Chapter 4 Like the moon

I finally see the end of the cliff and prepare to dive into the water. I was exhausted, but I knew I would need to push myself even harder. But I knew the King wouldn't jump into the water. And even if he tried, his officers would stop him. The height was gigantic, and they wouldn't risk losing their King.

"Please!" I hear his voice and I'm startled.

His voice was low and this time conveyed pain. Was King Alpha begging me? The King?

"Please, don't leave me!" The King pleads once more.

"Please!" I hear Harper repeat.

I shed another tear and feel the pain triple. His plea broke my heart. I knew the King was feeling the same pain as me and that we would have to live with it from now on. But a part of me tried to believe that this pain wouldn't last for him.

"Don't leave me!" I hear the King plead once more.

I was about to jump into the water. I stop running and plant my paws on the ground. My body doesn't stop immediately, and I feel like I'm falling.

I quickly moved my paws backward, causing a small part of the cliff to break. I looked at the cliff and the turbulent sea below. I was confused and my thoughts were jumbled. That action had been rash and possibly fatal. Then I turned my body and looked at the reason for all my confusion.

His face seemed relieved, and I saw his breathing gradually calm down. Soon the King was standing in front of me again. His all-black suit, perfectly tailored, had some bloodstains. The King was large and robust, with strong features. He was perfect.

The King took a step towards me, and I immediately stepped back a little. He stopped and observed me, looking agitated.

"Don't you dare run away from me again," the King said, but this time he didn't sound authoritative. He seemed to be asking again, not demanding.

I struggled to look away from him and stared back at the precipice.

"You thought you were cursed and would live forever in darkness. But a light appeared, Maya. Please, don't let him go." Harper speaks calmly.

I sigh upon hearing those words, feeling a wave of sadness wash over me. I was used to being alone, and it had always been that way. But now there was someone. Not just anyone, but a King. What could I possibly cause him besides sadness?

"I'm scared, Harper," I admit for the first time, turning back to face the King.

The King no longer seemed inclined to stop me; he was looking at me intently. But at no point did he approach me.

"I don't know why you're reluctant," the King begins to speak, appearing confused and afraid. "I would never hurt you!"

His gaze conveyed truth, leaving me even more confused. Very bad things could happen if I stayed. So why hadn't I jumped? I shouldn't be hesitant! I should be far away.

"Allow yourself to be happy. Just once, Maya. Just try," Harper speaks once more.

Harper wasn't fighting against me anymore either; she seemed to be waiting for my decision. I sigh, feeling like a complete idiot. Slowly, I transform back into a human. I see the King release his breath, as if he had been holding it all this time. I just stood there, not knowing what to do.

I had run away from him, taking advantage of the moment he was distracted. And not to mention, he was distracted because he was defending himself. The King didn't seem to have as many questions as I did, since he walked towards me quickly.

In a matter of seconds, his arms were around my waist. Soon our bodies were united, so united that they seemed to be merging. His lips were soon pressed against mine. It was a surprise, and soon I was repeating his gentle movements.

What had previously seemed like an unnecessary display of affection from people had become the best thing I had ever experienced.

His tongue invaded my mouth, making me let out a sigh of satisfaction. That only seemed to motivate the King even more, since his tongue continued to caress my mouth in a delicious way. Then the King abruptly pulled his mouth away, leaving me disoriented. I saw that his eyes remained closed, while his forehead rested against mine.

His action seemed to cause him pain, and gradually he loosened the grip on our bodies. But neither of his arms left my waist. It even seemed as if he was afraid I would escape again. This thought made me smile.

"I should go slowly," the King said in response to my confused look.

"Should we say we'd go all the way right here? Even in front of a crowd if necessary?" Harper questioned me with a malicious tone.

I had to fight not to smile or show my disappointment at hearing those words. When had I become such a desperate person? Why did I feel like my body was on fire?

"My name is Conrad Aiken, and yours?" He asked, and I smiled slightly.

We had skipped an important part.

"Maya," I reply, and Conrad seems to expect my last name. "Just Maya," I clarify, and Conrad nods.

"I have so many questions," Conrad says, looking at me curiously, and then huffs as soon as he hears the sounds of paws. "Shall we go somewhere quieter?" His gaze reflects expectation.

I nod with a smile, which he returns. I didn't think it was possible, but Conrad looked even more handsome smiling. I feel those damn butterflies in my stomach, which soon made me blush. What was happening to me?

"Even I'm impressed. I didn't know you had a human side. What isn't a companion capable of doing, after all?" Harper sounds ironic.

Conrad starts walking, but with his hand around my waist. I couldn't help but smile at his grip around my body.

"What is it?" Conrad asks while observing me with a smile, staring at me with enchantment just as I had done a few seconds ago.

"I'm not going to run away anymore." I answered, feeling my cheeks flush, as I lowered my head.

Was I embarrassed?

"Be patient with me, I don't know if I'll be able to let you go anytime soon," Conrad said with a charming smile.

My heart was racing as I admired the man beside me. My hands were sweating, and I was nervous. Despite this, I felt comfortable. I don't remember ever feeling comfortable, especially with someone so close. But him beside me, his touch. Everything felt right.

Soon we were leaving the forest, and Conrad's large army was already waiting for us. They were all in perfectly impeccable suits and had serious postures. They were different and exuded superiority.

The Alpha King's pack is called Maximil and is composed of members chosen by the Alpha himself. It's usually made up of strong warriors, powerful heirs, gods, and allies. So I knew these weren't ordinary wolves.