What The Heart Wants

By Vakhiya B

My life is completely normal.
I am going to become a Cardiologist.
My husband is a sweet Surgeon.
My daughter is the most precious girl in the whole entire world!
Life is great!

Or it was, till a handsome blond stranger entered my life claiming to be my soulmate.

Did I mention that I was a werewolf?

Werewolves had soulmates. Who even knew?
Definitely not me!

Now, I am torn between two men.
My heart yearns for my soulmate, while my brain demands I stay with my husband.

Husband or soulmate?

The choice is obvious, right?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vakhiya B
• Release date: Sep 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215631607

Vakhiya B

Vakhiya has always enjoyed reading from a young age. Delving into another world and exploring it's mysteries has particularly held her fancy. A few years ago, she decided to try writing and found she had fun diving into her character's heads. Sometimes her characters take over and run around her driving her insane! Her peculiar interests revolve around exploring unconventional relationships.

Book preview

Prologue

The little girl was giggling as she ran around in the backyard. She was chasing fireflies and trying to capture them in her tiny chubby hands. Her guileless laughter sounded like the tinkling of wind chimes.

His ears perked up, and his snout sniffed the sweet chocolatey aroma of the little girl. He stood hidden in the bushes, wondering if he should reveal his presence.

A firefly got too close to his snout, and he couldn't help but sneeze.

The girl's laughter stopped, and she was looking curiously at the bushes. She took a step toward him. He was secretly pleased by her bravery.

He decided to reveal himself, and the girl looked at him with wide eyes. She didn't appear to be scared, though.

She smiled and ran up to him, startling him for a second.

She ran her little hands through his fur, and he rumbled softly as he inhaled her chocolate scent. She giggled.

Cute doggy! she crooned, and it broke the moment.

He growled, making her frown.

He shifted to his human form, making her she gasp in surprise.

Wolf boy, she whispered in wonder as he smirked at her.

Then she dropped her gaze and blushed. She covered her eyes and giggled.

What are you doing? he asked curiously.

You're naked, she said, peeking at him between her fingers.

Embarrassed by the comment, he shuffled to stand behind the bushes. The little girl removed her hands from her eyes.

Do you need clothes? Aren't you cold? she questioned him, her brown eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I'm a wolf. I don't get cold, he said haughtily in a way only 10-year boys could be.

Can I become a wolf? the girl asked eagerly.

No, you stupid girl! You are only born as a wolf, he answered arrogantly, and watched as her lower lip quivered and eyes filled with tears. For some odd reason, he didn't like seeing her cry. He loved to make his sister cry, but it wasn't his fault she was a crybaby. It was quite funny too. But the sight of this girl being upset made his wolf restless.

Shh. Don't cry. You can play with me if you want to, he said, trying to appease her.

She sniffled, eyeing him warily.

Would she believe him?

Why did he want so badly to be her friend?

Are we friends now? she shyly asked as she looked up at him shuffling from foot to foot.

No, he said, and her lower lip quivered again. His wolf growled at him, and he grew annoyed.

Don't be such a crybaby! he said harshly, and she stared at him with watery eyes.

How can I be your friend if I don't know your name? he demanded, and her eyes lit up happily.

My name is - she began but was interrupted by a loud voice.

Come for dinner!

The girl's eyes widened in surprise.

"Amma doesn't like it if I talk with strangers," she whispered, sounding horrified.

I thought I was your friend, he said with a pout, and the girl looked unsure.

Suhasini!

The girl jumped.

I have to go, she said sorrowfully, and the boy felt sad by that fact.

Will I see you tomorrow? he asked, and the girl quickly nodded before running off, taking her sweet chocolate scent with her.

But she never came.

Not the next night.

Or the night after that.

The sweet chocolate girl was gone.

Chapter 1

Somebody was shaking me awake, dissolving the wonderful dream I had of Dr. Chase handing me a red rose, saying he liked me while Dr. House looked on in disapproval.

I blinked my eyes open and looked around the dark room. The sun hadn't even come up yet!

Or maybe it was just the dark curtains, but either way, this was not the time to get up!

I groaned as the shaking didn't stop.

What? I grumbled into the pillow.

