KHUMAARI- The Nocturnal Beast, PART 7

KHUMAARI

The Nocturnal Beast

Part 7

82 Years

I… can’t… walk… more. Geet huffed and Maan gave her an exasperated glare. The bag having the portable tent hung over his back and another bag was in his hand, even with two heavy weights he was having no problem. While, Geet whom he forcefully made to carry the ice box was ready to fall flat n have the sleep of her life.

We have just walked a few meters.

Well sorry for not considering commando training before getting kidnapped.

Your sarcastic one-liners don’t amuse me so stop being a cry baby n walk.

She stuck her tongue out at him as he resumed walking. They were in jungle walking for years, okay she was exaggerating but it felt like it. She was injured, hungry n sleepy n hence not to blame. The biggest misery was his slippers-he was wearing shoes and had blessed her with his huge footwear. Her feet were so small in it n she slipped with every step on the wet, greasy ground.

Night had almost fallen n clouds above were getting denser, hanger lower n lower in the sky. Just please don’t rain before we get… there, wherever that place is.

Hope it’s not a cave. She wished, praying that he didn’t say cottage just to bait her. A cloud rumbled, growling fiercely and she walked more closely to him. The box was heavy making her hands ache badly. And an idea struck her brain. She fell back in her steps creating a little distance between them not much because she didn’t want to lose his tracks n get lost. Opening the ice box she pulled out a beer can n very carefully rolled it away onto the ground, making as little noise as possible. By now she had gotten familiar with his super hearing abilities; that jerk. But no worries the woozing winds n crackling noises from the skies camouflaged the small sounds made by her.

She did the same with all the cans n soon the box was lighter with no beer in it.

We are here. He said n she looked ahead; nothing came to her sight except for more tree n shrubs. He walked past the last barrier of greenery n a clearing revealed at the edge of what looked like a cliff.

She wasn’t shocked. She was stuck, shaken to the core. From no angle it was cottage, they were supposed to be small n normal. It was some architectural masterpiece, in dark the whole place shinned like a glowing star. On the low cliff the beautiful structure, airy n lavish, stood proud and magnificent looking over to the never-ending sea.

Why you always give such loud reactions? He asked in a condensing tone breaking her trance-like state.

I..I..what…who…

Maan shook his head in utter irritation n grabbing her hand, practically dragged her inside the house.

A cool air hit her directly from the sea through the open front of the big living room. All walls were painted cream, apart from one which was chocolate brown having strokes of metallic bronze. On the entrance there were two cozy cream couches n a love seat looking at the vast LCD up on the wall. Ahead, at the back of the room before the open wall with flowing white almost transparent curtains sat a small dining table to feed n enjoy the marvelous view of the ocean. The room had five other openings going into various rooms n hallways.

Wow!! She breathed. I don’t think the owners would be pleased if they found us trespassing here.

Owners? I own this place. This whole island is mine.

Yeah-yeah… She waved her hand in a bored manner then looked at him seriously. Are you sure this is yours?

Do I have to show you the papers? He said flopping on the couch. Because I don’t have them though I have the keys.

So… you are rich?

More than you can imagine.

Why he have to brag every time? Men, grr… She puffed her cheeks n started to examine the room, touching the walls n furniture. This is soooo cool. The sea looked breath taking from the, err, cottage.

Where is all the beer? Maan asked n the moment she turned back he was already towering over her. She took a step back but he held her by the elbow rather roughly. What did you do?

I threw them. Maan gritted his teeth. The box was heavy.

She smiled cheekily her chocolate brown eyes staring at him from below the twisted, long lashes. Her first smile to him n his heart skipped a beat. She looked so unusual n mischievous like that not to forget utterly sexy. Was this the look she would give him in bed?

It started raining outside and she found his face nearing her, his eyes turning blacker than the night. His hot breath fanned her lips, just an inch apart. His smoldering eyes closed and he buried his face into her neck. She heard a weird purring sound; it vibrated from his ribs to hers by their barely touching chests. He nuzzled his nose behind her ear n she took a sharp breath in just as he placed his rough-smooth lips below her jaw rubbing them softly there. Currents passed through her.

