Healing The Beastworld

CH 17: love in the water

As they walked, Karee's mind raced with unbidden thoughts. She had never considered herself someone who could love multiple people, but Kaden's presence had changed her. His kindness, his unwavering support, and his intoxicating gaze had stolen her heart without her even realizing it. As they walked they came to a small stream north of the village. "Would you like to go for a swim?" Kaden said smiling brightly at Karee. "Sure." She responded a mixture of sweetness and nervousness in her voice. The two entered together and gently floated around together in silence.
"Karee, my darling," Kaden murmured, his voice as soft as a summer breeze. "You've been awfully quiet since we left, are you ok?" Karee's cheeks flushed crimson, and she lowered her gaze to the path beneath her feet. "I was just thinking," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Karee fidgeted with the hem of her skirt, her cheeks burning. “I, um, I think,” she began, then faltered. “What?” Kaden prompted patiently, his hand finding hers, his touch warm and reassuring. “I think… I think I have feelings for you,” she blurted out, her voice barely a whisper.
Kaden chuckled, a low, melodic sound that made her insides melt. “Well, that’s a relief. I was starting to think you’d never get around to it.” His words, meant to tease, were tinged with a seriousness that made Karee's heart skip a beat. “No, I mean… I really do,” she stammered, her eyes pleading for understanding.
His smile softened, the playful glint replaced by a gentle warmth. “I know, Karee. I know you do.”
He leaned closer, his gaze locking with hers. “And you know I feel the same way. I have for a long time.”
The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in the secluded clearing. In that moment, Karee knew that she couldn't deny this any longer. This man, this mischievous, caring, infuriatingly confident man, had stolen her heart without her even realizing it.
“Kaden,” she began, her voice shaky but resolute. “I… I accept you.” The surprise on his face was fleeting, replaced by a smile that radiated pure joy. “You do?”
“Yes,” she said, her voice gaining strength. “I accept you as my mate.” Kaden’s hand tightened around hers. He looked at her, his eyes shining with an emotion that was both raw and tender. “Karee, you have no idea how long I’ve waited for you to say that.”
Karee's heart pounding in her chest. This was a moment she had been both longing for and dreading. She had accepted Kaden as her mate, but the thought of giving herself to him both physically and emotionally filled her with a mix of excitement and trepidation.
Sensing her apprehension, Kaden gently pulled her closer, his arms enveloping her like a warm embrace. "We can wait if your not ready, I wont force you." he whispered, his breath warm against her ear.
Karee nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "I know you wont Kaden, I'm ready, just a bit nervous."
With a tender smile, Kaden lifted her into his arms, his strong grip providing her with a sense of security. "Tell me if you want me to stop ok?" He said causing her to nod in understanding.
He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers. The kiss was soft and gentle, filled with an unspoken promise. It spoke of shared adventures, laughter, and a love that had blossomed in the quiet of the forest. As the kiss ended Kaden, his hand still holding hers, looked at her, his gaze unwavering. Her heart hammered against her ribs, and she felt a blush creep up her neck. As they pulled apart His eyes, filled with a tenderness that she had never seen before, made her feel both vulnerable and safe.
“Karee,” he whispered, his voice husky with emotion. “I love you.” The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Karee, her voice choked with emotion, could only nod.
The air between them sparked, charged with raw emotion. Kaden, with a gentle touch, pulled her closer, his hand resting on the small of her back. Her breath caught in her throat, and she felt her body lean into his, seeking the warmth and comfort he offered.
His lips met hers again, slow and tender at first, then deepening with a passion that burned within her. She clung to him, her fingers tangled in his hair, her heart a wild bird beating against her ribs. He tasted of the river, of pine needles, and of something else, something intoxicating, something that made her feel alive.
As their embrace deepened, Kaden led them towards the center of the stream where a small bolder barely stuck out. out of the water, the small waves still able to wash over it, the current tugging at their bodies. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, and she felt safe, enveloped in his strength. The water, cool and soothing, washed over them, a silent witness to their love.
With a gentle push, he helped her lay on her back, her head resting on his chest, her eyes closed, her senses overwhelmed by the sounds of the river and the warmth of his body. He traced patterns on her skin with his fingers, his touch sending shivers down her spine. The light of the sun casting long shadows of the surrounding trees across the water. The air grew cooler as a gentle breeze danced through the trees, carrying with it the scent of wildflowers. Karee, lost in the moment, felt a sense of peace she had never known before.
Their lovemaking was a symphony of touch and passion, a dance of bodies intertwined. They moved with an unspoken understanding, their bodies flowing together like the river that surrounded them. It was a fusion of fire and water, of tenderness and strength, of two souls finding solace and connection in each other.