Moonlight Prowl

Chapter Twelve: Fantasies or Fated Mates?

Kieran’s POV

Kieran sat in his office the next day, the previous night’s events at The Velvet Claw still fresh in his mind. The room around him was a sanctuary of refined taste and natural beauty. Large windows draped in rich, emerald-green curtains allowed streams of golden sunlight to pour in, illuminating the lush greenery that adorned the space. An array of plants, from towering palms to delicate orchids, thrived under his meticulous care, creating a verdant oasis. The gentle hum of a saltwater fish tank, positioned prominently against one wall, provided a soothing backdrop. Its colorful inhabitants—vibrant corals and exotic fish—moved gracefully, adding a touch of the ocean’s serenity to the room.

Classic wood furniture, crafted from dark, polished mahogany, graced the room with an air of timeless elegance. The centerpiece was his grand, ornate desk, its surface inlaid with intricate carvings and supported by clawed feet that spoke of old-world craftsmanship. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases lined the walls, filled with an eclectic collection of ancient texts and modern works, their spines forming a mosaic of colors and histories.

Kieran, seated at the center of this opulent room, looked every bit the king of the jungle. His broad shoulders and strong, chiseled features exuded a regal presence, his deep green eyes sharp and thoughtful. His dark hair, tousled with just the right amount of disarray, framed a face that could have been carved from stone, yet softened by a contemplative expression.

He was supposed to be working on the investigation, sorting through files and compiling evidence, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the mysterious woman named Lena. Her piercing blue eyes and the way she moved with a mix of grace and purpose lingered in his mind. Unable to focus, he found himself drawn to his computer, searching for any information he could find about her.

Much to his frustration, there was little to uncover. No social media presence, no professional profiles, nothing except a single dating profile. His chest tightened with unexpected jealousy as he read through it. The idea of other men seeing her, wanting her, made his blood boil. He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes and trying to calm his racing thoughts.

Why do I feel this way? he asked himself, or rather, he asked his internal werecat, Basilius.

His wercat stirred within him, pondering the question, “Is she our fated mate?”

I don’t know, Kieran replied inwardly. The bond doesn’t feel like the ones I’ve heard about. It’s intense, but not overwhelming.

Basilius growled softly, considering the situation. “Perhaps there are different types of bonds. This one could be unique to her.”

Kieran sighed, rubbing his temples. It’s confusing. And frustrating. Maybe I should text Tony and ask if he’s ever heard of such an odd bond.

His wercat purred in agreement. It wouldn’t hurt. Tony has a lot of experience with these matters.

Determined to find a way to contact her, he decided to create a dating profile of his own. He told himself it was for the case, a way to gather more information. Deep down, though, he knew it was more than that. He felt drawn to her, a magnetic pull he couldn't resist. She is mine, he thought fiercely.

He returned to Lena’s profile, studying her picture. She was the image of elegance and class. Her hair was luxuriously curled, cascading down her shoulders. She wore a form-fitting silver floor-length dress that shimmered like starlight, hugging her curves perfectly. Around her neck was a deep blue sapphire and diamond necklace, the jewel plummeting and nestling in her chest, drawing attention to her graceful décolletage. Her eyes, framed by long lashes, held a hint of mystery, and her smile was both inviting and enigmatic.

~~~~~~~~~~~Some Adult Content~~~~~~~

As he completed his own profile, a wave of arousal washed over him, the thought of Lena occupying his mind. He was lost in the sensation when the door to his office opened. Liora waltzed in, dressed provocatively in a tight, low-cut dress that left nothing to an imagination. She carried a gold tray with a tea cup setting on it. A mischievous glint was in her eye as she stalked up to his desk and perched herself on the corner and leaned in towards him - revealing her b****ts.

"Kieran, I thought I’d surprise you with tea," she purred, leaning even closer, her voice dripping with insinuation.

Kieran’s eyes snapped open, his arousal still fresh and undeniable. Liora’s gaze shifted, and she noticed his giant raging b*n*r trying to rip right through his pants, and misinterpreting it entirely.