Maan. She moaned his name for the first time under a shuddering breath but he heard it, clear as rain water. The power that he sensed with it over her rocked him, satisfying n feeding his beastly instincts. Say it again.

What?? She asked confused, a little too loud and it broke his trance. The fog in his mind seemed to dissolve as he looked at her even with more fury this time, astounded n troubled that how could a mere girl have so much control over him, so much so that to make him forget his anger just by a simple look. It was weakness that he couldn’t-wouldn’t-afford.

She stumbled as he pushed her back like she burned. Her embarrassment was understandable but she felt a sudden hint of hurt that made her weak on her knees. It crushed her heart n she felt numb for a second by the intensity of pain. Did he feel the same when she denied him? The thought was random n arouse from an unknown corner of her brain but it went deep into her soul.

Hello,

Does it hurt?

Can you feel my pain?

No?

Congrats, you are safe.

Yes?

Then baby you are falling.

And it’s not a ditch.

That is nowhere near as lethal.

Although shaken, she pushed the disturbing thought away, why was she bothered about him, by him. He'd kidnapped her for god sake, brought her away from her family and was now harassing her body as well as mind.

I am hungry. She spoke n scurried away to search for something akin to a kitchen. A kitchen was expected from such a lavish place and surely she found one after wandering through the hallways for a while. There was a big refrigerator at the side, taller than her, with double doors just like they showed in those LG adverts. Her stomach growled just as she imagined the treats inside it. She hurried to the fridge like a maniac n opened it with the dreamy grin on her face.

It dropped instantly though, just as she pulled the duel doors. The stink of meat entered her nose n she made a face. She was vegetarian and the fridge was stocked with… meat loafs. Oh stop! There was something else, beer cans. Argh!! Geet wasn’t appalled to non-veg not to the extent that she wouldn’t look because everyone in her family ate but couldn’t eat it even if she was dying. Hope she wouldn’t have to prove that notion. She pulled out the lowest cabinet; there were a few veggies n, bingo… fruits. Phew, that would do. She took out all the fruits from there n started munching on them. Sitting on the chair beside the platform she ate with such a speed that she choked on the food several times.

With the speed she was going her stomach was satisfied in no time. Her mother always said not to drink water after fruits. Sorry Mama. She said looking up. But desperate times need desperate measures. And she gulped a whole bottle of chilled heaven. That didn’t chill her anger in any way. Why was he so angry about beer when there was practically a factory in his fridge? That scene of him pushing her rudely, replayed back. Puffing her cheeks she took four cans in her hands and set off towards the living room.

What is this? She asked standing before the TV with the beer cans in her hand. Poor soul, her attention got distracted as Maan had thrown his T-shirt away n was lounging on the sofa bare-chested. Freak, I bet he does it on purpose.

Thanks. He snatched the cans from her hand. Now move. Her mouth formed the biggest O possible. The galls of the man.

No I won’t. Tell me why you were sooo mad because I threw the beer when your fridge is stuffed with it like no tomorrow.

Are you demanding answers from me, girl?

I have a name you jerk. He raised a brow but she wasn’t going to be intimidated. And yes, I am demanding for answers because… because I have the right. Kidnappers are liable to the person they kidnap, they… have… to… give answers, they are responsible for what happens to the one under their wing n they..have… to take care for them. Aahh, am blabbering idiotically. She thought wearily.

Are you done with your speech? Get aside. She turned around n Mr. Impossible was watching Mission Impossible.

First you tell me.

He glared at her. That’s not my brand.

What?

Yes, I don’t usually drink that but since you threw away my beer… there he graced her with another glare, I have to work with this.

You are… she had no words. Indescribable totally impossibly… urgh

Good. He pushed her this time n resumed with the movie drinking beer from the can. 

Why was there so much meat? Oooh My Gosh! Tell me you don’t eat raw flesh.

Maan smirked. Yes apart from that I also love eating hearts of human girls. Umm, yummy.

Geet rolled her eyes and was thankful that he was just joking. His werewolf madness was not that high. Can’t you speak seriously for once?

Yes, am also a wolf so I would surely like meat but it’s obviously more tasty when cooked.

Where would you get all the food on this island?

My men prepared the place for when they were informed of my stay here.

So why was there beer that is not of your brand?

