KHUMAARI- The Nocturnal Beast, PART 6

KHUMAARI

The Nocturnal Beast

Part 6

My Weakness

She was aware of every voice. The one made by the sea, wind and insects in the forest mixed with that of her heart beating inside her chest, thumping vigorously, pumping blood n fretting at the same time.

She crawled to the opening of the tent n peeked out. Air gushed making her hair fly. She pushed them away from her eyes which were already straining to adjust to the black. His neon ear phones sparkled in the dead of night.

With legs sprawled out, head n back lounging comfortably against the log it looked as though he was used to it, like he had done this numerous times. The dense forest, solitude, infinite horrible possibilities didn’t seem to affect him in the least bit.

A creepy feeling ran down her spine. What number did she have on the prey list? How many girls had he murdered before her on this very island? Although there weren’t any indication about him being mentally sick so far, she found no other reasonable explanation.

She wondered if he was asleep or the closed eyes were again just pretence like before to catch her with the guards down. Slowly n cautiously like a cat she came out of the tent. He didn’t move, not a tad-bit. And she heaved a sigh of relief. He was also a human-she was not that much fool to believe his werewolf tales-n had his openings.

He seemed deep in sleep n she stared at the darkened sea that lay ahead n turned back to look at the forest scattered behind. She took a deep, much needed breath n then took off, running into the forest for what was a necessity to her; freedom.

She was the most idiotic, stupid girl he had ever met. Didn’t she understand what he said? But it was rather expected, she was human, stupidity was in her blood. And it was his bad luck that her burden now was on his shoulders. He looked up at the tiny holes in the black, satin sheet like sky. It was hard to guess from earth that they were actually blazing, burning suns millions of light years away each having their own solar system.

But for his people these natural forces were the writers of their destiny. When he was small his dad had told him, ‘the stars make us one, the sky shelters our being n the moon is keeper of our kind. Together they determine the course of our life, set our path, mould our fate and most crucially, tangle our soul with that of our mate’s’.

Fire burned in front of his naked, young eyes while the child witnessed two of his most beloved people consumed in it.

It was raining wildly. Unaffected the invincible flames roared taking the dead with it, erasing the last remnants of their existence. The big fat drops falling from above were heavy but his tears were heavier. Pulling his hand up with great difficulty he wiped his chubby cheeks. There were people all around, grieving over the loss. But, their loss was nothing as compared to this boy’s.

No one understood. No one knew his pain, the sheer agony that cut through his heart slicing it irrevocably. The flames of fire stung his eyes n burned his flesh becoming mightier. All left one by one. The little boy stayed. Endless tears falling, mixing with the rain, he sunk to the wet ground, splashing dirt over his clothes. They left him.

Maan, you have to come with me. A man in his thirties spoke. The little boy looked up into his warm eyes but he also like others didn’t know.

The boy didn’t move. He would stay there with them, they couldn’t leave.Dear you have to understand, they…they are no more with us.The man’s voice was filled with sadness.

No, they are here. They can’t leave me. He said sobbing; next his childish voice gained resolve. I will wait for them, they will come. You go from here.

The man was torn seeing his condition. It was natural, anyone in his place would have been the same but life doesn’t stop, the vicious cycle moves on. The man held the child’s arm and pulled him up gently, to take him back.

I said leave me alone. Boy closed his eyes n the dangerous tincture of it sent a shiver down the man’s spine.

You have-

He didn’t hear further. Anger unleashed, it flooded his each cell. The overwhelming sensation pushing its way out and for the first time in his life he felt the power that came with sheer rage, invigorating n blinding. His brain went in a frizzy, whole body shaking, and every bone crushing. He let the other half of him take over.

Next when his eyes opened. The man was lying on the ground, his blood flowing with the rain water. He didn’t mean to hurt him, it just happened. The boy shook him n tried to bring him back to consciousness but to no avail. Then others came. They took him to the nursing house.

When death strikes only memories survives,

Good ones only bring a smile while the bad ones shake you to the core

Seasons wither; people leave but our mates stays with us, for us, forever.

His father’s words rang back in his ears n he scoffed. Mates; he would have committed gory sins to have gotten a mate like her. A mate was your perfect match, physically, mentally n spiritually where as she didn’t even belong to his kind. Filthy human. He cursed in his mind.

She is perfect for us. His wolf defended n Maan ignored the voice. We should go after her. She could get in some danger. What if she is hurt?

That’s her doing. I didn’t asked her to play hide n seek in the forest at night. He lay back comfortably against the attempts of his wolf to push him to go after her. He was waiting for the right time.

