Chapter 5: Dangerous Temptation

Kael

“Maeve…” I repeated the name in my mind like a mantra.

I can’t stop thinking about her. She’s a lot, a lot of what I didn’t expect, a lot of what I don’t deserve, a lot of things that scares me.

But I just can’t help myself, I can’t claim her, not after Solara…

I sighed, rubbing my hand on my face. I’m so selfish that I couldn’t bring myself to reject our bond.

“Kale,” I heard Ingrid called, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Come in.” I responded as the maid draped the cloak around my shoulders.

Ingrid walked in, smiling, her eyes taking me in. “I see you’re ready, can we leave now.”

I nodded. “ Let's go.”

Her smile widened as she walked over, she linked her arm inside mine and we both walked out together.

All the important and official members were sitting but as I appeared, they stood up.

I walked up to my seat at the center of the room with Ingrid on my arm, eyes sorting through the crowd till I found her.

She looked more beautiful than the last time we met. How does she do that, managing to appear more beautiful than the last times?

Standing beside her father, smiling at something he said.

Shifting my focus to the people. “Thank you all for your support in making this day a wonderful one. I welcome you, our guests, friends and allies, it’s a pleasure to have you with us again this year.”

Applaud sounded round the room.

I nodded and continued. “Today we gather in remembrance of our alliances, our bonds, to strengthen our union in dining and wining together.”

I raised up my wine glass and they all followed suit. “To a stronger bond, progressive union and lasting alliances, I say cheers.”

“Cheers.” Everyone echoed before drinking their wine.

I took my seat as the highlights of the day began.

My eyes found their way to Maeve again, this time our eyes connected, her blue eyes stared lovingly at me.

I noticed the ruby hair pin on her hair again.

Her plump lips spread into a smile, tempting and inviting me.

I wondered what they would feel like against mine, what they would taste like.

A low growl sounded in my throat, but my wolf remained silent but aware still. After I had forced him back in my mind that night, he had taken to retreating into a deeper part of me.

One doesn't get old in age as mine and still not be able to force the beast down once in a while.

I’m no longer a teenager who can’t control his hormones.

“Kael?” Ingrid called softly beside me. “Are you even listening?” She raised a brow at me.

“Forgive me, I was lost in thoughts. What were you saying?”

She remained silent for a while, looking concerned. “Are you sure you’re all right? Is it about two days ago?”

I snorted. “It’s nothing, Ing.”

She smiled. “There you go again with the name you gave me, bringing back our childhood memories.”

She giggled. “You got me in a lot of trouble, you know?”

I smirked, remembering those days. “It was you, always following me around.”

“Yeah, I can’t help it.” She whispered, staring at me.

She laughed, making more comments but something caught my eyes.

Maeve and a male, talking and laughing together.

I didn’t miss the way his eyes ran over her hungrily.

I’m a man so I can tell what his thoughts are.

Not only him, but every man in this room was filled with either admiration, lust or hunger for her.

Her dress didn’t help the situation, hugging her body in a way that felt like skin but it wasn’t her fault.

Goddess, she might not even know she had such effortless beauty and sexiness. Angelic face and devilish body.

I want to gorge out the eyes of every male staring at her. My hands trembled with so much fury, all I just wanted to do was shield her from their sights or better still have her wear my mark where they would all see it.

“Arrrg….” I growled, my fist clenching and unclenching repeatedly.

Danger zone, retreat.

I swallowed, squeezing my eyes shut. I need all the control I can’t get.

Goddess help that male if he tries as much as lay his hand on her, I’m going to find him and rip his hand off.

“What is it?” Ingrid asked. “You just growled now, I thought something happened.”

I shook my head in denial, my eyes following Maeve as she excused the male and left the room.

“Do you want me to come to your room tonight?” She whispered again.

“I’m fine.” I rasped.

My foot tapped softly against the hard floor as I grind my teeth together. “So help me..” I grunted, standing up.

“I’m coming.” I said to Ingrid who looked concerned but nodded anyway.

I nodded to some of the alphas as I made my way out. I immediately walked down the corridor, hoping to catch her before she disappeared.

I saw her resting on the balcony, staring into the air.

“What…” she squealed as I grabbed her hand, leading her towards the back entrance.

I could feel her tensed muscles relaxing after realizing who her captor was.

“Where are we going?” She whispered just as I stopped in front of one of the storage rooms.

I opened it and pulled her in before shutting the door.

The small space gave little room for us, we stood staring at each other.

My muscles flexed under my cloak, my breath quickened.

The smell of strawberries and honey filled my lungs, so strong and inviting, my tongue clicked against my throat.

I could feel her breath on me, her eyes staring wildly at me, mouth opened slightly.

“You look beautiful.” I said.

Her eyes narrowed as she tried to fight the smile forming on her face.

Tilting her head to the side, she asked. “You brought me here just to complement me for my looks.”

My hands hitched to pull her close, wrap around her tiny waist.

She shrugged. “You look good too.” She said, “Though I’ve always wondered how you go about in your multilayered robes.”

I snorted. “You get used to them after a long time.”

“Ohh…” she said, my eyes drawn to the shiny lips.

My head bent lower, her eyes glued on me, just a little more and I would feel her lips against mine.

“I love seeing you in the front line, making it easy for my eyes to find you.” I said instead, and straightened.

I noticed the way her cheeks reddened, her eyes blinking repeatedly as she forced a smile.

“I have to leave now before my father starts looking everywhere for me.”

“Yeah,” I nodded, releasing a deep breath. “You first,” I said, opening the door.

She nodded and slipped out of the room.

“Fuck…” I growled, hitting my head on the door.

I’m playing with fire and I know it, but I don’t want to stop.

I can’t help myself. She’s tempting.

I want more of her when I should be staying away.

I need her.