KHUMAARI- The Nocturnal Beast, PART 23

KHUMAARI

The Nocturnal Beast

Part 23

In Life And Death

"Running is easy, reaching is tough.

Long strides, harsh and fast, crushing the ground- but the destination grows farther apart.

The high sky, a blanket of violets and grays,

There are white birds that fly, and orange leaves that float,

Air so fresh and in the water moon glows.

But running is all that is done- One foot ever ahead of another.

Until at a stop, there is no more breath to take;

Only defeat and thoughts remain.

Ah! The musings about things that passed, and coming up with naught.

 

Running is easy, reaching is tough.

You realize.

For what you were following is left behind."

It must pain a lot when somebody died, Geet’s mind reeled unceremoniously. Like this inescapable ache, so strong that it just… killed you. That final blow which ended your existence, freed your soul; if there was a soul that is.

But she didn’t want to test how much it hurt while dying or if she had a soul. She only wanted to live.

 

It wasn’t in the least bit surprising that she had always foolishly believed there was a long life laid out ahead of her. Every person did same. Nobody really waited for their end when life in itself was nothing else than this slow-sometimes not so much-path stretching towards an inevitable death. Which only proved how stupidly ignorant people were.

 

How utterly insane she was!

 

But I am not dying. She still told herself stubbornly. Therefore, when a hand grabbed hers breaking the crazy run, Geet shouted back. I am not dying!

 

There was so much anguish in Maan’s coal-black gaze it almost made her weep. His face was nothing else but a dull, colorless picture depicting despair, shame… defeat.  It was scary, witnessing this fiercely conceited man staring back at her so weakly.

 

You disgust me. She angrily thumped his chest with the flat of her palms. Two days of frustration, loneliness and turmoil blasted out of her in form of anger. He stumbled rubbing his chest where she had hit him. Geet knew she had hurt him, only not physically- she was hardly capable of that.

 

What is this, huh? Pain laced her words. Who gave you the right to talk about me like that? My death? Do you think it’s a joke? You pull that stint of complete disappearance for two days, and when I find you, you are discussing how I am going to die with oh-I-am-so-smart-I-know-it-all-doctor. What the hell is wrong with you?

 

Maan finally raised his red-rimmed eyes to meet hers, and she for the first time noticed the crazy gleam in them. No words came out of his mouth just his throat worked. He kept rubbing his chest as though she hadn’t slapped and rather stabbed him there. He came up with, You’ll die.

 

Geet laughed hysterically. Aren’t we all going to? Wait a second, you are nearly immortal but that doesn’t mean everyone else is too.

 

You are dying. He reframed. And you’ll die sooner if you stayed with me. He breathed through his mouth afraid of speaking for the first time in his life. Its… because of me. You took my blood and now there are changes in your body that you can’t survive.

 

But you said werewolves are born not created. Geet said horrified.God, I can have feelings for a werewolf but I don’t want to become one, and in the process die.

 

You aren’t going to become one of us. What I said was truth, this wasn’t supposed to happen. He raked a hand through his hair messing them further, then held her hands in his. His hands were warm and sweaty. Geet, someone in your family is or was a werewolf, perhaps one your parents or grandparents. Parth ran a DNA test on your blood and he found the werewolf gene, dormant but now awakened after you came into contact with my blood. That’s why you fainted before in the closet.

 

I don’t understand any of this, Maan. She sobbed. She didn’t know any of her grandparents, had never met or seen them. And her parents… both of them were humans- that much she was sure of. For god’s sake, all her life she had been clueless about the presence of werewolf race on the face of earth, would have never believed in something so absurd if not for the breathing-walking proof standing in front of her.

 

Maan left her hands and Geet felt the loss of his warmth more than ever. His demeanor transformed- body straightened, shoulders squared and the perfect line of his jaw tightened. Through the mist in her eyes, Geet saw how his black iris turned crimson, like they did when he felt something too strong: lust, desire, anger... pain. In a span of few second he morphed from the man she had come to know and cared for to the ruthless beast she’d first met.

 

I am the reason behind this peril that has fallen upon you. My proximity makes it worse for you. If you stayed with me you’ll die sooner. He stared above at the quickly darkening sky. In a bit it’ll be night and the moon will rise. Today is the third day and last day of full moon. During these three nights of full moon our wolves comes to the upfront, those who have found their mates are overcome with a severe urge to copulate. Once the moon is there in the sky tonight, Geet, nobody can stop me fucking you and making you irrevocably mine. I’ll bring you a step and probably the last step closer to death. If you want to save yourself, run. Run north from here and don’t look back, you will reach the town. You can go back to your place. Perhaps you’ll live a little longer that way if not much.

 

Y- you want me to leave?

 

Maan growled leaning forth, baring his sharp fangs in unmistakable agreement. Go away before it’s too late. His eyes shone dangerously, the red so unnaturally apparent now. Geet took a step back, her human instincts on overdrive, warning of the danger that stood before her. She turned and did what was told. She ran.

 

Sharp, cold air slapped her cheeks knocking off the fat drops of her tears.

 

Geet was so scared; all she wanted was to get away. How her life had come to this point where she had to run for it without knowing what she was running from exactly. Although, the answer was clear. She was running from the Beast, who had upturned everything since he had kidnapped her from her apartment, unwillingly; forcing her to abandon her family and everything that she knew- dropping her into this insane world where she was utterly helpless… a meek, clueless prey- sometimes to circumstances n sometimes to his ministrations. And to think she had regarded him anything less than a monster.

