Page 7 of Finding my Shifter Soulmate

"Pardon me?"

"Hold still, Sabrina." I chuckle, and circle her legs. "There." I tie the end into a knot and throw one edge of the sarong behind her thigh, take the opportunity to graze my fingers over her silky-smooth skin, and she trembles. Maybe it was just the breeze, but from the sparkle in her eyes, she welcomed the intimate touch.

"I'm glad you came prepared, Gede. This is really beautiful. It's okay if I hike in this?"

"Of course. The fabric is light and airy, so it should keep you cool."

"Perfect," she mutters, swinging her skirt around.

I laugh at her excitement and clap my hands once. "Let us go."

We enter the first cave temple and I explain the figures of the elephants, ogres, leopards, crocodiles, and buffalo guarding the stairway. The wind bellows as I relay the legend that the warrior Kebo Iwa carved the details in a single night using only his fingernails.

"Wow," she murmurs, leaning close to inspect the markings. "I don't mean to sound like a complete tourist, but I'm just amazed by all of this. I never realized the island had such a deep history."

"That's because most visitors only pay attention to the resorts and shops. Though they think it's paradise, all they truly experience is an illusion."

"This is a wonderful learning experience." She smiles at me then, and my heart trips on itself. I lead her up the stairs, helping her to maneuver the steps so she doesn’t trip over the long sarong.

I reach out to brush a fallen petal from her head, and she stares into my eyes. It's as though there's a silent conversation between us. Her wonder and curiosity. My needs and desires. The things I would do to keep her here with me.

I long to own her. My instincts demand it. It's in my nature to possess her, but instead, I hold her gaze and allow it to communicate what I'm too afraid to confess. What if she isn't receptive to it? I want her to choose me freely. No amount of seduction or influence will change her feelings or inclinations.

That's all. It would all be for nothing if she didn't come to me willingly.

"There's a natural shower this way," I explain, pointing to the left of a stone carving. "It's quite sensational. Legend has it the water has been blessed by our gods. I know of an area that is an ancient burial site, but it's also a place of love and healing. Would you like to see it?"

The archway opens to a jungle view. The ancient trees are shrouded with Spanish moss, and Sabrina takes it all in. She breathes in an exaggerated breath and looks as if she's been enchanted. I imagine her dancing by moonlight in the fields, pure and confident.

"I'm not a religious person," she admits. "but I'm just..." she pauses, choosing her words. "All this is just incredible. I don't understand any of it, but something about this area makes me feel happier."

"Yes," I say with understanding. "It speaks to the spirit. No, it dances with the spirit, not in thought or focus, but in tune."

She's pondering everything I've told her, and the crease on her forehead betrays her efforts. "Can I touch the water?"

"The spirits are welcoming you," I assure her. "Go."

Carefully, she reaches over the ledge and drags a finger across the pool. "Gede!" she gushes. "It's so warm. This temperature feels like bath water."

"It is spring water that has seeped up through cracks in the lava stone. It is purifying and restorative."

She looks out over the side of the mountain. The valleys below have huge canopies of trees. As the wind gusts over us, it stirs her hair into a tornado around her. Her hazel eyes meet mine, and her mouth upturns into a giant grin.

Sabrina turns back to the water, grabs a handful, and flings it upward. "It's magical," she cries, reaching for another. "Feel it, Gede. Really, you must."

As playful as she is, I move in closer and allow her to douse me. Her shoulders shrug and she shrieks with laughter. There's something refreshing about the freedom she expresses, and I yearn to join her in whatever sport she wishes to play.

Again, she splashes me. Before she can do it a third time, I reach over and swipe my hand against the side of her cheek, like a mother would to her child. "You little minx," I tease.

She gasps and puts a hand to the side of her face as if scorched.

"Apologies," I say, clearing my throat. "I was caught up in the moment."

She watches me silently, seemingly entranced, nibbling the corner of her lip. I yearn to be the one doing the nibbling. Finally, she blinks, coming out of it.

"No," she says at last. "It's... fine." She smiles at me, and the gold flecks in her eyes glow. She is truly beautiful, this human woman.

Chapter Five – Sabrina

---