Only a few minutes later a scream echoed from behind the black, giant trees reaching his ears. His insides were curling with worry. He composed himself, letting a slow smirk appear on his face, he hadn’t though the right time would come so early.

She ran n it felt all too familiar, terrifyingly identical to her dream. There were rough branches of trees n bushes scraping against her arms n face. The ground under was slouchy while occasional stones n thorns painfully excavated into the vulnerable skin of her feet.

To make matter worse she had no idea to where she was running but she knew from what she was going away. It was him. There must be someone-the island couldn’t be completely deserted-an old couple, a cavemen tribe or a chest-thumping gorilla band, anything but him. Don’t know why she was so weary of him, despite the fact that he was her kidnapper, there was this blood curling aura that seemed to entrap her whenever she was around him n then his talk. It was all so damn scary.

A big stone came into her way n she stumbled over it falling flat on her stomach, her shrill scream echoing hauntingly throughout the forest.

It hurt so badly.

There was darkness all around. Tears stung her eyes which were already unable to see anything. She missed her family, their protection n warmth.

Keeping everything aside, there was this hollowness growing in her chest. Like a black hole it consumed her. The more she ran the more webbed it seemed to get. Something was terribly wrong with her, she felt really emotional. The feeling of emptiness n longing almost killed her.

Putting all her strength together she stood up n started again. Only this time she was weaker n her leg was bleeding below the knee.

As if her miseries were not enough she heard something coming closer from behind her. God! And she knew what it was.

Just when she turned around, he stopped right before her. Startled she fell back. Why the hell was she falling so much?

He smiled wolfishly crossing his hand over his chest. Just this far, I expected more.

She scooted back astonished. How- He wasn’t there behind her before then how can he be so fast n how he located her?

You still don’t believe me? He asked, his head cocking a bit, brows furrowed with serious bewilderment.

Words absolutely failed her n she didn’t even realize when she started shivering. Trying to stand up in a poor attempt she fell back again.

You are bleeding. There were numerous scratches all over her arms n face but a really nasty slit across her leg had something like worry pass over his handsomely sculpted face. Just for a fleeting second though n it made Geet wonder if she was only hallucinating.

His eyes met hers n she moved back. Please let me go. She pleaded, feeling so rusty n weak. Her emotions though didn’t seem to affect him. Face still hard n solemn he bent over her.

Why I even tried? This beast has no feelings. Kill me. Because… I AM NOT GOING WITH YOU.

One admirable quality she had. The fight. No matter how crappy n vulnerable, she wasn’t ready to give up. It would be fun to break her. I said she is perfect. His wolf repeated in a proud voice.

I wish I could kill you, but I love my life. It’s too precious a thing to waste on you. His hands slid below her hips n back and he effortlessly pulled her up into his arms.

She protested but was thankful that he wasn’t carrying her on his shoulder. Her relief went into hell the next very second as he started running. The pace was slower at beginning it increased tremendously later. His strides getting longer, she heard the squash below as his feet pressed with heavy pleasure on the wet ground. The wind swished pass her making her hair fly, she couldn’t see in dark n also wasn’t ready to admit the lack of visibility now had an additional reason, speed. Was it even possible to run so fast or was her tired mind just playing trick?

Closing her eyes she took deep breaths not wanting she vomit her bowls out. Everything stopped save her head which was still spinning. But she no more felt the wind swirling, ground slipping n his masculine body moving against her side, making her sweat despite the chill.

Tentatively she opened her big hazel eyes n Maan found himself lost in them, they were beautiful, and her best feature from whatever he had seen. Who knew what else she had in store under her shirt.

They were outside the tent. So fast? Did I actually didn’t go that far? But she had run for so long, how could they have come in a few minutes only? Put me down. She ordered putting her muddled thoughts at the back of her mind.

He pushed her form more tightly to his, her cheek pressed against his chest over the thin cloth of his vest. The tickles began in her stomach.

A very intelligent man invented please. He said entering the tent. She gritted her teeth but in no favor to remain in his arms uttered, please.

Putting her down Maan walked out n Geet sat on the sheet spread over the ground. Her leg hurt n she touched around it to check the degree of damage which was, unfortunately very much n hurt like no tomorrow. Coming back into the tent he turned the temperature high again. He sat before her taking her leg into his hand. With a wet cloth he began to clean the cut. She tried to snatch her leg back. No stranger was allowed to dress her wounds or even give her injections. She always went to her family doctor. Something about new persons tending with pain just increased it to another level.

