Chapter 15

Steaming water bubbled around Kiri as she sank into the hot tub, but the soothing warmth failed to ease her tense muscles. She closed her eyes and leaned back, willing herself to relax and enjoy the sensual pleasure of the bubbling hot tub under the starry sky.

Frustration knotted in her chest, refusing to dissipate no matter how hard she tried to relax. Her mind kept drifting, preoccupied with thoughts of Monte's odd behavior earlier that evening. It had left her thoughts in disarray.

What was going on with him?

"Damn it," she muttered under her breath, gripping the edge of the tub with wet fingers.

Kiri sighed and opened her eyes, gazing up at the full moon glowing above.

Her gaze drifted to the bracelet adorning her wrist, a gift from Lyra—as the moon's pale light gleamed off it. She twisted it gently around her arm, the cool metal contrasting sharply with her heated skin—and yet no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't yank it off.

"Monte, what are you hiding?" she whispered, tracing her thumb along the delicate chain. "If this is supposed to protect me from harm, why was he so afraid?"

Monte was usually so calm and steady, his presence as solid and reassuring as an ancient Moonstar. To see him rattled like that… it concerned her.

Kiri's brow furrowed as she replayed the strange moment again in her mind. The look in Monte's eyes…something raw and primal lurked in their depths.

"Maybe I should talk to him," she murmured, her eyes narrowing in determination. "No more secrets."

Their romance had been nothing short of intense, passionate, and undeniably intoxicating. She craved every part of him—his strength, his tenderness, and even the vulnerability that lay beneath his monstrous exterior.

Why couldn't he understand that she wanted all of him—both man and beast?

Moonlight shimmered on the surface of the lake, casting an ethereal glow on the water. Kiri's gaze was drawn to it, her eyes lingering on the dark form that emerged from the depths. Her initial hesitation gave way to curiosity as she squinted, trying to make sense of the shape.

"Is that...?" Kiri whispered, her heart pounding in her chest. "It can't be."

Silence was her only answer.

Kiri blew out a frustrated breath and hauled herself out of the hot tub, rivulets streaming down her nude form.

Throwing on her robe, she stepped into her Crocs as she tied the sash around her waist.

Guided by the silvery light of the moon, Kiri followed the path that led to the lake without aid of her walking stick, her steps slow and deliberate.

The moonlight dappled the forest floor, guiding her steps along the windy path.

As she emerged from the tree line and approached the edge of the lake, Kiri's breath hitched.

There in the shallows stood Monte, his broad back to her, staring out over the star-flecked lake. Even from a distance, she could see the tension bunching his massive shoulders, the rigid set of his spine.

Something was very wrong.

Heart pounding, Kiri crept closer, her Crocs-covered feet sinking into the cool sand, water leaking into the holes of her shoes. "Monte?" she called softly. "Is everything all right?"

"Kiri… You shouldn't be here." His voice was rough, almost pained as a low growl rumbled up from his chest. "I didn't want you to see me like this."

"Like what?" Kiri swallowed hard but held her ground, her heart aching for the monster she loved. "We're in this together. I'm not afraid of you, Monte. You don't have to hide from me."

He whirled to face her. "Please," he implored, his eyes meeting hers in a desperate plea. "Don't come any closer."

Her resolve remained unshaken as she stepped forward, her gaze never leaving his. She ignored the freezing lake water as she stood silently, ankle deep.

He shook his shaggy head, hands clenched into fists at his sides. "You don't understand. The urges I'm feeling, the things I want to do..." He squeezed his eyes shut while gritting his teeth. "I can't control myself. You need to run, run as far away from me as you can!"

But Kiri was done running—from him and from what blazed between them. Slowly, deliberately, she untied her robe and let it fall to the sand, baring herself to his tortured gaze. "I'm not going anywhere," she said firmly. "I told you that I trust you, Monte."

His eyes raked over her naked form, burning with hunger, with need. The growl deepened, became a snarl. "Mate," he rumbled, the word echoing through the night. "Mine."

"Yes," Kiri breathed, trembling with her own desire. She raised her arm, the bracelet glinting on her wrist. "Yours. And you're mine."

Monte surged forward, looming over her, so close she could feel the heat rolling off his skin. Slowly, reverently, he touched the enchanted bracelet, his clawed finger impossibly gentle.

"Monte?"

His eyes snapped to hers, wild and desperate. "Kiri, you need to leave," he rasped, his voice thick with urgency. "Now."

She took a hesitant step closer, her gaze locked on him. The usually composed Minotaur looked feral, his eyes glowing with an intense, almost primal light. She could see the tension in every line of his body, the way his hands clenched into fists.

"Please, Kiri." His voice broke, desperation clear. "It's not safe. My... my mating heat. I can't control it."

She froze, processing his words. The concept of mating heat was something she'd read about but never fully understood until now. Seeing Monte like this—vulnerable yet dangerous—stirred a mix of emotions within her.

Fear for him, not of him.

And something else—an undeniable pull, raw and magnetic.

"Monte, I told you that I'm not leaving you." Her voice was stern, as her gaze never left his.

"Damn it, Kiri!" Monte growled, stomping his feet, causing large splashes in the water. "This isn't a game! I can't control myself when I'm like this!"

"Then don't," she replied softly, taking a step closer to the water's edge. "Don't control it. Let it out. Show me who you really are, Monte."

"Then run!" He staggered forward, causing ripples to dance across the lake's surface. "Run as fast as you can, because once I've caught you, you're mine."

A shot of adrenaline ripped through Kiri's veins, making her heart gallop in her chest. His words were a mix of a warning and a plea, one that set her nerves on fire. But there was no fear, only the exhilarating thrill of being chased—and being caught—by him.

Moonlight filtered through the dense canopy of trees, casting a silvery glow on the forest floor as Kiri darted between the trunks. Her laughter echoed through the night, mingling with the rustle of leaves and the heavy, rhythmic stomps of Monte's pursuit.

"Catch me if you can!" she called over her shoulder, exhilaration spiking her voice.

Monte was hot on her heels, his heavy pants echoing eerily through the dense thicket. His monstrous form loomed in every shadow; she could practically feel his breath on her back as his powerful legs propelled him forward with earth-shaking force.

She veered off the path, her feet light and sure despite the uneven terrain. The forest seemed to pulse with their shared rhythm, branches parting for her, roots steady beneath her steps.

Laughter escaped her lips as she glanced over her shoulder catching sight of him. His horns glinted under the moonlight as he charged after her, his eyes burning with wild desire.

She skidded around a large tree clumsily, barely managing to keep herself upright before sprinting off again toward their cabin. Never in her life had she felt so free—so alive—and deep down, she knew Monte wouldn't hurt her.

A clearing opened up ahead, revealing the large gazebo beside the hot tub, its structure overlooking the tranquil lake. The cabin and the woodmaking barn framed them, with only the secluded open lawn and personal garden nearby.

Closer... the cabin was close now. Her legs were burning with exertion, lungs gasping for air, but she didn't slow. She wouldn't. She had permitted the chase, and she was going to see it through.

"Monte!" she called over her shoulder, her voice carrying on the wind. "Come get me."

One last burst of strength, one last sprint before reaching the gazebo.

"Got you," Monte's voice was a growl, rough and filled with longing as he caught her arm, spinning her into his embrace. His hands were firm yet gentle, his touch igniting sparks where their skin met as their bodies collided.

"You can't escape," he rumbled, his breath warm against her ear. The words were both a promise and a challenge, his grip tightening possessively. Something long, hard, and warm pressed between them.

"Good," Kiri breathed out, pressing closer as she stood on her toes, her lips brushing his neck. "I don't want to."