 

He was the one who had promised a near eternity only to snatch away the small life she was gifted with. She was happy in the world she lived, with her imperfect family, always feeling sort of an outsider. He showed her what a real family was. He showed how exciting n enthralling the feeling of affection towards a guy can be, for everything to end in a disaster… for the new dreams to fade away perhaps in abyss of her death. With more distance that she covered, her run lost its vigor- legs losing their strength, body its vitality. The sole thing that augmented was the perpetual hole in her chest. The all too familiar black hole had taken birth and was swallowing her up- everything in her. Her hope, her light. The further she went, the shallower she felt.

 

Geet was sure that if she escaped she would live a long, healthy life because whatever Maan told couldn’t hold any truth. And yet, a voice inside her head bellowed unrelentingly.

 

TURN BACK.

 

TURN BACK.

 

Like she wasn’t running away from death but towards it. Like she would die this very moment without him. He was the security she sought, the ultimate protection.

 

She tried to block the voice out but it grew louder.

 

How could she feel so strongly about him?

 

“Taken, you are not one of us, doesn’t mean I am a stone and don’t feel. I lived two years without you. Every second was an agony. That dream that you had consistently, it was my wolf seeking you out. What kept me going was the knowledge that you were alive. My insides ate at me for leaving you when I could have taken you with me. I burned in hell every second and every second was like an eon.”

 

Maan… she cried, remembering his truthful confession.

 

And then she stopped, huffing, her breaths smoking in the cold night. In the distance a wolf howled, its echo cutting and sheer. It made her shiver. Under the glow of full moon between thick, black tress Geet stood still. Her eyes dry from the force of run against the wind. She looked ahead. Grisly trunks lining the ground alit with moonlight filtering through the branches and new leaves, some spots blessed with radiance, others lost in darkness.

 

Geet moved under the beam, and faced upward. The silver moon was partially hidden by darkened forest wood rising high up in the sky. Still the light found her face. Closing her eyes, all she could think of where she would go?

 

She knew it was the biggest mistake, she did it nonetheless. Unable to hold herself, she looked back.

 

Why the wrong course appeared to right?

 

As if one look opened the gate to all right thoughts.

 

“I am linked to you. Unfortunately, your life is mine.”

 

“If one of the mates die, the other will die shortly.”

 

 

His previously said words hit her colder than the wind. Was he going too if she did? He didn’t say anything about that. Why? She didn’t want to die, but as psychotic as it sounded she didn’t want him dying, perhaps more than herself.

 

It took her only a second to go back on her decision and turn around. No she wouldn’t run away, not this time. Not from Maan.

 

Unlike before, her legs had new lift. The ground was more supporting, the forest less scary. She ran and she ran, and the pain in her chest began to subside; she could feel herself blossoming with his nearness.

 

She was getting to him. Oh yes, she was. She ran this time not of fear but with vigor, shedding the weariness and confusion like old skin. She was filled with life even before reaching her destination, so when she saw Maan at the exact spot she had left him; there was a smile on her lips.

 

You didn’t leave. She said catching her breath.

 

I was hoping against hope that you would come back.

 

Oh, Maan. She slammed into him, their lips finding each other and chests coming together where their half hearts made a whole.

 

She rested her cheek on his shoulder and he held her close, so close, afraid she would disappear if he let go. You are going to die too, aren’t you?

 

With you. He answered as if that justified it all. I am sorry. I have already lived long, almost eighty years, while you stand at the brink of adulthood. I didn’t mean to do this to you. Why you came back?

 

She stepped back, breaking free of his embrace. You think I could go back to my old life, after knowing all this, after knowing you? And live like I used to? I would rather die short here with my eighty year old, wild beast than live meaninglessly for however long. She admitted it more to herself than to him.

 

Although his eyes were swarmed with tears, he guffawed. You have lost what little sanity you had. Cupping her face, he said with determination and reverence. I am not going to let us die so easily. I’ll do everything in my power to save you; I promise it, my beloved mate, upon my life and honor.

 

Geet had no doubt on that. I know. She noticed the firm flick of his tightly pressed jaws, the heated warmth and stiffness of his palms against her skin. And now I want you to make love to me. I know what you need.

 

He certainly didn’t expect to hear her absolute submission. His eyes widened, the crimson shade there darkening even further. She could see the hint of fangs as he spoke with difficulty. Are you… sure? I could lock myself up again for this night, stay underground till the moon is gone and sun comes up. He said, but he didn’t want to do that. No, no, no, not at all. What he wanted was to bury himself so deep in her that nothing could ever separate them, not even death. His wolf was on fire, mad with lust. Maan couldn’t even look at Geet without imagining her naked and sweaty, and asking him to do dirty things to her.

 

With evident pain she said. Is that where you were, for past two nights? She got her answer in his silence; it steeled her resolve. I am sure. I want this.

 

Maan wanted her to know what she was getting herself into. After this there would be no going back. You might die.

 

And so will you. Are you afraid, wolf?

 

The way she said it made the blood sing in his veins. With a sweep he lifted her petite form in arms n set off in a fast sprint deeper into the forest. The wind whistled in her ears, but his body gave her warmth. Soon enough, she could hear the sound of gushing water. They came out of the trees into the small clearing beside the waterfall. The sprinkling drops of falling water were tepid on her skin.