Maan resisted the urge to growl; the girl was a question machine. Once she started there was no stopping. Because they were not for me, the ones in the box were mine.

So for whom were… She trailed off seeing the murderous look on his face.

Instead she turned towards the Television. There was a little rosewood shelf below it, having a number of DVDs arranged neatly in it. Unable to bury the curiosity she asked, Tom Cruise, huh? You like him?

Am not a girl. But I like action. MI is my all time favorite.

You eat… I mean can you eat fruits and veggies? She asked cautiously.

He looked like he wanted her blood. YES I EAT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. Now if you are done with the thesis on me, stop eating my brains n get lost.

She didn’t. Standing there the wheels of her mind spun. He fed on cooked food, no obsession for flesh n he didn’t scream at the name of fruits n veggies, liked action that too not specifically gory one. Everything was uncharacteristically…. normal. There were no traits that would indicate of his mind being delusional or sick. Then why was he wrapped up in this werewolf thingy?

She stood over his head, playing with a tendril of hair. Apparently, the little mind of hers was working on an overload. Her eyes moved from the floor to her feet n he knew something was coming when her they widened.

Oh no. Ew… Came out of her mouth when she noticed herself, starting from her feet. As per the surrounding, she looked like a black eye-pricking spot on a white sheet. Her clothes-a poor excuse in the name-were adorned with mud n some other not very pleasant things, not to forget they were torn. Her legs were even dirtier and she had gotten mud wherever she had walked. Don’t even ask about the hairs they were dry with leaves n tiny twigs stuck here n there making them absolutely untamed and her face, she didn’t want to imagine how it looked.

I need a bath.

Go ahead you have my permission.

Haha very funny. I suppose you have clothes here.

His eyes glinted mischievously as he dragged them lazily up towards her face. It was enough to get sparks fly down her spine. It would be fun to watch you walk around nude and wet.

She turned beetroot red at his shameless confession but she used that embarrassment into a more productive manner turning it into anger.That’s so not happening. I want clothes.

The smile on his face was one of pure amusement and it made him look all the more devastatingly handsome. You go have your bath I will bring you something to wear.

No way. She was smart enough to look through his risky offer. I will take my clothes with me and I want them now.

He sighed. There is a word that sounds very PLEASing to my ears.

Stomping her foot she sneered at him. Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee.

Pausing the movie, he stood up walked out n came back in a minute. Here.

Just this??? She took the black button down shirt from him.

I am man n since I don’t cross dress, this is all I have.

Still. Just a shirt? I mean no trousers or sweat pants… anything?

Wear this or parade naked. He pressed the play button ignoring her fuming self.

The way he was dismissing her made her want to strangle him but that move would backfire only. Knowing that nothing more could be expected from him, she left to search for the bathroom. It didn’t matter that she had no idea where the bathroom was. She wasn’t going to feed his already elephant size ego by asking.

She was a feisty one; he had to give her that. The way she fumed n cursed under her breath with her eyes dancing with transparent fury, it was so hard to overlook the temptation. He wasn’t sure for how long he would be able to restrain himself. A particularly impatient part of him was anxious to no limits. His wolf was probing him to cross the road. Stake his permanent claim on her n mate with her. Only he knew how hard it was getting with each moment. The time is nearing. The voice echoed like he already didn’t know.

For the first he didn’t fell into agreement with his other half. She was human. He had always looked down upon them. They were weak n selfish. Maan was sure there was nothing in them that could be called as akin to conscience. Not all his people thought that way. Then, they didn’t saw what he did; his memories were his. The bad thing was memories originated from real happenings n he had live to through them.

After taking bath she felt so much light like a weight was lifted off her shoulder. At least she would die clean. She had washed her brother’s torn T-shirt and panties-the only undergarment she had n hung them after drying them in washing machine before taking bath. The panties were not completely dry but she wasn’t going to give them up. Already she felt so much improper without a bra. It was like he could see below her clothes. 

Taking the shirt he had given, she wore it n when she looked herself in the mirror; she felt anger so strong that her eyes were enough to dig holes into the glass.

What the hell is this? She demanded again obstructing his view. His orbs moved up to her face, the porcelain, white skin wet and pink after a warm bath. Her dark brown almost black hair fell down some over her face n some on the shirt making the thin material wet n transparent.

