Chapter 88 Chapter 88

Chapter 88 Chapter 88
Aira.

I came to a startling realization then. I loved this man. I wanted to tell him, but I was too afraid to ruin this tender, vulnerable moment.

"Thank you for this," I said in between kisses, wrapping my hands around his neck, tears streaming down my eyes as I felt his heart beating against mine. He kissed them away, his lips gentle on my skin, and I could taste the salty essence when he resumed kissing me.

"Thank you so much. I'll treasure it," I whispered, sighing as he pulled out of me. "You're welcome," he groaned into my ear as my body moaned at the loss of him, but my mind screamed for rest.

"Have some rest, Aira. You've done well," he groaned in response, the soft patting of my back lulling me to sleep.
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It was in the dead of night when I heard it. The rough, primal growl of an animal that seemed suspiciously close, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. My eyes snapped open, fear seizing my entire body.

Another growl, and when I darted my gaze around, it fell on a bright yellow one, shining in the dark, focused on me. Cold sweat broke out on my skin, my heart racing in my chest, as my fingers dug into the skin. It's finally happening.

Kael's beast is returning from dormancy.

I stared at the pair of gleaming yellow eyes, my heart threatening to burst out of my ribcage. Though Kael was still in his male form, there was no trace of recognition in those eyes. Only pure, unbridled lust as he glared at me, baring his teeth.

Against my better judgment, I took several steps back until my back pressed against the rough sides of the cave, the sound of my panicked breathing roaring in my ears. Every lesson, warning, and advice I had received from Helen and the old lady in the past few days vanished in an instant, leaving behind an almost compulsive urge to bolt out of the space.

With every ounce of strength I could muster, I managed to stamp down that urge. Another savage growl tore from his lips, and he inched closer with a predatory pace, his eyes monitoring every movement I made.

My breathing hitched as he came upon me, trapping me beneath him. With a deep rumble, he pressed his nose against my neck, breathing me in and dragging his canines along the sensitive skin of my shoulders. I winced, unable to help the fear I was feeling, my body already trembling.

"Aira?" A voice filtered through, and I recognized it as the old woman.

"Yes?" I answered, my voice shaking, my gaze still fixed on Kael, unable to turn away.

"What's happening?"

"It's Kael. I think his beast is resurfacing." In an almost whisper, I added, "It wants me."

There was an uncomfortable silence afterward, the only audible sounds being Kael's heavy breathing and my panicked ones.

Kael reached out with his hand, tugging at my dress with a force I didn't know he possessed, and the garment ripped into shreds. I yelped, flinching.

"Stay calm, Aira!" The old lady's voice filtered through, firmer this time. "Remember, don't aggravate it the moment he's upon you. Just present to him. He can't recognize you right now. It's riding on pure instincts."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, letting out a shaky breath. "Okay... " I whispered, turning around as the dress slipped from me, landing unceremoniously on the cot, leaving my body bare.

Knees bent and back arched, I reached behind me and gingerly spread out my buttocks, burying my face into the cot from embarrassment and fear, my breath coming in ragged gasps. The chill air danced across my exposed skin, sending shivers down my spine.

I knew the old woman said I couldn't reach him in this state, but it didn't stop me from trying anyway. "K-kael?" I called out hesitantly, too afraid to look at him as he hovered behind me, his body heat making my skin prickle with dread.

"Can you hear me? Please do, Please Kael," I pleaded, my voice trembling.

Instead, it let out another growl and pressed it's arousal at my very unprepared body. My eyes snapped open, a new terror flooding my system as a new knowledge dawned on me. Heavens, but he's bigger than before! Oh.... This is bad. This is very bad, I started to panic, unable to think straight.

Calm down, Aira, I told myself, trying to pep talk myself into relaxation. He can smell your fear. You'll only agitate him like this. Forcing myself to relax, I gingerly reached for him, running my hands across his hands, which he had placed on both sides of my head. His head was now pressed against mine.

"Kael... " I called out again, my voice softer now, more inviting. "If you're there, please answer," I whispered. However, instead of responding, he tried to ram his way into me.

I yelped, sweat breaking out of my body as pain exploded within me. I squeezed my eyes shut against the tears burning in them. This is truly going to hurt, isn't it? I thought, desperation creeping into my mind.

"Please, Kael. Just for a moment. Come to me, please!" I begged, my voice frantic.

He froze instantly, all his movements ceasing. Letting out the breath I was holding, I slumped to the bed, feeling relief flood my system.

"Aira?" He called out, his voice small and uncertain.

Oh, thank the gods! He heard me!

"What's going on? What are you doing? What am I doing?" He asked, his voice laced with panic, as he began to pull away from me.

I immediately followed after him. "Your beast was just returning. It's coming back from dormancy."

Kael shook his head vehemently, his eyes growing wide with disbelief. "No, it's too early for that!" he gritted through clenched teeth.

"It's okay. I just wanted to know if you're still here. I was... rather frightened," I admitted, feeling my cheeks burn.

Kael's lips thinned, a look of hurt and betrayal flashing in his eyes. "See? I knew this would happen. We should stop."

He started to move away, his body tensing as he struggled with the clear transformation, his irises shifting colors.

"Kael, no! No, please!" I begged, reaching for him. He flinched away as if burned.

"I could hurt you!" he yelled, his voice having traces of the beast beneath. "No, I will hurt you. Don't make me do this." He pleaded as he bit back a growl. Fresh tears filled my eyes as I saw how much he was struggling.

"I'm not making you do anything, Kael. But you and I know, you need this. You do; you're in pain. I was frightened when I woke up and saw you that way. So i tried to reach out to you, but it's okay. It's alright, really."