KHUMAARI- The Nocturnal Beast, PART 17

KHUMAARI

The Nocturnal Beast

Part 17

Lost

They all ran towards the same direction, their speed perfectly coordinated. While Rudra led the group, they all followed closely behind. Tension was palpable amongst their bodies and Vidhuat’s howl of agony had shaken them all up.

Maan’s muscles strained for a change, in an inbred urge to protect a pack member but shifting wasn’t an option since they didn’t know what to expect. Sound of that gunshot was an indication of humans being involved, so approaching Vidhuat’s place-from where the sound was heard-was a bad idea.

Haunting growls reverberated to their ears before they tore open of the trees onto the clearing of Vidhuat’s abode. He was on a rampage. Blood ran from one of his leg, and as he destructed his own yard wildly, it colored his light brown fur in crimson which appeared greasy black in the dark. Upon hearing them he just stilled crouching low, his big, glassy eyes shining red like danger sign. The eyes were not just burning with rage but also with the craze of near insanity. Not giving them a chance to inspect the situation, he pounced on Avinaya who was the closest.

There was no smell that would indicate human presence. Avinaya changed form and so did everyone else except for Rudra. Despite their collective efforts and Vidhuat’s injury, it took them more than a little time to bring him down. He was completely frenzied.

They all could hardly contain him as Rudra sat down and caressed his hand over Vidhuat’s head as if he wasn’t some feral wolf out on murderous spree and rather a fearful puppy. I understand that you are in pain. But we would only be able to help if you let us. It’s time to change back.

Vidhuat’s round eyes locked with Rudra and for a second it seemed he would fight. Although, with another tormented howl-that made everyone’s hackles rose with dread-he shifted back into human form. Maan winched inwardly because switching form while injured hurt like a bitch, your muscles and bones rearranged themselves and that didn’t go well with injuries especially if they were from a bullet.

On Vidhuat’s humanly features the agony was more blatant and just looking at him stung. Before passing out, his lips moved to formulate last words. They… they took… Chhavi away.

Old church ruins, somewhere in deep forests (outside the clan’s property)

A petite girl with red hairs bit her lip, the tension weighing over her shoulders. I am doubtful that this would work.

From dark corner a slow growl, that could rattle anyone’s bones, rose shutting her mouth. Don’t open your crap unless you are asked to.

Ducking her head and nodding slowly, she backed up in an abandoned spot where nobody would see her.

Gusts of wind almost shook the impaired pillars of the church whose roof had given away years ago leaving the throne-like edges in its wake. White color of walls had withered to stale, dirty yellow n moist vegetation had grown over making the ruins a part of jungle instead of an intrusion. Sometime in the past it must have been beautiful; full of people who came to pray, although now it was in clutches of nature, destroyed and turned less than holy.

He is here, my lord. Coated in velvety smoothness a female voice drawled, the possessor dressed in a cloak.

Droh stared, at what had remained of the entrance, impatiently. Shadows of his men entered before them. They came inside and there was… a female in one set of arms. He kept the bitch down on cold floor.

Anger that could burn the whole place into dust pushed at Droh. He looked at the cloaked woman and she shook her hidden head. She is alive and so is her mate. I can feel both of their life forces from her.

Droh snapped his head back at his two men. Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you?

We couldn’t get to him, he was powerful and then she came. He was furious when we hit her. It wasn’t… in our capability to kill him; he had warned his pack mates so we had to run but we brought her-

Massive wave of fury blasted from Droh that made everybody’s nerves prickle with dread. He stepped out of darkness and was in face of the one speaking like a graceful sweep of hand. Voice stuck in throat, the man blenched with terror falling back on his hips. Droh’s half burnt face twisted in a snarl tearing out a shriek from the man’s mouth.

You were supposed to kill him not bring in a liability for them to trace us here, you fucking idiot.

I thought-

I didn’t ask you think. I wanted you to leave a warning in form of death. I wanted you to slaughter Vidhuat, the head of their protector troop and bring his blood.

