Primal Bonds 2 (Tales of Beastkin)

3. Shiro

3

Shiro

T he moment Adam and I were alone, I felt the air between us suddenly charged with an electric current of unspoken attraction. I could smell him—that heady, musky scent that was pure alpha male. It wrapped around me like an intoxicating fog, making my head swim with a dizzying rush of longing.

I breathed it in, letting it wash over me in waves. My body responded instinctively, yearning to be closer to him, to bask in his strength and power.

Adam leaned in, and I could feel the heat radiating off his powerful form. His eyes, those mesmerizing pools of molten intensity, held me captive as they bored into mine. His hand came up to gently cup my cheek, his thumb brushing over my lips in a featherlight caress that sent shivers down my spine. Then, with a gentleness that belied his immense strength, he pressed his lips to mine in a searing kiss.

I melted into him, my body molding itself to the hard planes of his as if it had been made to fit there. My lips parted on a sigh, an invitation, and he accepted it without hesitation. His tongue delved into my mouth, stroking and caressing, igniting a firestorm of need that raced through my veins.

Rising up on my tiptoes, I wound my arms around his neck, clinging to him as the world fell away. There was only Adam—his taste, his scent, the feel of his strong body against mine. I was drowning in sensation, lost to everything but the pure, perfect bliss of his kiss.

A low growl rumbled up from his chest and vibrated through me, sending shivers cascading down my spine. It was a sound of possessiveness, of barely leashed desire, and it only made me want him more. I pressed myself closer, yearning to feel every inch of him, to have his hands on my bare skin.

Just then, a rap came at the door, startling me and breaking the spell that had fallen over us. Adam tore his mouth from mine and pulled back, leaving me bereft and aching for more. I blinked up at him, my mind still hazy with desire, as a voice called out from the other side of the door.

“Master Shiro? I have your luggage here.”

Reluctantly, I disentangled myself from Adam’s embrace and went to open the door. The guard entered, carrying my duffel bags, and set them down near the bed.

“Thank you,” I said softly, offering him a grateful smile.

He gave me a polite nod, said, “Boss,” to Adam, and then left.

As soon as the door closed, I turned back to Adam. My heart was still pounding from the intensity of his kiss, and I could feel the warmth flooding my cheeks. There was a look in his eyes that made me feel flushed all over—a heated, smoldering gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

Before I could say anything, Adam took my hands in his. “Let me show you my room.”

“Lan told me it’s next door?” I said.

Adam nodded, the corners of his lips curving into a smile that made my heart skip a beat. “Yes, you have my permission to visit me anytime you please.”

The way he said it, the heated look in his eyes, made my pulse quicken. I knew what he was implying—that I was welcome in his bed, welcome to spend the night with him whenever I wanted. A thrill shot through me at the thought, yearning and nervousness warring within me.

Not waiting for me to respond, Adam tugged me through the doorway that connected our rooms. Moments later, I couldn’t help but gape in awe. It was massive and opulent, easily on par with the luxury master suites in seven-star hotels I’d only ever glimpsed on TV. A king-sized bed dominated the space, adorned with sumptuous silk bedding in rich shades of navy and gold. Plush carpet covered the floors, so thick it made me want to sink my toes into it.

An elegant sitting area was arranged near the floor-to-ceiling windows, with a plush sofa and armchairs upholstered in buttery leather. Heavy drapes in navy velvet pooled on the floor, framing the breathtaking city view beyond the glass.

The en suite bathroom was equally impressive, all gleaming marble and gold fixtures. A huge claw-foot tub sat in one corner, big enough for three to four people to lounge comfortably. The walk-in closet rivaled the size of my old bedroom, lined with Adam’s expensive suits and shoes.

It was a bedroom fit for a king, exuding masculine power and wealth. And yet standing there with Adam’s heated gaze on me, it felt intimate, almost sensual.

I was still drinking in the details when I felt Adam’s arms slide around my waist from behind. His hard chest pressed against my back, the solid wall of his body surrounding me with his warmth and masculine strength. I shivered at the sensation, my heartbeat kicking up as he nuzzled against the side of my neck, intending to claim my lips once more. In response, I tilted my face up in eager anticipation.