 

Maan had informed her it was due to the hot water spring on the river bed half a mile away. The water was boiling hot there, but here at the fall it was lukewarm n pond below was cold as the water continued to flow slowly ahead.

 

Her attention was brought back to the Maan when he jumped over one of the giant ancient rocks that covered the periphery of the pond. Geet shrieked, clutching onto him tightly. That didn’t succeed in dissuading him for he continued to make way towards the waterfall, leaping from rock to rock with grace n finesse of a panther, until they stood right below the hill off which the water fell. Geet’s heart gave a lurch when he didn’t stop even then.

 

He crouched low on his legs and then they were rising up, landing on a narrow outcrop on the steep hill. Maan had to free his one arm to grab a handhold.

 

Mother of monkeys! Geet screamed almost hanging down against Maan’s body, her hands tightly shackled around his neck. Water streamed down beside, damping them; however, she didn’t have half a mind to notice that. Closing her eyes she wrapped her legs around Maan’s waist, drenched in fear.

 

Good girl. Maan praised her strong hold on him. It was both smart of her and utterly pleasurable for him.

 

Geet felt Maan shifting, and jumping n then jumping some more. Till the moment he put her down n there was flat surface below her feet she didn’t open her eyes. She punched his arm. I take my words back; I’m definitely running away from you.

 

With an amused chuckle Maan sat down cross-legged. That was when Geet took in her surroundings. The water showering down into the pond ahead of them, almost white n somewhat fizzy, the smooth stone walls around and finally the silver moon hazy through the moving wall of falling stream. They were in a shallow cave-like formation behind the waterfall. The air was moist n warm inside the diminutive cave, tall enough for only Geet to stand. Where are we?

 

This is another of my favorite place. I found it when I was a kid. Whenever Dad was mad at me for doing something bad, I used to come and hide in here. I stayed for hours, sometimes the entire night. I don’t think anyone knows about this cave other than me.

 

Oh. Geet breathed, elated that Maan had trusted her with his secret hude-out. Are we going to… do it here? She asked conscious, reminiscing what they were going to do. To make matters worse her clothes were soaking wet, stuck to her quite provocatively. It was a small relief she had a jacket on.

 

Only if you want to. He whispered taking her hand n bringing her closer.

 

It’s perfect. She spoke shyly. After all we first got to know each other in the wild.

 

Yes, we did. His gaze was heated as it raked over her as though he saw her for the first time. Considering the nature of our intensions, I think I should remove your clothes.

 

A bright blush colored her neck n face. Maan had merely touched her hand and she was already incredibly aroused. Will I get to remove yours?

 

Hell, yes. Placing large palms on her butt, he held her in place and opened her jeans button with his teeth and pulled the zipper down in a similar manner. Sucking in a sharp breath, Geet concluded that his mouth was just as deft as his fingers. I have come to love these white, cotton panties. Her legs quivered as Maan slid the jeans down her legs and helped her step out of them.

 

Uncertainly, she shrugged out of her jacket n dropped it over the jeans. Maan tugged at her hand n with a gulp, she had to sit on his leg. You seem scared. He spoke huskily, opening her shirt buttons and realizing with a jolt that she didn’t have a bra on. A certain part of his male anatomy stirred with thrill at the surprising discovery.

 

Oh, don’t tell me my fear is turning you on! She exclaimed. Thank god it’s dark in here.

 

I can perfectly see in the dark.

 

Shit! I forget that. She tried to hide herself as much as she could with two hands and began to explain. I was… I was feeling queasy and tense so skipped… the bra.

 

Don’t hide yourself from me. He growled possessively, locking both her hands behind her back so she was totally vulnerable. This, he laid a kiss on her breast and then one on the other breast. And this. Are mine.

 

It was sudden, it was dark and dirty. Geet squirmed, rippling all over. The touch of his lips on her sensitive buds made her core clench with a need she had never known.

 

How is it fair that I am almost naked and you have all clothes on? She croaked.

 

Maan got rid of her shirt. I am certainly not resisting your advances, am I? He said with a roll of eyes.

 

After taking a fruitless moment to compose her raging nerves she grabbed the hem of Maan’s T-shirt and pulled it off his head. Now the jeans. She announced idiotically. Her hands were shaking at his button.

 

Seven hells if Maan could deny his total sick enjoyment in her fear. She undressed him with the innocent nervousness of a virgin and his savage half was howling in pleasure with the knowledge that she was and will always be his. Mate. It growled and purred, rolling and stumbling in anticipation of what was about to happen.

 

If truth be told Maan was nervous too. Just a little. He assured himself. He had fucked many female, werewolves and humans, and even a couple of witches. But this, this was his mate. Before having taken her he knew she would give him an all new meaning of pleasure. He wanted to do the same for her.

 

Maan didn’t know why he had ever bothered going for other females. They were of no consequence. The momentary enjoyment he had obtained from them felt meaningless and shallow now. His experience in the field currently didn’t give him much confidence either. With Geet he might as well have been a virgin. He wanted to please her enormously so she had no doubt that he-and only he-was her perfect match, so that she would never look at another male the way she looked at him. All her needs and desires should end with him, at him, for however long they lived.

 

When his jeans were gone, Geet timidly placed her cold palms on his chest feeling around the firm and smooth pectorals and the rapidly beating heart inside- surely, it wasn’t natural even for him. It was because of her, right? She had always wanted to explore his seamless body with such intimacy but was too proud and shy to do so. Finally being able to do it knowing that this was just the beginning; brought her a feeling of libration.

