CHAPTER 17:

First Kiss

Kiara glanced at Kaen'Dre while he walked up to her slowly. Her stomach felt fluttered along with a pounding heart which made her breathe a little quick. He was here, but why? He had left three nights ago, what did he want? Kiara grabbed Asim by his collar and led him out through her bedroom door. He growled at Kaen'Dre but whined at Kiara.

"I'll be fine, Asim, go with Atem" Kiara said, smiling. "I will be down shortly."

He whined but she pointed her finger down the hall. She watched him go down the hallway while still whining.

"Go to the kitchen and see if there are snacks too!" she called after him.

That easily made him happy. He went down the stairways making her feel better. She could never have her pet sad. Locking the door, she went back to face Kaen'Dre.

"Why did you come back?" she said, simply.

"You are not happy to see me?" he asked, softly.

What if I made things worse?, he thought quickly.

"You left me without saying a word, you expect me to be here with open arms?" Kiara asked, crossing her arms.

"I know I hurt you, that's why I came back" he said, sighing. "I heard from one of my brethren that you were in a battle and I came to see if you were all right."

Kiara saw him unclasp his mask and clip it onto his belt. Looking into his golden eyes, she remembered how beautiful they were. His intense gaze met hers which made her look down instantly. Every time he looked at her, her emotions were uncontrollable.

"I am fine, so you can return to your realm" Kiara said, grimly. "I can take care of myself."

"I know you can, but. . .I cannot keep from worrying about you" Kaen'Dre said, walking closer.

"I am a mere mortal, why should I matter to you?" she questioned.

"Because you just do!" he said, instantly. Kiara looked up.

Oh, I can't tell her how I feel, she seems angry enough already, he thought. She doesn't need to know someone who cares about her left her in the middle of the night and just came back suddenly.

"Well, I didn't seem to matter to you back at the Nile" she said, simply. "I could've died and you wouldn't have cared at all. I doubt you would concern yourself with me. "

"You mean something to me no matter what, Kiara" Kaen'Dre said, grabbing her shoulder. "I feel awful for what I made you feel and go through, and I seek your forgiveness. I never meant to hurt you in any way, I mean that."

She cried and took his hand off her shoulder.

"Then why'd you do it?" Kiara cried while feeling her throat tighten. "You pushed me away and I know I hurt you when we talked about your hunting, but I apologized! I said I was sorry and I meant it, so why did you have to be the one to leave me in the middle of the night? Why did you have to hurt me like that?"

Kaen'Dre knew he'd have to face what she'd tell him, but she was right. He pushed her away and he wouldn't accept the apologies easily. He was stubborn to listen when someone hurt him, good thing for him he had noble friends who stuck with him. Seeing her cry made him feel worse but since he caused it, he'd fix it somehow.

"Don't cry, you don't need to" he said, trying to wipe her tears off. "I didn't mean to reject you and I didn't want to, I just. .I get detached when I get hurt. I felt upset when you told me how you felt about hunting, but I shouldn't have acted that way. I am deeply sorry for what I did but I don't want another tear come from your eyes."

"Then why couldn't you tell me? Why did you leave instead?" Kiara demanded.

"I left because I thought that. .you'd be much better off without me" he said, quietly. "If I hurt you that deeply, I thought I'd take out the problem which was myself so I did."

Kaen'Dre wasn't used to expressing feelings and it was hard since his people aren't supposed to at all! But he seemed to be making her more upset, was he doing something wrong? He wanted her to be better, not sadder.

"Back to my previous question, why didn't you tell me?" she asked, furrowing her brows.

She felt slightly better at his confession but she still wanted to know why he just didn't talk to her? They could've talked it out instead of heading into something more hurtful.

"I am not used to expressing feelings into words much, I did not know how to tell you" he said, sighing. "Frankly, even now I still don't since you seem to be getting angrier."

So he doesn't like to talk about emotions, she thought.

"Kaen'Dre, all males don't like to talk about their feelings and I can accept that" Kiara said, softly. "But I really need you to tell me that you forgive me. I want you to know I don't care what you are and do, I just. .I care about you, who you are. So, please tell me that you don't hold anything against me."

She cares about me? What way?, he thought.

If she was tolerant of his hunting, why should he even be mad? She did apologize to him but he kept pushing her away so easily. How could he be so cruel?

She still wants to work this out despite everything, he thought warmly. How could I hold anything against her in the first place?

"I do not hold anything against you and I am very apologetic for everything" Kaen'Dre said, grabbing her shoulder again. She didn't remove his hand this time. "But I don't need for you to ask me to forgive you, I need you to forgive me. I started all of this and I want to end it."

