Moonlight Prowl

Chapter Five: Morning Saunter

Kieran’s POV

Kieran stirred awake in his mountain-top palace, the soft rays of the morning sun filtering through the lush canopy of trees that surrounded his home. The palace was a marvel of architecture, seamlessly blending into the tropical landscape. Vines and flowers crept up the elegant stone walls, while the interior was a stunning mix of deep, rich woods and shades of green that echoed the forest outside. It was a place of beauty and power, befitting a king.

He rose from his massive bed, stretching his powerful arms as he padded to the solid glass window. He always slept in the n*d*, but thankfully the window was one way glass. Before heading to his bath, which he knew was already being prepared for him, he took a glance at himself in the mirror.

“You’re one c*c*y son of a b*t*h,” Basilius’s deep and sultry voice mocked in my head.

“Basilius, you know just as well as I that we are very well endowed.” I laughed as he rolled his eyes. He knew I was right, and he was just as c*c*y when we were in our cat form.

I sauntered to my bathing area, which was a sanctuary, resembling a small waterfall that cascaded into a natural stone pool. The air was fragrant with the scent of tropical flowers, and the sound of running water created a soothing symphony. I slowly sank down into the warm water, letting it wash over me as I watched the news on a sleek, hidden TV screen embedded in the wall.

The news anchor’s voice was a low murmur, reporting on the recent events. “In today’s headlines, authorities are investigating the death of a zookeeper found in the lion cage at the city zoo. The primary suspect, a female lion named Kit, is believed to have attacked and killed the staff member. There are calls for the animal to be put down to prevent any further harm.”

Kieran’s brow furrowed slightly as he listened. The situation was troubling, and the nature of the attack described in the news made him think of the recent disappearances and murders in the wercat realm. It was becoming clear that the threats plaguing both worlds were connected. He didn’t relish the thought of interacting with the human world, but he knew that to protect his kingdom, he would have to take on the role of a human and find this mysterious shadow, silencing them eternally.

As he pondered the implications, the door to his bath opened, and a group of female wercat servants entered. They moved with feline grace as they were stalking prey, their curves accentuated by the delicate silk robes they wore. Kieran, of corse, didn’t request that they dress this way, but he also didn’t refuse the sight. He was a single man, after all. The women always tried any way possible to grab their kings attention.

As they began to bathe him, their hands glided over his tan and chiseled chest. Their hands lingering too long on his skin as they worked. Some of the girls tried to catch his eye by flaunting their curves and subtly exposing their chests, while others rubbed against him, purring softly in an attempt to claim his affection.

Liora, the most alluring of them, slipped off her white silk robe and climbed behind him in the tub. Her dark curly hair, cascading in ringlets down to her lower back, framed her golden eyes and exotic tan. Kieran couldn’t help but notice she was wearing a white string bikini today, which barely covered her and left nothing to the imagination. She leaned in close, her voice a seductive purr. “You look so tense, my lord,” she whispered, her fingers beginning to knead the muscles in his shoulders. “Let me help you relax.”

Kieran allowed himself to enjoy her touch for a moment, appreciating the effort she put into pleasing him. Despite the allure of the servants, his mind remained focused on the news. The wounds described in the report were eerily similar to those that had been appearing on the bodies of wercats in his realm. The connection was undeniable, and the urgency of his mission pressed on him like a weight.

One of the other girls, a lithe and beautiful wercat, who’s name he couldn’t remember, leaned in close, her voice a seductive purr. “You look so dashing this morning, my lord,” she said, her finger nails trailing lightly over his chest.

Liora, irritated at the other females moved in front of Kieran, between his legs, slowly trailing her hands down his stomach and across his abs under the water. “I have picked out something special for you to wear today. I hope you like it.”

Kieran turned his gaze to her, a small smile playing on his lips. His canines/fangs slightly showing. “Thank you, Liora,” he replied, his velvety voice deep and resonant. “You always know how to make me feel my best.”

Pleased with herself, Liora whispered into Kieran’s ear, “Why don’t you let me finish helping you get ready my lord? Wouldn’t it be more relaxing with less distractions?” With a small seductive kiss on the kings cheek, Kieran waved away the rest of the servants, and Liora began to massage his scalp, washing his luscious dark hair as he melted in her capable hands.

After he had finished bathing, Kieran untangled himself from Liora and stepped out of his tub. He towed off and began to get dressed in the clothes Liora had chosen for him—a finely tailored suit in a deep, forest green that complemented his piercing eyes, tan skin and dark hair—he noticed she had rubbed her scent on the collar. Liora knew how to play mind games with him, and out of all the wercats he had come across, she was the closest he had come to taking a liking in. He would occasionally flirt with girls but he would never go all the way. He was no “Tom” cat. He was saving himself for the day he met his queen.