KHUMAARI- The Nocturnal Beast, PART 9

KHUMAARI

The Nocturnal Beast

Part 9

Doubts

When Geet was small she was scared of ghosts. She thought that they existed only in dark n one of them lived under her bed. She had seen it in one of the cartoons. Every night her mother assured that there was no one beneath her bed but the fear always lurked in her mind making her fidgety n sweaty. There was no logical reasoning behind the apparent ghosts, she knew she was being a fool but still she feared.

Today, after years, she felt exactly the same.

Rendered completely speechless by her beastly kidnapper, she sat still on the floor as if turned stone. She wiped her face but her tears had already dried.

Every word he said held reality and Maan had hit her straight at the right spot. He was right, he knew about her dream. She felt connected like being tied to him by an invisible rope, felt the tug when he was near and what she felt when he had left in morning could only be described as extreme n it was painful.

But, was all this enough to prove that he was a creature that only existed in myths n tales? Wouldn’t it be madness to believe in even an ounce of what he said? Yes, totally. Then why she couldn’t do so? Why her mind was revolting every time she tried to reason his claims as mere lies?

Meanwhile under the same roof, Maan was in dilemma.

  

We were harsh on her?

Because she doesn’t understand.

It’s difficult for her. She is not from our world. She couldn’t understand.

She could. But she doesn’t want to.

His wolf agreed. We should make her then. It’s our duty. Feel it, she is sad n confused. What if she runs away again?

That’s not going to happen.

Maan marched back into the living room and found her sitting on floor exactly at the same spot where he had left her. Seriously, where would she run to? For a moment he felt sorry, seeing tears in her eyes. Geet looked up n he masked his expression.

I… I am ready to hear if you will explain me all this calmly. Her voice was meek n soft, not at all like how she had spoken earlier. She was submitting… his pride should have been puffed up. Don’t know why that didn’t happen, why he wasn’t satisfied? But you have to promise me you won’t get angry or lie about anything.

You are not in a condition to propose terms.

Please.

He saw the urgent request on her face n groaned. Werewolves never lie to their mates and… I won’t get angry. You have my word. But you would also have to promise that you will listen to me with an open mind n will be respectful.

Okay, I promise. Can we sit?

Maan wondered where she got this much of brains all of a sudden but sat like she said nonetheless.

So, they were going to have a civil conversation n she would have to understand him. Seemed very difficult but she could try. Why were you in my town?

Your town comes in the way to mine. We had to stop there because of land slide.

We?

Me and my buddy.

She paused for a second before her next question. Are you… She gulped audibly. Are you going to kill me?

Why would I do that? Maan said angrily. Even if I wanted to, I told you I can’t. I am linked to you. Unfortunately your life is mine.

Geet raised her hands. I was just confirming. You promised you won’t get angry. She accused n Maan clenched his jaw.

Fine.

If you are a… Werewolf. It sounded too funny n unbelievable on her tongue. And I am a human. How can I be your mate?

I don’t know. Maan shrugged his shoulders.

Excuse me. What do you mean by you don’t know?

I don’t think it has happened before, at least not in our clan. We only mate with our kind. I don’t know the entire Lycan History but have heard of some outcast matings, they were all exiled.

She was going to be exiled by some people who claimed they were half-wolf half-human. Great!

So I am going to be exiled if I go there? Why to go then in the first place? Are you taking me there?

Maan glared n she zipped her mouth. Yes… I am taking you there. We are social beings and are supposed to live amongst our kind. For a werewolf it’s almost impossible to live without a pack or clan. Of course there are rogues but to live like that, is living a life which is incomplete. Rogues die early or go insane.

So you people do die. Although unintentional, her words were tinged with sarcasm.

I had asked you to be respectful. He warned. The point is… you won’t be banished.

But you said…

Royal family members get special privileges, specially the one who is going to handle the reins of the whole clan in future. Maan said as though the words tasted bad on his tongue.

What is… Oh my god!! He did say his father was Alpha or something like that. It means that you are… She couldn’t even complete the sentence. If what he was saying was-by mistake-the truth then his clan or whatever had a black future. Seriously he was ruthless, impatient, arrogant n too proudy… careless not to forget. He wouldn’t be able to conduct a small class of kids then dealing with an entire clan sounded like a joke.

You over react. Maan pointed out as if that was a crime. Change that habit. I don’t like it.

Geet knotted her brows. You are not my boss.

You want to bet on that? Maan smirked.

Grr… Idiot. That’s so unfair. We live in an independent world why a group of people get special treatment just because-due to good fate-they are a born in a specific family.

No idea. Maan said casually folding his hands behind his head. Geet was incredulous. Seriously his clan was doomed. But why are you bothered; besides no one is asking for your standpoint on democracy n its rights. You should just be thankful that you won’t be thrown out.

