Page 6 of Last Shot at Love

With the room key now in my hand, the reality of the moment set in. The nerves were back, full force. “Thank you,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Don’t worry,” he assured me, his tone confident and encouraging, his eyes sweeping over my attire. “You look amazing.”

Glancing down at my clothing, I felt a twinge of self-consciousness. I wasn’t used to dressing up—especially since I hardly had a reason to do so living in the mountains—but I had chosen my attire carefully, hoping to make a good first impression.

“You really think so?”

“Your fated mate will love your outfit.”

“Thanks for the confidence boost,” I said, feeling a warm flush spread across my cheeks, holding the key a little tighter. “It’s strange to think I’m about to start a chapter like that myself.”

“Your room is down the right hall, facing the waterfront,” he instructed, his tone light once more. “Have fun!”

As I pulled my luggage through the hallway, my heart pounded with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The resort was a tapestry of happy faces and luxurious decor, each smile from the staff and every passing couple amplifying the sense of romance in the air. They were wrapped up in each other, their contented murmurs filling the air a preview—perhaps, of what was to come for me. The elegance of the place was not lost on me, and I couldn’t help but smile back, nodding in acknowledgment as I made my way.

Following the signs, I navigated the hallway, my heart thrumming with every step closer to room 369.

Outside, the view was breathtaking. The resort’s high stone fencing was softened by the lush plant-life that clung to it. Ivy and flowering vines wove through the stones, creating a natural tapestry, their blooms a secret garden’s whispered promises.

I wondered what lay beyond them…

The room number finally came into view, elegant script proclaiming the threshold to a new chapter in my life.

Room 369.

With a steadying breath, I slid the key over the scanner and heard the soft click of the door unlocking. Pushing it open, I was greeted by a scene that took my breath away.

The room was dark, illuminated only by the soft glow of numerous little LED candles, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and magic. The backdoor stood ajar, the wind gently coaxing the sheer curtains into a delicate dance.

I stepped inside, leaving my luggage by the wall, my movements slow and deliberate, my senses heightened by the beauty of the setting.

Drawn to the outdoors, I quietly made my way to the door, stepping into a scene straight from a fairy tale. A path of exotic flower petals, flanked by more LED candles, led through the lush grass of the private yard. My eyes followed the trail to its end, where a blanket was spread out, a romantic picnic laid out under the setting sun.

A selection of fine cheeses, fruits, and a bottle of chilled wine were arranged on the blanket, their colors vibrant against the soft fabric. Crystal glasses shimmered in the fading light, waiting to be filled. The entire setup was framed by the serene beauty of a private pool, its still waters meeting the calm bay in the distance.

As the sun dipped lower, casting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the LED candles flickered like stars come to rest on the earth, their light reflecting in the pool and the tranquil waters of the bay. The air was filled with the scent of the sea and the subtle perfume of flowers from the tall stone walls that bordered the backyard.

I paused, letting the scene wash over me, the beauty of the setting sun casting a warm glow over the private oasis before me.

And then, I saw him.

Kael, my fated mate, a vision of primal grace.

He was bent over, arranging flowers around the plates of food with a concentration that spoke of his attention to detail.

The setting sun cast a golden light over his sleek, muscular body, accentuating the creamy orange and white stripes that adorned his skin and the sleek, powerful muscles that shifted with every movement. His tail swayed lazily, a hypnotic rhythm that drew my gaze to his nicely sculpted form.

Kael was not just a tiger catman; he was a breathtaking display of strength and sensuality, every inch the embodiment of feral allure, his presence commanding even in the gentle act of arranging flowers. The sight of him stirred something primal within me, a deep-seated recognition that this magnificent creature was mine, my match in every sense of the word.

My breath hitched in my throat, the air around me suddenly feeling thick.

His ears flicked back, a subtle sign he had sensed my presence. As he stood and turned around, I was struck by the creamy white fur that adorned his chest, leading up to his face. It framed his bright green eyes, which shone like emeralds as they met mine, and in that moment, the world seemed to stand still.

It was as if the world itself had shifted on its axis, everything snapping into a clarity I’d never known. Something deep inside me locked into place, a feeling of completeness, of belonging.

My soul had found its match.

“Mate...” His voice was deep, resonating in a way that sent a tingle up my spine, awakening every sense in my body.

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