Chapter 50

~Mael~

Kamari came out today with no one besides herself. No pride, no son, it delighted Mael. The dress she wore today made his inner Dragon purr with bad intentions. Never would he hurt her, but if she chose to play rough, he wouldn't mind. He had watched her and her pride of mates for so long, aching to be one of them. The madness he went through, thinking he'd been the last of his kind, slipped away when he found her. Kamari is a hybrid Shade, but it was enough to give him hope. Mael had searched the world a dozen times, only to end up in his bountiful forest alone. 

They began to be good at hiding, and camouflage came naturally. Humans were easy to fool. Kind gestures went along way with them, and they immediately trusted someone who would bring them food and such without asking. Mael did those things on purpose to get the people's favor, and they adored him now. Kamari knew him as well, but of course, she didn't know his secret—not yet.

As she comes closer, her eyes dance as she sees people she recognizes, she happily hugs them, chats, says her farwell, and goes on her way, until she sees him. Kamari waves, "Mael!" She races towards him, halting at his fruit venue, which all came from his forest. The best in the land, seeing her again was worth the trouble. 

"I'm guessing you're not here for my fruits this time?" As she rounds the vendor's table and hugs him, Mael says, "I'm so happy you stayed." Kamari had been coming to him for a handful of years, but in that time, her father went nuts and locked her in the cursed castle. He was good at infiltrating, but magic was different for him. Something he couldn't win against. So he waited it out, and to add depth to the situation, she gained three mates in that time. 

It was very unfortunate for him. Perhaps his patience made things worse. But now it brought Kamari back within his grasp, and he indulged in her scent again. "This is my home. Why would I leave?" Kamari parted from him. You're so loyal to the kingdom."

Mael smiles softly, "I am loyal to you, my Queen." He sees the slightest flush on Kamari's cheeks, which makes his Dragon mad. "Thank you. People have told me you've given them food in their need. There is no way I could truly thank you for that."

"Hm, I can think of one way," he couldn't help himself. Mael knew a Shade's rash behavior; it was in their DNA and couldn't be controlled. It was one thing he realized her mates were doing and suppressing her. A Shade isn't meant to be held in. He sees the tainted look as she ponders the temptation that flushed her cheeks. Oh, Mael ached to indulge her wicked desires. 

"Hm," Kamari looks down and then purses her lips in a smile. "You're very bold." She says in a soft voice. "My husbands would kill you if you touched me, Mael. And humans don't look good with flesh burned off."

Mael smiles devilishly, "Oh? I'd surprise you." By Kamari's parted lips, he knows he's stunned her with his response. "You are quite bold." She chuckles. Mael shrugs, "I'm not ashamed, love. If anything, I've asked what I've wanted to for a while now." He grabs one of his black fruits, bites into it, and chews and swallows, "I'll have no regrets now."

Kamari double-blinks, "I've been coming to you for years, and now you tell me you had interest in me, Mael?" She says in that muse of a voice

Mael shrugs, "A little too late, I suppose?" 

"Most definitely." Kamari says, then tucks her hair behind her ear, "It's a shame, really," He watches as she grabs the red fruit she always bought and ensures he has enough. She bites into it, and the juices of the fruit drip down her curved jawline, down her delicate neck, and slip between her cleavage. It was all Mael could do not to snatch her up and devour her. Kamari closes the distance between them and whispers, "I would have let you."

Mael shudders as he turns and grips his vending table. He clears his throat, trying to fight off his inner demons. "So, the usual?" Kamari rounds the table and stands in front of him, licking the juice off her lips. "Yes, but," she pauses, then grabs the fruit he had bitten off and bit into it. "Mm, " she hums in her throat, "this one too." 

Good Grace of Kadea, this woman would be the end of him.

"Good choice," Mael bags up the fruit for her, and as she takes out the coin pouches, he chuckles, "What are you doing?"

She looks up at him with those vixen-like eyes that could be sweet one moment and a vicious beast the next. " I'm Paying you, of course."

"I never ask for your coin, Kamari." He hands her the bag and gives her a charming smile. Your presence is enough for me. Take care."

Kamari's eyes widen slightly, and he watches her eyes dilate. She looks down with a slight blush on her cheek. "Thank you. I'll see you whenever then."

Mael shrugs, "You may see me sooner than you think, " he winks at her. Kamari bites her lip as she turns away. Mael knew he got the Shade part of her excited by the look on her face. He could do it a million times and never get tired of it. He sighed; if their interaction had gone on any longer, he couldn't promise to play it safe. 

Kamari had an effect on him he hadn't felt in such a long time. It made him feel so alive. Shades weren't Known for creating prides. Once their young were of age, they got booted out to create their own Havens to protect. Unfortunately, Mael couldn't stay in the Kingdom for long. His own Haven needed his protection as well. As Mael starts to pack up his fruits, he notices Kamari's Son, Ryuu. Mael had been watching him—the water serpent's son. Of course, the urge to eliminate the competition rushed through his veins, but that wouldn't be a smart move. And the last thing he wanted to do was bring Kamari's wrath upon himself.

Ryuu starts to come his way. "I apologize, but I am closed today. Maybe next time you'll come earlier."

"My mother likes these," Ryuu says, gazing down at the fruits Kamari picked for herself. "Where do you grow them."

Mael's jaw clenches. "Somewhere far away. Where trespassers are not welcome." Ryuu catches his gaze. The young whelp seems to be sensing something. Mael strengthens his illusion of a human scent to throw him off. Ryuu shakes his head as if he got thrown for a loop, and Mael smiles.

"Well, I have a long journey home." Mael throws his satchel over his shoulder. "Take care, Dragonborn."

Mael wears a smirk as he walks away. It was almost too easy to fool them all.