Just then, the shrill ringing of Adam’s cell phone cut through the charged air between us. He let out a frustrated growl, the vibrations rumbling through me deliciously. For a moment, I thought he might ignore the call, but then he pulled back with obvious reluctance.

“Work,” he said tersely, fishing the phone out of his pocket. “Why don’t you get yourself unpacked. I’ll see you at dinner.”

I nodded in understanding, knowing that as the boss of the Sullivan Clan, Adam had many responsibilities that demanded his attention.

Back in my own room, I started unpacking my meager belongings. The walk-in closet was vast and lavish, and it felt bare and empty with just my small stack of clothing filling one corner.

Moving to the en suite bathroom, I couldn’t help but stare at the luxury. The gleaming marble floors, the claw-foot tub, the separate glass shower stall—it was more opulent than I could have ever imagined. I ran my fingers along the cool, smooth surface of the sink, marveling at the gold-plated fixtures.

Back in the bedroom, I couldn’t resist the allure of the plush king-sized bed and flopped down on it, letting out a contented sigh as I starfished across the silky sheets. It was like lying on a cloud.

Just as I was about to get up, a knock sounded at the door. Thinking it was Lan coming to fetch me, I scrambled to my feet and hurried over to answer it.

To my surprise, instead of Lan’s familiar face, I was greeted by a lovely young woman. She had long golden hair that tumbled past her shoulders in soft waves and warm blue eyes that sparkled with friendly curiosity. Perched atop her head were two adorable wolf ears, and when she smiled, I caught a glimpse of small sharp fangs—a wolfkin, like Lan.

“Hi,” she said brightly, her voice like musical chimes.

“Uh, hi,” I replied.

She offered her hand. “I’m Madison.”

My eyes widened in recognition. “Madison? Lan told me a bit about you. I’m Shiro.” I reached out and shook her hand, noting how soft and delicate her fingers felt in mine.

Madison giggled, leaning in close to inspect me with unabashed interest. A blush rose to my cheeks as her eyes roamed over me. “Oh goodness, but you are as beautiful as Lan and the guards say,” she murmured. “Nessa is going to have a field day when she sees you.”

I tilt my head, wondering what she means by that cryptic comment. Nessa? She meant Vanessa, right? If so, Vanessa being delighted to see me didn’t sound like a good thing, based on Lan’s wariness.

“Would you like to have tea with me?” Madison asked. “We’re still a little ways away from dinner.”

My stomach chose that moment to let out a quiet grumble, reminding me that I was indeed a bit hungry and thirsty.

“Sure,” I agreed with a nod.

“Great!” Madison exclaimed. She grabbed my hand, her fingers lacing with mine, and began tugging me down the hallway. “Call me Madi, alright? Come on, I’ll show you to the sunroom. It has the best view of the gardens.”

As we walked hand in hand, I couldn’t help but marvel at the easy friendship Madison offered, as if we’d known each other for years instead of minutes. It made me feel warm inside, accepted.

I followed Madison through the grand halls, marveling at the opulence surrounding me while Madison chattered happily about all the things she wanted to show me. When we arrived at the sunroom on the first floor, I couldn’t help but gasp in delight. The room was a haven of coziness and comfort, with plush sofas and armchairs upholstered in rich, inviting fabrics. Sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the space in a warm, golden glow.

But what truly took my breath away was the abundance of plants and flowers that filled the room. Lush ferns and delicate orchids spilled from hanging baskets, while potted palms and fragrant herbs lined the windowsills. The air was heavy with the sweet scent of blooming jasmine and lavender, a heady perfume that made me feel instantly at peace.

As I stepped closer to the windows, I was greeted by a stunning view of the gardens outside. A riot of colors stretched out before me—vibrant red roses, sunny yellow daffodils, and delicate purple wisteria twining up trellises. It was like looking at a living canvas, each flower a brushstroke of beauty.

“Please, have a seat,” Madison said, gesturing to one of the plush sofas.

I sank down onto the cushions, sighing in contentment as I was enveloped by their softness. Madison busied herself with preparing the tea, humming a cheerful tune as she worked. I watched her, fascinated by the graceful way she moved, the delicate clink of china as she arranged the tea set on the coffee table.

