Kali, Child of the Gods

The Stranger in the Night

Marcel, the werewolf alpha, gazed at Kali with a mixture of curiosity and caution. He had never seen a human so broken yet so full of life. Her eyes, like dark pools, seemed to draw him in, but he couldn't shake off the feeling that she was hiding something.

"Who are you?" Kali asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I am Marcelous Dupree, but you can call me Marcel," he replied, his deep voice firm. "And you are a mystery. What are you doing out here alone?"

Kali hesitated, and Marcel's instincts told him she was hiding the truth. He didn't trust her yet, but he couldn't deny the strange connection he felt towards her.

"I was just lost," Kali stammered.

Marcel raised an eyebrow. "Lost? In these woods? At night?"

Kali nodded, her eyes avoiding him.

Marcel's gut told him she was trouble, but his curiosity got the better of him. He decided to keep her close until he could uncover her secrets.

"Come," he said, his voice firm. "You'll stay with me until I figure out what you're really after."

Kali nodded, her eyes flashing with a hint of fear. She could go home or take her chances with this guy. Something about him screamed dangerous, but also her instincts said to trust him. Marcel's instincts growled, warning him to beware of this mysterious human.

“My name is Kali,” he heard her say, and he said nothing else after.

Marcel led Kali through the forest, his eyes narrowing as he watched her take in the surroundings. She seemed oblivious to the dangers that lurked in the shadows, and he couldn't help but wonder what she was hiding.

As they approached the estate, he gestured to the house. "Welcome to my home. You'll be staying here...for now."

Kali's gaze roamed the estate, her eyes lingering on the trees and the rolling hills. Marcel's instincts told him she was searching for something, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Eve, his beta, greeted Kali with a warm smile, but Marcel noticed a hint of wariness in her eyes. Aurora, his gamma and step sister, stood beside Eve, her expression a mask of cool reserve.

"Welcome, Kali," Eve said, her voice friendly but cautious. "We'll get you settled in."

Marcel's gaze never left Kali as he led her to a room with a fire crackling in the hearth. "You'll stay here, under guard, until I figure out what you're doing in our territory."

Kali's eyes flashed with a hint of fear, but Marcel's expression remained firm. He didn't trust her yet, and he wouldn't until he uncovered her secrets.

Kali's eyes adjusted to the dim light of the room, taking in the comfortable furnishings and the fire crackling in the hearth. But despite the cozy atmosphere, she felt a sense of unease. Marcel's words echoed in her mind: "under guard," and she knew she was a prisoner.

Eve entered the room with a tray in her hands. "Here, Kali, some food and drink. You must be hungry after your journey."

Kali nodded, her eyes never leaving Eve's face. She sensed kindness in the woman, but also wariness.

As she ate, Kali noticed Aurora standing in the doorway, her eyes fixed on her. The woman's gaze was piercing, and Kali felt a shiver run down her spine.

"Who is she?" Kali asked Eve, nodding towards Aurora.

"Ah, Aurora. She's...our security," Eve replied, her voice hesitant. "She's just making sure you're...safe."

Kali's eyes narrowed. Safe? Or imprisoned?

As the night wore on, Kali tried to rest, but her mind raced with questions. What did Marcel want from her? And what secrets was he hiding?

Days passed, and Kali settled into a routine at the estate. Marcel kept his distance, but she couldn't help noticing the way he watched her, his eyes lingering on her face. Eve and the others were friendly, but Aurora's cold gaze made Kali feel uneasy.

One day, while exploring the gardens, Kali stumbled upon Marcel. He was standing by a fountain, his eyes closed, and his face tilted towards the sun. She felt drawn to him, and as she approached, he opened his eyes, his gaze locking onto hers.

"Kali," he said, his voice low and husky. "What are you doing out here?"

She shrugged, feeling a flutter in her chest. "Just exploring."

Marcel nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "Be careful. The forest can be dangerous."

As they stood there, the air seemed to vibrate with tension. Kali felt a spark of attraction, and she knew Marcel felt it too.

Aurora appeared, her eyes narrowing. "Marcel, we need to discuss pack business."

He nodded, his gaze lingering on Kali, before he turned to follow Aurora.

As they left, Kali felt a pang of disappointment. But she didn't know that Marcel had given strict orders to his pack—no one was to shift in front of her, and no one was to mention the supernatural world. He wanted to keep her safe and ignorant until he could figure out why she was so drawn to him.

Kali's days at the estate passed in a blur of loneliness. She kept to herself, hesitant to get close to anyone. The memories of her past still lingered, making it hard for her to trust.

Marcel's attempts at conversation were met with brief responses, and Eve's friendly advances were rebuffed. Aurora's cold gaze only made Kali more withdrawn.

One day, while walking in the gardens, Marcel approached her. "Kali, can we talk?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Kali's instincts screamed "danger," but she nodded, her heart racing. She looked at him, noticing the beautiful outline of his muscles. She was 19, and he couldn't be over 21 or 22.

Marcel gestured to a bench, and they sat down. "I know you've been through a lot," he said, his eyes soft. "But I want you to know I'm here for you. If you need anything,

Kali's defenses rose. "I don't need anything," she whispered, her eyes cast down.

Marcel's hand reached out, then she hesitated, as if sensing her fear. "Okay, Kali. Just know I'm here."

As he walked away, Kali felt a pang of regret. She wanted to trust him, but her past held her back.

Aurora watched the exchange, her eyes narrowing. "Marcel, you're wasting your time with that human," she sneered. "She's not worth it."

Marcel's expression turned cold. "Mind your own business, Aurora."

But Kali heard the exchange, and her heart retreated further into its shell.