 

I wish we had time for this. But I am running out of patience, sugar.

 

She blinked and bewitched by his gorgeousness kissed his jaw in an act of unrestricted boldness. A rumble sounded deep in his throat. He wondered if she was doing this to him deliberately. Perhaps a part of her did desire teasing him. He would have his revenge, he determined, just not tonight.

 

The boxers have to go. He instructed with urgency in his voice. Geet seemed to get the hint, and slid the boxers off Maan’s well-built legs. She didn’t look down at… his junior and instead closed her eyes.

 

Her thoughts broke with a certain ripping sound. No sooner had she realized that it was her panties-for which Maan had confessed his undying love just minutes ago-than she was very proficiently pushed on her back. The ground was a hard layer underneath her, balmy in its roughness. His weight over her was delicious- his naked weight. She couldn’t even complain because her throat was dry, capable of making only embarrassing noises. His mouth-Oh! his mouth-found her neck, kissing n licking its way around and finally settling at the base, where he growled and then nipped delicately.

 

Geet was positively intoxicated. She felt too much, too little. She was shaken up by how right and great it felt. This was meant to be, written before she decided to take this path. This was where she’d always belonged.

 

Feel it. She didn’t know what he meant until he guided her hand lower between them to his junior.

 

He moaned throatily when her unsuspecting hand came in contact with him. Driven by his unmasked enthusiasm she took hold of him. Now, Geet had never touched a man’s penis, she had never seen one. But, they weren’t supposed to be so big! She couldn’t wrap the junior up completely in her fist n it was long, the tip smoother than the rest. So soft and yet so… hard.

 

Like it? Maan asked.

 

Like it? Good god, it’s gonna hurt so much.

 

To her utter dismay, Maan was grinning. Werewolf mating is not same as human one. You’ll know what I mean. Kissing the valley between her breasts, his head started to descend.

 

Oh-my-god, no. Maan grabbed her protesting arms in one hands and urged her legs apart. Geet wanted the ground to swallow her. She was totally bare down there. She had begun to shave as soon as she had gotten hair in her southern region. She had always felt clean that way, although now, as Maan’s eyes squarely drank her in-especially hearing his sharp intake of breath-Geet wished there was something to hide her from those dark orbs.

 

I didn’t expect this. He confessed staring at her face now, the red bleeding into the black of his eyes which glowed eerily in the darkness. She saw him lick a pointed fang with his tongue and laid her head back well aware that she was doomed. He dug in after that, eating at her. No matter how much she wriggled, struggled n begged for mercy, he didn’t stop. He had her his way, using the skilled tongue and sharp, pointed teeth to his advantage, bending her to his liking. All Geet could do was cry out of pleasure and sweet torture, trying not to explode.

 

 

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A/N:

I am terribly late again. Those who read my other FF already know that I have been going through tough times when it comes to writing. I m not going to bore you again with my excuses. I feel bad for updating after centuries n going through comments of readers who were waiting desperately.

I want to tell you guys that I could type this part only because of you, only because I know some people love this story n are waiting. A part of me really wants to quit but I continue because of you all.

So I am immensely and heartily thankful.

KHUMAARI- The Nocturnal Beast, PART 22

KHUMAARI

The Nocturnal Beast

"QUICK RECAP"

Geet was a small town girl grown up between overprotective men-her father and two brothers. Her only dream was to complete PG and become a psychologist. Living on her own in an apartment away from family as a rebellion act against her father who wouldn't allow her to go out of town again for her PG, she had never imagined that her life would take such a drastic turn in the blink of an eye.

It happened one night, when her modest apartment was broken into by a devastatingly handsome yet ruthless man who abducted her and took her to a lonesome island in middle of nowhere. The man happened to be completely arrogant and self obsessed. Announcing himself as Maan Singh Khurana, he claimed that he wasn't a man and rather a werewolf and that he had marked her two years ago at a party because she was his MATE. Having a scientific and practical mind, and also studying psychology, Geet believed him to be a lunatic. During her stay at the island, she discovered otherwise for he appeared quite sane apart from his weird talks. Utterly scared and cut off from the world, Geet tried to flee a number of times but all her attempts failed. Her rock-hard will to get away deterred a little not by fear but an unexpected and loving action that saved her life. Her savior was the same man-werewolf-that she had considered a beast and had attacked almost killing him. Somewhere touched and finding no escape she agreed when he told her he was to take her to his home.

 

On their way to his place that was in the same cold region as her town but still far away, she attempted another run off only to be stopped by a wolf bigger than any normal wolf. Struck and bewildered, her mind had no reason but to finally believe Maan's word.

 

The changes were not just in Geet but Maan too. He understood how important the human female was to him n not just because his life was tied to hers as she was his predestined mate but also because he had began to feel for her, deeply. Against all his complains and objections, he realized that she indeed was his perfect match.

 

Upon reaching his home where his clan and family awaited, he introduced his mate proudly to everyone. Geet met Maan's big, royal family that lived in a big mansion fondly called The Den. Maan's father who leaded his family also leaded the whole clan because he was The Alpha, the king without a crown. Polite and full of life, Geet didn't take time in becoming a part of the family which was united and accepted her with love because she was Maan's mate and thus one of them. The remaining clan also accepted her when the human valiantly threw herself in between a helpless kid from their pack and wild wolves. Both, the kid and Geet got saved because Maan sensed the danger through his connection to Geet and came on time warding off the wild creatures.

