Chapter 3
One morning when the Lucy, Charly, Lucas, and Kevin awoke, Heather was missing. Kevin was particularly worried; he had now become the father of the group, always checking or fussing over something, wanting them all to be safe and happy.
“I’m sure she’ll be fine!” Charly reassured him. “She’s spent a lot of time inside since we got here. It’s good for her to have gotten some fresh air. I bet she’ll be back soon and everything will be right as rain.”
Almost instantly, Heather walked into their room, as if summoned by the mention of her name.
“Look at the wild flowers I picked, aren’t they lovely!” she said, showing off the bouquet in her hands. “I went for a walk today because I just needed to get out. I’m sorry if I’ve worried anyone, I thought I’d be back before you all woke up. These flowers have really brightened me up, they’re just so gorgeous!”
The others were quick to agree; they had felt she was perhaps homesick, so wanted her to keep the happy mood the flowers had given her. All of them were relieved she was safely back. Suddenly, Lucy spotted flashes of purple in with the flowers.
“Wait a minute, aren’t those Damcho’s flowers? The boundary markers?” she shrieked.
Heather faltered, not knowing how to reply. “I thought Damcho’s flowers were more of a blue… it’s been so long since I saw them. I’m so sorry everyone, I’m sure we’ll all be fine. I don’t think I went too far.”
Lucy rolled her eyes, instantly regretting it as Heather burst into tears. Sometimes she forgot that she was perhaps less outwardly emotional than other girls. She felt bad for upsetting Heather, but she was also furious that someone could be so stupid and inconsiderate. How could she forget what they looked like? Those flowers were their safety net.
“Heather, its fine. Please stop crying,” Lucy said flatly. She was growing more irritable as Heather’s racking sobs echoed through the room. “I’m going to speak with Damcho and let him know what happened. Honestly, please don’t cry, it won’t change anything.” With that, Lucy stomped out, grabbing her sturdy walking boots on the way.
She traipsed through the greenery, desperately hoping to see Damcho on his way to their dwellings. She wasn’t paying attention as she was walking; she was far too angry and impatient. If she looked where she was going, she would have seen stray purple petals on the ground, near a small neat patch of grass where the flowers used to be. Striding along, she thought she heard some rustling in the bushes. She turned and saw nothing. Must be the wind she thought.
Suddenly, a blur of tanned skin came running at her; yelling a garbled language she couldn’t understand. She screamed, not knowing why; she knew her screams would do nothing. For the first time in a long time, she was frightened; she rarely felt this way and didn’t know what to do. She tried to focus her attention, hoping to find a way of escape. She saw a man, dressed in brown robe-like clothing, was pursuing her. He had facial hair and a scar across his cheek.
THUD! She was against a tree, powerless to escape. She saw a knife in his hand. Closing her eyes, she willed it to be over quickly. Death. She never imagined this is how she would die. She felt an arm against her throat. Struggling for breath, she thought of all the regrets she had in life: not standing up to her father, not ending her relationship with Rob. Every moment was precious; she knew that now. She screwed up her face in anticipation. Several seconds passed; why had he not killed her yet? His arm was beginning to ease on her throat too. What was happening?
She risked opening one eye. Looking at her attacker, she saw his attention wasn’t on her at all. Opening the other eye she looked around frantically for help or means of a getaway. Her attacker looked terrified, but she couldn’t see why. His arm was completely by his side now; she could breathe again. Massaging her throat, she looked around. Something had paralyzed her attacker from fear; her survival instincts warned her not to run yet, there was more danger lurking. Sure enough, she was right. A tiger slinked into view, muscles flexing powerfully, staring at the man. The tiger was not looking at her at all. This close, she could appreciate how truly beautiful the animal was. Its sleek orange fur was a dark shade of auburn, reminding her of autumnal leaves in England. She saw burly muscular legs that screamed strength and power. She thought the tiger was elegant and graceful as it paced a circle around her and her attacker. Wow she whispered softly. This tiger was stunning already, but it had the most incredible eyes she had ever seen. Bright green and perfectly reflective, she became instantly unafraid. Those eyes and shade of green were familiar to her somehow; they reminded her of someone. She just couldn’t think whom. She became instantly unafraid, those emerald eyes silently communicating she would be okay.
She braved a step towards the tiger, an uncontrollable desire overpowering her, urging her to stroke soft fur. The tiger stilled as she touched it, enjoying the caress of her palm. The villager took his opportunity to run as fast as he could. The tiger gave chase; knocking the man over with ease. The tiger biffed the man across the cheek, marring the other side of his face. It grabbed the knife with its sharp, pointy, white teeth. Leaning over the man, the tiger growled menacingly. It was clear this was a warning; the man looked petrified. Allowing him to stand, the tiger stared, those green eyes burning into the man’s soul. He allowed the man to run away.