Thankful my foot. She snapped but at Maan’s raised a brow she cleared her throat. I am sorry. Respectful, I remember.

Good for you. About that dying thing… We are not immortals although we live longer. Initially we grow up normally but after reaching adulthood our growth rate decreases n it becomes more of an ageing at will.

Ageing at will? Means?

That it depends on us and also our mates. The happier, healthier n content both the mates are the longer their life would be. We heal faster too but a serious injury on vital parts like heart or lungs can kill us before we heal. And as I told you earlier, if one of the two mates die the other would die shortly.

There is no way out of it?

Not a way known.

Oh… She couldn’t comprehend what she felt. How is it going to go with us then? I am not like you. I would grow old n die and you would have to go with me even after having a long life ahead. Sheer sorrow bathed her leaking out of no where. With a frown marring his perfect features Maan slid closer. She didn’t understand why until he rubbed his cheek endearingly against hers to wipe a tear. Geet was floored by his caring action, he was so unpredictable.

Maan didn’t care what he was doing; he knew she approved this approach of his n it felt so good. She giggled softly as his stubble tickled more than just her cheek.

No, once we would mate to become one. You would live as long as I. He whispered into her neck kissing his mark deeply.

How?

You would know.

He stood back up with lightening speed.

I also have a question for you? You said your mother n father never got married n you were their only child, right?

Geet was surprised that he took it so nonchalantly. She was an illegitimate child after all but Maan didn't look bothered by the fact even a bit, which was so unusual. People judged others by their background. Yes.

How come you have brothers then? You said that T-shirt was your brother’s. Were you lying to me?

Ooooh so this was irking him. They are not my real but cousin brothers. Their parents died when they both were very young and were living with my father even before me. Geet had playful smile on her face, Maan liked it. The smile lit her whole face and fastened his heart beat. I thought you would know if I lied.

Yes. Still I didn’t want to take a chance. Since you have come into my life nothing has gone as it should have been. Then he was gone. Geet contemplated his words. Was that regret in his voice?

Geet was strolling along the pool for a while now. Maan was inside doing god knows what on his expensive phone when there was no network. She twisted her lips-it was too boring sometimes to get kidnapped-n came inside. What are you doing?

Not a word he uttered n kept ogling at his phone lounging his sexy body on the couch. Geet peeked from behind n her mouth dropped. You are playing game? I can’t believe this. The great Maan Singh Khurana playing a game. She said mockingly.

Don’t shout on my head. Go outside n do whatever you want. He waved his hands. Geet in no mood of listening rounded the couch to stand in front of him.

Are you a kid? Why are you playing a game?

Nobody called him a ‘kid’. He paused his game n stared crossly at her beautiful face for a second forgetting what he was going to say. Who said only kids play games? Playing games needs attentive mind n heightened reflexes. It sharpens your instincts n intellect.

Geet had the most surprised n amused smile on her face. Either he didn’t show or she didn’t notice this side of his. You are a kid. She clapped her hands. Kids do that, reasoning their childish actions n hobbies as something big.

God! This girl is so annoying. Listen… Maan gritted his teeth. Never ever call me kid.

Kid.

Geet….

She ran away showing her tongue before disappearing into one of the hallways. Now who is the kid? She is so cute. His wolf said and Maan smiled fondly, something that he did very less. Cute n damn sexy in his baggy shirt. Perfecto!!

With a confused face she came back after some time as fast as she had left.I had kept parathas in the kitchen. Where…

I ate them.

Wh… you ate them all?

What all? There were only three.

Three were enough for me and you ate it. Why?

Oh because the smell was enticing. His mate had cooked food n he was going to taste it for the first time. His wolf practically pounced on the parathas even when he hated Indian cuisine. Her food was tasty though as if cooked just for him. I was hungry.

Then you could have cooked for yourself. What will I do now? She asked with tears in her eyes like a baby. In no way she wanted to brawl inside the kitchen again; she had checked earlier there was nothing that she knew how to cook. Without showing him her tears she left the room but Maan had already felt her each emotion, felt them rush through him in a snap. Hunger, frustration and sorrow mixed with disappointment.

Ahem… He cleared his throat. Geet saw him and instantly turned her face away.

She is giving me attitude. Maan thought unbelievably n almost turned to go back but couldn’t do so. His insides forced him to move forward instead. Geet come inside.

No, I don’t want to go anywhere.

Like he would listen. Maan grabbed her hand n pulled her in. You can’t do that every time. Leave my…. What is this?

Creamy mushroom-corn and charred corn, broccoli and plum salad. He told pompously folding two muscular arms across his wide chest.

You… made these… for me?

Did I? No way. I made this for myself; you can have a little too.

His stance was grating however she was too overwhelmed with something unknown to argue. Mutely she sat on the chair. And because she so submissively agreed to eat Maan found himself serving. He pulled his chair closer to her n forwarded the spoon towards her mouth. Not a second she wasted in thinking before opening her mouth.

