Eira ordered a cocktail and perched herself at the counter, sipping it slowly. She felt a sudden, light touch on her shoulder, sending a jolt through her. Turning around, her eyes met those of a man who could only be described as captivating.
His emerald-green eyes were the first thing she noticed, glowing with an intensity that seemed to pierce right through her. They were framed by thick, dark lashes that added a mysterious edge to his already striking gaze. His sharp cheekbones and strong jawline gave his face an almost sculpted perfection, but it was softened by a faint shadow of stubble that hinted at rugged charm.
His hair, a rich chestnut brown, was tousled effortlessly, as though the wind itself had styled it just for him. A few strands fell across his forehead, adding a boyish appeal to his otherwise refined features. His lips were full and curved into a small, teasing smile that hinted at confidence, maybe even a hint of mischief.
The dim lighting of the bar reflected off his tailored black shirt, which hugged his broad shoulders and hinted at a lean, athletic build beneath. He carried himself with an air of quiet self-assurance, a presence that seemed to make the space around him still and electric all at once.
"Excuse me, is that cocktail" he said, his deep voice smooth and melodic, as if it were meant to draw people in.
Eira blinked, momentarily caught off guard, before finding her words,"Yeah".
"You are still under control after those glasses of alcohol in the competition ?",he asked."I'm a good drinker",she simply replied.He took her hands and kissed the back,"Not bad for my type of girl".She looked away shyly and sipped her drink.
"Kieran," he said, his voice smooth and deep, carrying a quiet confidence that matched his striking appearance. "And you are?"
Eira hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by his sudden approach. Then, she accepted his hand, noting the warmth of his touch.
"Eir...Elen," she stammered, her voice steady but soft.
Kieran's lips curved into a slight smirk, his green eyes glinting with amusement. "Elen. A name as unique as the woman herself."
She tilted her head, raising an eyebrow. "Do you always charm strangers at bars, or is this a special occasion?"
"Only when they seem worth the effort ,is this your first time!," Kieran said with a low chuckle, his gaze never leaving hers.
She replied with a simple nod ,"I love your hair ,are you alone",his voice turned into a sweet murmur.
She gave a small nod, her lips curling into a subtle smile. "I love your hair," he said, his voice light yet sincere. "Are you alone?"
Eira raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Not anymore," she replied, offering her hand.
He led her onto the dance floor, where the music pulsed with an irresistible rhythm. The two moved in sync with the beat, their bodies drawn together by an unspoken tension. Eira, with her bold and unyielding spirit, began to grind her lithe figure against him, her movements deliberate and intoxicating.
Kieran clenched his jaw, struggling to keep his composure as the heat between them escalated. A low groan escaped his lips despite his best efforts to remain in control.
But Eira wasn't done. On the final beat of the song, she pressed herself harder against him, shattering the last of his restraint. Without a second thought, Kieran wrapped his arms around her and, with a flicker of his power, teleported them to a nearby spare room.
He pinned her gently but firmly against the wall, his breathing ragged as he stared into her eyes. Without hesitation, he captured her lips in a heated kiss, his lips moving with an urgency that mirrored the fire burning inside him. He trailed wet, fervent kisses along her jawline and down her neck, the intensity of his touch leaving her breathless.Kieran unhooked the dress down to her shoulders with deliberate slowness .His lips trailed from her earlobe to her eyes leaving trails of heated kisses.He sucked the skin just below her collar bone leaving red marks as his passion deepened.Gently he reached for the masquerade mask pulling it away.
His movements went faltered when her blindfold became visible.Fear flickered across his face ."A time traveller ",he murmured."Why did you let me go this far",his voice thick with disbelief.She pulled him closer her hands fisting her shirt,"Don't stop Kieran ,"her voice trembling in desperation.
But then Kieran stepped back slightly with his hands resting on her shoulders,"No Eira I can't and I won't defile you.You a sacrificial angel to the Moon Goddess .If I give in now I will suffer the punishment given to people who betray the divine order,"he said his green eyes filled with conflict . Eira's eyes welled up with unshed tears,"Please Kieran,I don't want to be time stalker anymore,I want to live a normal life like every wolf". Kieran's jaw tightened as he tried to resist her words,"Eira I understand you but destroying this will only lead to a disaster between us.Bloodmoon has never had a time traveller you are the first who hold the revelation of the Moon Goddess herself,I can't destroy it."
Eira's voice cracked as she drew back on tears,"I'm sorry for pulling you in my silly decision,I just want to live with mummy, Vangelis, Phoenix and sister in law .I don't want to leave them alone".Her words shattered his restraint, Kieran held her and kissed her deeply,when he felt things were getting heated he broke the kiss,his breathing heavy.
"I love you Eira, but I won't let our love ruin the balance ,if we are meant to be we will definitely be together not now but later,"he said his voice thick with emotions.
Eira's sobs quietened as he kisses them away.She cupped his face with her fingers trembling,"I'll leave on the eleventh hour and I would like to see you for the last time".Kieran nodded his green eyes filled with unweaving sincerity,"I think your sister in law,is looking for you".
The door creaked open slowly, revealing Fiona standing in the doorway. Her gaze landed on the two of them, her expression unreadable. "So, this is the man who's got you in utopia," she remarked, her voice calm but tinged with curiosity.
Kieran's grip on Eira tightened protectively as he pulled her closer. "She's safe with me," he assured Fiona, his green eyes meeting hers with quiet confidence.
Fiona nodded, stepping further into the room. "I'm glad you made her feel safe. Thank you for that." She extended her hand toward him, a small smile playing on her lips.
Kieran accepted the handshake warmly, his firm grasp radiating sincerity. "It's the least I could do."
Fiona glanced at Eira before giving a subtle nod. "Last words. We need to get going," she warned, her tone gentle but firm.
Kieran turned to Eira, his expression softening as he cupped her face. "Eira, look at me," he said, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. "Don't cry, okay? As I said, we'll meet again. Maybe not here, but somewhere, sometime. I promise."
Reaching into his coat pocket, he retrieved a small, well-worn toy, its edges slightly frayed with age. "Take this," he said, pressing it into her hands. "My mother gave it to me before she died. I haven't named it yet, but I think you should. Keep it with you—it's yours now."
Eira's trembling fingers curled around the toy as her eyes welled with tears. "I'll name it Puma," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.
Kieran smiled softly, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Puma it is, then."
Fiona placed a reassuring hand on Eira's shoulder, guiding her gently toward the door. Kieran stayed rooted in place, watching as they left, his heart heavy yet hopeful.
Flames danced in Fiona's palm, flickering with an intensity that mirrored the resolve in her eyes. With a swift motion, she let the fire engulf Eira's dress, jewelry, and heels, reducing them to ash. "Nothing of yours will leave a mark here," she muttered, her voice cold yet deliberate.
Eira watched silently, her expression calm despite the destruction before her. After a moment, she tilted her head, curiosity flashing in her eyes. "Sister, why weren't you upset when you saw me with Kieran?"
Fiona turned to her, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Because I'm glad you were able to socialize with him. He's not bad-looking, either," she added with a teasing glint in her eyes.
Eira smiled softly, her expression one of quiet gratitude. "Goodnight, sister," she said, her voice carrying a hint of weariness as she floated toward her room, her movements light and ethereal.
Fiona remained rooted in place, her gaze hardening as determination replaced her earlier warmth. She clenched her fists and muttered to herself, "Now, where do I find Phoenix?"