A Tale of the Other Kind: A Therian Novel (15 page)

‘Mom, I’ll be fine. Kai is very careful,’ Sienna said, rolling her eyes as she walked out the door. She was wearing a pair of tight-fitting, dark blue jeans, a green vest top and brown leather boots. ‘I promise,’ she insisted, seeing that her mother still didn’t look too happy. She threw on the brown leather jacket, which, coincidentally, suited her shoes perfectly. ‘Nice,’ she said with a smile. 

Her mother shook her head, ‘Well, then just be safe, and give us a call when you’ve arrived at the movies.’

‘Yes mother,’ she said, taking Kai by the arm. 

He led her out to the bike and carefully helped her strap on the helmet. ‘You look cute,’ he smiled. 

‘Why, thank you,’ she said, giving him a small curtsy. 

He helped her onto the back of the bike and they took off slowly while Sienna’s mom was still watching through the window. As soon as they were out of sight, Kai upped the revs, sending a sparkling giggle out of Sienna.

****

Kai was relieved that Sienna had opted to watch a movie that evening. He didn’t know how to tell her what was going on. For now, it seemed better to keep her in the dark on what he and Astrid were planning. She would have a fit if she knew that they were planning a counter-attack on their underworld enemies. He felt anxiety slither down his back when Sienna asked if they could hang out at his house for a while, in the hope of getting a break from her parents. 

They seemed overprotective since she got hurt in the forest, even though she never told them the true story behind what had happened. She cuddled up next to Kai on the oversized couch in his living room as reruns of old movies played in the background. 

He could feel Sienna looking at him, and it made him nervous. She was fiddling with her fingers, like she wanted to say something but didn’t know how. He looked at her, giving her a sideways smile, wondering what was going through her mind. She looked away awkwardly. 

A slight tint of blush shot to her cheeks. He knew she was nervous, but didn’t know if she knew how nervous he was, sitting there, alone with her. 

‘Not much on television tonight, huh?’ he asked, shifting uncomfortably. 

‘That doesn’t matter,’ she smiled, ‘I’m comfy,’ she replied, snuggling closer to him. 

It was dark in the living room, except for the flashes on the television playing black and white colours across the floor in front of them, slightly illuminating the room. Kai bent down and kissed her gently on the lips. A slight purr escaping his throat as he placed his hand in the small of her back, pulling her closer to him. 

In the light from the television, he could see goose bumps running down her arms as she moved closer to him. Kai’s heartbeat quickened at her touch as she slowly played her fingers down the side of his face. He pushed her back against the couch and slowly lay down beside her, softly moving her hair from her neck. A soft gasp escaped her mouth when he kissed her softly in the curve of her neck. He felt his urgency for her burn inside him. 

He wanted to be close to her, to feel her soft skin against his. He pulled her up from the couch and slowly removed her top, dropping it to the floor next to them. His fingers trembled as he placed his hand on her exposed stomach, kissing her softly. She pulled his top over his head and their warm bodies met each other hungrily. 

Kai pulled back slightly and looked into her eyes. He was amazed at how beautiful she was and he couldn’t believe that he was so lucky to have her here in his arms. The slam of a car door brought them both to their senses.  He jumped up and slightly extended the blinds covering the window. 

‘It’s my mother,’ he said and started pulling his shirt back on and turned to help her dress. He smiled at her glowing cheeks. ‘I’m sorry Sienna I shouldn’t have…’ 

‘Sssh … it’s ok,’ she said, placing her index finger over his lips. 

‘You are so beautiful,’ he said, pulling her into his embraced and kissed her tender.

‘Let’s go, I will take you home.’

****

Kai dropped Sienna off and watched her disappear into the house, until he saw her bedroom light turn on. He was too scared to leave her alone, fearing that Quinn would go there and hurt her, so he stayed out in the forest near the house, to make sure she was safe. When the sun began to rise that following morning, he left for home to try and catch a couple hours of sleep before returning to pick Sienna up to go to the pools. It was early and already the humidity was warming up the air. When Kai got home, he fell down on the bed, exhausted. He drifted off into a deep, dreamless sleep, for once. 

The sun was shining brightly when they pulled up at the pools. Sienna got off the bike first and immediately took off her helmet. 

‘Damn, but it’s hot,’ she exclaimed, wiping her forehead. 