You have an army of fucktards, Droh. Shrill, female laugh echoed, almost painful to ears.

Why not keep your precious feedback to yourself instead of interfering. Droh said his voice a mere whisper yet the naked warning in it audible equal to a loud siren.

Remember we are partners. The green-eyed female said in her high pitched voice.

Yeah yeah. Ignoring her, Droh turned back to his useless minions. Did you bring his blood?

Ye…s- yes we did. Man, other than the one on ground, said forwarding a small container filled with crimson liquid, his hand shivering while he did so.

Robed woman surged forward taking the container and opening the lid. Stealing a long drag of its smell, her head dipped once in a nod. This would suffice, my lord.

Who made the decision to bring Vidhuat’s mate here? Droh’s voice drew lower, threateningly musical. I have a reward to bestow.

Man on ground went numb, his eyes growing wide with terror. It was answer enough.

You know what to do. Droh drawled going back.

Treading out of the darkness, the Weres smiled menacingly. They were in wait of this moment. In wait of end.

Slowly they progressed towards their own pack member who was pathetically pleading and crying on the ground. Pushing at each other, oafish with hunger, they turned into their wolf forms bounding on their still breathing food. Screams filled the place with growls that soon quieted down, leaving behind dull, hassled sounds of tearing flesh and chewing with sick stench of death.

How I wish I could join them. Female with green eyes said with a scoff. But I don’t want my nails dirty.

He has chosen a mate. Another Were spoke, effortlessly ignoring the goriness taking place in same room. A filthy human. You have to do something fast.

What else could be expected from that SOB? Droh’s laugh was sinister. But worry not; soon the rightful legatee would inherit the throne. Those who protest; will die and peace would prevail.

Don’t touch her. Droh snarled as one Were kept its paw on Vidhuat’s unconscious mate before disappearing into the darkness. We might as well benefit from her now that she is here.

Geet was half asleep in bed when she felt moment. An arm snaked around her n she sighed with relief. He was alright. Wiggling a little, he completely snuggled her body into his. Her eyes widened feeling every inch of his strong mass. Too much alright for his own good.

She was left breathless as his hand wandered to rest dangerously close to her bosoms, and yet not close enough.

Geet didn’t say a word in question or objection or, god forbid, encouragement for through the haze of sensations; she could vaguely make out his tiredness and despair. It was like feeling the roughness of paint on smooth paper with a blind fold to block your vision. His face buried in her neck n he let out a long breath. She was doubtful if he was aware how unreservedly fused they were because soon his breathing evened, all movements seized.

Sure that he had fallen asleep, Geet closed her own eyes wanting to lose herself in this bliss trying to be ignorant to how her body was reacting all wired up and hungry with him pressed to her so sexily. Her mind of soon was losing focus going into oblivion, when he murmured out of nowhere.

Don’t you dare ever leave me. I won’t let anybody take you away.

She was stunned. His voice held deep sincerity, and despite the crudeness, it was heavy with emotions; emotions that touched her heart almost physically. Holding his hand, she felt fear creeping in. And it wasn’t hers. The feeling radiated from him, pushing into her n making home. Her mouth formed words without her knowledge. What if it happened?

I will rip apart anyone who even tried to do so. And if it’s you… I’ll you kill you. We’ll die together, sugar. His loving voice didn’t go well with his words. He fell asleep after that leaving Geet to ponder over his words. Did he mean what he said? If she attempted going away he would kill her? Really?

He was a beast, he could do anything? His mother had already warned about his temper so Geet should be scared of him. She wasn’t. In its place, she felt secure, warm, fuzzy… primed. Gosh, this must be his blood speaking in her veins. Feeling sleepy, she decided to give up on her jumbled thoughts. In his arms she fell asleep like magic when previously she was failing at the task even after trying so hard. It only took him to come and take her in embrace for sleep to come over and claim her.