Your alarm went off half an hour ago, and you reminded me to wake you up today, pointed out the culprit who disturbed my sweet dream.

I mumbled some unintelligible reply and pulled the covers over my head.

Suhasini, my husband said in a warning tone.

Today is an important day, and your father told me to kick you out of bed if that's what it takes to get you to be on time for the function, he told me, patting me on the hip.

The function is at 10am. It is 7 now! How can I possibly be late? I need sleep!

And Chase!

But I wasn't going to tell my husband that.

Hasini, I heard him sigh.

Then it was quiet, and I drifted off for a while.

Suddenly the covers were pulled back, and hands pulled me out of bed. I shrieked and tried to push them away, but the hands were relentless.

I fought the hands off as I stood up and opened my eyes to see my husband was laughing his ass off as I glared at him and stomped my foot in frustration.

Good morning, Suhasini! Surain greeted me cheerfully.

Good morning my ass!

It is a wonderful morning only if I get up after ten!

He prodded me out of the bedroom, out of the cool confines of the air-conditioned room while I pouted.

Oh, and Suhasini? Can you make me a cup of coffee to drink when I get up? I have some sleep to catch up on as I had a late night. Your father doesn't expect me till 12 anyway, he said with a smirk, and before I could do something crazy like grab his hair and scream like a banshee, he shut the door in my face.

The ass!

Amma! yelled an excited voice.

Speaking of banshees...

My daughter came running up to me and hugged me around the middle. Lalitha was an early bird, while I was a night owl. Sometimes I wondered how she was my daughter since Surain and I both loved to sleep in.

Our hectic schedule made sleep a divine gift.

Lali? How did you get in here? I asked with a yawn as I brushed my hand through the silky strands of her soft hair.

Paatti said that we needed to wake you up, so we came together, she said excitedly.

I was reconsidering the benefits of having my parents live next door. On one hand, they were a huge help with Lalitha, and on the other hand, they were constantly badgering me at my house.

Hasini! I knew I'd find you like this! Get ready soon, or you'll be late! Today is very important to your father, and you need to be there on time! Go! Amma said, scowling at me as she pushed me towards the bathroom.

"It'll be fine, Amma. I'm never late, you know," I said with a grin as she glared at me.

"You are never early too, somberi!" she scolded, and Lalitha giggled.

Amma! You turned my daughter against me! I cried out, and Amma rolled her eyes.

Lalitha is a sensible, punctual girl, unlike her mother! Good thing I have a granddaughter to rectify the mistakes I made the first time! Amma shot back, and I narrowed my eyes at her.

I heard the crinkling sound of paper and glanced at Lalitha who was busy unwrapping a chocolate bar in her little hands.

I grabbed the chocolate out of her hands, ignoring her cries, and thrust it into my mother's hand.

You are spoiling my child! If she ends up getting cavities, it's your fault! I pointed out and slammed the bathroom door shut, grinning evilly at her guilty face.

I turned on the shower drowning out the sounds of my mother shouting at her granddaughter.

It was 7:45, and I was going to be late!

Traffic in Chennai was quite crazy, 24/7.

Ilooked at my reflection one last time before leaving the room. My father wanted me to wear this green silk saree for the occasion. After all, it's not every day your hospital gets a generous donation to buy the new and improved Heart and Lung Machine.

And being a doctor, I had to utilize every opportunity to dress up, or that's what my father liked to say. Because who would want to dress to the nines and get splattered by blood or urine?

Ok, so I was exaggerating a bit, but still, I was pretty excited about today.

My inner wolf was also restless, and I wondered what it was about. I should probably let her out soon before she got too cranky.

Once I styled my hair perfectly in curls, I rushed out of the room.

I laughed as I saw my husband looking grumpy with a cup of coffee in his hands while reading a paper. My daughter was humming loudly as she scribbled on the newspaper with a pen.

Looks like Lalitha woke up her father, and I smirked at my husband in triumph, making him scowl at me.

Hasini, don't forget the flowers! Amma said, coming out of the kitchen with a string of jasmine flowers and hairpins. She pinned them to my hair, completing my look.

You look beautiful as always, Surain said with a gentle smile.

Thank you, I mumbled.

I really didn't know how to respond to compliments even though we'd been married for almost 6 years.