I will do it myself. His iron grip on her leg didn’t loosen n tears sprang to her eyes. Can’t you hear? She screamed in a broken voice.

He let his fingers caress the back of her calf while he applied antiseptic on the cut n she drew a sharp breath in. He continued his ministrations n her mind now was more concentrated on the light touches he was showering at the back of her leg. His hand moved up to her inner thigh, nails raking gently on the sensitive skin. The hot touch stirring something fatal inside her.

He lowered his head n placed a kiss over her now bandaged cut. It was kind of sweet n extremely sensual. She felt the effect of kiss right between her thighs. He smirked seeing her parted lips n glazed eyes. You like it, don’t you? I can do a lot more.

Her face turned the deepest shade of red. You have no idea what your blush do to me. He said his voice husky. Geet, abruptly realized that he had come very close, so close that his voice fanned her cheek while he let those sexy lips wander at the corner of hers. Kiss me. He demanded n she did everything in her power to not succumb to his demand. What was wrong with her?

He placed his large, rough hand on her cheek turning her face completely to face him. A price is well deserved since I saved you just now; you know what kind of animals strays in the jungle at this hour?

No one as you, for sure. She said inside her mind. But all thoughts flew away as he scooted even closer his fingers finding refuge in her locks while other hand slipped down to her waist.

Her hand came to hold his arms lest she fell again. The wetness on his hand made her look down. Umm, you are bleeding. She pointed out, smartly coming out of his hands taking advantage of his distraction.

It would go. He said casually looking at a cut-not as nasty as Geet’s but pretty bad-on his hand. It must have come while he was running. To Geet it didn’t look that casual of an injury. You should dress that. Seeing his curious gaze on her, she made amends. If you want. She shrugged.

His lips twitched n to her utter surprise he actually listened. Opening the first aid box again he dressed his wound too. Go to sleep. His voice again devoid of any human emotion suggested more of commanded. When she thought he was going to stand n leave, he was beside her in a blink. Damn, he was fast. He pressed his searing lips at the very same corner of her lips where he had been focused moments ago. His tongue lightly licked the spot, Geet nearly burst with the sensation that coursed through her entire length.

Remember the kiss is due. He stood up just as fast n was out before she could put her mind back into some use.

Streaming white light entered through the half ominous walls of tent. She had slept just now, she swear, how could it be morning so early? She rubbed her eyes and scooted out of the tent. Her leg hurt not that badly though. At least there won’t be any infection since he bandaged it last night. She almost felt thankful. Almost… because it was his fault in first place and what did he say, saved her? She scoffed. She needed saving from him. Kiss, her foot she wouldn’t even like to look at him. Stupid, arrogant, egoistic kidnapper.

She looked up at the sun n then her surroundings. In broad daylight the place looked amazing. The sand sparkling n wate- Her mouth opened, jaw dropping to the ground after she let her eyes wander to over to the sea.

He emerged out the water like a swimsuit model, running his hands over his hairs settling them back. Beads of water splashed around then vanished down into the sea making his profile clear. Hundreds of droplets ran down over the smooth panes of his perfectly chiseled chest n she was amazed why they weren’t turning into vapor. She could feel his heat radiating from so far. He was hotter than the sun.

He walked ahead staring at her with intense black orbs but her eyes were focused somewhere else away from his face. As he walked into more shallow depths, the water diminished more n more revealing of his length down south. She turned away from him. Breath hitched n heartbeat thumping in her chest.

The temperature rose more n heat was directly sweeping into her skin. That was understandable but why was she getting wet. Realization hit her like a thunderous shock. He was standing just behind her his front in light contact with her back soaking her wet. 

He nuzzled her hairs not exactly touching her just taking a good morning sniff. Umm… she smells so good. This time he agreed with his inner voice.

He slipped an arm possessively over her waist to avoid her from moving away. Placing feather light kisses on her shoulder he reached his mark n nipped at it with his lips, enjoying her shudders n moans.

She had to do something fast, from experience she knew there was no match between him n her physically but she could distract him. A very intelligent man invented sleeping bag. He heard his own words from the night before. She turned to face him n moved back.

He gave her a hard glare for ruining the mood. What is the use of camping with all the luxury?

He was wearing his boxers, she sighed in relief when walked away to his clothes. Although the relief wasn’t long lived because the next second without any warning, he tugged at his boxers to remove them. Tempted but still too shy Geet turned her back to him. Idiot, moron doesn’t have any shame.

