Chapter 91 Chapter 91

Chapter 91 Chapter 91
Kael

I woke to the sound of something dripping in the distance, the rhythmic sound breaking into the haze I seemed to have settled into. My body felt like it had been submerged in a pool of water, and it was a struggle to pry my eyes open. Taking a deep breath, I tried again, my gaze swimming around for a moment before clearing.

My mind felt strangely blank, and I couldn't make sense of where I was. I let my gaze drift around before settling on the figure beside me on the cot, the figure I held tightly to myself. Aira.

My breathing hitched as I took in her peaceful expression, her even breaths, her long lashes gently closed, her rosy cheeks, and her flushed skin. Unbidden, fragments of memories of the night before assaulted me, and I stiffened, my heart skipping several beats.

My beast had returned from dormancy, and I had unleashed on her, and she'd taken it all. My mate. She'd borne the pain, helped me through it. I still found it hard to believe, yet the reality was lying next to me.

I stared dazedly at her sleeping form before reaching out to brush the hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ears. She shivered slightly, mumbling something underneath her breath before settling deeper into sleep.

I swallowed, unable to peel my hands away as I traced her forehead, leaning lower to her nose, before stopping at her lips. She looked perfect, laying there deep in my arms, fast asleep.

I tried to pull away when I realized we were still joined together. A light flush stained my cheeks, and I gingerly pulled myself out of her, immediately missing the warmth her lush body provided. A wet trail of our release followed after me, the sight stirring different emotions in me. Fuck, I groaned when I felt the familiar desire rear its head again. Not now, Kael.

Another surprising realization appeared after I had laid her back on the cot. The heaviness and pain I was used to waking up with had vanished, leaving a lightness I hadn't felt in a long time.

I peered down at my chest, noting the deep gash that had been there before had completely healed, leaving only a light scar. Every single discomfort was gone. I felt as good as a newborn babe.

Damn, all this from one night with her? She truly is a special one.

I sat up, my gaze trailing lower as I watched her, noting all the bruises that marred her pale skin, and winced. She's going to wear them for a few days at least.

Feeling guilty, I leaned in to kiss her forehead. "I'm sorry..." I whispered, like she could hear me. "I'll make it up to you, I promise."

Finding a clean sheet, I threw it over her exposed body, bringing it up to her chin before moving to the edge of the cot and briskly began to wipe myself with a towel and a bowl of water that had been provided while we were asleep. I fished out a breech and immediately put it on.

Another instinct had been nagging at the back of my mind now that my lust was gone and I had healed completely. I wanted to run, I wanted to hunt, but I didn't want to leave her.

I heard the sound of footsteps approaching, and when I glanced at the entrance, a young lady was standing there with a bowl in her hands.

"Your Majesty..." She called out, hastily bowing. I acknowledged her greeting with a wave of my hand, raising my brow in question.

"I-I came to check on you, to see if you're awake. I'm here to help Aira clean," she muttered quietly, rushing the words.

I glanced at Aira, who was still sleeping peacefully, oblivious to the world around her and clenched my jaw. "How long have we been asleep, and what time is it now?"

"It's midday now," she announced, and I furrowed my brows. We had overslept. That was hardly surprising. Still, I couldn't help but be awed by it.

"I don't think she's waking up anytime soon. Can you tend to her while she's sleeping?" I asked, and she quickly nodded.

"Of course, Your Majesty." She said, her tone respectful.

I rubbed my shoulders, rising to my feet. I had debated doing it myself but guessed I might not be so gentle. Plus, I needed to go on that run. My beast was already clawing at the edge of my chest, desperate to be let out.

"I'll leave you alone then. Please, be gentle with her. Last night must have been intense for her." The young lady's cheeks colored.

"I'll be careful. You don't have to worry."

I peered at her, and she lowered her gaze to the ground.

"Thank you, Helen," I said, finally remembering her name. She gasped, snapping her head to look at me, but I was already striding out of the cave.

Soon, I was in the woods, and I dragged in a deep inhale, feeling my beast prance around, excited. A smile grew on my lips.

You really want to go for that run? I asked, and it growled, ready for action.

"Let's go for that run." I allowed myself to move, the wind whipping past my face, an exhilarating feeling exploding in my chest and spreading through my body.

Feeling light on my feet, I maneuvered the dense foliage, wayward branches, and stubborn roots with a grace that defied my size. My senses were heightened, picking up on the slightest sounds, my reflexes lightning-fast. Everything was back. A boisterous laughter escaped my lips as I closed my eyes, jumping from tree to tree. I hated to admit it, but I missed this.

I let out a roar, the sound echoing through the forest, and birds scattered in every direction, the trees shaking.

"How about a shift?" I asked my beast, and it purred excitedly.