Moments later, she presented me with a steaming cup, along with a selection of sweets and snacks. There were dainty cucumber sandwiches, buttery scones studded with plump raisins, and delicate macarons in pastel hues. The tea itself was a rich amber color, its aroma hinting at notes of bergamot and citrus.

I accepted the cup eagerly, bringing it to my lips and taking a tentative sip. The flavor burst on my tongue, a perfect balance of smooth, mellow tea and bright, zesty undertones.

“It’s wonderful,” I said, savoring the warmth that spread through me.

Madison beamed, clearly pleased by my reaction. “I’m so glad you like it,” she said, settling onto the sofa beside me. She took a sip of her own tea, watching me over the rim of her cup with curious eyes.

“There are so many plants in here,” I marveled, my gaze roaming over the lush greenery that surrounded us.

Madison giggled, a musical sound that made me smile. “I love plants,” she confessed. “I enjoy taking care of them.”

“So these are all yours?” I asked, amazed. “You look after all of them?”

She nodded, pride shining in her eyes. “Yes, but I have help. Sam is wonderful and very patient when it comes to teaching me about plants. Sam is our head gardener.”

We lapsed into a comfortable silence, sipping our tea and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. After a moment, Madison spoke again, her voice gentle. “Tell me a bit about yourself,” she said. “Lan often talks about you and Aka and Kuro.”

At the mention of my adopted brothers, a pang of sadness squeezed my heart. “Yeah, we were together back when we were in The Institute,” I said softly.

Madison must have noticed the shadow that passed over my face, because her expression turned sympathetic. “I’m sorry to bring up bad memories,” she said, reaching out to touch my hand. “It must have been awful.”

I nodded solemnly, swallowing past the lump in my throat, memories of those dark days threatening to resurface and the thought about the countless beastkin still trapped in that hellish place. The Institute had been a living nightmare, a place of unimaginable cruelty and suffering. Even now, I could feel the echoes of that pain, the scars that would never fully heal.

“It was,” I said. “But we managed to get out. There are still many left in The Institute, so many more there and still more they’ll bring in.”

Madison’s eyes were full of sympathy as she said, “I’m not in a position to do anything to help those imprisoned by The Institute but I do know that the three big clans are doing something.”

I nodded in understanding, though despite the efforts of the powerful clans, I wasn’t sure if they’d be able to make a significant impact against The Institute. The government and the majority of the country backed the cruel facility, after all. The mass of the population was against beastkin, seeing us as less than human.

Madison’s next question caught me off guard. “Lan said Kuro is missing?”

A lump formed in my throat at the mention of Kuro’s name. I nodded, swallowing past the tightness in my chest, the ache of Kuro’s absence a constant, gnawing pain in my heart.

“Mm-hmm. We’re still looking for him,” I managed to say.

Madison’s hand tightened around mine, a gesture of comfort and support. “I’m sure Master Adam does everything in his power to help find Kuro. He’s your adopted brother, after all,” she said, her tone full of conviction.

Before I could respond, the door swung open and Lan strode in, his nose twitching as he caught the scent of the snacks. “I knew you’d be here,” he said, a roguish grin spreading across his face. “Woo! Snacks!”

He plopped down on the sofa next to me, immediately reaching for a plate and piling it high with cucumber sandwiches and macarons. Popping one into his mouth, he let out a contented hum.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at his enthusiasm, the heaviness in my heart lifting a bit at his familiar antics. “You’re eating like you’re starving,” I teased.

“I am,” Lan mumbled around a mouthful of food, his wolf ears twitching with delight.

Madison rose from her seat, a warm smile on her face. “Would you like some tea, Lan?” she offered.

“Yes, please,” he mumbled.

M adison moved about gracefully, refilling our teacups and offering around another plate of delicate macarons. She had an effortless charm about her, putting me instantly at ease with her friendly smiles and gentle conversation.

We whiled away the afternoon like that, sipping tea and nibbling on sweet treats as the conversation flowed easily between us. Madison asked me questions about my life before the Sullivan Clan, her eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and sadness as I recounted some of the hardships I’d endured.

