Page 17 of A is for Ahool

Slowly, he began to move, pulling out before easing back inside. The ache began to fade, my earlier need returning with a vengeance. I wrapped my arms around his back and jerked my hips into his next thrust. I moaned at the deep, rolling pleasure.

Muram responded with a low growl, picking up his pace as he drove into me again and again. I met him thrust for thrust, my body slick with sweat as I chased after the next wave of pleasure. His mouth dragged over my neck, teeth nipping at the sensitive skin as he moved above me. I arched into him, my fingers digging into his back as I urged him on. The tension inside me built with each powerful thrust, my climax just out of reach.

Muram seemed to sense my need, his movements becoming more urgent as he drove into me. His shaft hit deep inside me, the ridges dragging against my walls with every thrust. My breath hitched as he angled his hips just right, the pleasure bordering on pain. Muram's growls grew louder, the sound filling our nest as he took me with an almost brutal force. I cried out, my fingers clenching in his fur as I came apart beneath him.

My inner muscles clamped down on his shaft as I rode out my release, the waves of pleasure crashing over me like a tidal wave. Muram continued to pound into me, his hips slapping against mine as he chased his pleasure. I was vaguely aware of crying out over and over, begging for more, and nearly incoherent in my ecstasy.

“Kekasih,” Muram gasped.

The tenderness in his voice made my eyes burn, and when I squeezed my eyes closed in pleasure a single tear rolled down the side of my face. Muram stilled above me, his movements slowing as he reached his own climax. He pressed his forehead to mine, our heavy breaths mingling as we both came down from the high.

“I love you, Anissa,” he said. “I have loved you for years.”

I considered his words. I thought of the way he had treated me so gently from the beginning, making me feel safe and cherished. The way he saw me. I suddenly realized why he had sounded so choked up when he called me Kekasih. He had called me his beloved before he even knew my name.

As we lay there, still intertwined, I could not help but marvel that I had found my other half in the middle of the jungle a thousand kilometers from home. I ran my hands over Muram’s back, his soft fur sliding between my fingers.

“I love you too, Muram,” I said.

I had never felt this way about anyone before. Muram had awakened something deep within me, a part of myself that I never knew existed. A better, stronger, braver version of myself.

He raised his head to look down at me tenderly. “I will spend the rest of my life making you happy, Anissa.”

I pulled him down into a kiss.

∞∞∞

Six Months Later

Muram

It was interesting the things that changed and what stayed the same. I looked around the nest I shared with my beloved. Anissa had added things over the weeks. Small feminine touches. A woven cloth to cover the table I had carved for her and more pillows for our bedding.

The entire nest smelled like us. It was difficult to remember what it was like to be alone. Every day with my Kekasih was a soothing balm on the long, painful years. I looked around the nest. I had taken advantage of her absence, using the time to clean.

I walked to the door and looked up at the sky. She should be finished with her visit to the village soon. I jumped from the nest and swung from branch to branch, quickly making my way toward the village. I paused within hearing distance and sniffed the air.

Anissa's scent was faint, but getting closer. I dropped to the ground in time to watch her walk through the trees with her arms full. I hurried to take the large basket from her and leaned down to steal a kiss. Anissa grinned up at me.

“Good news today!” she said, bouncing on her toes a couple of times.

I smiled at her joy. “I am eager to hear it.”

Anissa gestured for us to continue walking. “The government has finally passed new legislation,” she said excitedly. “Jail time for attempts at deforestation and nearly five hundred hectares have been added to the border of the park as a buffer.”

“Congratulations, beloved,” I said, pride swelling in my chest.

When Anissa sent her proof to the university, she worried that it would not be enough without her presence. But the university had been surprisingly motivated. They sent periodic updates through the village’s spotty satellite internet connection, and over the past few months it became obvious that change was happening.

Anissa beamed. “Thank you,” she said, reaching up to cup my face. “I could not have done it without you.”

I shook my head. “You give me far too much credit, Kekasih.”

She waved off my words. “Modesty,” Anissa teased. “Let’s go home.”

I paused, letting her walk down the path ahead of me. Home. Yes. With her, my nest finally felt like home. My Kekasih was my home.

Anissa turned to look back at me. “Are you coming?” she called.

I smiled and nodded. I would follow my beloved anywhere.

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