Chapter 21

It took a moment for her to remember that he already had one such wolf for a pet. What was a couple more? She had to adapt fast and keep up with this strange new world and her new reality. She was a fairy with horns and a proboscis for crying out loud; Rex being a dog lover shouldn't be that big of a deal.

If there was anything unfortunate, it was that she considered herself a cat person. Yes, she loved all animals but she was too lazy to handle most pets. And cats, who were low-maintenance, just happened to be her ideal. She'd had one in her last life but it died of old age and she couldn't imagine her retirement— rather her second chance life, without the cute little furballs.

Heat from Rex's body warmed her front as she clung onto him, her breasts pressed between them. His sweet chocolate scent was enticing and yet so soothing. The hard muscles in his shoulders shifted under her palms as he moved, his formidable aura washing over her but oddly enough, she didn't feel the least bit threatened.

He was a delectable, albeit overwhelming, treat to her senses; and she had never desired anyone so much. Her arms around him tightened and she was basically hugging him now, embracing his firm body. She sighed. How unfortunate indeed. They would have to go their separate ways eventually but in the mean time, she would make sure to enjoy his presence thoroughly.

She licked her lips and reigned in her perverse thoughts before she ended up drooling over his back. She looked past the docile wolves, towards the floating island itself and caught a glimpse of a Whiteleaf tree in the distance. It stood tall, well above the rest, leaves glowing azure in the pale blue moonlight. The plants around them didn't sparkle with a sheen of silver fairy dust like on Sher island, but the scene was just as enchanting, under the star-filled night sky and three luminous moons.

"That—" she began, intending to ask Rex about the Whiteleaf tree, but he was already moving like The Flash. Her blurred sight only came back into focus when Rex stopped before a sizeable metallic door. She was slightly dizzy but noticed that they were standing on the veranda of a big mansion, high stone columns holding up the roof above them.

"Hm?" He casually gave the door a push and it swung open with a hefty groan, looking way too massive and heavy to be moved with just the one hand that he was using. "What were you saying?" he prompted when she remained quiet. His hand was still on her derrière as he stepped inside, shutting the door behind them.

"Remind me to close my eyes next time before you move like that," she said, the dizziness finally fading. "It's like you're a vampire or something."

"I'm not," he said too quickly. "I— I'm sorry, Mira. I didn't realise that I was moving too fast. I'll be slower from now on." He glanced back at her but didn't move to put her down. "Are you alright?"

"Just peachy," she replied, looking around the vast hall as he walked towards a flight of stairs beyond some pillars. She would have thought that they had entered a medieval castle if the place had been any bigger. Nevertheless, it was quite grand with high ceilings, held up by several pillars lined up in two rows across the hall.

The dark grey stone walls and floors looked like they had been carved out of a single block of solid rock, cut and smoothened out perfectly. They only needed a little polishing to truly shine. Large arched windows lay wide open, letting in plenty of natural light. The ambience would have been austere without the carpets, rugs and furs covering the floors, thick drapes hanging on the walls and windows, and the simple furniture here and there.

She had yet to get a proper view of everything when he was already on the second floor, entering a room to their right. It was a bedroom, the only indication being a large bed placed against a wall. Few plants grew wild, green and vibrant in certain corners of the room, and the wall opposite the bed was missing, opening up to a spacious balcony, only separated by four pillars. The room was too open; too exposed to the natural elements. Sleeping there was no different from sleeping outdoors.

Rex moved towards the bed and leaned down to lower her from his back. She didn't want to get off though and was immediately embarrassed at the thought; she was being childish. She let him help her slide down his back, his arm holding her against him. She stepped on soft fur but still felt a slight chill as she separated from his warmth.

"Thanks," she said as she stepped out of his hold, resisting the urge to climb back onto him. Her attraction to him was so strong that it scared her. She took another step back, needing to keep some space between them before she lost all self control. The building suddenly shook and having two left feet, she lost her balance.

"Hey," he said, catching her by the arm, steadying her, pulling her towards him, "be careful." The floating island was moving and he took the opportunity to get his arm around her waist again, pressing her soft body against his. He was hot and hard everywhere as peered down at her. She looked away.

He grasped her chin with his free hand, gently tilting her face towards him. Yet her eyes looked everywhere but at him. "Mira," he questioned, "are you scared of me?" He was too close for her poor heart to handle. Was he making a move on her? And why was she feeling bashful all of a sudden? She'd wanted this.

"I-I'm not scared. I just... I...," she stammered, her palms against his chest, reluctantly pushing. The loud rumbling and roaring outside caught her attention and she instantly turned towards the balcony. "I'm just worried that the crawlers will swarm us before we can get away."

He chuckled, tightening his hold around her. "Don't worry about them," his voice was low as he leaned in closer, his breath warming her neck, igniting her desire. "The barrier will block most of them out and the pack will handle the rest. Now, look at me."

"Y-you mean your overgrown wolves? Is that why you keep them?" she asked, leaning away from him. Her body begged her to give in to him but she struggled to keep her wits about her. She couldn't tell whether her hands were pushing or pulling him anymore.

"Sure." He sighed, letting go of her when she continued to resist him. She jumped, literally running away once she was free, her heart pounding. She dashed towards the balcony, pretending to be completely focused on the happenings outside.