She was falling for him, slowly but surely, despite the fact that she knew she shouldn’t be. Her heart was such an odd thing, so easily swayed within such short amount of time. She couldn’t help it. She was a romantic. A woman searching for her handsome prince. Warning bells were going off and she was afraid. Riordyn had hurt her so. And yet…she couldn’t help herself!
And he was handsome.
Hala was no fool. He could see it in the way she looked at him and it both angered and pleased him to see her adoring eyes, her sneaky glances when she thought he wasn’t looking.
Their eyes met then and he growled. “What are you looking at?”
She blushed, flattening her ears a little. “You’re healing well.”
He nodded, extending his foreleg. The muscles in his shoulder stretched and ached but she was right, he was healing well. His eyes moved back to her and she was staring again. It irritated him. Why was she looking at him in such a way? He had never been affectionate and though he had treated her better than most – in that he hadn’t attacked her – he certainly wasn’t kindly. He’d not said thank you, he was full of growls and harsh words. And yet, here she was, looking at him like that.
“Why don’t you just say it?”
“W-what?” She fidgeted now, embarrassed and hesitant. An irritating, childlike quality about her. And yet, he supposed it worked to his advantage. If he wanted to keep her around to hunt for him, to care for his wounds, to provide warmth and entertainment through long, dark nights then her innocence could only aid that. He wondered whether it might also be a good idea to get her pregnant, to continue his line and have others there to aid him in his search for his brother, Altair. He knew, realistically, he might not find the male for years and having a few sons and daughters there at his side…well, he couldn’t lose.
“Come here.” He ordered, taking some odd delight in how she obeyed instantly, moving to sit beside him. In the next moment he extended a paw, coiled it around her shoulders and pulled her sharply against him. Pressed against his chest, she blinked up at him with surprise, stuttering his name and wriggling with embarrassment. He grinned and held her closer, lowering his maw to her own.
“Hala.” She squeaked.
“You want me. I see it in your eyes.”
No response.
“I won’t stand for just any woman at my side. You probably know that already, don’t you?” His voice was low. “That’s why you haven’t gathered the courage to ask whether you can give me your heart.”
“Hala…”
“I need a useful woman, Anya. A woman who can hunt. A woman who can heal. To provide me with cubs to continue my line. A woman who will stand by me no matter what happens. Unwavering loyalty. Can you offer me all of that?”
“Of course! But…can you promise me the same?”
Hala hesitated. He knew he wouldn’t do any of that for her. He was loyal only to himself, loving to indulge in his own greeds. But to say no was to lose her and lying had ceased to bother him long ago. “Of course, darling Anya.”
She should have known it then. Her mistake with Riordyn should have told her so much. Don’t follow your heart so blindly. Never trust one so easily. Don’t make promises that you might not be able to keep. And yet she did it and she reached up and kissed him again and again.
Hala, smiling to himself, sat and let her shower him with affection. He did not love her, but he did appreciate what she had done for him so selflessly. He hoped she planned to continue this. For if she did, she would be a valuable creature to keep with him.
Then, she paused and looked up at him with pleading eyes and he returned the affection, licking her face, her ears, her neck. She purred beneath his touches and pressed closer and he nipped somewhat roughly at the back of her neck.
“We have no den.” He replied gruffly. “Do you have any qualms about the open sky?”
She pressed close, heart thudding. He felt her head shake against him and with a smile he tugged her to her paws by the scruff and led her to the shade. It had been a long time since he’d been with a female. His lust seemed, suddenly to take priority.
/fin.
