Filed To Story: Veiled Desires of the Alpha King Novel
Talia was sitting on the lap of half-naked Dayson and her hand was on his rock-solid chest. His skin was smooth and warm, and she could feel his strong heartbeat under her palm, and if someone told her that she will find herself in this situation, she would call that person a liar.
‘BAM!’
Talia jolted when a loud explosion sounded nearby and she instinctively stuck close to Dayson with her fingers clutching his back as the night sky turned fiery red.
Dayson chuckled while welcoming this sudden proximity. Talia was glued to him, and he didn’t mind, not even a little bit.
Before Talia resumed breathing, another explosion erupted, this one colored the sky golden… and the next one turned it green.
Talia stared at the vibrant night sky, and her lips stretched into a smile.
This was the first time for her to see fireworks in person.
One color followed after another in rapid succession, sometimes several fireworks exploded at the same time, in a pattern Talia couldn’t follow, but she loved it very much.
The majestic aerial display was launched from the opposite side of the lake, that was bordering Darkbourne.
Talia was completely lost in the fantastic view of colorful explosions, unaware that she was still sticking to Dayson, and the breathtaking experience was enhanced by the reflection on the calm surface of the lake.
“Do you like it?”, Dayson’s voice sounded close to her ear.
“It’s beautiful.”, Talia breathed.
“It is.”
Talia peeled her eyes from the fireworks to look at Dayson and she met his icy-blue orbs directed at her.
Dayson’s face was turning from yellow to green and then red as it reflected the fireworks, and then it hit her… Oh, gosh! Is it possible that he was talking about her, and not about fireworks?
There was a moment of stillness when Talia thought that Dayson can see straight into her soul and read all her thoughts and desires. It made her heart beat so wildly that Talia wondered if Dayson can hear it over the fireworks.
The way he looked at her made her feel all kinds of funny things in her stomach; it made her feel important, needed, desired, no one ever looked at her that way and she hoped that she never wakes up from this dream.
Talia held her breath as Dayson inched closer to her, and then she felt his soft lips pressing on her cheek.
“I’m glad you like it, Talia.”, Dayson said in a husky voice. He was so close that his lips moved against her skin as he spoke, and then he kissed her again.
Talia closed her eyes and inhaled a shaky breath that filled her system with the scent of the forest and dark chocolate, and she held onto him tightly because she became lightheaded.
If there was a chance that she previously imagined his lips at the top of her head, and on the forehead, this was definitely real, right there, on her cheek… super-close to her lips. Almost there. Almost.
Dayson inched away and chuckled when he noticed that Talia’s eyes are closed. Even with the fireworks throwing colors on her face, he could see that Talia was beet red.
Dayson tapped her nose with his index finger. “Open your eyes, kitten. You don’t want to miss the grand finale.”
Right on cue, massive explosions sounded and shook Talia’s insides as the whole sky was set on fire with vibrant colors, and Talia realized that Dayson’s grand finale comment was about the fireworks.
Talia bit her lower lip in embarrassment because part of her hoped that the finale he mentioned might be about more kisses, on the lips, maybe.
She let out a long breath and chided herself. Why was she thinking about kissing the Devil?
Today’s incident told Dayson that he needs to win Talia’s heart and her trust because just saying that they are mates won’t be enough.
Without feeling the bond, Talia could run away from Dayson when she feels threatened, and he will need to assure Talia that he will be there for her no matter what.
How will he accomplish that? Dayson had no idea. He decided to ask Jaeden and Maya for advice tomorrow, but for tonight, this was good progress and the night was still not over.
For Talia, sitting on Dayson’s lap with his arms around her, came with a sense of safety and belonging, and he managed to make her nervous at the same time. His hold was comforting and warm, yet her insides shivered. It was unbelievable and contradictory.
When Dayson asked her earlier that day what she wants as a reward for being the MVP of the tournament, Talia was thinking about a date with him, and this… isn’t this kind of a date?
Talia didn’t know if this means anything to Dayson, but she was confident that she will remember this evening forever.
Dayson cradled Talia in his arms, and she leaned on him completely as they enjoyed the fireworks and each other’s company in silence.
…
…
“Should we go to the festival?”, Dayson asked Talia once the fireworks ended.
Talia looked at Dayson questionably, and he clarified. “I told you that I want to see the festival with you in the evening, and it’s evening, so… Unless you are tired or not in the mood, we can go.”
Talia blinked while processing his words. It seems that this date wasn’t over yet, but there was a problem… “What about your shirt?” It was ruined with her snot and definitely not wearable. It was some silky material and Talia was not sure if it can be washed at all.
“Is there something wrong with me going like this?”, Dayson asked innocently.
“Well… no… but…”, Talia stumbled over her words. She knew that werewolves don’t shy from nudity and that going topless for a guy is not a big deal even if he is human, but this is a family-oriented festival and in a such social setting, he should cover up.
Besides, Dayson is attracting attention as-is. If he goes into the town topless, Talia wondered if he will cause a riot.
Everyone would be staring at Dayson (and at her if she is close to him). How can they enjoy the festival then?
Seeing that Talia couldn’t find the right words to express her thoughts that were completely exposed by her expression, Dayson chuckled. “Don’t worry, kitten. Of course, I will get something to wear as long as you are willing to go with me.” He paused to observe her face. “Are you willing to come with me?”
Talia stared into his eyes that smiled at her and she said, “OK”, without realizing it.
Dayson tilted his head and Talia understood that she should get up first.
Talia scooted out of his lap before standing up and Dayson hissed.
“What’s wrong?”, Talia asked with urgency when she saw him frowning.
“My legs are numb.”
“Oh…”, a sound escaped Talia’s lips. Well, she was sitting on his lap for a while. No wonder his legs are numb. “I’m sorry.”
Seeing Talia’s concern, Dayson got an idea.
“If you are sorry, help me.”
Talia extended her hand toward him, and Dayson stared at it like it’s a foreign object.
“What’s that for?”, he asked.
“Uhm… I want to help you get up. Take my hand.”
Dayson cocked an eyebrow. “I can’t feel my legs. Unless you can carry me, there is no point in me getting up.”
Talia had to agree with that logic. “So, how can I help?”