"Is that why you came back, just to clear your conscience?" Kiara asked, quietly.

Is all he cares about is that conversation?, she thought.

"No, I came to see you!" he said, quickly. "I couldn't leave you hurt like this because I've felt an odd array of pain ever since I left you and I knew yours would be worse. I don't want to see you hurt anymore."

"So, all you want is my forgiveness?" Kiara asked, looking at him. "Is that all? Just to end the conversation and for me to be cheerful?"

"What is wrong? You sound upset" he said, cupping her chin.

"Yes, I'm upset" Kiara said, with tears in her eyes.

She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and sniffled. Kaen'Dre tilted his head confused. He didn't want her crying more, she'd gone through enough today.

What is wrong with her? She was cold at first, now she's sad?, he thought. What did I do! These oomans and their emotions!

"All you've come for is an apology and then you'll just leave like a feather in the wind, never to be seen again" she said, softly. "Is our friendship ending so quickly?"

Kaen'Dre embraced her small frame and held her tightly. She tensed up and cried softly, but he caressed his head next to hers to hopefully make her feel better.

"Our friendship won't end and I will see you again" he said, softly. "I promise you."

"You said you'd be back in 40 years or so, that doesn't make me feel better" Kiara said, quickly. "I want you in my life now, not years from now."

"I could always come back sooner" he said, patting her head. "Do not worry yourself."

She broke out of his hold and stood in front of him. Usually, he'd seen her being humorous or tenacious, but now she looked extremely hurt. Her eyebrows were furrowed, her eyes watered, her breathing was deeper, along with her voice that became shrill at times.

"But if I forgive you, you'll go and I won't see you again" she said, sadly. "I don't want you to leave, I've never met anyone like you and I know it sounds selfish of me but I don't care! I miss you and every passing hour seems like an agony with a misery that I wish could go away. But seeing your face and hearing your voice is the only thing that does."

Kiara placed her hand over her throat hoping that the painful tightness in it would diminish. She wiped her eyes with her already watery hands and sighed deeply. Feeling Kaen'Dre's arms wrap around her, she leaned into them.

"Kiara, I will have to leave no matter what you decide" he said, brushing her hair. "I know you hate it, so do I, but that is what will come to pass. I do not want to leave you either, but I have to and I'm sorry."

"Why do you have to?" she whimpered. "Who decides for you? Tell them that you're needed here, that I need you."

Feeling her tear covered face press against his chest, Kaen'Dre wished he could take her away from here to an isolated place where they could both be free. He hated to put her through this and he hated that he couldn't grieve in the way she did. No one had ever told him that they needed him, especially a female, and it felt wonderful. It made him feel important to her just by being there, but he had to leave. All he could do was hold her closely and talk to her softly to made her better.

"It doesn't work that way, Kiara" he stated. "I have my superiors."

"If you have to go, do it" she said, letting go of him. "But be quick because the longer I see you, the more my heart will break with your leave."

He knew he had to go back but he didn't want to. He wanted to make her happy along with himself. Why did he have to come to this planet? If he knew he going to care for the first person who befriended him, he would've gone hunting somewhere else.

No, that's too cruel, he thought. I don't regret meeting her, I just wish it wouldn't be so painful leaving her. I don't even know when I may return.

"I forgive you so just go" she said, turning away from him. "I wish you the best and I hope I do see you again, but if not, my children will."

No, he wanted to see her one day, not her offspring. Especially not ones that she'd mother with another ooman. He didn't think anyone would ever be good enough for her.

"I will see you, not your children" Kaen'Dre said, firmly. "Only if it is drastic."

Frankly, part of me wishes you would've mothered my firstborn, he thought. But it seems impossible.

"I will be going now" he said, turning around towards the balcony. "I just needed to know you were safe and know how sorry I was about everything. I am glad we were able to work this out."

I hate it when Ani'Twei's right about the simple things, but he didn't count the long term effects from the outcomes, he grumbled thoughtfully.

"I will miss you dearly" Kaen'Dre said, sighing. "But at least now I have not left you more hurt, I hope."

He headed to the balcony while feeling his regret weigh down his feet. But now, he wouldn't leave her hurt like last time. Now, she at least had some closure on what happened.

"No! Please, don't go!" Kiara cried out before she could think about it.

I can't let him leave, I know he has to, but I just can't!, she thought.

