Chapter 7: Between the Maple Trees

Caleb’s eyebrow lifted slightly.

"How do you want to be kissed?"

I bit my lip, teeth pressing into the soft flesh.

Thinking of how Derek used to kiss me.

Thinking of what was drawn and described in those pamphlets.

If I didn’t want my true form to be exposed, I had to go all out.

Even though I’m not human,

I was still a little shy.

I covered my ears and whispered, "The kind that makes everything else disappear."

Caleb’s lips seemed to curve up a little.

He bent down, his high-bridged nose almost brushing mine.

"Lila."

"Here."

"Do you know what it means to kiss you until you feel really good?"

I blinked my red-rimmed eyes.

My mind was blank. I couldn’t think at all.

He was so close.

His breath brushed past my nose.

Hot. Scorching.

His scent surrounded me.

My blood was already boiling.

Almost bursting out of my veins.

Most importantly, Caleb at such close range—

He was so handsome it made my heart race. I couldn’t control myself.

I tilted my face up and kissed him directly.

I didn’t forget to close my eyes.

Derek always said my eyes were too big, too clear.

When we kissed, he’d feel guilty and told me to remember to close them.

I was very obedient and always remembered.

Caleb didn’t push me away.

On the contrary, after a brief pause,

he suddenly pulled me up from the ground.

He pressed me against a nearby young maple tree and took the lead.

The rough bark dug into my shoulder blades, and the sweet scent of fallen leaves hung in the air. Somewhere, a car alarm chirped and a couple laughed as they passed, but it all felt miles away.