Burning desires

Khalshara's point of view 

My eyes widened in utter bewilderment at the thought that crawled into my mind. A startling realisation dawned on me... could my mate really be among the entourage?

At the same moment, the intoxicating scent enveloped me once more, infiltrating my mind and clouding my sense of reasoning. It beckoned me, drawing me closer to its source—my mate.

I soon found myself helplessly drawn to it, expecting it to lead me to the banquet where I hope to find my mate. 

However, it led me into the woods, where I saw him, the man with the intoxicating scent that was out of this world. I took a step towards him, and likewise, he towards me. Without a care in the world, I let myself bask in the sweet fragrance that radiated from him. One moment, his scent evoked springtime, the next, like fresh grapes. Another moment, he scented like mint, and now this overpowering scent of his scented like sandalwood.

What sorcery is this man doing to me?

Why does he smell like a mixture of everything I love and more?

As I drew closer to him, his scent enveloped me, like a gentle embrace. In the blink of an eye, we had walked closer to each other and were just a few feet away, closing the distance between us. I could feel the scent emanating from him like a soft breeze. His piercing blue gaze locked onto mine, our gaze remained entwined. And I felt like I was drowning in the depths of his eyes. They sparkled like diamonds under the moon's embrace. It was as though he cast a spell for me to be forever trapped in those dreamy eyes of his. Like an enchantment, my body also betrayed me, making my legs unmovable like they had been rooted to the spot.

"Mate," he growled, his voice low and husky before placing his lips over mine, closing the distance between us.

My face flushed as our lips touched. A burning sensation stirred in me, and I didn't know when I started to respond to his kiss. Our lips touched, dancing in perfect harmony, and his intoxicating scent once again filled my nostrils, making me yearn for more. As our lips entwined, I felt a surge of electricity run through my body and our heart beating against each order. A apart lit within me and I was on fire.

I would have laughed out loud if anyone told me yesterday that I would be in the woods tonight, kissing a handsome man so passionately like my life depends on it.

With that thought, I momentarily snapped out of the fog of passion and desire that was created by the mate bond.

'Goddess! What the hell are you doing, Khalshara!'

I exclaimed in my head, reprimanding myself and at the same time pushing my mate gently away from me.

By this time, my legs, which seemed to have forsaken me, were finally filled with strength. So, I took a few steps away from him, staring at my feet.

I do not know what came over me, but I was suddenly conscious of myself, leading me to feel too shy to even look at him.

I had just found my mate, and the next thing I did was to give in to my desires and act so unruly towards him. I wonder what my uncalled-for attitude will make him think of me.

Will he see me as some kind of loose wolf?

Urghh! Khalshara! You need to start thinking of ways to explain to him right now. The last thing you want is for him to reject you.

I was about to start thinking of what to say when I heard him speak, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. I'm usually not like this."

Though it was the second time I've heard him speak tonight, I must confess, the sound of his voice is like music to my ears. His voice sounded so sexy and at the same time pleasant to the ear. It was like a gentle melody that soothed my soul. His voice was deep and husky, with a hint of roughness that sent shivers to my spine. It did something funny to my stomach. 

Still locking eyes with my feet, I responded, "It's nothing... ahhh..."

"Rex." He responded. "My name is Rex."

A shy smile formed on my face. "Rex," I repeated, this time gazing intently at him.

A roguish smile formed on his face as he combed his fingers through his jet black wavy hair, leaving me more mesmerised by his intriguing charm.

"Geez! He's so handsome!"

Something giggled within me before I could scream inwardly with excitement.

Yes! This man was more than charming.

In fact, I would have said Rex is more handsome than the Lycan King if only I'd seen his hidden face.

It's actually funny how a few minutes ago, I was praying to the moon goddess, hoping to be bonded to a mate more alluring than the Lycan King's entourage. Nonetheless, I didn't expect the goddess to answer my prayers so fast than the days I'd prayed to have my mother return to me.

To think that I'm a few months past eighteen and I've already found a mate without waiting for the mating ceremony... unlike every other wolves.

She-wolves especially.

But how come I've already found my fated mate before turning nineteen when I know I'm supposed to be mated during next year's mating ceremony? And that will only be a few months after I turn nineteen.

Even my stepsisters, who are two months over nineteen, have to wait till the next five months to be mated during the ceremony.

So, why is my experience different?

Is there something unique and special about me that has made this happen?

Still, I can't help but wonder what the looks on their faces will be when I tell them I've found my fated mate. I know they would be so jealous to know I'm a step ahead of them on such vital matters. An unconscious smile crawled on my face, leaving me to delve into the imagery of their horrified looks.

Yet, I don't think it will be a good idea to tell them so soon about my mate.

'Why don't you leave that decision to your mate?'

The same familiar voice popped up in my head again, and I heard Rex clear his throat at the same time.

'Goddess!'

Why did I let my thoughts take over, leaving me to forget the most important person in my life right now?

So, I hurriedly made corrections, "I'm sorry, Rex; I didn't mean to trail off. It's just that a lot has happened in the past few minutes that I didn't even imagine would." I apologise only for him to bless me with a heavenly smile that eased my thumping heart.

"I understand. It's normal for you to feel that way, so I don't blame you because I know it's a lot to take him. So, take your time. It's okay... um..."

Now was his turn to awkwardly ask for my name, "Khalshara," I instantly informed.

"Khalshara. What a unique name." He mused.

"Nice to meet you, Khalshara..." I smiled, cheeks rosy red, and was fully aware of the fact that we skipped the introduction part by giving in to our desires.

And there's only one thing to be blamed for our awkward introduction... the mate bond!

"Nice to meet you too, Rex!" I said.

Rex extended his hand towards me, and I instantly shook it. Although I would have preferred a hug since a handshake feels too distant for me. Considering that, we are mates and have already shared an intimate moment—the breathtaking kiss.

Still, I loved the fact that he respected me by not taking advantage of our mate bond. In addition, I think it's nice to create a sort of boundary between us for now because I don't want to rush things. Moreover, we're yet to know each other; that includes the fact that I don't know if he's a pack member or not.

On the other hand, I can sense Rex has a very strong wolf because it exudes an aura fit for an Alpha King. In fact, it exudes more than that of an Alpha King but something more strange that I fear and hope it's not what I'm thinking.

But then, he is evidently shorter than a Lycan and has the height of an ordinary wolf. So, he can't possibly be a Lycan or even the Lycan King himself.

Urghh! What a thought, Khalshara!

I fought the urge to laugh at my funny thought.

I mean, how can Rex be a Lycan? Talk more of the Lycan King that is apparently still enjoying the ongoing banquet.

'Then Rex can only be one thing, an Alpha. He is probably one of the Alphas under our territory or probably a beta. Just that he is blessed to have a very strong wolf,' I tried to convince myself.

At that moment, my gaze travelled to him, and all I can see is perfection!

He is like one of those men that belongs to the front cover of those magazines my stepsisters used to read and fawn at. My eyes travelled to the next destination on his body—his broad shoulders. From there, they travelled to those black wavy hairs of his, straight to his piercing blue eyes that make me want to dive into them. Then, his long, dark lashes like that made me jealous of why a man's lashes were longer than mine.

Soon, my gaze landed on that chiseld jaw, and I suddenly itched to trail my hands down its strong, defined edge. And at last, they stopped and stayed glued at the sight of those heavenly mouths of his.

Rex masculine features and perfect image made me wonder, 'Would a man so perfect want an anomaly like me as a mate?'