Appa! Can we take a photo of Amma? Lalitha asked her father, and he nodded, pulling his phone out.

I'm not posing for a photo alone, I said and grabbed my giggling daughter with me.

Surain snapped a few photos of us while Amma stood watching us all with a smile on her face.

Suhasini, it's time to leave, my mother reminded me. I rushed to take my handbag and car keys.

Lali, be a good girl in school and listen to your teacher. Don't pinch your friends, I warned her.

I won't, Amma, she said angelically, and I sighed. Her class teacher called me last week complaining about how Lalitha pinched all her classmates while playing. I was pretty sure she picked up that habit from my mother since she liked to do the same to me when I was out of line.

I kissed her forehead and looked at my husband.

I'll see you soon, I told him, and he nodded.

Drive safely, he said and kissed my cheek.

I waved at everyone one last time before rushing out the door.

I was going to be late!

Iwas late.

I flew up the steps of the auditorium next to the Chandran Heart Speciality Hospital. Nisha stood at the entrance waiting for me, wearing a frown.

The function is over, she said in a grave tone, and my heart jolted in my chest in panic.

Then my brain woke up, and I narrowed my eyes at her.

No, it is not, I said, and she smirked.

Why do you keep doing this to me? I asked with a huff.

It's funny how you fall for it every single time! she said with a smirk. I rolled my eyes at her.

A lot of times I found myself reacting first and thinking later. It was a hard habit to get rid of.

How angry is my father? I asked her. Before she could reply, a stern voice sounded from behind me.

You're late. Again.

I spun around to meet the disapproving gaze of my father. He stood dressed in his black suit, white shirt, and black tie. He reminded me of the Men In Black guys, but I doubt he would appreciate that joke right now.

My father was a man of discipline, and people at the hospital feared his wrath. He could be very kind and gentle to patients and turn into a fire-breathing dragon at his staff when they didn't obey orders.

But I guess that was how he became the leading Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Chennai and was known worldwide.

Surain worshipped the ground he walked on and wanted to be just like him. I found it quite nauseating whenever I found the two of them talking together at home. Maybe next time I'll throw a notepad and pen at my husband's head so he could take notes as my father spoke.

"Hi, Appa!" I squeaked out, and he pursed his lips in annoyance.

I don't know when you are going to learn punctuality. A stitch in time-

"Saves nine. I know, Appa," I said interrupting him. He let out a deep breath to calm himself.

Since you're here, does that mean the chief guest hasn't yet arrived? Am I early? I asked him sweetly. He glared at me. He was far too dignified for paltry acts such as eye rolling.

Our guest got caught in traffic, so it's a mere stroke of luck that you've arrived before him, my father grumbled while I gave him an angelic smile.

Nisha, did you hear that? I'm actually quite early, I exclaimed, and Nisha giggled at my father's reproachful look.

Alright, enough doctors. Our guest will arrive soon. Both of you go inside and help everyone who needs it, he ordered.

That's what we do every day, Sir, quipped Nisha, and we giggled as my father shook his head at us.

Nisha was a pediatrician and my best friend at work. She was a joy to be around and cheered me up when I was down.

I was a General Practioner specializing in Cardiology. I had a couple of years to go before I could be a full blown cardiologist.

Since today's function was for Surgeons and Cardiothoracic Surgeons in particular, I had a small role to play. I was welcoming our chief guest, Lincoln King, with a bouquet.

I stood by the side of the stage, holding the bouquet in my hands.

The doors swung open, and the crowd grew silent as the chief guest entered the room.

People started clapping in welcome while I stood frozen in place as I watched the man walk through the centre aisle to the stage. He wore a black suit jacket and a blue shirt which seemed to match the colour of his eyes. His blond hair haloed his face, and his smile seemed to light up the entire room as he nodded at the people he passed by. Something about the way he carried himself screamed of power, and I found myself hypnotized as I watched him.

You have a husband, Suhasini! Stop drooling over a guy!

My mind was screaming at me, and it was right. I really shouldn't watch this man whose magnetic eyes had my heart racing in my chest.

He is so hot! Nisha gasped next to me, and I found myself annoyed by that statement.

You're married, I reminded her, but she brushed off my comment.