The food was delicious, she’d never had continental before and though it was a little bland, the thing tasted good.

How is it? He questioned like a child n had never felt so excited. Her face was enough to tell she liked it; but man… he wanted to hear from her mouth. It is really good. Geet blinked then. What was she doing? They almost seemed like a lovey-dovey couple. I hope you didn’t put poison in it? She laughed awkwardly.

Maan came back to earth and kept the fork back in plate with a resounding ting. Didn’t I tell you that I can’t kill you? He asked furiously.

Geet flinched. He was so gentle n affectionate just a moment ago and now. I was only kidding.

He knew she was joking still couldn’t help the anger surging in him. Geet was oblivious but for his kind to even raise a hand on mate, especially female, was an unforgivable crime and to hear it again n again that he was going to kill his mate from her own mouth was something not just Maan but no werewolf could take. If you joked about this again, I would actually turn your suspicion into reality. The genuine threat tainting his words dark made her head bobble into a nod.

Rest of the dinner they ate in silence. Geet noticed that Maan ate quite a lot though knew better than to comment. Since Maan had cooked she decided to do the dishes but there was a dishwasher so she had nothing much to do.

I am going to sleep in the bedroom. Maan informed pulling his vest over his chest n throwing it haphazardly on a chair. Geet swallowed saving her eyes from landing on his oh-so-desirable chest.

Ooohkay… She breathed. Wait, where will I sleep? I hope there is another bedroom.

No there isn’t. Maan said eyeing her matter of factly.

What? This place is so big n there is only a single bedroom?

This BIG place was built for a honeymoon couple.

So I will sleep in bedroom. What kind of man are you, you would make a woman sleep on the couch?

Exactly the same kind of man I am and a woman like you deserves to sleep on couch.

What is a woman like me supposed to mean? Maan started leaving yawning like there wasn’t a person shouting her lungs out at him. Hey…. where are you going?

He closed the door right on her face n she marched her way back into the living room. Idiot, stupid…. Beast. Didn’t even leave a pillow or blanket. Sitting on the couch she felt the surface, it was very comfy yet small for someone to sleep in but what choice did she had.

With a jerk she sat up rubbing her eyes. Geet couldn’t sleep with lights on so only a small night light was left glowing which didn’t illuminate the surrounding much. It was raining outside again n thunder struck with a deafening blare. Shadows crept on the floor n curtains danced like haunted ghosts. But not all this woke her up; it was the movement she felt in the room. It had seemed like she heard something or someone. She stood up n took slow steps to see who was there.

Like a wind he stopped before her n with all the air in her, Geet screamed.AAAAAAAAAAA…. 

Shut upp. Maan too shouted but she trashed her hands blindly n they both fell on the carpeted floor. He looped his hands around her n cupped her head so that she wouldn’t get hurt.

Geet…

What the hell are you doing here? She shrieked in same pitch.

Stop moving. He said to stop her struggles.

Get off me.

I said STOP MOVING.

What? Why?

Maan tightened his hold on her, squeezing her petite frame like a doll. All her attempts seized. She stared at his face like it was the first time she was looking at him. Because your struggles n all this moving creates friction. Friction turns energy into heat and when heat wells up in me I get aroused. And, it results in dire need…. of you.

I will show you. He rubbed his body against hers in long raw stroke. Can you feel it Geet? The heat, the arousal, the need.

She was all red, her mind frizzy and body in a state that left her totally at his mercy. He pressed his sizzling lips on her cheek n bit into the tender flesh. She gasped n pushed him away, thankfully he didn’t protest n stood up with her. Geet brushed the invisible dust on her shirt, a way of gripping at her sanity back.

Maan smirked. He knew she was shattering, craving n clawing. Her insides were a puddle of desperate desire, he could feel it. Her need mixed with his. The beast in him roared with pleasure. Oh she wanted him so much yet she was fighting.

Aside from how feeble and vulnerable she was there was a side to her that she kept inside, hidden. Her commendable will power was something Maan had started to adore. For a girl that too human she was a refreshing change. His wolf purred like a love sick puppy. Our mate. It jumped n sweet elation flowed in his veins.

I was sleeping. She spoke because she couldn’t take him looking at her like he did.

Of course you would be after stealing mine. Maan muttered under his breath.

What?

Nothing. Maan crossed his hands against his chest in preparation of a declaration he was sure she wasn’t going to like. You are sleeping in the bedroom.

How did you develop decency n manners in middle of the night? Anyways, it’s better late than never. The couch is a bit small but not that bad, it would suffice you.

Maan smiled wolfishly at his innocent mate. How he loved to burst her little bubble of ignorance. Baby you are going to sleep in bedroom, with me.

