Page 3 of Finding my Shifter Soulmate

My massive paws sink into the mud, splattering blood-red soil on my reddish-brown fur. Bali is my kingdom, and there's not a single corner of the wild that I'm not in charge of. As Barong, guardian and spirit of this island, it is my job to protect, to ensure the safety of all inhabitants. So if I sense that something is different or even just a little bit odd, I must investigate.

These days, I spend most of my time as my Barong. He's been my refuge. Though I do have a human home here on the island, it's in the heart of the forest that I feel most at home. Even in my human home, I'm tempted to fall back to my sturdier animal heart and away from my fragile human heart.

Through my forty years on this earth, life has proven that I'm best as an powerful, untamed, beast. When we're out in the open, vulnerable and soft, that's when we feel the deepest pain. Humans are broken and afraid. And, not everyone is fit to shoulder the weight of the reality of their world. Some don't havewhat it takes to hold the truth and still stay sane. Humans are lost. Myself included.

But here, here in the jungles of my island, that doesn't matter. Here, I feel like I deserve to take up the space I'm given, and no part of my soul feels out of place. This is my true home.

I could spend every hour of the day creeping through the foliage. As Barong, my body is a weapon, able to survive in any extreme condition that I can possibly encounter. Besides my size, sharp claws, and fangs, my fur forms a protective layer between me and the rainforest's elements. It's more than just adaptation. It's an intimate dance with the environment, a harmonious blend of primal instinct and the rhythmic cadence of the rainforest. I'm quite literally built for this.

The creatures that live in this green jungle know of my strength. Most people and animals fear me, and I honor an unspoken contract to ensure the safety of all the lifeforms surrounding me. Some call me a protector, a god in many ways since the universe chose me to watch over them. I like being on top of the food chain.

I look into the lush tree line as a long-tailed macaque swings from tree to tree high in the air. It sees me, gives me a long shriek, and disappears into the depths of the jungle. I listen to the chirping of birds and watch a flock of rainbow starlings fight over seeds on the leaves of a durian tree. This is my home. Peace and prosperity.

Despite the day's peacefulness, I'm still unable to shake the strange sensation that something is new or different. I tread the paths I took earlier, scenting everything as I go.

The longer I stroll the pathways and cross the rivers and streams, the stronger the tug becomes. It's calling me away from the routes I regularly take. It's driving me toward one tiny, solitary road, and I follow it. I stick to the tree cover, staying hidden while my eyes remain on the search.

It's when the jungle starts to break and the beach comes into sight that I finally spot the source of the beckoning. A woman in a crimson sarong strolls down the street with eyes wide and a sense of adventure in her step. Her curves are plump and deliciously full, and I sit here in the shade, hoping she turns to show me her face.

Her wavy brown hair whips in the wind before it settles just below her shoulder blades. The bright blonde highlights catch in the sunlight. Even from here, I can smell the coconut oil and jasmine blossom in her hair.

When she finally looks in my direction, instant desire slams into me, taking my breath away. I close my eyes and inhale her tantalizing aroma. I open them again to take in her pretty, oval-shaped face, the button nose dusted with an almost invisible layer of freckles, and sweet lips with an exaggerated cupid's bow. She's not too made up like most of the female tourists who visit the island. She’s natural. Bare. Beautiful. Innocent. Pure. Her cheeks are sun-kissed and slightly pink. A matching hue dusts the tops of her voluptuous breasts, which are pushed up the fabric wrapped around her chest.

I want to howl, throw back my head, and cry out into the sky. I want to let the world know that a miracle has appeared, flawless and luscious, like a delicious meal for a king. I'm not sure what's come over me or why, but I've never seen anything like her before. Something is different about her, intriguing and alluring at the same time.

But I’m conflicted. I’ve made a quiet, peaceful life for myself here in Bali, and I have no desire to have that disrupted by some visitor who will only be here a short time. Still… the way my chest aches when I look at her, it’s clear I have little or no choice in the matter. The fates have put her in my path, whether I’m ready for her or not.

As she goes by, it takes everything I have not to shift to human and run up to her and take in her scent up close, feel it flow over me like a warm tropical rain storm. If I had a change of clothes with me, I just might. But when I consider how strange it would look for some scruffy guy to show up at her side completely naked, I shut the idea down.

Appearing in my Barong form is out of the question, as well. All she would see is a giant jungle cat with a crazy mane of red and gold hair stalking her. She would probably scream and bolt, and I'd never see her again.

I huff and shake my mane out, not wanting to spook her. The last thing I want is for her to be afraid of me. I must have patience. Find out more about this radiant goddess before I make a move.

She walks along the beach, and I follow from inside the tree line, hiding from view and keeping a close eye on her. Occasionally she dips her feet in the surf, letting her gorgeous hazel eyes close. The water rushes up on the shore, splashing her ankles. It's mesmerizing to watch her walk barefoot on the beach with the most peaceful smile on her face.

If she's a goddess, then I am her humble servant.

Deep down, I know what this feeling means. In the depths of my body, an unfamiliar magic is weaving us together. It'smaking me itch and tremble. My animal instincts roar at me to walk up behind her and lay my claim to her. My human side is confused. And then, when she stops walking and turns her head in my direction again, the designation echoes in my mind.

My fated mate.

Every shifter has one, though they aren't always lucky enough to find them. They are so precious and irreplaceable. The Fates chose her just for me, and I can't believe my eyes or my heart. Could this beautiful woman be her? She must be? My soul would not react to her this way otherwise.

I have so many questions. Who is she? Where is she from? How did I get so damn lucky?

I breathe deeply, holding her unique scent in my lungs. The moment is heaven, and I want nothing more than to dash out of the woods and claim her right now, but it would scare her off. I crouch down, feeling the dirt below my paws, anchoring me to my environment, to my duties to Bali. All I've ever known is guarding my island, and now it seems Fate is entrusting me with so much more.

Patience, Gede. You've spent years secluded in nature and in your home. Don't rush this, don't screw it up, especially if she's the one.

It is the only wisdom, the only logic that makes any sense right now. Despite the growing ache in my manhood, something inside me is pushing me back. Be cool. Make sure your shit is together. Follow. Watch. Plan. Keep her safe from any and all harm until it's time to reveal yourself.

Her presence is filling a hole in my existence, one that I have desperately tried to ignore for so long. And now it's as ifeverything is coming into focus, her dazzling beauty bright and vivid in a sea of plain colors and ordinary.

It's unearthly.

It's the most shocking awakening of my life.

My fated mate.

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