He turned to his side to look at her. Seeing her walk up to him quickly with her bandaged foot, it made him feel sorry yet angry for what she went through. No one should ever lay a hand on her or any female for that fact. He walked over to her and placed his hands on her waist to keep her steady. Feeling her small hands go over his, his skin felt warm against hers.

"You need to rest your leg, Kiara" he said, firmly.

"I don't care! Stay here with me" she said, holding his hands tightly onto her waist. He lowered his head.

She knows I cannot stay, though I cannot deny that I wouldn't enjoy it, he thought glumly.

"You know I live in another realm, I can't" he said, shaking his head.

"Not forever, just a little longer" Kiara said, softly. "I've missed you so much and I've felt so empty without you by my side, please don't go. I'm begging you."

His whole warrior nature came down when he saw her eyes tear up again. No one had ever asked him anything like that in his life and he hated it. If only he could've taken her as his mate but no, they were still different in many ways.

But look at Ani'Twei and Sier'Ra, they're hybrids, he thought softly. Who says we couldn't have our own child?

Looking back at her, he saw her pleading face. Drawing her into his arms completely, he purred to make her relaxed.

"How long do you want me to stay?" Kaen'Dre asked, brushing her silky hair. "I cannot stay for more than 3 of your weeks."

"Just stay for a few days more, I do not want you in trouble for staying in the mortal realm too much" Kiara said, squeezing his arm. "Could you?"

"If it makes you happy" he said and nodded. "I will stay."

I may get in slight trouble but how bad could it be? They know nothing, he thought. Besides, I don't want to leave her yet.

She squealed happily and held him tightly. She was so joyful that she never wanted to let go of him. After feeling so numb for days, she finally started feeling better.

Oh, how I love you, Kaen'Dre, Kiara thought. How I love you.

"Go rest, princess" he whispered in her ear.

By the gods, how I love that voice of his, she thought pleasingly.

"I want you to be by my side as always" she said, smiling. "You always make me feel livelier and better."

"You cannot give me all that credit after how I was" he said, touching her cheek. "I hurt you."

"I did the same but we've forgiven each other" she said, looking into his eyes. "Do not keep blaming yourself, if I make you feel happy somehow, just listen to my voice and feel it."

How does she always know what to say to me?, he thought warmly.

"Your whole being makes me happy, Kiara" Kaen'Dre whispered. "There is no denying that."

"And so do you" she said, tracing her fingers down his arm. "Come."

She turned to head to her bed but he pulled her back to him softly. Holding her close instantly, he placed his forehead onto hers. How he missed holding and touching her. Kiara laughed softly and traced her thumb over his cheek. He leaned down and traced a mandible down her cheek gently. Seeing her smile made him feel complete by having her at his side again like before. Holding her tighter, he traced his mandibles down her soft neck like he had the first time. She turned her head back to allow him to, which made his heart skip.

You know how to make my blood blaze, Kiara, he thought.

Kaen'Dre ran his mandibles over her entire neck while feeling her body get slightly limp. Grabbing her into one of his arms securely, he held the back of her head with the other. Nibbling on her neck softly with his mandibles and teeth, her body pulled closer to his instantly. He wasn't afraid to admit that he wanted to touch her everywhere at that moment, but her mind could be a different issue. The ooman culture was different than his.

"I've missed you" he whispered.

Kiara placed her fingers over his mouth to stop him. When people had told her the gods were magnificent, she didn't think they could mean it in a romantic manner. Kaen'Dre made her feel so vibrant and important in the way he touched her. If he would've asked her to be make love to him or be his wife at that moment, she would've accepted either. Smiling at him while he looked at her with his golden eyes, she leaned over and kissed his cheek softly.

"You think I haven't either?" she whispered back.

Kaen'Dre purred immediately from the touch of her lips. Feeling her soft lips trace over his cheek to his lower mandibles, his stomach fluttered. She was his first experience in anything intimate so far and he didn't mind it one bit. His body pushed against hers when he felt her tongue trail over them and onto his chin.

"Kiara" he said, roughly.

She stopped while he looked at her. He saw her smile quickly and then place her lips over his mouth. He'd seen oomans do this, usually mates or betrothed ones, but he didn't think she'd do that on him. If she wanted to express something onto him, then she could go right ahead, he had no objections of any manner against it. It amused him that she wasn't afraid of his sharp teeth since they were different than hers. Feeling her tongue run over his teeth, he purred softly. Opening his mouth, he felt her tongue go inside his mouth making him shiver internally. She traced it over the roof of his mouth making his arms tighten over her whole body.

She's never done this before but I'm not objecting, he thought. It feels nice.