Morning rays hit her face and the first thing she saw was flawless, tanned skin. She rubbed her eyes to clearly see and found Maan in nothing but his birthday suit. Instantly, she covered her eyes shrieking out loud and he turned startled.

Fuck. What’s wrong?

Don’t you have any manners? Just wear some clothes u shameless jerk.

Well, I just took bath and it’s my room. I can remain as I want to. His voice was amused.

I live with you in this room so you better learn some modesty.

Aww, you are scared you would like it?

Geet peeked from between her fingers to see if he was dressing but he was stretching his naked, lithe body which glistened with droplets of water. Flushing red, she clamped her fingers together. This picture would never be erased from her mind. She thought swearing on Maan.

He laughed at her antics and pulled on his boxers. Am covered, you can open your eyes.

She did, slowly and carefully. This is not called ‘covered’. Jumping out of bed, she rummaged through the closet bringing a jeans and T-shirt for him. You have complete clothes. Use them.

Smiling fondly, he pulled the clothes from her hand and gave an unexpected peck on her lips which jolted her whole body into a passionate frenzy. Like a perfect mate.

That comment filled her with pride and her chest puffed up.

Geet slapped herself mentally. Next she would duck her head and ask him to pat it.

Maan wore her given clothes and meanwhile she took bath.

What are you wearing?

Geet looked down at herself. In casual jeans and pink top she looked alright. What?

You gave me clothes, couldn’t you chose something that would match mine to wear?

Incredulous was such a small word at that moment for her.

You are insane.

Giving her a disappointed shake of head he brought another top that matched the color of his Tee.

You have to be kidding. ‘Am not wearing this. That would be so… childish.

Look who is talking about being a child. He spoke, stubbornly gripping the hem of her top to remove it.

Stepping back, her cheeks were inflated. She took the top from him and went into the bathroom to change.

Maan smirked when he saw her reflection in mirror while combing hairs.Now you look like me. I want to flaunt that you are mine.

He was possessive and he didn’t hide the fact.

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach at his admission and her mind went back to their deal the previous day. When she had decided to take the leap, there was no use stalling. Looping her hands around his shoulders, she rested her cheek on his wide back. I probably shouldn’t but… I like when you do that. Be all caveman types.

Hauling her in front he pushed her against the mirror. Atmosphere flipped in the room, sexual friction blooming in air making it thick. His eyes glazed over and she drowned in them. So my sugar likes it rough? Then she would like this too? He attacked her neck making her see stars in broad daylight. And this? His mouth met hers in a heated kiss. Her knees gave away but he was holding her tight, desperately devouring her.

Would she ever be able meet his passion? She wondered taking gulps of air into her mouth when he set her lips free. Sight of his lips, as he licked them set her insides on fire. She didn’t want to match or compete, he could take over, carry her in waves of his rawness. Sensually she touched his lips, and he growled low. Is it possible to just stop the time here n keep kissing, forever?

He gripped her hand and kissed all her fingers one by one.

Why should we when we can do a lot more?

Geet felt his hand on the inside of her thigh and instantaneously got uncomfortable, shifting a little.

Relax. He whispered lips placed against her temple. Nuzzling her hairs, he slithered his palm up. Let me do this.

Although hesitant, she abided him going motionless. His hand reached the junction between her legs and rested there, on the most sensitive part of her body. She tried not to shake as heat seeped from his hand into her. Blowing softly into her ear, he moved her fingers. Sensations exploded and her heart jumped out. His entire palm moved rubbing along the length of her core. In presence of the cloth, she felt his touch not just on her skin but deep inside her crux. And yet it wasn’t sufficient. She clamped her thighs together locking his hand tightly between them but he kept the pace going, his thumb stuck out to press n stroke at her front.

Biting the inside of her cheek, she muffled a scream. This was torture. Sweet torture.

You are beautiful like this, wet in my heat. Umm… I like this smell. Do you like what I do to you?

She nodded shyly; too aware of his each moment and word, his hands playing on her most receptive area and lips dragging towards hers. Maan was totally dead at her innocent admission. The kiss that he gave her then was intoxicating and she was devoid of any remaining wisdom.

