BONUS Intermission
Several Years ago….
Shawna walked through the flower garden quietly. She let the scents of the flowers fill her as the birds sang. The sound of a tree branch snapping alerted her, and she moved her head to look in the direction. Behind the bushes she could hear someone coming closer. Her eyes narrowed and soon softened as she saw a big familiar figure step into view.
“Brock!” Shawna said with a sweet smile. “I heard your family was visiting today. Where is your little brother at?”
“I ditched him as soon as we got here. I had to find my favorite person.” Brock teased as he stepped closer to her.
“Your favorite person? Hah, since when?” She watched as a smile spread across his lips and he raised his shoulders.
“Hmmm, I wonder…” He said in a low husky tone as he moved over next to the stone fountain. He leaned on it and stared at Shawna. “I’ve been thinking a lot about you. Since I saw you last month it seems like you’ve been plaguing my mind.”
“Is that right?” Shawna giggled shaking her head. “Nice try but I am not falling for your smooth-talking bear charms. You have a better chance with another fairy.”
Brock chuckled and tilted his head to look at her. “You think I would dare play a game with the fairy princess?”
Shawna giggled and shook her head. “Who are you trying to fool? You are fearless in everything you do. You are always flirting with the ladies. Baiting them in with your confidence. You would definitely play a game with the fairy princess. Unfortunately for you, she is too smart for you.” She winked at him and listened to his rich chuckle that made her heart flutter. “I know you, Brock. I know all your secrets.”
“Oh? You think you know ALL of my secrets?” He stood up and walked towards her as he took in a deep breath. His hands came to rest on her shoulders as he stared into her eyes.
“Brock what are you—”
“I think about you all the time. I dream about you too. My beast is lashing out against me right now. It is hard to contain. I need to be near you. I tried to ignore it because of who we are… but I can’t ignore this. I don’t want to fight this.”
Shawna gasped and her cheeks heated up. He was staring at her with such an intensity that she had to look away. “Quit teasing me.” She muttered as she stared at the fountain. She felt his hand come up to her face turning it up to him.
“Who is teasing?” He said lowering his lips to hers. He held her close as his lips moved against hers. She responded to him instantly and wrapped her arms around his neck. His hand roamed over her side, and she gasped allowing his tongue to plunge inside of her mouth.
At first, she was lost in his kiss. It was like one of her own dreams, only this time, it was true. And she couldn’t pull away. Not when she was getting the reality she had been wanting. Then suddenly her rational returned and she tried to push away from him.
“Mmmm… not yet.” Brock cooed to her as his tongue traced over her lips.
“Brock…” She breathed out. “What are you doing?” She finally hissed as she placed her hand on his chest, pushing away from him.
“I can’t do this.” Shawna mumbled and shook her head. “We can’t do this!”
“Why can’t we?” Brock asked his voice husky as he stared at her lips.
Shawna looked into his eyes as she tried to search for the truth. What game was he playing? Was he just toying with her? Was she supposed to be just another notch in his belt? Did he notice the last time he was here that she had feelings for him? And now he was toying with her? Well, she wouldn’t allow it.
“I am the Fairy Princess, and you are the next leader—”
“I don’t want it, I want you. Eli can take over as the leader.” He brought her back to his chest and leaned down to look at her face. He rested his forehead against hers and smiled. “I wasn’t sure if you felt it too until just now. Shawna… I need you. Just now when we kissed, I felt it… you are my everything.”
“This is crazy Brock.” She said, though her voice didn’t sound certain. This was what she wanted too but it didn’t make sense. They both have mates out there somewhere. And sadly, they were not each other’s mate.
“Shawna…” Brock sighed and gave her a small smile. “What would be crazy is denying this… this connection between us. I can’t take it anymore. I knew I couldn’t hide it any longer. I don’t want to hide it. I want to be with you. I want to be by your side.” He smiled as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “Don’t you see? I know you feel it… you are the one for me.”
Shawna felt her heart skip a beat as she could barely breathe. She had kept her feelings close and hidden or so she thought. Brock was someone she buried in her heart. Someone she would have as a dear friend but nothing more. She looked into his eyes waiting for the signs of laughter. Waiting for him to tease her for falling for his charm. It wasn’t there. Instead, his eyes were filled with love and want. They were pleading with her.
He wasn’t her mate… but these feelings were powerful. It felt right being with him. It felt natural as if it was supposed to be. However, her father would probably want her to take a mate that would strengthen the fairy kingdom. A strong fairy to be the next king.
“I’m sorry Brock. I don’t know how my father would feel about this…” She saw his eyes sadden as he pursed his lips together. He nodded his head sadly as his hands fell from her side. “But maybe we could keep our relationship a secret?!” She blurted out hastily as his eyes snapped back at her. “I mean… just for now… until we figure whatever this is out.”
Brock’s eyes softened as she took his hands and placed them on her face. He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips. “It doesn’t have to be forever but for now… I think it is what we should do. And now you will be my favorite secret. I’m falling for you, my fairy. And when a bear falls, they fall hard.” She was the one for him. And the only one. It didn’t matter to him what her father said. Hell, the world could be against them, and he wouldn’t care. Because none of them could feel the way he felt when he was with her.
“Shawna…” He watched as she blinked up at him. A crimson stain was on her cheeks, and he felt his heart thumping against his chest wildly. He leaned his head down as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He felt her warmth envelop him and he knew this was the start of something beautiful. Even if it was forbidden… it was beautiful. He pressed his lips against hers and this time her lips parted instantly.
He knew then that no matter what, he would never let go of her. He would love her with everything he had and protect her from anything and everything. He was her secret, and she was his. He wanted to savor every moment they had together, and, in that moment, he swore to protect her and keep her safe no matter what. They stayed in that position for what seemed like eternity until Brock finally pulled away and stared at her. Her flushed cheeks were so beautiful, and he wished for the day he would never have to be apart from her.
Shawna turned and looked at the sky. It was getting dark, and she knew her father was probably worried about her. Something had started just now. Something powerful that was all consuming and terrifying. She felt like she couldn’t stop the feelings she had for Brock… yet she didn’t want to either.
Would this end up being just a fling? Some sweet young memories she would always cherish. Or could this be the start of something wonderful? Could Brock really be her future?
Brock held onto her hand as he led her back towards the castle. Before they stepped into view, he stole one more slow lingering kiss. Then with a wink, he stepped away from her as the two of them walked back into public view.
__
Present
Shawna walked around the couch with a faint smile on her lips as she remembered the past. She had just walked in front of Brock when she felt two large hands pull her down. Her body was half spun as she sat on his lap.
“What are you doing?” She giggled as he gripped her waist firmly.
“Recharging myself. My Shawna battery is drained and needs a recharge.” Brock said as he softly kissed her cheek.
“I love you, my sweet teddy bear.” Shawna said as she smiled.
“I love you, my sweet, delicious princess.”
“Delicious?” Shawna giggled as she watched his lips curl up in a smile.
“Mmhmm, so delicious that I must partake of you again.” He said lifting her up. “I’m so hungry… and thirsty.” He growled as he carried her to the bedroom.
“Brock!” she giggled as he fell with her onto the bed. He pressed his weight against her and seized her lips. Her arms came around his neck as he went to work. He made sure he tasted every inch of her.
No matter what, they would never let go of each other. They would love one another with everything they had and protect each other from anything and everything. They were no longer a secret. They no longer had to be parted. And one day soon, after the curse is broken and their friends were safe, they would finally have their wedding.
Note:
This is a little bonus chapter while we wait for updates to resume. Please join the Alpha Island Arc Group on f*******:. I don't have an exact start date yet.
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