Kiara traced her tongue carefully over the roof of his mouth and behind his bottom teeth. She'd never kissed a man but she'd rather have him be her first than any other. She heard him purr and then felt his tongue trace over hers gently. Her heart pounded immediately at feeling that and fell into it. She moaned softly while kissing him firmly. His warm hand traveled down her neck to caress her clavicle making her smile.

Placing her hand behind his warm neck, she pressed her tongue against his strongly but slowly. She let go after kissing him twice and kissed his chin. Looking at him, he smiled timidly yet happily. He traced his mandibles over cheek which made her lean in contentedly.

"Take that as a token of how much I've missed and will miss you" Kiara said, and kissed him once again.

"I'd rather have you as my token" Kaen'Dre whispered. "I'll miss you too."

"But you're not leaving yet so be at peace" she said, tracing her hands down his chest. "Just keep me in your arms for as long as you can."

Kaen'Dre nodded and nuzzled her neck making her sigh against him. Tracing his tongue over her delicate neck, she moaned softly. He loved hearing that sound from her and every time he did, his body agreed with him. She moved back after a bit which made him let go. He saw her cheeks flushed while she breathed faster.

"What is it? Did I injure you?" he asked, tracing a hand over her cheek. She shook her head.

"No, not at all" Kiara said, smiling. "I'm enjoying everything you're doing to me, a little more than I should."

"Then why are you?" Kaen'Dre asked, amusingly.

"There's something about an armored being with such a perfectly sculpted body that catches my interest" she said, kissing his the start of his neck. "Do you object?"

"Not at all" he said, purring.

You can do anything you want to me, Kaen'Dre thought.

She grabbed him by the arms and walked backwards towards her bed, bringing him along. Kaen'Dre felt slightly confused at her intentions. Did she plan to relax there with him or. . . .

Mate with me?, he thought quickly. It would be a more comfortable spot for it. But I don't know if I can go through with it since I have no idea how a ooman female's system is!

Kiara placed him in front of her bed and made him sit. He did while tilting his head in wonder which made her giggle. She loved seeing him do that. She got onto his lap while facing him and wrapped her arms around him. He brought her body against his with his arms and traced his mandibles over her face. She sighed and kissed him softly while he returned it. Tracing all of his mandibles over her soft face, he smiled.

My first kiss, he thought happily. With Kiara. My Kiara.

Trailing his hands over her neck, he tucked his fingers underneath her sleeves and pulled them down. Letting go of her face, he traced his teeth over her bare shoulders gently. Kiara moaned and threw her head back when feeling his tongue trail over them. She placed her hand behind his head and pressed his face closer to her body. Every time he touched her, she felt as if her body was on fire.

He's making you aroused Kiara, what else?, her mind said.

"Kaen'Dre" she sighed.

He felt satisfied for pleasing her in that way. Looking down he saw a thinner layer holding her breasts tightly in place. Sighing mentally in annoyance at how many layers of garments she had, he traced his mandibles to her upper chest. He traced his tongue down the space between her full breasts making her sigh.

Why couldn't she only have one layer of clothing on?, he thought annoyed. I want her so badly but what if she gets afraid of me when I try to unclothe her?

Facing her, he held her close and pressed his face against her cheek. Her hands trailed down his chest affectionately making his chest rumble.

"I know I just came back but I need to ask you something" Kaen'Dre said, softly.

"What is it?" Kiara asked, nuzzling his face.

"Would you. . .um. .would you like to. . or do you think I could mate-" he stuttered, trying to find the right words.

Hearing a bang on the door, he hissed in anger. Why did they have to be disturbed? Every time they touched each other in an intimate manner, something went wrong. Kaen'Dre hated it, it felt like if something didn't want them together.

"Pauk! What now!" he growled frustrated. "Every c'jit time we-"

Kiara placed her hand over his mouth and quieted him. He groaned but she kissed him on the mouth to make him feel better. After she let go, he nuzzled her face.

She always makes me better somehow, he thought. But I'm still frustrated.

"Your duty calls princess" he said, glumly.

"We don't have to answer it" Kiara said, softly.

"You are sure?" he asked, tilting his head. She nodded.

"So, what is it you were asking?" she asked, smiling.

"Umm . . Nothing, it can wait" he said, quickly. "Do not worry."

If I want to ask her right, I cannot have any disruptions, Kaen'Dre thought. She is always surrounded by somebody but I have to ask before I leave.

She pushed him back onto her bed on his back and lay on top of him. Kissing him on the mouth again, he returned it easily. Anything she wanted, he'd give her. He'd never felt anything like he did now so it had to mean she cared for him somehow.