Lan, ever the charmer, would jump in with wild stories and embellishments, his animated storytelling keeping the mood light even when the subject matter grew heavy. His boisterous laughter was infectious, drawing chuckles from me and musical giggles from Madison.

By the time the sun began to dip low in the sky, painting the room in a warm, golden glow, I felt more relaxed and content than I had in ages. A part of me wished we could stay there forever, cocooned in the cozy embrace of the sunroom, away from the harsh realities of the world outside.

Alas, it seemed Madison had other plans. “Shiro, have you visited the library yet?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I shook my head, my interest piqued. “No, I haven’t.”

“Oh, you absolutely must!” she exclaimed. “They have an incredible collection of books. I think you’d find them fascinating.”

Lan nodded in enthusiastic agreement. “It’s a great idea! Come on, Shiro, let’s go check it out.”

Curiosity bloomed within me as I followed Madison and Lan through the winding corridors of the mansion. When we finally reached the library, I couldn’t help but gasp in awe. The room was vast, with towering shelves that stretched up to the ceiling, packed with more books than I had ever seen in my life. The scent of old paper and leather filled my nostrils, a comforting smell that spoke of knowledge and stories waiting to be discovered.

As we ventured farther inside, I noticed several other beastkin scattered throughout the space, some curled up in plush armchairs with books in their laps, others browsing the shelves with intent expressions. There were even a few librarians moving about, their arms laden with stacks of tomes.

“Wow,” I murmured, craning my neck to take in the sheer vastness of it all. “This is incredible.”

Lan grinned at my awestruck expression. “Just wait until you see the restricted section,” he said with a wink.

Madison swatted his arm playfully. “Hush, you,” she chided, though her eyes danced with amusement. “The restricted archives are off-limits to all but the highest-ranking members of the clan.” Madison leaned in close to me, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Did you know there’s a secret library underneath the mansion? It’s called the restricted archives,” she said, her eyes wide with excitement. “It’s where they keep the really rare books, the ones that are too valuable to be kept out in the open. Only the higher-ups have access to it. There are ancient texts and scrolls, too.” Her tone took on a reverent quality. “Priceless artifacts and tomes containing long-lost knowledge about our kind—things that were nearly destroyed during the great purge.”

Lan chimed in, his expression serious for once. “Those books and scrolls are incredibly expensive,” he explained. “They’re obtained through special auctions, and their discovery is very rare. It’s a big deal when a new one is found.”

Madison said, “The great purge is a dark chapter in our beastkin history. It was a time of unimaginable suffering, when countless of our kins and precious lore were systematically wiped out by human forces. It was a tragedy that had shaped the world we live in today, a harsh reminder of humanity’s capacity for cruelty.”

Sensing the somber turn of my thoughts after hearing about the great purge, Lan quickly changed the subject. “Enough of that doom and gloom,” he said brightly. “Let me introduce you to the head librarian. He’s an absolute wealth of knowledge when it comes to beastkin history and lore.”

He led us deeper into the library, weaving between the towering shelves until we reached a secluded alcove tucked away in a quiet corner. There, seated behind a sturdy oak desk, was an elderly beastkin with a kind, weathered face. Perched atop his head were two tufted ears, marking him as some kind of owl beastkin.

As we approached, he looked up from the book he had been studying, his eyes crinkling at the corners in a warm smile.

“Ah, Lan,” he greeted, his voice a gentle rasp. “And Lady Madison, always a pleasure. Who is this young one you’ve brought to see me?”

“Master Cedric, this is Shiro,” Lan said, gesturing toward me with a flourish. “The newest addition to our little family.”

Cedric’s smile widened as he turned his warm gaze on me, studying me with open curiosity. “A foxkin, and a rare white one at that,” he mused. “How delightful. I haven’t seen one of your kind in decades, my boy.”

I ducked my head shyly, unaccustomed to being the object of such rapt attention. “It’s nice to meet you, Master Cedric,” I said politely.

Master Cedric chuckled, the sound rich and warm. “The pleasure is all mine, my boy. And no need for such formalities,” he insisted. “Just Cedric will do. Welcome to our library. Now, what can this old scholar do for you fine folks today? Looking for something to read, I presume?”