Lucy was now calm, her thoughts becoming more rational. She looked at the tiger once more. She knew from her conversation with Philip this was a Bengal tiger, probably male. She was transfixed on its eyes. Philip! That was who this tiger reminded her. It was those mesmerizing eyes. She felt her body tingle and tremble, instantly vowing to live her life to the fullest. She took a few tentative steps, watching to see if the tiger let her leave, never breaking eye contact. Dazed, she walked in the direction of their base, instantly vowing never to take life for granted again and live life to the full.
Back at camp, Damcho had arrived, worried for her safety after hearing about the removal of the flowers. She saw Charly, Lucas, Kevin, and Heather there with him. She relayed the story to them, leaving out her association with Philip; it sounded silly. Heather burst into rapid sobs once more as Lucy grabbed her towel. Lucy didn’t know how she felt, or what to think; but she knew she wanted to be alone for a while. Alone or with Philip. He had become her closest friend and ally in camp and she needed to let him know what happened.
As she headed off towards her usual bathing spot near the lake, Lucy tried to get her thoughts straight in her head. She felt strangely familiar and comfortable with the tiger. She was disgusted at herself when she realized she was aroused; she knew she wasn’t attracted to the tiger. It was more the thrill of being rescued. She thought of those eyes and instantly pictured Philip, her sexual arousal growing. She knew it wasn’t he that saved her, but she couldn’t stop the tingling sensation when she thought of the tiger’s eyes, his eyes. Growing hot at the thought of it, she sped up her pace and soon came to the bushes of the lake. Stripping off, she jumped in the water and plunged herself into its icy cold depths. The cold water didn’t have the desired effect; it didn’t stop her from thinking about Philip. She was now craving his touch, imagining him saving her. She wanted nothing more than her legs wrapped around his muscular waist. She thought about what she would have done if Philip saved her. She would taste every inch of him, her eyes never leaving his, thanking him with her mouth. She wanted him badly.
She groaned as she swam to the edge of the lake, pulling herself out of the water. She caressed her thigh, as the tingling grew stronger. Reaching to touch the hot wetness between her legs, she stroked the slightly swollen bud of her clitoris, shuddering as her pleasure grew, picturing nothing but those piercing emerald eyes.
“Oh Philip!” she gasped and her excitement mounted. Her need was greater now than ever before; she desperately needed a release.
“Oh Philip, please!” she gasped again, pinching one of her dark pink nipples, willing herself closer to climax.
“Yes?” she heard an enquiring voice ask.
She shot up, still cupping her full, pert breast. It was Philip.
“Are you okay?” he asked, “I heard what happened.”
Lucy stood wordlessly, naked before the man she wanted like no other. Sexual desire burned from her stare into his soul. He could feel passion and lust radiating from her every pore. Philip hushed, feeling an erection growing at the sight of Lucy’s naked body. He could not tear his eyes away from the firm, womanly curves presented to him. He ravished her with his mind, his eyes feasting on her slim waist and her firm but tender breasts, quivering as her breathing grew heavy. He stared at her shapely legs and voluptuous backside, his lust rivaling hers as he imagined what he would do to it.
She stepped towards him, silently challenging him to match her; she had seen the bulge forming in his shorts and wanted him more than ever. He removed his clothes, as they continued to stare at each other. Overcome with lust and passion, Lucy remembered her earlier vow to life to its fullest. She stepped forward to kiss him, powerless as her yearning took over.
Philip reacted instinctively, grabbing her and balling her silky hair in his large first. Their tongues collided as their bodies touched; both growing hotter at the feel of skin on skin. Philip traced his fingers over her perfect chest, losing control of his rationality. He wanted her. He needed her. Lucy’s body responded, arching her back towards his touch, nipples hardening against his muscular chest. Their lips broke apart as her hand found his erection. As she stroked him, he threw his head back in pure, unadulterated pleasure. Their eyes met and she was instantly transported to being saved mere hours ago. She had to thank him, thank those eyes for what they had done earlier. Grinding her hips, she slid down his body, never breaking eye contact. As she looked up at him, she took his thick, hard member into her mouth. Running her tongue down its great length, she had never been so wet before in her life. She needed him; needed the pleasure she was giving him. She swirled her tongue over him, cupping and caressing his balls as he pulsed in her mouth. Neither spoke, only gasps and heavy breathing breaking their silence. They didn’t need to speak; their bodies said it all.