Right? I hope so, he thought. I am not afraid to admit to myself now that I do.

Kiara ended their kiss and traced her hand over his forehead. He purred which made her smile instantly.

Oh, how I love kissing him, she thought.

"Have I ever told you how handsome you are?" she whispered.

He smiled immediately from her comment. No one had ever told him that or anything to make him confident about himself. But he had someone here who made him feel important no matter what, and was at his side whenever he needed her. She could be the one person he needed in his life to make him feel whole instead of empty after many years. He already felt miserable when she wasn't with him.

"You're very beautiful yourself, Kiara" Kaen'Dre said, biting her upper lip softly. "I should say that often."

"Really? You think so?" she asked, blushing. "Some males don't because of my personality, I'm too strong-minded."

"They are idiots, I love who you are" he said, brushing her hair back. "They'd never know how to appreciate you, princess."

He loves who I am!, she thought and squealed mentally. I hope he likes me in the way I do about him, I mean, we're already this close.

"And you would?" Kiara asked, softly.

"I'd treasure you" Kaen'Dre said, biting her nose gently. "Would you do the same for me?"

"I have ever since I met you" she said, kissing him on the forehead. "And I always will."

She's perfect, she has to be mine, he thought instantly. I will claim her as my mate before I leave . . .if I can even get the words out first.

Tracing his hands down the lowered robes sleeves, he pulled them down to her waist gently. He traced his hands down her sides and brought her closer from the waist. Kiara loved feeling his warm skin against hers for the first time. She felt a bit shy from having her gown down to her waist but she trusted him. He was the first man to ever touch her and she wanted him to continue. The only thing she couldn't do was undo any of his clothing, so she couldn't even touch or kiss him like he'd already done to her. Feeling his face against her neck, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

If I could only get her second garment undone, I'd have her half nude in front of me, he thought. Her milk glands look perfect against her frame, is there nothing imperfect on her?

Kaen'Dre let go of her neck and nudged her face with his. Her skin was so soft in every area so far, he felt it was unreal. She kissed his lower mandibles and then kissed the start of his neck softly. Remembering the feeling from the first time, he purred out loud. Tracing his fingers into her hair, he heard the door be knocked on again.

C'jit, why can't there be an electric force field on that thing?, he thought angrily. Go away!

"Don't tense up" Kiara whispered to him. "We are fine."

But then she heard her brother's voice, "I can't keep coming up here, I know you have to be awake by now with my knocks. It's time for dinner, Ma and Father are waiting!"

"Dammit!" she grumbled and pushed her hair back. "This time, I do have to go. I cannot escape my family."

Why does something always have to get between us?, she thought frustrated. Is there something wrong for wanting to?

Oh, how he hated being disturbed when he was so close to her. Letting her go, she got off him and sat up on the bed while placing her robes back in place. He tried to regain his calm composure over the recently aroused one.

"I'll be down in a minute then!" she called back.

"All right, I hope so" Atem said and left back to his chamber.

"I'm sorry for all the disruptions, you must be irritated" Kiara said, looking at Kaen'Dre.

Yes, most males don't even get a disruption with their mate, he thought angrily. I'm probably the only yautja in my clan who can't even mate correctly!

"It's quite all right" he lied. She raised her eyebrows. "Fine. Yes, it is annoying."

"I know, but we can go someplace else another day to be alone" she said, cupping his chin. "Just you and me."

"I'd like that very much" Kaen'Dre smiled.

"Good" Kiara smiled and got up. "I will see you as quickly as I can so relax while you're here."

She looked at herself in the mirror quickly to make sure she looked all right. Putting on some sandals she only put her feet into without straps, she walked to the door. Kaen'Dre got up to help her since she still had to take care of her foot.

"It is all I can do" he said, sighing. "But it is worth it."

Kiara turned around and embraced him quickly. Kissing him on the mouth, he returned it easily. She loved feeling his tongue inside her mouth while his mandibles traced over her cheeks. They kissed deeply for some seconds and let go.

"For an immortal, you sure know the right things to say" Kiara said, smiling.

She leaned up to his tall form and kissed him one last time. She caressed his cheek afterwards.

"I've really missed you" she said, softly.

She opened the door and slipped out quietly. While locking the door from inside, Kaen'Dre couldn't help but smile.

"I've missed you too, my darling" he said, quietly.

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End of Chap. 17. Well, I put in some romance since the past chapters were depressive, so I hope everyone liked it. Thanks for reading and for your past and future reviews.