Chapter 26

ISABELLE’S POV

Kael’s sudden dominance stunned me. His hands wrapped tightly around my body as he scooped me off the ground and into his arms.

His palm cradled my face with a protective look that sent shivers down my spine, and when he leaned down and whispered into my ears, I instantly shuddered with need.

He held my head like a beast and leaned down, his lips capturing mine. My heart surged as his lips plunged into mine, hot and needy.

The world around us ceased to exist when he plunged, my lips parting for him.

His kiss wasn’t just heated—it was consuming, like a fire raging with passion burning through my skin.

My wolf purred, growling in approval. This kiss was different from any other I had experienced before. Kael’s sudden intensity started something within me, a fire I couldn’t put out even if I wanted to. My arms instinctively reached around him, threading my fingers through his dark short hair and pulling him even closer.

When the kiss finally broke, our foreheads pressed together, and our chest heaved with a lack of oxygen.

Kael's dazed eyes were staring at me and I couldn't help but be transfixed with the passion in his gaze.

“Is that enough for you, General?” I whispered breathlessly.

His smouldering gaze locked onto mine. “Not enough. Not even close.” He responded, his voice a deep dark growl that made me shudder.

I smiled shyly and before I could reply, Kael’s rough hands slid over my shoulders, brushing against the thin straps of my nightgown.

The thin fabric slipped down my body slowly, laying in a pool at my feet. I stood before him, unashamed, my eyes shining with passion in the dim light.

Kael stood frozen, his dark gaze roamed over my figure, his eyes glowing with hunger. I bit my lip as I waited for him, waiting patiently for his heated touch.

But my body hummed with tension and need and I couldn't help but lean into him, planting my lips as on his.

With a low growl, he leaned forward, flushing my body against his. His hands roamed over my body, cupping my curves.

“Kael…” I moaned, curving my back towards him.

He ran the tip of his nose over my warm skin, taking in my scent. He settled in the crook of my neck, and in a split second, he dug his teeth into my neck.

His hands rummaged through my skin in a frenzy. The sound of our sharp heavy breaths filled the room.

I tried to be quiet but just one touch from him and I let out a loud wanton moan.

I gasped, pain blossoming from his mark, but it was quickly replaced with searing hot passion, burning through my skin.

My body shook with lust, every single touch on my me making me feel alive. Every touch, every kiss, only fueled my insatiable hunger for more, till I could hardly breathe.

I wanted more, needed it. I pushed my body closer to his, but it wasn't nearly enough. My instincts took over and responded in kind.

I pulled him in even closer. I put my teeth to the curve of his neck, marking him without thinking. Kael shuddered underneath me, my wolf howling with triumph.

Our bond flared to life, an invisible thread connecting us beyond the physical. I moaned loudly, kissing Kael hard.

But as the intensity of our connection deepened, Kael suddenly froze.

KAEL’S POV

The heat of our bond was overwhelming, a dark storm of emotions whirling through me.

It was unlike anything I have ever experienced. Isabelle’s touch, her divine scent, and the fire in her eyes as she gazed at me made me want to surrender to her.

But then, a tiny voice within me whispered a warning through the chaos in my mind. My wolf growled in protest, urging him to continue to take her fully.

But I just couldn’t shake the thought away. I needed to stop, I can't take her like this, I needed to do this the right way.

With all the effort I could muster, I stiffened and pulled back, my chest heaving as I struggled to stand upright. Isabelle’s soft touch lingered on my shoulders, her expression filled with confusion and frustration.

“Kael?” she asked, her brows raised with a question.

I managed to take a step back, running a hand through my hair as I clenched my jaw. “I just can’t,” I said finally, his voice rough with restraint. “Not like this, Isabelle.”

She blinked, her eyes narrowing. “Not like what?”

I sighed, taking another step, forcing myself to meet her burning gaze. “You deserve much more than this, Isabelle. More than a fleeting moment of passion.”

Her lips parted, surprise and an unreadable expression clouding her features. “What do you mean, Kael?”

My words were filled with regret, as my voice softened. “I have to prove myself to you. I’m not yet worthy of you.”

She tilted her head, taking her lower lips in her teeth and tugging hard. “Are you being serious right now?” she said, more a statement than a question.

I nodded slowly. “Before we can do this, I need to earn the right to be by your side. Let me go to the front lines. Let me reclaim the lost territory. And when I return—” He hesitated for a moment before finishing, “—I’ll ask for your hand in marriage.”

I could see her emotions swirling like a chaotic storm as her eyes trailed over me. She was frustrated but she was holding it back.

“Do you think I care at all about glory or honour?” she asked, her voice sharp. “

I shook my head. “I need to earn you Isabelle,” I whispered.

She sighed, taking a step towards me. She placed a hand on my chest, and my skin heated under her touch.

She hesitated for a second the words on her tongue before she finally whispered “There is no rush for that.”