“Actually,” Madison piped up, “I was hoping you could help Shiro find some books on beastkin history and lore. He’s new to our world, you see, and I thought it might be good for him to learn more about his roots.”

Cedric’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm. “Of course, of course,” he said, already rising from his chair with surprising spryness. “I have just the thing. Follow me, young Shiro, and let me be your guide through the annals of our fascinating history.”

I followed Cedric deeper into the library, my heart racing with anticipation as we wove through the towering shelves. The air was thick with the scent of aged paper and leather, a heady aroma that seemed to whisper of secrets long forgotten. Lan and Madison trailed behind us, their hushed whispers and soft footfalls echoing in the cavernous space.

Finally, we came to a halt in a section labeled Beastkin History. The shelves here were lined with thick, leather-bound tomes, their spines cracked and worn with age. Cedric ran his fingers along the rows of books, his eyes narrowed in concentration as he searched for something specific. He selected a few tomes, cradling them in his arms like precious artifacts.

“Ah, here we are. These should provide a solid foundation,” he said, his voice a hushed murmur amid the sacred silence of the library. “Recent works by some of our finest beastkin historians, detailing our turbulent past and the events that shaped our world today.”

I accepted the books with utmost care, my fingers tracing the embossed lettering on the covers. The weight of them was substantial, a physical manifestation of the knowledge they contained.

“Thank you, Cedric,” I said earnestly. “I can’t wait to read them.”

Cedric smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “It’s my pleasure, Shiro. But I must warn you, it may take some time to get through all of that material. Beastkin history is a vast and complex subject.”

I nodded, already eager to dive into the pages and uncover the secrets of my past. “I understand. I’m prepared to put in the work.”

“Excellent,” Cedric said, clapping his hands together. “Now, before you can take those books with you, you’ll need to register for a library card. It’s a simple process, won’t take but a moment.”

He ushered me toward the main desk, where a stern-faced librarian awaited. I filled out the necessary paperwork, my heart swelling with a sense of belonging as I was officially granted access to this sacred trove of knowledge.

Library card in hand, I clutched the books to my chest, their spines pressing against my sternum like a comforting weight. As we made our way back through the winding corridors, I couldn’t help but steal furtive glances at the volumes, eager to immerse myself in the pages and unravel the mysteries they held.

Back in my room, I neatly placed the heavy tomes Cedric had provided on the bedside table, my fingers trailing over the embossed leather covers. The weight of the books was immense, both physically and metaphorically, for they contained the history of my kind—a past that had been kept shrouded in mystery for far too long.

“Just in time for dinner,” Lan announced, rubbing his hands together eagerly. “I’m starving.”

Madison let out a tinkling laugh, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “But you just had snacks, Lan. How can you possibly be hungry again?”

Lan snorted, waving a dismissive hand. “Those? Mere crumbs, my dear Madi. A true beastkin warrior requires far more sustenance.”

Chuckling at their playful banter, I followed them out into the hallway and took the elevator down to the first floor, the three of us making our way toward the dining room. As we crossed the opulent foyer, the distant sound of commotion reached my ears. The sound of car engines and slamming doors echoed through the grand entryway, and I saw a fleet of sleek black vehicles pulling up to the front of the mansion.

Lan immediately perked up, his wolf ears twitching atop his head. He let out a sharp curse. “Shit!” Without another word, he took off like a shot, disappearing around the corner so fast it was as if the devil himself were on his heels.

I glanced at Madison, my brow furrowing in confusion. What had Lan so spooked? Madison seemed to share my bewilderment, her lips pursed in a concerned frown.

“She’s back already?” she murmured, more to herself than to me.

Before I could ask whom she meant, Madison turned to me, her expression serious. “Shiro, perhaps you should—”

But her words were cut off by a loud, feminine voice calling out, “Madi!”