The patches of cloth where wet stuck to her skin giving tempting hints of the delicious skin underneath. He lowered his eyes but all his expectations crashed because she had a towel wrapped around the waist.

His hand came out in an instant n fisted the towel removing it from around her waist n throwing it in far corner.

How could you? She asked bewildered desperately trying to pull the shirt down over her exposed thighs. The shirt was oversized, it hung over her shoulder n the half sleeves came to her elbows but it was really small from below. It barely covered her thighs n if she stretched just a small bit it would reveal her panties. Geet knew that the shirt wasn’t Maan’s he was taller; it surely belonged to some man who was of shorter height. The thought that there were more men involved n would be coming or already had come n were hiding somewhere playing with her as though she was lab mouse, terrified her.

Maan felt no shame in staring at her with open hunger in his eyes. He grabbed the hand of her frozen form n pulled her onto the couch beside him. She landed with a thump n he adjusted her against his body like a pillow. She had never experience such a sense of disgrace, it was humiliating. Tears clouded her vision while he watched the movie unaffected. Pulling herself together she pushed him with as much force as she could n ran out to the balcony.

He snarled but didn’t go behind her. What was her problem? She was a human still he was giving her the luxury to sit with only if she knew who he was, she wouldn’t have dared to push n show her back to him.

An hour passed n Maan couldn’t concentrate on the movie. He could sense she was upset, very much n so he felt extremely restless. This was so frustrating. We upset her. We should go behind her. His wolf suggested. We are not going after her. If she is throwing tantrums we are not expected to pamper her. She is our mate, our responsibility. So what, it doesn’t make us her servant. We have her here to make her understand. In this way things would never settle down. We have to take her home, our home, her home. Maan was still adamant but his beast was persistent. Go…Go…Go.

Eventually he could take no more n stood up, walking outside. The rain had stopped and sky had almost cleared. A cool breeze welcomed him n he found her sitting calmly on the steps, looking up at the stars. At least they had something in common, they both liked the stars. He sat beside her.

Geet was startled when she saw him sitting down. She hadn’t noticed him before. May be because she was intrigued by the scenic beauty both natural n artificial. At the edge of the cliff stretched a swimming pool along the length of the cottage. The water was crystal clear n the floor though marble gave impression of thousands of dark blue pebble-like stones stuck together to makes up the floor n boundaries of the pool. Just below the cliff was the sea n above was the glorious sky with sparkling little diamonds.

She wiped her tears n turned her face to the other side crossing her legs so that he would see less.

You were crying? He questioned incredulous. Is she really that much sensitive?

No. She denied.

Mates don’t lie to each other. And you specially, because of your human nature, couldn’t lie to me. I can smell it off you.

First, I am not your mate or whatever. Second, smell off the lie. Now that’s really funny.

I am not joking. Humans emit certain smells when they feel an emotion strongly or lie for that matter.

He had surely sewn this plot intelligently. If she didn’t know better she would have fallen in his werewolf sagas. What were you thinking?

Nothing.

You are lying again. He growled but when she stared at him with wide fearsome eyes he felt remorse, just a little bit. Geet… we have to talk. This was his other half speaking. Tell me what were you thinking?

The voice seemed have to come down deep from within him n it was somewhat pleading. Geet sighed. She needed to talk. If she stayed like this without talking n sharing her mind she would lose her mental stability. I..she started hesitantly. Was thinking about my family?

Who all are there in your family? Maan asked interested for a change.

My father, two brothers and Cotton.

She actually considered that pup her family but he didn’t comment on that.That’s it? No female other than you?

No. Just the five of us.

What about your mother?

She died when I was small. It was going to be my birthday in a month. Geet remembered that her mother had told she had a surprise for her birthday but when that day came she wasn’t there anymore.

How did she die?

Shot outside the grocery store in an attempted robbery. That was what the cops told. We lived down south, me n my mother. She had gone out to shop after dropping me to school n when I came home I found out she was no more. Her friend was a legal advisor, she handled all the proceeding n the next thing I knew that I was couriered to my Dad, who didn’t know that I even existed. Luckily he wasn’t married. That would have been awkward.She laughed hysterically. He could have denied me of being his daughter considering that my mother n he wasn’t married but he took me in. I am thankful that he accepted me. 

