Page 21 of Kai's Hunger

“Good.” I needed to get her out of the house or I’d kiss her and never stop until she was naked and beneath me.

Once outside, the cold night breeze blew across my face. I lifted my nose and inhaled, searching for anything that could pose a threat to Lily. Only the usual nocturnal creatures could be detected. I reached for her, entwining our fingers, and explained, “The place I want to show you is just a few minutes’ walk to the south.”

She kept stride beside me, scanning our surroundings. “And what is this amazing place that couldn’t wait until daytime?”

I tsked. “It won’t be any fun if I tell you.”

Lily was quiet as we strode down the path I’d taken a thousand times, passing giant pine trees, thick walnuts, as well as the occasional tall sycamore. When we were near our destination, I stopped, waiting for her to look at me. When our gazes connected, I stated, “This place is sacred to my family, Lily.” I pointed to the clearing ahead. “For generations, Ravenbriars have come here to seek solace.”

“Oh,” she replied, her curiosity evident in the way her gaze lit with excitement. “Like a place of worship?”

“No, more like a place to ... think. We believe that nature grounds us. In times of strife or chaos, we come here and we’re once again centered.”

“Why are you showing me this? We barely know each other.”

“I feel connected to you.” I cupped her cheek. “Don’t you feel something for me? Perhaps a spark that you’ve never felt with another?”

“It’s strange, but I do feel as if I’ve known you forever. Like we’ve met before. Or...” She ran a hand through her hair. “I don’t know. It’s difficult to explain.”

My heart swelled at her confession. “I understand.” I gave her a gentle tug. “Come, before it gets too late.”

We continued the short journey, dead leaves crunching beneath our feet, until we reached Sarafin Falls. Clovers covered the ground and a stone bench sat next to a bubbling brook. But it was the waterfall that deserved praise. Even after hundreds of years, its beauty hadn’t faded. Amidst the tranquil embrace of the moonlight, the breathtaking scene unfurled before us. The waterfall, hidden amid towering trees, glistened under the soft glow of starlight, its crystalline waters shimmering as it descended gracefully into a pristine pool below. The chill in the air carried the hint of impending winter. The serenade of the falling water blended harmoniously with the rustling of trees and the occasional hoot of an owl.

Lily stopped, then gasped. “Oh, my God, Kai, it’s amazing,” she softly exclaimed, all her attention on the magical sight less than a hundred feet in front of us.

“When our ancestors first purchased the land and discovered the falls, they declared it a sacred place. Since then we’ve taken great strides to maintain it, hoping future generations would get to experience it as well.”

Lily moved to the bench and sat, pulling the coat tighter around her body. “When you talk about your family it makes me a little envious. I have no experience with that type of bond.” She sighed. “I used to wish for a bunch of siblings and the kind of parents who tucked their kids in at night and read them stories.” Her gaze lifted to mine. “Dumb, huh?”

I heard the sadness in her voice and it angered me. Her life in Walnut Ridge sucked and she deserved better. I closed the distance between us, then sat next to her. “You left your home because of your mother and sister, but in doing so you found me. You found my brothers. Perhaps your wish has been granted, Lily.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m asking you to stay,” I gently explained. “Get to know me. Get to know my family.”

She shot off the bench and glared at me. “Again, you are a stranger. I can’t just shack up with you, Kai. It’s absurd.”

I wrapped an arm around her middle and tugged until she was standing between my widespread thighs. “You set out for adventure, right?”

She bit her bottom lip, a sure sign of her frustration. “Well, partly, yes,” she admitted. “And partly because I was desperate to escape.”

“Let me be a part of your adventure then,” I persuaded, watching for any hint that she was wavering. “Let me give you a place to escape to.” When she started to protest, I lifted my other hand and cupped her chin. “Just say you’ll consider it. You won’t be disappointed.”

Her silence stretched on for so long that I was certain I was about to be shut down. Instead, she narrowed her gaze and muttered, “You like to get your way, don’t you?”

If she only knew how pushy I could be, she’d run for the hills. “Only when I see something I want. Then I will move heaven and earth.”

“And you want me,” she whispered. “A woman you’ve only known a few hours.”

“Time means nothing,” I ground out. “Trust me on that.”

“I don’t even know if you have a girlfriend.” She looked me over, then crossed her arms over her chest and asked, “Do you?”

I could give her the absolute truth, for once. “There are no women in my life. Only you.”

She covered her face in her hands and groaned. “I should have my head examined for even considering this.”

I pried them away, then waited until she graced me with her pretty gaze, and asked, “Is that a yes?”

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