Page 85 of Kai's Hunger

“Yes. You are my mate, Lily. I know this deep down. In my soul. You’re a part of me. The mating is safe. I’m just not certain if you’ll have the ability to shift. Everything else is clear to me.”

“It’s just ... I want to be a part of your world,fully. To experience everything, even if it’s challenging.”

“I want that too.” My grip on her hand tightened, my eyes locking onto hers, as an unshakable determination took hold of me. “But you already are a part of my world, Lily. Even if you can’t shift. It doesn’t matter to me. Does it to you?”

“It matters because I want to be your equal. I don’t want to be a burden to you.”

“You could never, my love.”

Lily tilted her head and leaned in, her forehead resting against mine, our link strong and unbroken. “I love you, Kai,” she whispered. “Either way this comes out, we’re in this together.”

I cupped the back of her head, as I hoped to convey a promise that spoke of my unwavering commitment. “Yes, we are.”

“Will it hurt? Shifting, I mean.”

“I won’t lie, at first there will be some pain, until your body gets used to it. Then it’ll come naturally.”

Her lips kicked up sideways. “We’re in some seriously uncharted territory, huh?”

“We are, but our mating is true,” I vowed. “This is known in my heart.”

Her gaze shot toward the door. “Kai, I hear something outside,” she whispered. “Could Patterson have—”

“Hush, my love, it’s only a raccoon. It’s about four hundred yards away,” I replied. “You can hear that?”

She nodded, then glanced down at my chest. “Your heart, it’s so strong, so fast.”

“Lily,” I said, “get dressed. I want to show you something.”

Curiosity ignited in her green eyes and she nodded, slipping off the bedding. I had to keep my hands fisted at my sides in order to keep them off her. She was a temptation. I watched as she quickly pulled on my t-shirt—it hung to mid-thigh. “This good enough?”

I swallowed hard. “Yes,” I groaned, before taking her by the hand and bringing her outside. The last rays of sunlight kissed the horizon, painting the sky in a vibrant tapestry of oranges and purples. A cool breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying the promise of the night to come.

“Kai, what are we doing out here?” Lily asked, her voice a blend of excitement and wonder.

I stood beside Lily, attempting to be a source of comfort amidst the whirlwind of changes she was experiencing. We were in a secluded grove deep within the forest, a place my family often retreated to for privacy. Tonight, however, it held a different significance, as it marked the beginning of Lily’s transformation after our mating.

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Lily

My heart raced, senses heightened to a level I’d never imagined. I could hear the rustle of leaves in the distance, the call of a night owl, and even the subtle whispers of the wind as it brushed against my skin. My breath came in shallow gasps as I struggled to adjust to the overwhelming flood of sensations.

Kai turned his piercing golden eyes toward me. “Lily,” he said, his voice a soothing melody, “I know it’s a lot to take in right now. But you’re not alone in this. I’m here with you every step of the way.”

I nodded, my eyes widened in awe. “This is ... it’s all so unreal,” I admitted, my voice a hushed whisper.

Kai stepped closer, his hand reaching out to gently touch my cheek. “Your abilities are a reflection of our bond,” he explained. “As we become more connected, your senses will merge with mine, allowing you to experience the world in ways you’ve never known before.”

He guided me to sit on a fallen log, then stood over me magnificently nude. “Let’s start with your hearing,” he instructed, his voice soothing. “Close your eyes and focus on the sounds around you. Let them come to you, but don’t let them overwhelm you.”

I followed his instructions, taking a deep breath and closing my eyes. Gradually, I began to filter through the symphony of sounds, homing in on each one individually. The distant chirping of crickets, the swift gurgle of a nearby stream, and even the faint hum of my own heartbeat.

Kai’s hand settled on my shoulder. “Now, let’s work on your sense of smell,” he said. “Take in a deep breath through your nose and let the scents come to you. Focus on one scent at a time, like picking out individual notes from a melody.”

I inhaled deeply, my senses flooding with a plethora of smells I hadn’t noticed before. The earthy aroma of the forest floor, the sweet fragrance of blooming wildflowers, and the faint hint of pine carried by the breeze. It was exhilarating.

Kai’s voice was a steady presence in the sea of sensations. “Remember, control is key,” he advised. “When it gets too much, take a moment to close your eyes, and use the calming techniques I showed you.”

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