In your dreams. She screamed after a brief pause n ran towards the bedroom with the idea of closing the door at his face just like he did but forgot how fast he was. He caught her effortlessly n she wriggled in his grip.

NOO… Geet protested, again with tears in her eyes. He is going to do it. He will force me to sleep with him. I won’t let him. The only thing she had in whole world was her dignity, her independence and her body. She didn’t want to lose them altogether.

Maan didn’t know why there were tears in her eyes and why she was thrashing n pushing like a wild cat, twisting her legs n scraping his naked chest. With the way she was frantically fighting he couldn’t even make her understand. Grasping her hands he picked her up over his shoulders.

Now he will have his caveman way with me. She thought wearily slapping at his back, a very firm, delicious back.

He came into his room, locked the door closed so she wouldn’t run and threw her roughly on the bed. She sat up n bolted into a standing position almost immediately. I won’t let you do this?

Do want? Maan raised a brow.

Geet took steps back, plastering herself against the wall. She was trembling and there was lucid fear in those almond shaped eyes while she encircled her arms around her torso in a protective manner. I wouldn’t let you rape me. Did you hear that? She wanted her voice to be high n strong but it was shaky n brittle.

A sharp breath left her mouth as Maan slapped his hands beside her head coming right in front of her. The sound echoed dully in the room n she closed her eyes turning her face making her cheek press against the wall.

He was… he was hurt. Even after all this time she thought he would rape her. It was worse than hearing the accusation of murdering her. She doesn’t trust us at all. His wolf uttered deflated almost going into depression.

Maan just wanted to hold her while she slept. Last night they had slept together it was best sleep he’d had in last two years or perhaps in his entire life. Her thoughts wouldn’t leave him, how soft she had been, the smooth texture of her skin under his touch and the gentle sounds of her breathing. He only wanted to experience that again. And he had every bloody damn right to do so. Pathetic human. She was no one to stop him. He was her mate and she was his to fulfill all his desires.

If I wanted to fuck you I would have done it on the very floor of your apartment. But I didn’t. Don’t make me regret my decision.

She searched his eyes and two fat drops of water slumped down her porcelain skin. His rude words had not inflicted the pain but the knowledge that what he said was true. Somehow she knew he meant it. Don’t Geet. He is just playing with you. He would make you believe n the moment you will put your guards down, he would strike.

What to believe… The air doesn’t have a body as a proof of its existence.

Is there a place where gods come to their devotee?

Why love never speaks of its presence?

Will it ever happen, so truth will speak for itself, and not a soul would suffer for believing someone?

He backed away n Geet wanted to say something at the same time she didn’t want to be there. Where her life had come? Her aspirations were simple, a steady career and a self-determining life. And now she didn’t know where she was…. trying to understand the complexities of who had to be the most confusing man.

You are sleeping in this room. He said lying on the bed closing his eyes.

Geet didn’t bother wiping her tears n took a free duvet from the corner of the bed. She spread it on the floor n sat on it resting her back against the wall. Sleep arrived soon.

Her muffled sniffing stopped and Maan turned around to see if she was asleep. He walked to her. She was clutching the corner of the blanket close to her chest as it was really cold. He very carefully gathered her dainty frame into his potent yet poised arms. She snuggled closer with an ‘umm’ as he walked slowly towards the bed. Laying her on one side he covered her with duvet and walked around towards his side and slept without even looking at her.

She was stubborn. He was a lot worse.

There were no cramps as she had expected for sleeping on the hard floor. After sitting up only she found out that she wasn’t sleeping on the floor but huge fluffy heart shaped bed. Last night in darkness n her anxious state she hadn’t noticed it. In all actuality, this so-called cottage was a ‘dream come true’ of every newly-wed girl.

She glanced at Maan who was sleeping on the farthest side of the bed. There was confusion in her mind whether she should be thankful or angry on him. The bed was certainly more comfortable than the floor but he did bring her to the bed without her will but he didn’t do anything more than that.

Maan too woke up n stretched his hands above his hands. His muscles flexed n Geet resisted the sigh from escaping her lips. His chest was so in shape n his abs were something only a model could achieve-why he had to be so damn gorgeous. It was so wrong. She couldn’t even ignore him properly with that sexy structure he loved to flaunt 24/7. Maan raised his eyes to look at her n something flashed in them before he stood up to leave.

Wait. He stopped without turning. I… I wanted to say…. That I am, sorry.

Hmm… Was the only reaction she got.

Her jaw dropped as she stared at the door from where he left. She apologized for absolutely no fault of hers n he was showing attitude as if he was some king and she was his slave. Arrogant, idiot, prick, ass, jerk…. Aaah!! She fell short of words to praise him, really.

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Author's Note:

Thnk u thnk u thnk u..... for all the aweeeeesome comment, u guys really rock. and m glad u are liking it n giving me ur feedback. Help me improve this story by giving ur views, that would be really nice

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