In a blur of motion, Madison was suddenly enveloped in a tight embrace, her petite frame dwarfed by the statuesque woman who had appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

I couldn’t help but stare, drinking in her striking appearance. The woman was a vision of power and sensuality, her curves accentuated by the sleek, tailored lines of her suit. Thigh-high boots hugged her long legs, the sharp stiletto heels adding inches to her already imposing height. Her wild mane of fiery curls tumbled over her shoulders in a riot of crimson, framing a face that could only be described as breathtaking. Full lips curved into a sultry smile as she nuzzled against Madison, her voice a low, throaty purr. “Oh, I missed you so much, my darling Madi.”

Before Madison could respond, the woman captured her lips in a searing kiss, one hand tangling in Madison’s golden tresses as she pulled her closer. Madison’s face flushed a deep red, and she struggled to break free from the woman’s embrace, finally managing to push her away with a flustered gasp.

“It’s the middle of the day, Nessa, and there are people around,” Madison scolded, her cheeks still burning with embarrassment.

As Vanessa’s lips parted, ready to steal another kiss, Madison placed a hand on her face, effectively pushing her away. “Who cares if there are people around,” Vanessa protested, a pout forming on her lips as her gaze suddenly shifted, locking on me. “I miss you and— Oh my God! It’s like a marshmallow wrapped in snowflakes just walked into my life!”

Honestly, I was unsure how to respond to such an odd description.

“Pinch me, Madi,” Vanessa said. “I must be dreaming! Is that an angel I see before me, or just the most adorable fox beauty to ever grace this earth with his presence?”

I blinked owlishly as Nessa’s rapt stare roamed over me from head to toe, drinking in every inch of my appearance with unabashed fascination, and I wasn’t sure how to feel about that. Heat crept up my neck as her full lips curved into a smile that could only be described as wolfish, her sharp canines glinting in a way that sent a shiver down my spine.

Madison rolled her eyes, extracting herself from Vanessa’s hold with a graceful wiggle. “Yes, there is a white-haired boy standing in front of you. His name is Shiro and he’s Master Adam’s special person. Nessa, he’s Master Adam’s special person ,” she repeated with emphasis, her tone a clear warning. “So try to contain yourself, alright?”

Vanessa didn’t appear to be listening to Madison anymore. With a look of pure enchantment, she drifted toward me as if in a trance. Up close, her presence was overwhelming—the heady scent of her perfume, the sheer force of her charismatic aura. I had to resist the urge to shrink back as she leaned in, her eyes sparkling with unbridled fascination.

“Hi there, Shiro,” she murmured, her eyes shamelessly glued to my face. Clasping her hands together in a mockery of piety, she leaned in closer, so close that I could see the light freckles scattered across her nose and cheeks. “May I touch you? Just for a moment? Your hair… your skin… you’re like a living, breathing porcelain doll.”

I swallowed thickly, suddenly self-conscious under the weight of her unabashed scrutiny. My lips parted to respond, but the words caught in my throat as a familiar, commanding presence materialized behind me.

“Vanessa, you’re back early.”

Vanessa head whipped around, her expression shifting from adoration to respect in a heartbeat. “Hello, Master Adam. The job’s done, so of course I’ve come back home.”

Adam moved to stand beside me, the solid weight of his arm draping over my shoulders possessively.

Vanessa’s hungry gaze flickered between us, her tongue darting out to wet her lips. “I see you’ve found yourself a little beau, Master Adam,” she purred, her voice taking on that sultry lilt once more. “Am I allowed to—”

“No!” Adam interjected firmly.

A petulant pout tugged at Vanessa’s full lips. “But why?” she whined, fluttering her lashes in an exaggerated display.

“Because he’s mine,” Adam growled, the words seeming to reverberate through me, igniting a flush of heat that crept up my neck.

Vanessa appeared utterly unfazed by Adam’s commanding tone, merely arching one perfectly sculpted brow in a silent challenge. “But that doesn’t matter,” she said with a sly smile. “Can’t I just—”

“No,” Adam cut her off once more.

I wondered what exactly Vanessa wanted with me that had Adam so protective.

Tightening his arm around my shoulders, he turned us away from Vanessa’s smoldering gaze. “Let’s have dinner,” he said, the words brushing against the shell of my ear and sending a shiver skating down my spine.

I could only nod mutely, allowing him to guide me toward the dining hall as Vanessa’s heated stare burned into my back.