The pools were one of the most popular places in the area, and most weekends and holidays students came to picnic there. Girls shrieking as boys pushed them into the water rang through the air as Kai and Sienna made their way over to their friends, and the distinct smell of coals being lit for a barbeque filled the air. They placed their bags down under a large tree close to the water and walked over to their friends. 

‘Hey guys,’ Kai sang cheerfully, greeting some with a handshake. Sienna shyly walked over and greeted everyone with a smile. Daniel, who was in the water, quickly got out and ran over to them.

‘Hey, bro!’ he called in greeting, making his way over large river rocks. ‘Missus,’ he greeted Sienna with a bow. 

A red flush shot to Sienna’s face. ‘Daniel, nice to see you again,’ she said, curling her toes in the river sand, and giving him a shy smile. Kai glanced at her and pulled her closer to him, putting a protective arm around her shoulders. 

‘Want to go for a swim?’ he asked. 

‘Sure,’ she replied, ‘I’ll be right back,’ she said, slipping away to put her clothes away. 

He nodded and pulled off his shirt, throwing it on top of a large rock next to his friend Tiny Sebande. Head first, he jumped into the deep river pool. The ice cold water sent shivers up his arms. When he came up for air, Sienna was standing in front of the pool, wearing a dark red bikini. In the light, he could take in more of her body. She was perfect. 

He grinned happily, noticing proudly how every other guy was looking at Sienna, envy flashing across their faces. She jumped in and made a large splash, ensuring that everyone close by got wet. She giggled as she surfaced and swam over to Kai, who immediately pulled her closer and kissed her.

‘You’re quite the little devil!’ He joked, taking pleasure in her silly antics. 

‘Who, me? Never!’ 

The girls sitting near by wore disgusted looks on their faces as if they were sprayed with poison, viciously cleaning their sunglasses and retouching their sunscreen. 

‘You know, they may never talk to you again after that,’ Kai laughed. 

‘Don’t worry, they’ll get over it,’ she smiled, and gave him another kiss before swimming off towards the small waterfall leading into the pool. Kai lifted himself slightly out of the water and sat on a rock. Daniel sat down next to him.

‘She’s great, isn’t she,’ Kai stated. 

‘Yeah, you got quite a catch there, bro,’ Daniel replied, taking a sip of his drink and passing one to Kai. 

‘Thanks.’ He opened his drink and took a long, thirsty swallow. 

‘So, tell me, how on earth did you get it right to bag the hottest chick in school?’ Tiny asked, pulling a cap over his head and joining them on the rock. 

‘Lucky, I guess,’ Kai grinned. 

‘I bet it was some sangoma witchcraft,’ Tiny teased. 

Kai shook his head smiling, ‘That’s ridiculous buddy. And even if I wanted to, I wouldn't know where to find one.’ 

‘I still say – nobody gets a girl like that without some magic,’ Tiny laughed, half drifting off to sleep, pulling his cap lower over his face. 

Sienna swam closer and folded her arms across Kai’s legs, which were still dangling in the water.

‘What are you guys talking about?’ she asked curiously. 

‘Nothing,’ Daniel lied. She narrowed her eyes, not completely convinced. 

‘You don’t have me fooled Daniel,’ she stated. 

‘Fool you? Never,’ he replied, feigning shock. Kai helped her out of the water and she nestled next to him where she could look at Daniel. 

‘So, tell me a little about your best friend here,’ she said to Daniel, who looked over at Kai, a little unsure whether he was allowed to dish the dirt, but Kai smiled and told him. 

‘Go ahead. I’ve got nothing to hide.’

‘Are you sure about that bro?’ He smiled devilishly. 

‘You can tell her anything, but be warned, if you make shit up, then I’m going to kick your ass.’

‘So, what do you want to know?’ Daniel asked, convinced and eager to please. 

‘Mmm, okay then,’ she thought long and hard about what she wanted to ask about Kai. ‘Why haven’t I ever seen him with other girls?’ 

‘Ooh, jump right in don’t ya?’ he replied, rubbing his hands together. ‘He’s been holding out for you,’ he said, making Kai blush a little. 

‘Really?’ she said, ‘Interesting.’

‘Oh no, wait. There was one girl, but Kai keeps her hidden. Only saw her once,’ he continued.

‘What girl is this?’ she teased playfully.

‘The blonde. Astrid, I think.’

Sienna’s smile fell as Daniel spoke her name. ‘Oh.’ 

Kai suddenly knew that he had made a mistake not telling her what had happened, or explaining about Astrid and their friendship. He should have told her that she was in danger and that Astrid was only trying to help her. 

