimming the lights. She breathed him in. “Kano?” she whispered.

“Hm?”

“I’m glad that you didn’t like anyone at the fair.”

Leaning away from her, he saw every feeling she had for him in her eyes. He kissed her again and allowed the intensity of his desire for her to temporarily take over. Pulling away, he rubbed the back of his neck, and closed his eyes so she wouldn’t see that they were gold. She fidgeted with her fingers. “Um… is it okay if I stay in one of the guest rooms? I would stay with you, but I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.” Shaking his head, he grabbed her hand and escorted her to his room.

Entering, Kano pulled open his dresser and handed her a shirt and some shorts. Essence arched her brow. “These are my size,” she said. His face reddened, and she grinned. “You got these for me, didn’t you?” He pulled out another item, and she doubled over in laughter. “You brought me a bonnet?!” she asked, stunned. He nodded, then pointed at one of the pillows. Walking over, she rubbed its case. “Is this satin?” He nodded again and enjoyed the way her eyes gleamed. “I can’t believe you did that for me. Seriously, I don’t even know what to say,” she said. Pulling him to her, she kissed him passionately again. Kano felt his wolf rage against his chest and he backed away. He kissed her cheek and grabbed his clothes for bed. Getting inside, Essence buried herself under him, and soon fell asleep.

Essence awakened to find Kano nowhere in sight. She jolted from the bed in worry that her presence had made him grow too uncomfortable. Seeing steam pool from under the bathroom door attracted her attention. Hearing nothing, she somehow still knew he was in there. Palms sweaty with excitement and curiosity, she slowly turned the knob, apprehensive about what she would see. When she opened the door, the steam hit her in the face, and she struggled to see through it. She called out,

“Kano, are you in here? A-are you okay? I woke up, and you weren’t there. I got worried.” Hearing a faint splash, she used her hand to guide her until she felt the brim of the tub. After a few seconds of the door being opened, the steam subsided, and she could finally see him. The animalistic expression on his face allowed her to almost see his wolf inside. Kano laid in the bath, the water not leaving much to the imagination. The water rustled against his muscular chest as he breathed slowly in and out. Her eyes followed from his chest down to his groin and her face flushed. Usually shy, he didn’t move; his legs wide open. His body relaxed against the basin, too turned on by Essence to pretend any longer.

She rubbed her legs together, causing friction between her thighs. Unable to shake the hot and inflamed feeling that engulfed her entire body, she bit the side of her lip. She rubbed the back of her neck and allowed her eyes to travel back up to his face. Her mouth gaped open when she realized he’d been watching her the entire time. He stared at her hungrily before shifting his eyes to the door. As she stood before him, Kano couldn’t help but see the hardening of her nipples. He unknowingly licked his lips and eyed her over once again.

Essence’s throat dried, and she licked her lips, trying her best to cool herself off. “Y-you disappeared on me,” she stammered out, and he nodded slowly.

Kano continued to look at her, his eyes flashing between pale blue and gold. “You need to leave,” he said low, trying to regain control. Essence took a step towards him, and his eyes flashed gold again. “Essence,” he said sternly, “Don’t. My wolf wants to be in control.”

“Do you really want me to leave?” she asked, unable to think straight. She’d always found Kano attractive, but tonight was different. After the way they’d connected, her insides were burning for him. “You look…” She took another step forward, and he watched her, but didn’t move. “Do you want me to leave?” she repeated, and Kano slowly shook his head. “Good. Because I don’t want to.”

Kano sat up in the tub and raised his brow. He felt his wolf lurching him forward, trying its best to get to her.

“Mate! I want our mate!” it growled over and over.

Essence pulled the shirt from her body and dropped her shorts. The yellow bra and panty set underneath made his eyes turn the same color. His wolf unleashed, Kano breathed raggedly as she removed them, leaving herself nude. She dipped one leg into the basin, and he grabbed her, his claws lightly brushing against her skin. He let out a growl, pulling her into the bath. Her back landed on his chest with a thud, and water spilled out from the commotion.

“I want our mate!”

His wolf tugged at him, driving him to the brink. He felt Essence dig her nails into his side hard, and he grabbed her breast, squeezing her nipples hard in return.

“Please, I can’t take it anymore,” she moaned out, while reaching behind and grabbing onto his shaft. Kano shoved his hand under the water and found his way to her clitoris. He rubbed it hard, his other hand still teasing her breast. Her entire body inflamed, she grabbed onto him and shook against him. She let out a gasp of pleasure as she released. Kissing his arm, she moaned out, causing his wolf to howl. “Kano, please take me to bed.”

He picked her up and quickly carried her to bed; the water from their bodies dripping on the tile and then the carpet. He laid her down and looked at her, and she murmured, “Thank you,” somehow understanding his hungry compliment. Grabbing his neck, she pulled him to her, their lips clashing hard. She grinded her hips against his bare flesh. Kano grabbed her arms and forced them above her head, staring at her again, trying his hardest to control himself. She nodded. “I’m sure, if you’re sure.”

He released her hands, and she wrapped them around his neck as their lips connected again. Essence pushed her weight against him, and he flipped over onto his back. Taking him in her mouth, she sucked deeply as she traveled slowly down his member. Kano groaned and stroked inside her mouth, each time reaching further and further down her throat. He gripped her hair and clenched his teeth as she swallowed his release.

He nodded in satisfaction and gave her a thumbs-up. She chuckled as he pulled her up and moved the hair from her eyes. Planting heated kisses on her bare skin, he grew erect again. Flipping her over, he looked into her eyes. His own glowing bright gold, she pulled him close.

“I want you,” she whispered sinfully, causing his wolf to come alive again. He growled and slowly entered her, and they both let out a groan. Letting her adjust to him, he moved deeper until he was all the way inside. The fire inside her seemed to intensify as the pain shifted to pleasure. Essence licked his neck, and he stroked deeper, filling the very core of her body. She wrapped her legs around his torso and clutched his back, digging her nails deep into him. He thrusted inside her hard and pleasure ran through her as she felt her release near. “Fuckkkk!” she shouted, lurching forward, orgasming onto him. His animal-like grunt sent a shiver through her as he released again, kissing her the entire time.

Kano pulled from her and laid on his back. Grabbing her in his arms, he kissed the top of her head. She paused and then spoke. “Okay, so again, where the fuck did that come from?” Taking her hand, he pointed to his chest. His eyes still burning gold, she caressed his face. “Your wolf?” He nodded, his eyes once again roaming over her body. “But—” He kissed her fingers, already knowing what she was about to say. Interlocking his fingers, he saw her tilt her head. “Ahh, connected. Well damn, Wolfman, goddamn,” she said, and they both chuckled. Running her hands down his bare chest, Essence straddled him. She removed her hand and kissed the spot, hearing him inhale. She reached behind and grabbed him and slowly stroked up and down. “Up for a bit more fun?” she asked. Kano nodded and then pulled her back down to him.