No harm in looking, she said, and continued to ogle the man.

I didn't dare look up at him, fearing I would lose my sanity and jump him on the spot. My animal instincts seemed to favour that reaction anyway.

I peeked up to look at them, and I found those blue eyes trained on me with an intense expression.

I gasped and looked away.

Was he angry that I was shamelessly ogling him before?

When he walked past me to go up the stairs to the stage, the salty smell of the sea breeze teased my nostrils, and I closed my eyes for a moment to savour the scent before opening them again. The man gave me knowing look, and I averted my gaze in embarrassment.

This guy was bad news!

I focused all my attention on not looking at the man.

Lincoln King was a dangerous man.

Nisha nudged me and pointed at the stage where my father was watching me expectantly.

Shit!

I didn't hear them call my name.

I walked as dignified as I could up the steps. Lincoln stood up, and I plastered a nervous smile on my lips, as I handed him the bouquet. He watched my nervous movements with amusement.

He held out his hand, and I hesitantly shook it. I did not expect to feel a shock running through my hands as we touched, and I really hope I only imagined his pupils dilating as I stared into his eyes.

It's nice to meet you, Suhasini, he said. The sound of my name rolling off his lips sent a shudder through my body.

I don't know if I can say the same to you.

When his eyes widened in surprise, I realized I said that out loud.

Shit!

Chapter 2

Iwas sitting in the audience, my heart galloping in my chest. Every time our eyes connected, it felt like the whip of a riding crop on my heart, causing it to jolt in my chest.

Weird analogies aside, I was not happy to sit in the front row, right under his nose.

The woman by his side kept throwing weird glances my way, and I didn't like it.

After what I'd said on stage, I scurried away in total panic. Thank God, my father didn't hear it over the din of the audience. I couldn't exactly leave, being the owner's daughter and all, so I obediently sat in my chair.

Why was this man affecting me like this?

It was crazy!

Just one look from his azure blue eyes, and I wanted to spontaneously combust. It was like he drew out my primitive feelings. I didn't know what to do!

I haven't felt this way before, not even with my husband, who I loved so much.

When I started thinking about Surain, I felt a surge of guilt overcome me.

I forced a blank expression on my face and stared at the stage. My father was thanking Lincoln King for his donation to the Saving Hearts Foundation, which my father had started. He did free heart surgeries for people who couldn't afford them. This new Heart and Lung machine claimed to reduce the incidence of 'post bypass surgery cognitive dysfunction' which is due to minute emboli caused by the machine itself during surgery. This leads to deterioration of brain function over time, like what happened to Bill Clinton after his bypass surgery, a seldom discussed fact.

I focused on my father's speech to ignore the weird feelings evoked in me by the irresistible man on stage.

I learnt that Appa had operated on Lincoln King's father, Andrew King and that they were close friends. He passed away last month and wished to donate this huge amount of money to our heart foundation. It was incredibly generous of him, and I felt sad that he couldn't be here, on this occasion, to see this in person.

I chanced a look at Lincoln, and he looked subdued. The pain was evident in his eyes when Appa mentioned his father. The young brunette next to him squeezed his hand, and I felt a weird surge of jealousy.

'I should be the one who gets to comfort him.'

A pesky voice in my head was screaming, baffling the sane part of my mind.

I curled my hands into fists and sat rigidly in my chair, wondering how long this program would go on.

Nisha was supposed to be with me, but she got called away on an emergency.

I sighed and closed my eyes.

Why was I this attracted to a stranger?

I wanted to jump his bones, feel his soft lips on mine, his scruffy beard against my thigh...

When I heard his deep voice through the mic, I blinked my eyes open, breaking away from my fantasy.

I can't believe I was getting this turned on in public!

My eyes clashed with his. It wasn't surprising that he was watching me like he knew exactly what I'd been thinking.

I glared back at him and saw his lips twitch before he began his speech.

His rich voice was so soothing to my ears, and I had to suppress a shiver.

Was this man a sorcerer? Or maybe he was an incubus who ate the souls of women he seduced.

All I knew now was that this man was dangerous. I couldn't stop my body from reacting to him.

Why was this bad?