~~~~~~~~~Adult Content Ends~~~~~~~~~~

"Oh, Kieran," she said softly, her hand reaching out to stroke up his leg. "I didn’t realize you felt this way."

Kieran stiffened, his mind racing to regain control. "Liora, it’s not what you think," he said, and Basilius growled.

She looked at him with a mix of confusion and disappointment, her hand withdrawing slowly. "But... I thought...I could please you..”

"It’s not you..," he interrupted with a hiss, his eyes hardening with irritation. "Thank you for the tea, Liora. You can leave now."

Liora’s expression faltered, a flicker of hurt crossing her features before she masked it with a forced smile. "Of course, my king. If you need anything else, just call. You know ill do anything for you.”

As she began to turn away, her eyes caught the image on his computer screen. Her face twisted with sudden fury. "Who is she?" Liora demanded, her voice rising with jealousy.

"That's none of your concern," Kieran replied sharply, his patience thinning even more.

Liora's face flushed with anger. "So this is why you've been so distracted," she spat, her tone venomous. "You're pining over some woman on a dating site?"

"Leave, Liora," Kieran said, his voice cold and commanding - a command she could not disobey.

Without another word, Liora stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her. Kieran exhaled deeply, trying to shake off the lingering tension. His thoughts immediately returned to Lena, the desire to find her and unravel the mystery of his feelings burning even stronger. The investigation was still important, but now, finding Lena had become personal.

He pulled out his phone and composed a message to Tony.

"Hey Tony, quick question. Have you ever heard of a bond among our people that feels strong, but not quite like the fated mate bond we're told about? It's... different, but still intense."

He hit send, hoping his friend might have some insight. Kieran's heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and desire as he awaited a response, the magnetic pull toward Lena growing stronger by the minute.

Kieran sat in his office, staring at his phone as he awaited Tony's response. His thoughts were a whirl of confusion and frustration, and he hoped Tony might offer some clarity. When his phone buzzed a few minutes later, he quickly opened the message.

"Hey Kieran, I remember reading about something like that when I was younger. There are a few ways a mate bond could be covered up.. Someone could seek help from other mythical beings to obscure the bond. Also, if a wercat has never been pledged to one of the wercat realms/kingdoms or was banished, they would bear the punishment of not being able to find their fated mate. The bond is meant to bring our people together and help bring harmony. Those who do not follow the will of the gods would forever be lonely."

Kieran read the message several times, his mind racing with possibilities. Could Lena be someone who had sought such help? Or worse, could she have been banished from her realm? The thought of her being lonely, cut off from her people, stirred something deep within him.

He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes as he communicated with Basilius again.

“Did you read Tony's message?” Kieran asked.

“I did,” Basilius replied. “If Lena has been banished or sought help to obscure her bond, it would explain why our connection feels different.”

“But why would she do that?” Kieran wondered. “What could have driven her to such lengths?”

“There are many reasons,” Basilius mused. “Survival, protection, a desire for independence. Or perhaps she was wronged and had no choice.”

Kieran clenched his fists, the need to protect Lena growing stronger. “Whatever the reason, I have to find her. I need to know more. She will be mine.”

“Ours,” Basilius hissed. “She could be in danger, or she could hold answers to our own questions. Either way, she is important.”

Kieran’s resolve hardened. He would find Lena, no matter what it took. The investigation and his growing feelings for her had intertwined, and he couldn't separate them anymore. He glanced at her profile picture once more, her image etched into his mind, fueling his determination.

With newfound purpose, he began drafting a message to Lena through the dating app, hoping it would reach her and that she would respond. He had to know more about this enigmatic woman who had captivated his thoughts and stirred feelings he had never expected.

As he typed, his mind whirred with plans and strategies, all aimed at unraveling the mystery of Lena and the bond he felt with her. He hit send, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. The game had changed, and Kieran was ready to play.