And, she felt just that for him, gratitude and perhaps that was the reason why she wasn’t close to her father. She never asked him why her mother n he never married, why they were not together when she was born, why he wasn’t there till the 10 long years of her mother’s lonely life? The questions bothered her like a pricking thorn but he didn’t answer any and her not asking was not a good enough excuse.

When she finished was the first time Maan felt a strong, rapidly building desire to protect her. She had gone through so much in just 19 years of her life. His mate had seen so much n he wasn’t there. Two years ago when he could have saved her, take her with him; he had denied her, left her to fend for herself. For all his life, Maan Singh Khurana had never felt regret. But today, he felt the boiling remorse consuming him.

His insides pushed n cursed letting her go through all this pain. he hadn't felt the overwhelming need to shield someone ever. In that moment he could swear that he was born to do just that only, to protect her from every harm.

She wasn’t sure why she was telling him all this. She was very personal about her childhood and never shared any of these to her closest of friends. Being isolated from any other human contact for that few days had done this to her may be. She was beautiful, my mother. She had long hairs n enchanting eyes. After putting me into bed every night she would say ‘I love you like no one loves anyone’ n I would ask ‘in the entire world?’ n she would answer ‘not only this but every other’. I imagine her face every night before sleeping so I don’t forget how she looked.

She didn’t realize she was crying until his hand touched her cheek, his slender fingers wiping the tears. When she looked at him surprised he drew his hand back like he didn’t expect such a tender gesture from himself just like her.

Gals look ugly when they cry. He told an absolute lie because she looked like an angel even when she cried. But he didn’t have a firsthand experience in pacifying crying females.

What about you? Who is there in your family?

Unlike you I have a big family. She was surprised. She had thought there would be dull, ghastly past that he would start telling like all the mental patients do. There is my mum n dad. I have two younger brothers. Then there is bade papa, badi maa they have a two daughters. I have another cousin who lives with us; he has a wife n they are expecting a new addition right now. And then the eldest is my grandpa.

You really have a big family.

Yes. These are just the ones who stay in the mansion. The whole pack is like an extended family. He told proudly n Geet sighed inwardly; there he goes again with the werewolves n all. Especially for us.

What do you mean by ‘especially for us’?

Our family is royal n my dad have to look after everyone since he is the Alpha. He has the responsibility of the whole clan.

Geet raised a brow n decided to change the topic before she went mad or started laughing. Whose shirt is this? She asked pointing towards the shirt she was wearing.

It’s my cousin’s. The one I told is soon going to be a daddy. It has been sixteen years of their marriage n it’s their first time having a baby.

Having the first baby after sixteen years of marriage wasn’t a bit late? Its is their personal matter Geet, it bad manner to put your finger into someone else’s business.

They often come here. I had brought this island for their honeymoon.

Wow!! How much rich does one have to be to give an entire island to a cousin as his honeymoon present? Wait a second. How old is he? Geet looked at him. Not more than 21 or 23 maximum. Then he said he had gifted this island to his cousin on his honeymoon sixteen years ago. That means he did this at a mere age of 7? It is impossible.

You are saying that… that you bought this island when you were 7?

Maan furrowed his brows. When did I say that?

You said you gave this island to your cousin as his honeymoon gift who had married sixteen years ago n you barely look 23. You do the math.

Who said I am 23? Maan had that irritating yet sexy smirk again on his face. I am 82, baby, excluding bank holidays. He laughed then sobered seeing her pale face. Just kidding, I am clear 82.

Hence proved, he was mad. She didn’t need any more proofs. He thought he was 82 years old werewolf how more lunatic one could be. Resting her head against the glass wall she closed her eyes. Her head had started spinning. Without realizing she dozed off, her head lolling left n right. Maan carefully placed it over his shoulder n pulled her into his chest, settling her legs between his n wrapping his arms around her petite form.

The night was cold n she was wearing almost nothing. He had chosen this shirt deliberately because it was small n would provide him with a good view. He leaned back n closed his eyes. Giving her his warmth, he decided to take a nap too not before placing his large palm below her thigh. Umm, now it is perfect.

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