Her hair was still in Philip’s hand as she continued to pleasure him. Pulling her hair slightly, he encouraged Lucy to stand up; he wanted to kiss her once more. Their bodies touched again, both feeling fireworks in their minds, relishing the special connection they had with each other, He kissed and licked her neck, using his sharp, white teeth to nip her skin, loving the whimpering groans she made. He took each nipple in his mouth, loving them, kissing them as he slid two fingers between her shaking legs. She tightened around him, gasping as he used his thumb to massage her clitoris. Satisfied she was enjoying herself; Philip lay down, pulling her onto his face as he rested his arms on the ground below his head.
It was her turn to receive undivided attention, feeling her clitoris throbbing with desire. Grinding against his eager mouth, she leaned her hands on his muscular, strong arms. His tongue lapped at her, loving how she moved and tasted, loving how unafraid and confident she was. As she stared into his eyes, she felt the first waves of orgasm ripple through her, beginning in her stomach but soon spreading through every inch of her body. Wave after wave of ecstasy crashed through her trembling body as she screamed his name; she grew limp as her orgasm became more powerful.
Using his powerful arms, he lay her down as she still whimpered and moaned his name. Kissing her thighs softly, he rolled her onto her front; his only objective was his own pleasure now. Supporting her hips with his hands, he pulled her to her knees, so he was behind her on all fours. Sliding one finger into her caused her body to spasm and he could wait no more. He pulled her incredible body to him, stretching out her tightness with his rock hard member. Pressure built up inside her again as she moved her hips to meet his thrusts. Being like this; the animalistic position, his primal, urgent thrusts was driving her wild. They continued to make love as the thrusts grew harder, longer, and more intense. He cupped one of her perfect breasts as he slipped a finger into her puckered anus. Almost instantly, the now-familiar waves of orgasm crashed through her once more. As she tightened around him, Philip could not contain himself any longer; roaring Lucy’s name as he met his release.
Both panting, they moved to lie down together, facing each other on the towel. Their bodies connected again, Lucy feeling a jolt in her stomach looking into Philip’s eyes once more.
Philip was first to break their silence, stroking his hair as he whispered “that was incredible.”
Lucy kissed his cheek, nodding in agreement. She couldn’t believe what just happened and how amazing she now felt.
“Lucy, I… I have something to tell you. I’ve wanted to for some time now, but couldn’t find the words. Now, this moment, it feels right.”
Lucy tensed afraid her happiness and pleasure was about to be taken away.
“When I saw you here, I said I heard what happened. I didn’t. I saw it.”
“What?” Lucy cried. “You could have saved me sooner from that man!”
“Lucy, please. Let me explain. Did anything about that tiger seem familiar to you? Perhaps its eyes?”
“But, how do you know that? I didn’t tell anyone!”
“Lucy, this is hard for me to say, but I am that tiger. I need you to believe me. My family line is cursed. That is why I’m so well travelled; I’ve been trying to trace my family back and I’ve ended up here. I’m not here to study the Monpa people like I said; I’m here to break the curse that turns me into a tiger.” Philip crumpled in Lucy’s arms; he had never confessed that to anyone before, but he felt a special connection to her.
“I don’t know what to say. I must be crazy, but I believe you; how else would you have known about the eyes? I still don’t understand though. Please tell me about the curse. How did you know to come here?”
“I don’t know how to explain it. Look at me. Look at my hair, my eyes, and my teeth. I even resemble a tiger when I’m human. All I know is there was a curse on my family centuries ago. I don’t know how or why, but I came here to find out. I can turn into a tiger at will; sometimes, there are triggers and I can’t prevent it from happening. Today, when I heard you scream, I felt one of those triggers. I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to protect you so much; I don’t want to hurt people. I promise I’m a good person. I don’t want to turn into a tiger or feel that urge anymore. I just want to be cured.” Philip paused, gathering his thoughts for the next part of his story. “It was extremely difficult to trace the curse here. Traditionally, as you know, Monpa people don’t carry surnames unless they’re royalty or politicians. I have been travelling since I was 18 finally coming here. Luckily, I inherited a lot of money when my mother died. I’ve never needed to work and can dedicate my time to this fully. I’ve never told anyone this before; I’m a freak.”
Lucy was overwhelmed; today had been incredibly tense and emotional for so many reasons. She looked at Philip in awe and admiration. He had tried to protect her! He cared! Unconsciously, her feelings for him deepened. He was so exciting, so interesting. He was everything that Rob wasn’t. Rob. Oh dear. That was definitely over now. Philip, she wanted Philip more than anything. She kissed him, trying to communicate with her kisses what her mouth could not say. I’m with you she wanted him to know. I will help you, I’m not frightened, and I think you’re incredibly brave. Now she knew it was Philip that had saved her, she was even more attracted to him and his power. Meanwhile Philip received her message loud and clear. He was grateful she didn’t think badly of him and wanted to show her how grateful…