The Beast (SHORT STORY) (EDITED)

Chapter 5

Rune leaned against the sturdy trunk of an ancient oak, his gaze fixed on Hollis as she frolicked in the cool river water. The girl possessed a remarkable fearlessness, plunging into new experiences without a trace of hesitation. He hadn't yet decided if this trait was endearing or utterly reckless.

Mixing with humans was undoubtedly unwise, a tangled path fraught with potential complications. Yet, there was an undeniable pull towards this particular human, an inexplicable allure that tugged at his senses. He, who rarely spared a glance for others of his kind, found himself captivated by this small, vibrant creature.

"Are you not going to join me?" Hollis called out, her laughter echoing across the water.

He pushed himself off the tree, a decision made before conscious thought even registered. With swift, fluid movements, he stripped down to his dark briefs, a sliver of his primal instincts holding back from complete nudity in her presence.

He dove into the refreshing water, the cool shock momentarily stealing his breath before he surfaced, a playful splash intentionally directed her way. She let out a surprised squeal, quickly followed by a burst of laughter.

"I never said to drown me," she teased, wiping water from her eyes.

He slicked back his dark hair, a smirk playing on his lips. "Nice underwear."

"Thanks," she replied easily, her straightforwardness still catching him off guard, yet undeniably appealing. She didn't bother with coy games or hidden meanings, simply stating what was on her mind. "So, you have anyone obsessed with you back home?" she asked, her tone casual.

"Why?" he countered, his curiosity piqued by her sudden shift in topic.

"I want to know who I compete with," she declared, her blue eyes sparkling with a fierce determination. "I fight for what I want, and I'm getting you."

A low chuckle rumbled in his chest. "Well, there are a lot of women. You're going to need a good weapon." He watched her playful frown with amusement. "But I can get rid of them if you like," he offered, a hint of possessiveness coloring his tone.

"I like a challenge," she said, giggling at the mock seriousness of his expression. "You already belong to me, so I'll just entertain anyone who wants to claim you." Her wide smile was disarmingly charming.

He closed the distance between them, pulling her close until her body was pressed against his, a soft gasp escaping her lips as she blushed. "I don't like feeling like a trophy, but I'll look past it because it's you," he murmured, his voice a low rumble against her ear. "Oh, and I'm curious as to what you are going to do. Do you have to go back early?"

"Well, my family is on the other side of the world, so I'm in no hurry," Hollis replied, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck.

"Perfect. I want to see you drive some people crazy," Rune admitted, a predatory gleam in his eyes at the thought of her possessive nature unleashed.

Hollis pressed her hands against his hard chest, her fingers splaying across the taut muscles that flexed beneath her touch, deepening the blush on her cheeks. The feel of his powerful body against hers sent a shiver of excitement through her.