You know you want to see. Even from the other side Geet could see the smug smile on his face n her cheeks got red.

Maan wore dry clothes n said. You can now turn around.

Pretending that he didn’t affect her like he thought he did, she sat in front of him. I want clothes. She wasn’t anymore bothered about the scantiness of her T-shirt but it was dirt that now pissed her. Hygiene was something she was very particular about.

I don’t have any spare. Maan shrugged nonchalantly. Your fault. If you wouldn’t have thrown that tantrum at your dingy apartment we would have come out decently with your clothes.

Excuse me? There is no way to decently kidnap someone. With more emphasis on ‘decently’, Geet pointed out.

He ignored her nonsense. You hungry? Now when he asked her stomach grumbled embarrassingly. He threw her a small cloth bag. That’s the only thing I have. I had caught fish last night but I ate it all.

I appreciate your consideration.

He seemed to miss her sarcasm. You should be.

She opened the bag n found 3 apples n a banana. Happy that she didn’t have to eat raw flesh, she pulled out a shinning red apple. Just before biting into it she said. I need to brush my teeth.

He stared at her like she was stupidest person in the whole universe. Eat or die. I don’t fucking care. 

The outright harshness in his voice scared her n she ate what she had been given. She needed energy if she wanted to get back to home. For some horrible reason it appeared to be distant dream. Anyways speaking of death. What did you meant when you said you can’t kill me because you love your life?

The hysterical laugh that erupted from his mouth sent chills to the very marrow of her bones. That’s where it gets really shitty. Mates are bonded in every sense, from life to death. If you die I won’t live for long n same with you. As far as he knew werewolves never bonded to humans nor were humans ever found to be werewolves' mates so he wasn’t sure how the together-till-death thing worked with humans. He didn’t know whether her life was as depended on him as his was on her but he wanted her to feel the way he did. And, now nothing could be done. You are the only weakness Maan Singh Khurana has. A feeble human my weakness.

He spoke like she should be ashamed of being a human. How utterly insane!! Did he really believe that he was that thing, which was there only in pages of novel or TV screens and how could he think she would buy his delusional stories? So, it happens just like that. You see a random someone n say ‘oh my mate’ then you live together forever till the end of your lives. At least we have the opportunity to know each other first; I must say its better in our world. Because your world doesn’t even exist. She added in her mind.

How dare you compare your selfish world to mine? Humans are pathetic. They think they are in love. They get married with all pump n show. But then what happens? They grow apart, develop hate, get divorced or die. Whereas our bond is far more scared n strong than yours. Mate is a werewolf’s life, their first priority n responsibility; their souls are not different but part of one. And they stay together until death separates them. You should be bowing your head down to the ground for you are a mate of a werewolf.

His eyes were blazing n she stayed mum throughout his mini outburst. I am going to get logs for fire. He picked the axe. 

What happened to your cut? She asked incredulous noticing that his arm was completely fine, smooth as new with no cut whatsoever. 

We heal faster. Saying he walked away into the forest with confident n calculated strides. If nothing else one lesson she had learned from this experience, “insanity had no limits”.

Having nothing else to do, she spent her time inspecting the area she was abducted to. There was the bed he had made inside the tent, the ice box, the remains of his yesterday’s dinner, his I-phone, few keys n some other men’s items which were absolutely of no use to her. He came back with logs bundled and loaded over his left shoulder n axe in his right hand.

You went through my things? He asked in a surprised n dangerous voice.

How did you-

Your smell is everywhere.

It was nerve-racking that someone could smell you. Okay, every person could smell you at least from near but smelling you off other things. Definitely weird!!

He lit the fire n plugged the earphones, getting back to his laid back, comfortable position against the dead tree.

She wandered here n there, collecting few magnificent, twisted sea shells-generally of pink n sky blue colors-since she had nothing else to do and she had no wish to sit with him. Her mind still was completely on roll, there was certainly a way out n she was desperate enough to find it.

In the evening weather took an abrupt turn. It’s going to rain in a bit.Maan commented looking at the clouding sky. The sun will set in half an hour. We have to leave fast. And he started packing up. She sat there stunned, they were leaving. Yippee!! So we are going home.

Home? He asked with raised brow. No. Two minutes… before completing he looked at her like she was a burden which she was for him. He couldn’t carry her with all the things. 15 minutes away from here I have a cottage.

Her mouth opened in a big O. Y..you have a… COTTAGE and you were keeping me here.

Maan shrugged his shoulders calmly. I love camping.

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