 

All didn't remain well, however. The abode of protector troop's head-Vidhuat-was attacked and his imbecile mate was kidnapped by some unknown entity. A wounded and ferocious Vidhuat from the loss of his beloved mate was being kept down with the help of drugs until there was no lead found regarding his mate's whereabouts.

 

Meanwhile, the clan's medic, Paras-who had earlier taken Geet's blood sample to run DNA tests, found out that Geet had recessive werewolf genes which had been awakened by Maan's blood in her system. Since, Werewolves were born and not turned her survival was impossible and with her Maan's too. The fact broke Maan but upon knowing the truth he decided to hide it from Geet who had become his everything.

 

Somewhere far away from their clan, in the jungles, Vidhuat's mate Chavvi was held captive by the bad guys in the old church ruins. The once holy place had now turned dark and evil. Droh, who was behind it all, was brutal and heartless with intentions less than righteous. Even his mate-Sheen-couldn't stop him from sending another message to Maan's clan. Droh sent reckless males into Chavvi's room asking them to spare just her life and take everything else.

 

Meanwhile, in Paras's clinic, Vidhuat gained consciousness sensing that his mate was in pain. With difficulty Paras and his mate Trisha gave him another shot of sedative sending him into oblivion before he could cause any serious damage. Next day Paras went to Den to inform the Alpha (Maan's father), Rudra, about the grave situation and of Vidhuat's condition. Geet, who was listening to the conversation, suggested that Vidhuat should be given a chance to find his mate to which Rudra agreed but not before Vidhuat was completely healed.

 

On the other hand, due to some reason unknown to Geet Maan was suddenly very distant. He leaves her alone in his quarters for an entire night. There was no sign of him until the next morning when Paras came to inform about Vidhuat. When Geet tried to confront him he shouted at her in front of everyone. Geet felt humiliated and heart broken when he left for the town without apologizing or explaining.

 

At the old church ruins, when later Sheen went to see Chavvi, she found her in bad shape, abused and torn. Somehow hiding from Droh's minions, the guilt ridden yet scared Sheen helped Chavvi, provided her with clothes, a wash and most importantly, a friend.

 

Alpha, Maan and others are trying their best to find Chavvi but to no avail. A night and day has passed without Geet seeing Maan. She feels restless and torn without Maan and couldn't understand her own desperation for him. The book Geet had stolen-borrowed-from the witches abode has an ancient script which she couldn't read. From Niyati she finds out that there is a library in Den and the librarian there could help her with the book. She goes to meet him and surely he told her that he could decode the book. They decide to meet the next day. Left with nothing else to do, utterly edgy and bored Geet runs into Niyati and Parth in the hallway at night catching them in a compromising position. The encounter ends on embarrassing note and arouses renewed yearning in Geet.

 

For some reason, Maan has locked himself in an underground cell below the Den to keep himself away from the one thing his mind, body and beast craves... his mate. Without Geet he is suffering too and yet couldn't find a way to protect her other than locking himself up. 

 

Now next...

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IMP NOTE:

1.I would suggest you read the short (not actually) summary given above first or this part would go over your head.

2. For those who don't know, Lycan' is a synonym for Werewolf. Also, I often use a short form for Werewolf which is Were'.

3. There was much confusion about the whole Werewolf Gene thing in Geet. Well, I am not exactly an DNA expert but I know a bit and would try to explain. Every being inherits a combination of genes from his/her father and mother-which they inherit from their parents-which is unique and defines the various physical and mental traits of that individual. When you get two contradictory traits from your mother and father, one becomes recessive (inactive) and the other is dominant. Say if one of your parents is tall and other one is short, and you are tall means that the short trait is recessive and the tall trait is dominant in you. It's totally random. You might be tall but it's possible that your sibling is short although he/she has the same parents.

Same is with Geet; one of her parents or grandparents was werewolf. But Geet is a human because that gene which could make her a werewolf was recessive (inactive) and the human part of her was dominant. Coming in contact with Maan and drinking his blood has done some hocus-pocus with her genes and awakened that werewolf part. Since both human and werewolf genes are contradictory only one could sustain. This fight for dominance will kill Geet as the werewolf part of her is trying to take over her humanity. But since her body is that of a human and so is weak, she couldn't last long. Obviously, this thing is not possible in real because, well, werewolves n all don't exist in real life.

I hope I was able to explain it to you and made sense at the same time. Who knew high school bio lessons could come so handy.

4. I have done some changes in the parts I have posted till now because I realized I have changed the story since the time I had started it. Part 7, where Maan tells who all there in his family... I have made changes to that because I had changed it later. I have changed Cotton pic in Part 2, if you are unable to see it on IF then go to the blog the link is below the respective part. Apart from these I have made some minor changes that include the number of days since Maan and Geet first met in her apartment and etcetera. Those are not that important so there is nothing to worry about.

5. Thanks for reading this insanely long important note.

Part 22

Truth And Tale

You want me to do what? An incredulous Garv asked. He stood before the window, light spilled through it, unusually harsh over his face.

Maan's eyes were trained straight at Garv. It's not much. You have to get your witch talking. See if she knows anything, doubts someone from her coven who might be betraying us. Or it could be that they all are back stabbing us together. You just have to get it out.