I wish you were naked and my hand was not on you but inside you, feeling your sleek skin. But a promise is promise. He pulled out his hand and she sagged against him a little, not sure from relief or frustration. Kissing her cheek, he moved back a bit. I’ll show you a lot more but right now I have to go.

His expressions morphed becoming solemn as he sat on bed slipping on his shoes.

Geet after getting some of her senses back thought if this was the right time to ask. However she wasn’t sure how he would take her nagging. He didn’t say a word about what had happened last night so should she pry and make his mood bad? Screw that!! She wanted to know where he was and what was wrong.

When did you come?

It was around 4, I guess.

Pretty late. What’d happened?

Vidhuat was attacked and whoever did that took his mate with them.

Geet was shocked, a tremor went through her. What do you mean took his mate?

We don’t know exactly. When we reached his place he was in a pretty bad condition, he could just tell us that they took her away. Vidhuat is in Paras’s care right now. I am going there only.

Silence fell between them and then they spoke together.

Will you come?

Can I come?

He smiled taking her hand. I think you have your answer.

After a quick breakfast, Geet and Maan left for Paras’s clinic.

Given a separate room Vidhuat was out cold.

What’s the status? How is he doing? Maan asked. drunk

Blood loss, he was shot in the thigh so there isn’t any massive organ destruction. Nerves, tendons, and vessels everything’s fine. Gun used must be a medium velocity shotgun. No infection. I had to do a minor surgery. There were small injuries all over his body. I found silver in his system and had to flush it. There is a puncture wound on his neck, he must be injected or shot with a dart. Silver was the reason he was behaving reckless. Come with me I will show you the bullet. He is on sedatives right now and I’ll keep him like that- Paras’s voice dimmed as he walked out of room taking Maan with him leaving Geet alone with an injured Vidhuat, who looked like he had escaped a war.

He laid dead still, just a wee rise and fall of his chest said that he was indeed alive. Covered in bandages and with an oxygen mask on his face, he didn’t appear half of as dangerous as he always did, neither did he look powerful. He was rather vulnerable.

They took his mate. Who would do such a thing to someone? In what conditions she would be right now when he was here in this form? How’ll they survive without each other?

Don’t you dare ever leave me. I won’t let anybody take you away.

Maan’s words ringed in her head. She didn’t feel as intensely as him or his kind and what she had for Maan wasn’t love, she was sure, but losing someone who mattered greatly to you, she knew that pain. More than losing, living without them killed you.

Forlornly, she looked down at Vidhuat’s damaged face. You’ll probably heal the next time I blink. She joked softly.

He moved painfully, gasping inside the oxygen mask. I didn’t mean to disturb you. She said panicking noticing that he was trying to say something. Cautiously bringing her ear down to his face she tried to comprehend.

Chha-vi.

That must be his mate. Geet felt terrible, he couldn’t even move properly as though he was in enclosed in some invisible packet. Sedatives wouldn’t let him wake up and injuries held him down. Without thinking she kept her hand on his head and massaged his scalp. Shh… go back to sleep. I am here. Everything’s alright. She hadn’t expected it to work but it did, he calmed she brought hand down to his neck where most skin was visible and caressed him under jaw gently with her thumb. He tilted his head just a tab bit towards her hand sinking back into sleep.

Upon feeling presence behind, she turned her head and found Maan standing there. His face was normal but eyes held something strong.

Paras wants to carry out some tests on your blood and see how mine is affecting you.

Geet nodded and stood up following Maan who lead her to Paras’s cabin. He took her blood sample.

How are you wounds?

Almost healed. Geet answered Paras. There was a lot of itching.

That’s normal when injuries heal, that too so fast. Keep using the gel I gave you.

‘Kay. Where is Niyati? Geet asked as they had become quite good friend in the short span of time that Niyati had come to dress her wounds.

