Beneath the surface: Forbidden love

Marisela

''Really?" he asks sounding unsure. This made me laugh.

"Yes, it's not that bad. Try it." Kael hesitantly takes the glass from my hands and eyes the substance inside with caution. I couldn't help the laugh that escapes.

"Aren't you supposed to not drink salt water?" He asks still looking at the glass.

"Yeah, but I'm like- you know, half fish so it doesn't really bother me." I tell him. "Besides aren't you supposed to be some badass Alpha, surely a small sip of salt water won't do any harm to you." Kael takes that as a challenge. Instead of taking a small sip, he drinks the entire glass.

"Kael wait-"

Kael immediately spits out the contents, spraying me in the face. We were both stunned. We look at each other in shock. Then we both start cracking up in a fit of laughter.

"Anyone who drinks this is a menace to society." He coughs up still laughing.

"Hey!" I playfully hit his arm, "I am no menace."

"You sure about that?" Kael looks pointedly at me still laughing. I couldn't help but laugh too.

Ever since yesterday, Kael and I have been inseparable. After he brought me back from the hospital, he brought me back to my room. We spent the whole night talking and laughing actually really getting to each other. He finally let his barriers down around me and I did the same. At some point, we both fell asleep on my bed. It was the best sleep I'd had in a long time. He was very respectful of not touching me in way that made me feel uncomfortable. He held me the whole night.

The next day when I woke up, he was gone. I was a little hurt at first, but then I saw he left a small note on my side table.

Marisela,

Sorry I had to leave you, believe me I fought so hard not to, but duty calls. Besides I didn't want anyone to interrupt our day, so I kind of got a little head start on everything before you woke. Meet me in the gardens when you're ready, I have a little surprise for you.

Love- Kael

And that's where we are now, in the garden. Kael set up a whole picnic for just the two of us. It was sweet and definitely unexpected. He brought all the foods and pastries I liked. Obviously, we didn't finish it all, Kael really brought a lot of food.

We were playing a round of 21 questions, when he asked me what my favorite drink was. I told him it was a secret but I'd let him try. He agreed in a heartbeat. I wanted to laugh so badly because I knew he wouldn't try it if he knew what it was.

Salt water.

I told him to close he's eyes, which he did, and I started to make the drink. He kept laughing and asking me to just tell him, but I didn't. Eventually when he opened his eyes he was surprised to the that glass was clear.

"Water?" He asked sounding confused. I laughed and told him to try it, which he so regretfully did.

"That was terrible." He says as our laughter dies down. I couldn't help the smile that never leaves my face.

"Hey," he says, "I've been meaning to ask you something." He asks a moment later.

"Sure."

"Well," he looks hesitant at first but finally asks. "Are you still going to meet with Avalon?"

"Ofcourse Kael," I sigh, the conversation turning serious now. "She has information for me, and I get that you don't trust her, but a part of me does. Can you at least trust me on this." I plead. Kael's gaze softens.

"I always trust you, princess." He says which warms my heart.

"Good, and I trust you." I tell him. Kael smiles briefly before looking away and sighing.

"What time will you meet with her?" He asks.

"In a few hours." I tell him. He nods once more then we are back to an awkward silence.

The day was going perfect, please can this not ruin it. I plead in my mind.

"Come on, " Kael says pulling me up to stand, "I have one more surprise for you." My ears jerk up at this, and instantly I know the day isn't ruined. A smile breaks it's way back onto my face.

"What could you possibly have for me now." I laugh as I follow him further into the gardens. Kael briefly turns around to wink at me, completely ignoring my question.

We approach the forest, and at first I was a little hesitant, but I had just told him that I trusted him. We walked for about ten minutes or so. When we were completely covered in the forest trees, Kael suddenly stops and asks me to sit on a nearby log. I accept, because I was not going to admit this to him, but I was kind of a little out breath. Kael forgets that I'm a siren, hiking in a forest isn't exactly my cup of tea.

"So what's the surprise." I ask eyeing him. Kael takes a couple of steps back, a good 10 feet to be exact. This is so weird. I thought to myself. Kael looked unsure of himself too for a second, but then he started to speak.

"I know that you and I have been getting to know each other," he starts. I watch as he kicks off his shoes, then he's fingers move to unbutton his shirt.

"And I can't deny how great it has been finally getting to know you." His shirt was halfway done by this point. "But I can't lie, it's been really hard-"

"Okay," I cut him off, my cheeks heating up, "I know that we have to have sex soon, but my first time is not" I look around the forest in disgust, "going to be outside in the dirt." I look at Kael feeling a little annoyed and disappointed in him. Kael looks at me in confusion, then his eyes go wide in realization.

"Oh!" He laughs, "princess believe me, this is not what you think it is. Trust me, when I finally get to have my way with you, it will certainly not be outside where anyone can see you." He's eyes grow dark as he speaks seriously. My cheeks only redden in color. "I will never disrespect you like that or in any way, ever." He finishes. Now I feel like an idiot.

"Then why are you taking off your clothes?" I ask him pointedly. Kael looks down at his unbutton shirt, pulling it off completely and exposing his well defined chest and abs. It was so hard not to ogle him. The man was beautiful beyond words. My eyes glance at his face and I see him smirking. Damn it.

"Well?" I wait for his answer. Kael laughs quietly to himself. I couldn't help but feel embarrassed in this situation, and Kael wasn't helping at all. He better have a good explanation for this.