Garv chuckled dryly. The sound of your witch' was definitely nice to his ears but he knew that was far from the truth. She is not my witch.

Then what should I call her, your bitch? A snarl tore out of Garv's chest and Maan smirked. See, that's my point.

Sensing the temperature rising, Avinaya decided to intervene. Listen bro, I support Maan on this one. We actually have no other lead. An accidental shot in dark can prove right and take us to Chhavi.

Seriously? Garv grimaced. You want me to seduce a young witch into telling secrets of her coven against not just our father but also the directions of our Alpha.

Yes. Maan said easily.

Avinaya just shrugged. You don't exactly have to go all the way if you don't want to, only sweet talk her a little.

Garv shook his head as if that would somehow help him making sense of his brothers' nonsense. During their childhood, they had played many pranks together upon others. Yet this wasn't some innocent ploy of childhood naughtiness. This was taking advantage of an unsuspecting female who, Garv knew, was as nave as they came. Playing with females might be one of your favorite past times but I don't do it. And this won't work... she didn't even come to meet me.

But she kissed you. Maan pointed out.

After staring at Maan wide-eyed for a few seconds, Garv spoke acidly. So your beloved mate opened her sweet little mouth, didn't she?

Maan's eyes narrowed. Geet has nothing to do with this. I had no idea that she knew about your rendezvous. Avi told me. Avinaya froze like a deer caught in headlights. The point is- Maan continued. You have to do this for our clan. A mere female couldn't possibly stand as hurdle between you and what's right for everyone.

Garv gritted his teeth because he had nothing to argue back. Who was she to him anyway? Hell, fine. He spat out. I'll do it.

As the middle brother stormed out of his own room, Avinaya said to Maan. You are an asshole.

One of Maan's eyebrows rose. You speak as though I already don't know.

Geet strolled towards the library wondering if she would seem overly naggy to Gyaan. Sun was still high in sky and it weren't even twenty four hours since she had last visited him. And yet, she was way too desperate to sit in the quarters twiddling her thumbs. She wanted to know what was there in the book.

She found him behind his desk, a big magnifying glass held between deft fingers. He peered down intently into the book that she had given through the glass. A note pad and pen rested beside the book, the page full of unintelligible scribbling.

Hey. Geet said startling Gyan with her sudden appearance. Err, sorry. I didn't mean to scare you.

Gyan regained himself and kept the magnifying glass down. He smiled his friendly smile. You aren't what I would call scary.

For some reason, his words made her blush. Her cheeks always had this tendency to reddening at most bizarre things. Maybe, it was because Gyan was a guy and he wasn't ugly to the eyes either. Um, did you figure out what's in the book?

Yes, kind of. I couldn't decode the whole of it yet but got the gist. It's an ancient myth, folklore to be precise for werewolves. Everyone knows about it, the story has been passed on to us through generations. Nobody knows if it's true. I personally don't believe the story, although I can't entirely dismiss it too.

What kind of folklore is it? Geet asked intrigued.

One that grannies recite to their grandkids before sleeping. It goes something like this; thousands of years ago it is believed that there was just one clan of Lycans, the first clan. It was lead by a very capable Alpha named Bhoja. He and his mate, the Alpha female, were blessed by the Moon and Stars; they had several godly powers that helped them to insure the survival of clan.

One day, a new tribe stepped into their land. Although, they looked and spoke like the Lycans, they couldn't shift. Also they had a number of newborns in the tribe which was never the case with Lycans as they couldn't reproduce so fast. Surely this new tribe was different, they were humans.

Alpha Bhoja, being a just and doting leader and noting that the humans looked so much like the Lycans' civilized form, welcomed them into their land. Now, Lycans aren't curious creatures by nature. To adapt with changes wasn't in their disposition and this had acted as a barrier in their development, whereas, humans knew more in lesser time. They knew how to dig canals to irrigate the fields and so on. Lycans barely depended on cultivation and rather hunted which was difficult considering the large size of their clan. It also created food shortage when in harsh weather the animals migrated. So Lycans took help from humans and learned from them, in exchange they helped them in hunting and gave them protection.

Just like they do to the witches. Geet piped in.

Yeah, just like that. Gyan said not minding the interruption. For several centuries the Lycan clan and the Human tribe lived together wherein humans multiplied much faster than Lycans surpassing their number by a long shot. Apparently, Alpha Bhoja didn't have a child but after a long wait he and his mate were blessed with a daughter-Shachi, she grew up into a beautiful female. With time the successive leader of human tribe, Jidal, grew greedy. He wanted the whole land to himself without accompaniment of the Lycans but knew he couldn't ward them off simply as they were stronger. His hunger for power made him conjure a cruel plan for which he used his own son. His son, Himar, was a young and brave man.

Jidal sent him to entrap Shachi's heart knowing well that Alpha Bhoja wouldn't be able to take the blow of his daughter's betrayal and fall weak. That was when he planned to strike.

Everything, however, didn't go according to Jidal's imaginings. His plan backfired massively when his son also fell for Shachi. They both had fallen for each other madly at a time when Lycan matings were done between predestined mates only. Although, human and Lycans inhabited together, a lycan-human mating was unacceptable. However, hearts in love being forever the hopeful; both Shachi and Himar thought that once bonded, their fathers would accept the union. They decided to consummate their love in a cave. Alpha got the wind of it and before they could complete the bonding ritual, he barged into the cave and killed Himar mercilessly.