I sent her to sleep. She’d been up all night.

Oh, your work is indeed very difficult.

Paras smiled gaily. No. We both love it. It’s something we both had dreamt of doing since childhood.

Yeah, they used to play doctor-nurse when small. Maan spoke, sarcastically narrowing his eyes. He played the dirty doc hitting on his nurse.

As if you were there. Paras mocked. I am far elder to you.

And never forget to remind me that.

Do tell us if you need any help. Geet offered when they started to leave.

I will. Paras nodded.

As they drove back towards the Den, Geet had thousands of questions in mind.

Who would have done that to Vidhuat and his mate? Humans?

No. Humans weren’t involved ‘cause we didn’t smell any. Maan was thoughtful. In fact there wasn’t any smell apart from Vidhuat’s and Chhavi’s. Which is weird, must be a pelting spell.

A spell. Geet choked. You mean magic? Now you guys know magic too?

Maan rolled his eyes. We don’t do magic, we make witches do it for us.

Witches…?? As in old, scary females with black, cluttered hairs, big mole on nose and broom between legs?

Broom between legs? That was a good one.  At that Geet smacked his arm. Did you just hit me, girl?

Let me think… She took a dramatic pause and nodded. Yes. I guess I did.

You aren’t allowed to do that.

Oh really? She smacked him again and grinned. Then I love breaking rules, sweetheart.

Surprisingly, his lips turned into a lopsided smile. Call me sweetheart every time and I will let you get away with just anything.

Color rose in her cheeks but she felt good, very good. Really very-very good. Stop it Geet. She chided herself inwardly.

Will you bother telling me what you meant when you said ‘witches’?

There are females who specialize in witchcraft, they have extraordinary powers. Werewolves and witches have been in pact ever since human started executing them thousands of years ago because of some corrupt witches, not all witches are like that. So when they were on verge of extinction they sought weres’ help. We had the same enmity with humans and wanted to keep our existence hidden. Witches and weres’ made a deal that they would provide their magical services to us while we would protect them-as they have no males in their families or tribes-giving them shelter into our clan’s boundaries.

Witches and werewolves have been living together. If there is werewolf clan somewhere then surely there must be a tribe of witches with them.

You said there are no males. How is it possible, how do they-you know-give birth?

They use human males. They consummate with them and then produce younglings-always a female-they are incapable of producing a male child.

If you guys are such good friends, then why the witches “use” human men and not Weres?

Human men are easy and convenient. They have sex with anyone and forget the next day.

And you guys don’t? Geet asked with a raised brow, sarcasm evident in her tone.

We are no saints either. But werewolves might grow fond and choose the witch as mate. And when we do that we could be real pain in ass. They wouldn’t be able to leave then.

Who would know that better than me?   

Exactly. That doesn’t go well with witches. They are secretive and don’t create ties with anyone apart from the females of their tribe.

Mates are not chosen by you, right? So if a witch is a were’s mate it shouldn’t matter if they have… intimacy with them or not.

Witches and humans cannot be a were’s preordained mate.

And yet I am a human and you just said that witches don’t get…intimate…with weres because they might choose them as mate.

Maan looked at her irritated. You ask too many questions. I am not your personal search engine. Go ask someone else for the explanation. He shifted the gear angrily and she made a baby face.

Okay, one last question. I promise. When weres and witches got together then why not combine forces and take over. Obviously, compared to human, werewolves are mightier on physical front and witches have magical ability. Then I don’t understand why you want to stay hidden from humans who are not that… fancy?

Hiding is not a choice, Geet, but necessity. We hide because we are massively out numbered. Witches though live longer than humans they could only give birth to a female once in their life time and that is more or less similar with weres. Conception in weres is highly difficult and we mate for lifetime. A couple only produces one child in their lifetime, in rare cases two or three, if the female is really strong.

