“What’s wrong?” I asked Marek.
Marek seemed to snap out of a trance immediately. She shook her head. “Nothing, I just thought of something.”
“So, if werewolves are guided by the Moon Goddess to find their other half, does that mean when you like someone, you’re loyal for life?”
“Of course. Unlike humans, who can change their hearts anytime, werewolves remain faithful to their mate for a lifetime once they find them.”
My heart seemed to stop at that moment.
I thought back to the things Kael had said before.
So, is he dating me because he’s chosen me? And from now on, he’ll never change his mind?
For some reason, the thought felt unsettling.
Maybe it wasn’t true.
I looked at Marek and smiled. “But look, Kael is such a playboy. He’s slept with so many women. You’re not going to tell me all of them were his mate, right? That would make your claim invalid.”
“It’s not like that. Before a werewolf meets their destined mate, they can date anyone they want.”
I see.
Maybe I’m not Kael’s destined mate either. Most likely, I’m just one of his playthings.
After all, according to Marek’s explanation, a mate can’t be human.
Marek and I talked for a while before Kael appeared.
Marek quietly excused herself.
“Why are you back so soon? It’s only been twenty minutes,” I said, glancing at the clock with a smile.
“I was worried about you.” Kael reached out and pulled me into his arms. He held me tightly. “I know Marek will protect you, but I was still worried.”
“I don’t want what happened last time to happen again. It made me feel like I’ve become someone untrustworthy in your eyes.”
Kael’s words made me feel a little better.
“Good. I was just worried that Vivienne might find out I’m here.”
I thought about the times Vivienne had ruined our moments.
She was like a ghost, always appearing out of nowhere.
“Don’t worry. She won’t come back,” Kael said as he pressed me against the tree trunk behind us. He leaned down and kissed my lips.
The strong smell of alcohol hit me from his mouth.
I couldn’t help but mumble, “You’ve been drinking?”
“Yes. Whiskey. Want to taste it?”
Kael smiled as he kissed me. He cupped my face and slid his tongue into my mouth, dancing with mine.
God, this was utterly insane.
The rough bark of the tree scraped against my back, but I didn’t feel any pain.
In front of me was Kael’s solid, powerful body.
He pressed against me completely, kissing me as if he wanted to merge me into his very being.
It was a wild, fiery love that made me close my eyes and feel it with my heart.
But Marek’s words lingered in my mind.
He will find his mate, and when he does, he’ll leave me.
Someone as ordinary and human as me could never be his fated match.
That’s okay. We just need to enjoy the moment. That’s enough.
Leaning into Kael, I felt my body grow softer under his kisses.
I wanted nothing more than to melt into his embrace.
I held Kael, running my hands over the firm muscles of his body.
Kael grabbed my hand. “Seraphina, if you keep doing this, I won’t be able to resist taking you right here.”
I heard the rustling of leaves in the wind. I tilted my head up at Kael and smiled.
“That’s okay, Kael. We’ve never tried it here, have we?”
For some reason, a scene suddenly flashed through my mind.
It was from a dream I’d had before.
In that dream, Kael and I were in a similar setting, making love on the grass, completely naked, our clothes tossed aside.
We clung to each other desperately, and he entered me deeply.
Now, it felt like I was stepping into that dream.
The thought of doing it here was thrilling.
I licked my lips and guided Kael’s hand to my chest.
Kael seemed startled by my boldness.
His golden eyes lit up, brighter than ever before.
I knew Kael was excited now.
“Seraphina, do you know what you’re doing? Do you realize that being outdoors excites me even more than being in the apartment?” Kael’s voice was hoarse with desire.
At this moment, he looked like he’d lost control.
He gripped my arm tightly, and the pain made me wince.
Realizing my discomfort, Kael loosened his grip slightly but didn’t let go.
I could feel his rationality slipping away bit by bit. His eyes bore into me, wild and feral, as if he wanted to devour me whole.
My heart raced wildly.
I’d never seen Kael like this before.
Was it because he was a werewolf? Did the wolf inside him prefer the wild over the concrete and steel of human dwellings?
The next moment, Kael pushed me against the tree trunk again, kissing me fiercely while his hands slid under my clothes, exploring my body.
His hands were rough, radiating heat. When they cupped my chest, I shuddered involuntarily.
A soft whimper escaped my lips.
Then, Kael bit my neck.
I could feel the sharp edge of his fangs grazing my skin.
It stung slightly, a sensation that sent shivers down my spine.
For a moment, it felt like Kael was about to transform into a wolf.
He’d bitten me before, but he’d never revealed his wolf’s teeth.
This time, it was different.
Even though it was just a light bite, I could clearly feel the sharpness of his fangs.
And with it came a wave of goosebumps spreading over my skin.
Kael didn’t mean to hurt me-I knew that.
He bit down lightly and released me, his kisses trailing down my neck.
He kissed my collarbone, sucking hard enough to leave a mark.
My body trembled as if electrified.
His lips moved lower, nearing my chest.
But just as he was about to kiss me there, Kael suddenly pulled my shirt up.
I stared at him in surprise.
Kael’s expression darkened, his face severe and murderous, as though he was ready to kill.