I melted into Kieran's embrace as his lips moved with mine, relishing in the feeling of our skin to skin contact as pleasurable tingles spread from where our skin touched.

I wrapped my arms around his neck loosely, running my fingers through his hair as we kissed. It was like I was drowning and Kieran was the precious air I longed for, the thing I'd die without .

I gasped softly as his hands moved to my waist, pulling me flush against his body.

It felt so right being with him. It was natural and organic. Nothing needed to be modified or changed, it was simply perfect as is.

He pulled away all to soon, his eyes dark and his breathing heavy as he just looked at me as if he were making sure I was actually there in front of him.

He smoothed the pad of his thumb over my cheek and then my lips.

I stood up on tip toe and kissed him firmly once more, assuring him that I was indeed in front of him and would not be going anywhere anytime soon.

"Oh my darling Charlotte, you will surely be the death of me." Kieran said.

After a while of gathering the rogue bodies, I was exhausted, my father explained that it was my body's way of coping and adjusting to its new power and that I would need to rest soon.

It must have been obvious because Kieran practically forced me to his room and instructed me to shower, and when I tried to protest he growled and said he would bathe me himself if he had to.

I did have some dried blood on me so I didn't protest, especially because I didn't want him to see me as clothed as the day I was born. We may have swam in the hot spring, but I made sure to stay under the water where his eyes couldn't see.

Did he expect me to sleep with him now? I had no problem just sleeping in a bed, but I was worried about other activities mated couples did.

I don't even know if I'm ready for the physical vulnerability that comes with a relationship. I knew Kieran was far from pure, but I had never been comfortable and secure enough with myself to go to that level with anyone.

I sighed as I got out the shower, throwing on one of Kieran's huge shirts and undergarments before walking out the restroom, the steam following me as I left.

I paused when I saw Kieran sitting atop of the comforter of his bed, book in hand as he read silently.

I smiled and he looked up, giving me one of his own and I knew if I didn't say it now, I would probably freak out with the anxiety of constant wonder.

"Can I tell you something?" I asked.

I watched as he put his book down on the bedside table and looked up at me as he nodded.

I breathed out as I gathered the courage to say what I needed to say.

"I don't think I'm ready to have sex." I said bluntly.

I watched as Kieran gave a small smile that was immediately followed by a chuckle as he tossed his head back.

"Charlotte, come here darling. " Kieran said and patted the spot on the bed next to him.

I walked over quietly, resting against the headboard as I sat down.

Kieran rolled onto his stomach and looked up at me as he gripped my hand.

"Charlotte. Just because we're embracing our inevitable bond as mates, it doesn't mean I expect you to just fall into bed with me. I enjoy the fact that we're taking things slower than most and I would never force you into doing something you don't want to do. It's been a while since I've ever allowed anyone close to me since my brother, but I-

"You have a brother? Where is he?" I asked in confusion.

I noticed how Kieran stiffened and released my hand as he sat up quickly and turned his back toward me, hiding his face from me.

"Kieran?" I asked in confusion and reached toward him.

He growled as I touched his arm, his large hand encasing mine roughly, his grip on my handing causing me discomfort as it tightened quickly.

I looked up into black orbs where Kieran's beautiful hazel eyes were moments ago.

"Leave him alone!" He yelled at me as he shook me, the movement causing us to fall from the bed and onto the ground near the bedside table.

I cried out as his grip tightened and I could feel the pressure on my wrist as he squeezed as he stared down at me, his mouth in a tight line and his jaw clenching as he overpowered me.

"Kieran you're hurting me!" I yelled as I tried to pry my wrist from his grip.

I clawed at his wrist and he let go momentarily, the momentum laying me out on the floor as Kieran hovered over me now.

He growled above me just as the door nearly flew off the hinges, James in the doorway with my father and Daniel.

Kieran looked down at me and I watched as he raised his fist.

James growled and launched himself at his son, the impact sending them crashing into the wall across the room, the sounds of my mate howling in agony filled my ears and I thought James was hurting him until I stood up quickly and saw no one was even touching him. Kieran sat in a fetal like position as he cried out in pain and began kicking and thrashing against the floor.

He was crying as if someone had died.

I froze at my stupidity.

I looked up seeing Elise and Alina standing in the hallway as if this were a recurring nightmare.

Elise looked down at my wrist and gasped.

I looked down seeing it swollen and purple, bruises already forming.

"Oh Charlotte, baby come with me. You don't need to see this." She said as he ripped me away from the scene, not even giving a double take as James laid himself on top of his son, restraining him against the floor.