Page 80 of Kai's Hunger

The interior of the cabin exuded rustic charm. A king-sized bed with a log headboard dominated one corner, dressed in soft white linens. A small kitchenette stood against one wall, complete with a stove and a small fridge. A cozy seating area by the fireplace was adorned with a large white rug, inviting us to unwind and revel in the peaceful atmosphere.

“It’s beautiful,” I praised, charmed by the romantic vibe. My nerves tingled beneath my skin as my blood raced. My feelings for Kai had deepened, my heart confessing a love I hadn’t anticipated. I wanted to be his mate, to embrace the connection we shared, but the unknowns cast a shadow of uncertainty over me. What did it entail? Would there be pain, a transformation, or something else entirely?

The questions churned in my mind like a slowly building thunderstorm, and as Kai’s gaze met mine, my stomach filled with anticipation.

Kai seemed to sense my unease. The fragile bond between us had somehow revealed my emotions to him. His fingers reached out, gently intertwining with mine. “Lily,” he said, his voice a soothing murmur, “I can feel your questions, your worries. I understand this might be overwhelming for you.”

I didn’t know how to put it all into words so I stayed silent. Unwilling to say the wrong thing. Again Kai understood my unease, and led me to the seating area by the fire. We sat next to each other, our eyes locked. “Being a mate, sealing our bond,” he murmured, “it’s a profound step. It won’t be without challenges, but we’ll face them together.”

My gaze softened, my heart finding solace in his words. “I want this, Kai. I want to be with you, to be yours. But I’m scared. You have to understand that, right?”

He cupped my face in his hands. “I won’t lie to you. There might be moments of discomfort, of change. But remember I’ll be right here. Me. You trust me. I know you do.”

My fears began to melt, replaced by a growing sense of security. Kai’s touch, his words, reminding me that we were in this together. I leaned into his touch, my eyes searching his for certainty.

Kai’s gaze held unwavering determination. “Our bond will only enhance what we already share. And when it’s done, you’ll feel the depth of our love on a whole new level. Trust me, Lily.”

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips, my heart fluttering as his words resonated within me. Having Kai by my side, the romantic setting, and being surrounded by nature’s serenity allowed me to let go of some of my uncertainties, replaced by a profound yearning for the future we would forge together.

As the flickering fire bathed us in a warm glow, my gaze wandered around the cozy space, taking in the rustic charm and the inviting atmosphere. I turned to Kai, my curiosity piqued by the unexpected comforts that greeted us. “How is there already a fire?” I asked, my voice tinged with surprise. “Did you set it up earlier?”

Kai’s eyes twinkled. He followed my line of sight, then a soft smile played on his lips. “No, I didn’t. It looks like my sister must’ve been here.”

My brows furrowed in confusion. “Your sister? But why...”

Kai gestured to the wine bottle that graced the small table along with a set of glasses. “It seems she anticipated our arrival. She must’ve cleaned up, changed the sheets, and even left us the alcohol.”

Understanding slowly dawned. “She did all this for us?”

Kai nodded, a fondness in his expression. “Seems so. She has a way of knowing things. She’s always been perceptive.”

As I absorbed the thoughtful gestures, a warmth spread through my chest. I glanced around the cabin, the touches of consideration making it even more inviting. And as my gaze returned to Kai, gratitude swelled within me. “It’s really sweet of her,” I murmured, a smile tugging at my lips. “It’s like she knew we needed this.”

Kai entwined his fingers with mine, his gaze tender. “Yeah, but if you thank her she’s liable to say something sarcastic.”

I turned my attention to the crackling fire, the flames flickering with a gentle, almost ethereal grace. I let out a soft sigh, then leaned into Kai’s side, contentment settling over me. “Well, I’m grateful for her thoughtfulness. It’s made this moment even more special.”

Kai wrapped his arm around me, pulling my body closer. My curves fit neatly against the muscular length of him. Like fitting pieces of a puzzle together. “I’m glad. I want you to feel special, Lily.”

We sat and listened to the crackling fire, and I couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of connection—not only to Kai, but to his family as well. The cabin, Fostine’s gestures, and the promise of sealing our bond all converged to wrap around my heart.

Kai pulled back a fraction and stared down at me. His eyes filled with concern. “Are you hurting? Do you need any more pills?”

I was touched. Despite his hunger for me, he still prioritized my well-being. It was a testament to the depth of his feelings for me, and it warmed me the way nothing else could.

I let a soft smile play on my lips. “No, Kai, I’m fine. Really. No pain, and I don’t need any more pills.”

He exhaled a breath he seemed to have been holding, easing the lines of his masculine features. “Good,” he murmured, licking his lips. “You’ve been through so much. I don’t want to add to your pain. Ever.”

I reached out, my fingers finding Kai’s cheek, the warmth of his skin beneath my touch grounding me. “I appreciate your concern. It means a lot to me.”

His hand covered mine, his gaze unwavering. “I’ll always worry about you. You mean everything to me.”

When had I ever heard those words? No past boyfriend had ever expressed such emotion. Certainly not my own family. The sincerity in Kai’s statement sent a rush of excitement through me. I leaned in, our lips meeting in a gentle kiss.

As we pulled apart, our foreheads touching, I whispered, “You know, all I need, all I want is you.”

Kai’s eyes deepened. “Lily...”

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