"Well princess," he starts again, only this time his hands go to the zipper of his trousers pulling them down oh so slowly. I gulp. "If you had waited for one more minute and not let that pretty little head of yours run wild- which by the way I will not hesitate to do what your body is asking me for if you say so," he winks. My legs instantly pull close together. Kael stops for a second and sniffs the air, his eyes growing darker as he stares at me. Lust and desire is as clear as day in his eyes.

God, this man will be the death of me.

" I am trying very hard princess to control myself around you, but you are making it so, so hard for me to do that." He says darkly.

I was losing my mind just watching him. Shirtless and bare in front of my eyes. He wasn't making this any easier on me either.

"Well get to it then." The words slip pass my mouth before I could comprehend what I just said. Kael's ears perk up at this, and I instantly realize my mistake.

"I mean with whatever you were- um- going to do to me - I mean show me!" I rush out. My body was hot, and I'm pretty sure my face was as red as a tomato at this point. Kael's eyes still dark and desirable, he shakes he's head to calm his wolf down.

"Trust me." He says before removing his clothes completely. "Don't be afraid."

Afraid? Why would I- and that's when I saw it.

In the dim secrecy of the forest, I watch with bated breath as he begins his transformation. It is an exquisite dance of raw power and primal sensuality.

His muscles ripple beneath his skin, a testament to the strength he possesses. and an electrifying tension hung in the air.

His eyes, usually so human, ignite with a feral hunger, sending shivers down my spine. The first hint of fur sprouts along his skin, like a lover's touch, soft and intimate. His body contorts sinuously shifting into the magnificent form of the wolf. It was a seductive symphony of transformation, each movement an ode to the untamed, each growl a sultry invitation to embrace his true nature.

The sun rays kiss his fur, casting an otherworldly sheen upon him, and I couldn't help but be entranced by the intoxicating allure of this man-wolf. It was a seduction like no other, an unveiling of both his vulnerability and strength, and in that moment, the boundary between man and beast blurred, revealing a deep and passionate connection between us that transcended the ordinary.

He is, without a doubt, a desirable beast.

My beast.

Kael slowly, moves towards me. He places each paw softly and precisely, using his well-muscled legs to cover ground with an efficient and stealthy stride. His shoulders and hips move in harmony, creating a fluid and purposeful motion. His posture is upright, conveying alertness and a keen awareness of his surroundings as he navigates he's territory. Me.

I'm not afraid. I'm astounded with what is in front of my eyes. Kael is large, in more ways than one. When his wolf is right in front of me, he lowers his head, an invitation to touch him. My fingers slowly move towards his black covered fur.

Soft.

Kael purrs beneath my touch in approval. This beast of a man is all mine. Mine. And I was his, even if we both didn't know it just yet.

As I stare into his large eyes. I see black outlined with gold. They held so many stories. This is his wolf. This is who he fights every day to control himself around me. There were no words to describe the power that he possesses.

He commands a formidable presence, exuding an aura of power and dominance that is impossible to ignore. With a towering physique and a well-muscled frame, he is the epitome of strength and resilience. His fur, a sleek coat of ash gray, ripples with vitality and a sheen that mirrors its robust health.

And he is all mine.

I spent the remainder of our time together with Kael in his wolf form. It was magnificent. I promised him, that soon I will show him who I am.

It was late in the afternoon when Kael had to leave. He was taking my parents around the city. He offered for me to join, but not because he wanted the company, he just didn't want me to be alone with Avalon. He still didn't trust her. I, on the other hand refused. I wasn't ready to face my parents just yet.

I am currently waiting for Avalon in the library. It took her all about 10 minutes to arrive.

"Avalon." I stand to greet her as she walks in. Avalon smiles.

"I apologize for being late, this castle is rather large and is very easy to get lost in." She tells me and I couldn't help but laugh understanding exactly what she means. I've been lost a few times too. Then a thought came to mind which made me a little suspicious.

"Kael let's you walk freely?" I expected Kael to keep a close eye on her considering how he doesn't trust her. Avalon looks away embarrassed.

"Not quite." She says, a playful grin appears on her face. "I may have ditched the guards a while ago. I couldn't stand all those eyes on me. I felt like a prisoner." I laugh again. Looks like we have a few things in common then.

"How are you feeling?" She asks sounding concerned.

"Better." I tell her. She smiles relieved by this. I watch her, as her face slowly changes, becoming serious.

"We don't have much time." She tells me, "to be completely honest with you, Marisela, I am not someone people trust as I'm sure by now you know who-what I am." She says hestitantly. I nod my head at her.

"I do." I tell her. " I am beginning to think that a lot of people are not exactly who they seem to be anymore." Avalon catches on.

"I agree." She looks away briefly. "I know you want answers, so I will show you." I watch as she hesitantly stands up. "Before I begin, I want you to know that what I am about to show you, is the truth. You were right before, you do know me, more than you think. You can trust me. Hopefully after I show you this, you will understand." I was a little skeptical at first with what she said. But as I watch her, I know she is telling the truth. There's that voice in my head again, telling me to trust her. I take a deep breath and nod at her.

I watch as she takes a few steps towards me, until she is finally standing in front of me.

''Are you sure you are ready?" She asks.

I could say no. Maybe Kael is right, maybe she isn't someone to trust. But my gut is telling me she wouldn't hurt me. With one final nod at her, Avalon lifts her palms on either side of my head. She carefully places her hands on either side of my head.

"This might hurt a little bit." She warns. Then, she begins to chant something to herself.

Before I could begin to say anything else, I feel a slight sting on either side of my head, and next thing I know everything goes bright. I could feel as though I was getting sucked into something. My body starts to feel cold.

Suddenly, my vision starts to become clear, and my body feels almost numb. I look around, only I was alone, and not in the library.