That’s why losing your child is biggest fear for a were until they reach adulthood. Vidhuat and Chhavi had lost their only child resulting in Chhavi going insane. She is not cured till now. Vidhuat did everything in his power to bring back her senses, Paras tried like hell too. Nothing changed. And now she has been taken away. Maan cleared his throat when his words faltered. We have decided to keep him under the effect of sedatives until he heals completely or we find Chhavi, whichever is earlier.

Geet fell silent. Subjected to so much pain, Vidhuat was bound to be the way he was, coarse and brutal. Her chest tightened as she remembered Vidhuat’s writhing body on white bed and then tried to imagine in which condition his mate might be.

That was utterly compassionate of you. Maan spoke out of the blues and she brought her eyes back on him. He was looking at her with something entirely different in his eyes. She had seen loathing there, hate and lust… affection and sometimes tenderness. She had seen fear and opposition. Never did she saw respect until this moment. When you talked to Vidhuat today while he was restless and perhaps in lots of pain.

I lied to him.

You lessened his agony, to a degree if not completely. I’ll always be indebted.

It was weird seeing him earnest like this but she liked this side of Maan although he kept it under cover.

They reached the Den and informed Rudra of Vidhuat’s medical condition.

There is unrest in the clan. Rudra said and Geet for the first time saw worry lines on his face. We have to give an elucidation to them. They have heard the sounds and wouldn’t be fooled for long.

Maan nodded. As if to add on to their tribulations Robe escorted a middle aged couple and a magnificent young girl into the foyer.

Karthik. Rudra exclaimed gleefully, his troubles melting. Soon, though, he frowned witnessing the luggage in their hands. Are you going somewhere?

Karthik expressions were unreadable. I am leaving with my family. He said and Geet was confused just like everyone else. Her eyes flicked to the young girl who was exquisite with long, silky hairs and tall, lean frame of a super model. Her face held innocence and as Jhanvi walked to her and held her hand, she dared to raise her eyes smiling faintly giving peak of perfectly lined white teeth.

We didn’t want to create nuisance while the new member of our clan was injured. Although now when everything has settled, I am afraid I would have to leave for we could no more live here.

You are leaving the clan? Rudra asked unbelievably.

Yes. I have talked to the Alpha of southern clan, they could afford to take us in.

I can’t believe this. My formal Beta and best friend is leaving without fucking caring to tell me why?

To hear Rudra swear was flabbergasting for Geet.

Yes. We are. My daughter can’t live here with the social stigma she has been subjected to. Since her birth she had been told that she would be Maan’s mate only to be abandoned one day because his promised mate found someone else.

Oh dear, it’s not like that. Jhanvi said as a tear drop fell down Maan’s X-mate-to-be cheek.

Karthik continue. I mean no offence to you or Maan or his mate. Yet, I have lived my life with pride along with my family and the same couldn’t be carried on here anymore. We want to shift and start anew. My daughter deserves a worthy mate and respectful life.

She surely does. But you are not leaving. Rudra said.

We are not to be stopped.

Did someone say something to you?

No. But soon they would.

You have no concrete grounds to leave the clan and join other. I can’t change what has happened but friend, I am always here for you and won’t let you or your family goes through any kind of contempt. Your family is my family and Lavina is like my daughter. Rudra’s voice went hard. Being the Alpha I condemn you from leaving the clan.

Karthik gritted his teeth and then turned to go back. His wife and daughter followed him out.

Geet looked at Maan who had remained mum throughout.

This is just getting better. He said with a shrug and Geet shook her head. How could she expect some sensible reaction from him?

Avinaya popped a gum into his mouth. We are in deep shit.

Rudra agreed. I think it’s time to pay Kaya a visit.

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Author's blabber:

Biting my nails, pulling my hairs… I don’t know how that came out but m really excited too apart from being hell nervous. The entry of bad guys and isn’t it interesting. Lol. Hope I didn’t bore u and the update was long enough to make up for the long wait.

You guys always encourage me but if u find any faults or are unsatisfied with anything or simply think m being really stupid, just tell me I won’t mind and but rather be thankful. Just be polite about it.

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