‘What a hottie,’ Daniel reminisced, oblivious to Sienna’s reaction.

‘I’m sure she is,’ she said, her poker-face back in place. 

‘Hey, you should come and watch Daniel’s band. They’re really good,’ Kai said, desperately trying to change the subject. 

‘Sure,’ she replied, ‘Sounds like a great idea,’ she smiled at Daniel. 

‘Yeah, you should come. We’re playing soon. I’ll text you the details. Then maybe we could do a double date or something,’ he replied excitedly.

‘Double date?’ Kai questioned.

‘Yeah,’ he said indignantly, ‘I’m capable of catching myself a girl every now and then, you know,’ he said huffily.

‘Sure, I know you are,’ Kai smiled back. ‘Who’s the girl?’

‘I don’t know yet. I’ll find one though and then we can go bowling or something,’ he said. ‘Maybe Astrid would be interested?’ he teased.

‘Sounds like fun,’ Sienna added.

‘I don’t think Astrid would be available for stuff like that, Dan,’ Kai insisted.

‘Why not? She’s up for grabs,’ he shot back. 

Just then Allison McIntyre walked up to them. ‘Hey guys, do you mind taking over the braai? I have no idea how to get the thing started,’ she said, throwing them her best helpless look. ‘Hey Sienna, I’m so glad you came! We never see you here,’ she said, and bent down to hug Sienna warmly. 

‘Hi,’ Sienna smiled back. ‘Sorry, now you’re all wet,’ she giggled. 

‘No problem,’ Allison replied with a smile, tucking her short, dark hair neatly behind her ear. ‘It’s so hot that a little cooling down is welcome.’

The boys stood up and headed over to the barbeque area. 

‘You guys look good together.’ Kai heard Allison tell Sienna; his hearing unwillingly catching everything they were saying.

‘Really, you think so?’ Sienna replied, happily.

‘Yeah, he’s been moody lately, but since you came into the picture it’s been all smiles and that rollercoaster stuff seems to have disappeared,’ Allison explained.

‘Mmm, that’s good to know.’

‘I don’t mean to interfere, but, I heard you guys speaking earlier and I noticed that you were taken aback when Dan mentioned Astrid.’

‘I, no, I mean ... no I wasn’t,’ Sienna stuttered, trying not to show her insecurity. 

‘Look, you don’t have to worry. Apparently she’s pretty weird, and I doubt she’s his type anyway,’ Allison confided, placing a hand over Sienna’s. 

‘Thanks. I appreciate that,’ she smiled back. 

Kai’s hearing seemed to be auto-tuned. All around him he could hear all the voices clambering at once. He found it hard to concentrate on one thing at a time. 

‘What’s wrong, bro?’ Daniel asked. 

‘No, nothing’s wrong. Slight headache, that’s all.’

‘Have you guys been friends for long?’ Kai heard Sienna ask Allison. 

‘Since kindergarten,’ she replied.

‘What was he like before? You know, before I came here?’

‘He was quiet and kept to himself most of the time. Kind of mysterious, you know? All the girls have been pining over him; somehow they brood over his broad shoulders, dark hair and beautiful eyes. Not that I notice though. You know, since he’s like a brother,’ she said, unconvincingly. 

‘But when you moved here, everyone noticed the change in him. So many people despise you, you know?’

‘Really?’ Sienna asked, shocked.

‘Yeah – you’re the one who got the mysterious guy to fall for her.’ Sienna blushed and looked down. 

‘Just take care of him, okay. He’s a good guy,’ Allison said as she got up and took over the barbeque tongs from Kai. 

‘Go, your girl is lonely over there,’ she said, sticking out her tongue. 

Kai smiled at her and patted her lightly on the shoulder, embarrassed that he’d been able to hear their entire conversation. He sat down next to Sienna and pulled her closer. She shivered when he touched her. She looked up at him as he bent down to kiss her. 

****

The following morning Kai headed off to class feeling hopeful. His life had turned around in a matter of days, and he had never been so happy. He’d found someone who understood and accepted him for being different. He never thought something like this would happen. 

He knew that he would do anything to make Sienna feel safe. However, his good spirits dwindled when he entered the school hallway. Students were running around madly, some were crying and others were whispering together in little groups. He immediately knew something was wrong. 

He walked over to his locker, distracted by the anxiety that was overwhelmingly evident among the students. He was too hesitant to ask what was going on, so he started packing his books into his locker.