A grieved Shachi was heartbroken. Alpha Bhoja assured her that when time came her predestined would take birth and she could mate with him since she hadn't bonded with Himar. Shachi was inconsolable. She cursed her father and the entire Lycan clan. This clan that you take so much pride in would disintegrate, forced to hide forever. You will lose your everything, as I have lost my mate, my everything.' With those final words she took her dead mate in arms and jumped off the cliff on top of which the cave lay.

Hearing about the slaughter of his son, Jidal raged war against the Lycans. Bhoja was miserable and couldn't lead the clan. Lycans lost, many were killed, and rest was forced to flee. Seeing no other option, they prayed to Stars and taking mercy on them, Starlyiht-messenger from the sky-came forward to help. She told that the curse couldn't be undone and showed a way around it. Those responsible had to go. The Alpha and his mate willingly gave up their lives. Starlyiht chose ten new Alphas and asked them to take the remaining Lycans to ten different bearings and start anew. They had to stay hidden and in coming times seek the white magic witches who would need help and give them assistance at the same time.

So you see; that's the reason why we don't trust humans. Although I think our revulsion towards human race is more instinct than a result of this story, which is most probably formation of a very creative mind.

Geet took a deep breath. Quite the story teller you are.

I reiterated the book. If you want a more sensational version of this tale you should go to my grandmaa.

I don't understand, why me? Suppose the story is true, how it could have any relation to me?

I wish I had the answer to that. Gyaan was similarly puzzled.

Is there anything else in the book apart from stories?

Yeah, there is a record of the ten clans that had disintegrated, like where they went... see this. He turned about the book, presenting a dirty map on the yellowed page of which Geet couldn't get the head and tail of. I have never seen something like this, didn't consider that those ten clans existed. He continued quite excitedly. The way it's given here you could almost believe that they did.

Geet didn't share Gyaan's excitement, if anything, she felt exhausted. She had imagined all sorts of coverts in the book, had also imagined that it could magically tell her a way to rescue Chhavi-because why else it would want Geet to read it-but all that remained just in her mind. She felt bad thinking there was nothing they could do for Chhavi and Vidhuat. Worst thing was that she couldn't share this bad feeling with Maan. The loneliness was weighing down on her no matter how hard she tried to fight it.

You seem so much troubled. Gyaan remarked. Have you not slept?

Geet rubbed her forehead. Not really. I- I am not feeling well.

Gyaan stared intensely at the small human girl who seemed to shrink under his gaze. He tried to guess her age because she appeared very young. To think that a human girl, so fragile and sweet, could be Maan's predestined was something sort of witnessing a jaguar forcefully befriending a gazelle. No wonder she looked lost and weak with no sign of Maan there with her. No female, human or were, deserved that.

I can understand that its tough- Gyaan started empathically and kept his hand on Geet's.

No. She shrieked, retracting her hand and cradling it against her chest. She gave him an accusing frown then realized that he hadn't done anything, which was more disturbing. I am sorry. She said confused. You shouldn't touch me; I have been rather sensitive lately, like my skin is on fire. She attempted a small laugh.

It's the calling.

The- calling? Geet raised her brows.

Yes. It's from your mate. Ahem... you know that time of month.

I am not getting what you're trying to say. Geet told cocking her head, more confused than ever.

You should really talk to Maan.

But he is not there.

Gyaan cursed the Alpha's son in his head. He wasn't very fond of Maan to begin with and this irresponsibility with his mate just made him want to strangle the other male. Listen Geet, I don't think you would appreciate me telling you about it. If not Maan then you should probably talk to some other female. Ask Niyati, she will be able to answer all your questions.

Okay. Geet gave him a weird look. Thank you for the help. I am going to leave this book with you.

That would be nice. Take care of yourself. He meant those words. As Geet ambled out of the library flashing him another grateful smile, Gyaan knew that it wasn't tough to like that human or develop a protective side towards her.

Anything that could be compared to her mind at the moment was an active volcano, Geet decided. Inside her head was hot lava of questions, swirling and steaming up. She was scared of her head bursting with pressure.

Geet elected to take one step at a time. As suggested by Gyaan, she set forward to talk to Niyati about whatever this calling' thingy was. Since the whole book issue was nothing more than an ancient saga, it was certainly not as much important as the bizarre reactions of her body and mind.

Okay, so she missed Maan. It sounded pathetic yet was true. Although, how could she feel so edgy and plain incomplete without a guy she hadn't known throughout the nineteen years of her life and had met barely three weeks ago? It wasn't even a novel or movie scenario, where the girl misses the overrated love of her life. This was more. This ran inside her, an undercurrent, like a constant reminder of something that had gone away and should have been there, present with her. In her. And the hole that she kind of felt all the time, grew larger; perhaps feeding on the strength that kept her going and would soon douse.

Geet sighed. To her bad luck Niyati and Parth had gone out. She debated whether it would be fitting to seek Maan's mother. A part of her was uncertain although she recalled the small talk from earlier in the morning where Jhanvi had assured that Geet could talk to her about anything and the decision was made for her. One thing she had learned since her world turned upside down was that her inhibitions would take her nowhere. So, with a determined stride, Geet walked towards the Alpha's study. Since Jhanvi wasn't in kitchen, Rudra's study was most likely where she might be because her mate practically lived there.

Bingo! Before seeing Geet knew Jhanvi was there in Rudra's study because she could hear them talking. She peeped in through the doorway and found Jhanvi on Rudra's lap. Panicky Geet thought it was going to be a repeat of her encounter with Niyati and Parth, but thankfully it wasn't. A sweet, cuddly moment was going on inside. A distressed looking Rudra was sighing over something while Jhanvi smothered the worry lines on his forehead. Not having in her heart to disturb them with her never-ending problems, Geet left the couple alone before they noticed her.

Left with nothing to occupy her, Geet thought that she should rather step out of the Den, which despite its enormity seemed far too small for her now.

I should probably go and check on Vidhuat at Parth's clinic. There I might also find if they have been able to get some clue on where Chhavi is or who has kidnapped her. Geet was contemplating when her eyes caught a glimpse of Robe, rushing inside a room with a pile of spreads in his large hands, always busy. How he moved his massive frame with such swiftness was beyond her. She stopped him before he disappeared.

Yes, M'lady.

Geet rolled her eyes at his mannerism. Did you see Maan?

No. Not since last evening.

He didn't have breakfast or lunch?

No, I don't think so.

Is he still there in Den or has he already left?

I am afraid I don't know that either. Sire leaves as and when he pleases. It's difficult to keep track of him.

Who knows that better than me, Geet thought grudgingly. Okay, if you see him- you know what just let him be. I don't really care if he sails merrily in a sea of roses or burns in hell. She huffed then smiled over sweetly to back up her words, pretending that she didn't care. The idea that Robe probably could smell her feelings didn't escape her but she wasn't one to give up and pine after a specific dumb head. I am going to Parth's clinic to see how Vidhuat is doing.

Oh, M'lady, would you mind if I accompany you? I will drive you to the clinic.

It's not necessary. The clinic is close by and I know the way since I have been there a few times.

But I insist. I have to go to the town so I'll drop you at the clinic and pick you up in an hour or so.

Okay, as you say. Geet conceded tiredly when just a while ago she had thought she wasn't one to give up. Phew, Robe could be pretty persistent when he wanted to be.

At the clinic Robe drove away, Geet turned to get inside the humble looking facility. Just as she stepped in a weird tingly feeling fluttered in her gut but she ignored it.

When she entered Vidhuat's room, he was still lying out cold. Although he looked better- at least his wounds were almost healed, only faint scars were left at their wake and a pained expression that refused to leave his hard face. They would soon bring him back to consciousness. How will he cope with Chhavi's absence? It was going to be ugly, Geet knew, since she had experienced firsthand how fierce Vidhuat could be. Something told that her experience with him was nothing compared to what he would do when he came back to his senses.

Wish I could help you. She whispered sadly tracing a scar at the back of his hand tentatively with her finger tips. It seems we are on the same page. Only yours is taken and mine is gone.

More distraught after seeing Vidhuat, she proceeded towards Parth's cabin-cum-lab. Before she could step in though, a voice interrupted her stride, freezing her on spot.

How come you know the problem and still can't find a cure? It was Maan speaking looking exhausted... and disheveled in a way she had never seem him before. His white shirt was crumpled, untucked... the guy was wearing plain slippers and not his usual branded shoes. There were dark shadows under his eyes. Geet almost didn't recognize him.

Parth sighed heavily. I have tried everything, talked to some other physicians too that could have helped. But it's genetic Maan. I never claimed I could cure her.

Damn. He ran a hand through his hair, making them messier. Damn. He shouted again shoving a chair against the marble floor. A thunk' resounded then the chair lay innocently, one metallic leg twisted and arm bent from where Maan had held it. Like all energy drained from him, his head lowered. He was breathing hard. I am starting to feel like it's my entire fault. Tears clouded her vision at his helpless tone.

Perhaps you should talk to Geet. Parth suggested resignedly.

And tell her what? That she is going to die because of me? Geet's air supply stopped with those words. That I might have been able to search for a cure if I wasn't burning with need to take her? I had promised to protect her but... but I am doing nothing because of this full moon.

You couldn't have helped-

Both the males turned, their gaze halting on Geet who had moved back and knocked herself against the waiting bench. Deep in conversation they hadn't noticed her earlier.

I am going to die? She spoke, head buzzing and throat dry. But... I never had a fatal disease.

Her chest suddenly felt very heavy and every hair on her body stood to its end. How could she die? She was too young. She had a long life ahead of her, right? She turned about not knowing if someone was talking, crying or yelling. She had to get away. Go to a place where people weren't discussing her death. She wasn't dying. She couldn't.

__________________________________

A/N:

Kaboom! At least a few secrets are out about the book and Geet's inherited Gene. This one was actually kind of a filler update with this and that, and no Maaneet. I am sorry for that. This part had to be posted. It was very important for Maaneet as upon this revelation depends where their relation would go. Next part is going to be Geet's final decision over flight or fight for love.

I know it has been a long time, many of you might even be wondering whether I have given up writing. Well, I am going through a rough phase. I had no motivation whatsoever and nothing seemed to go right when it came to typing, so I had taken a break which is not yet over. Its only because I felt extremely bad for those few people who were kind enough to show that they missed the story and posted waiting on the thread that I have been able to assemble this part. Yes, assemble, because I wrote it in parts with long intervals in mid. I know that this is a small consolation for your long wait, not just for one but two stories. But only this much I could do at the moment. I don't know when I am going to update next, although I can assure that I will finish both the stories. Thanks for bearing with me.