Oh right! Because I was married, and I led a happy content life with my husband and daughter. I didn't need such complications in my life.

I closed my eyes to massage the space between my eyes.

An arm settled around my shoulder, and I looked up to see Surain's worried face.

Are you alright, Suhasini? he asked in concern.

I'm fine. Why do you ask?

You were massaging your forehead. Something you do only when you are stressed, he said, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

I'm really okay, Surain, I said with a smile, hoping he'd believe me.

Did you eat breakfast? he asked suddenly.

Uh..

I knew you wouldn't have on mornings like these. You need to take better care of your health, Hasini! Surain said, sounding frustrated.

I did have a habit of skipping breakfast, not because of some crazy diet but because I really didn't feel all that hungry so early in the morning.

Come on, let's grab something to eat, and we'll come back, Surain said, grabbing my hand.

But the function-

We'll come back in a few minutes. Come on! I don't want you fainting on me, he said.

I chanced a look at the podium and saw Lincoln King's hardened gaze on us. He almost seemed angry at us, but why?

Surain, I hissed and tugged at his arm.

It would be rude if I got up right now and left in the middle of the chief guest's speech. Why don't you give me one of those chocolates you keep in your pocket? I'll eat breakfast later, I tried to compromise with him, and he sighed.

He pulled out a coffee flavored caramel toffee that I quickly popped into my mouth. The flavour of coffee exploded in my mouth. Coffee was God's gift to mankind!

Surain was grumbling under his breath about me being very stubborn, which I ignored.

I was counting down the minutes till this function was over.

Lincoln was talking about his father quite passionately. The man really missed his father, and the pain was leaking into his voice, but his eyes looked shadowed. He hid his pain well.

Endings signify new beginnings is what my father used to say. I never really understood it until now. He made me come halfway across the globe to fulfill his last dying wish. Now, I've discovered my new beginning.

The people clapped as he concluded his moving speech, but I stood frozen in my seat.

When Lincoln said the last few lines, his eyes were fully focused on mine, like he was talking to me specifically.

A new beginning?

I shuddered to think of what he meant by that.

Iwas eating a dosai and vadai in the hospital canteen. They made the best vadais in my opinion.

The function was finally over when they revealed the new Heart and Lung Machine. My father looked positively ecstatic as he saw the machine. He was going on and on about the benefits of this improved machine and how grateful he was to Lincoln's father for his generous donation.

My father introduced me as his daughter to Lincoln. I gave him a polite smile and slipped away as fast as I could after telling Surain about my whereabouts.

I sighed.

I had to get back to work. I was wondering when I could get back home to bed. Emotions were quite exhausting buggers.

The day went by quickly, and I hardly had time to see Surain or my father. I guessed he was probably busy with Lincoln and his people. I wondered how long he would be here in the city. Then, I told my mind to shut up. I didn't need to know more about this man.

I briefly met with Nisha for a snack break and had to endure her fangirling about Lincoln. I really wished she would shut up and wondered if I would get into trouble if I sutured her mouth shut, which would actually be a great service to humanity.

After a long day, I trudged back home. When I turned the key in the lock of my door, it was like the gates of heaven had opened up for me.

I collapsed into the sofa nearby and let out a sigh.

Finally!

My quiet peace was disturbed by a shout.

Suhasini! Get off that sofa right now and take a bath. We don't need you to spread the germs you got from the hospital to everyone in the house, Amma yelled at me, making me sigh again.

She was right though. The thought of getting up from my chair seemed like Mission Impossible though, as I felt exhausted.

I'm tired, I whined.

Amma huffed in annoyance.

Honestly, Hasini! You are a married woman with a child! When are going to act your age? she asked me.

Never! I screamed, and she rolled her eyes at me, but I saw her lips twitch before she suppressed her smile.

Where's Lali? I asked. She always came to greet me as soon as I came home.

Your Appa is making Lali finish her homework. We have guests coming over tonight, so freshen up and come over. They'll arrive at 8:30, Amma replied, walking towards the door.

Who's coming? I asked.

Don't you dare be late this time! she yelled, shutting the door behind her, leaving my question unanswered.

I groaned and peeled myself off the couch. I stretched my back, and I swear I heard some cracking sounds in my back. Why did I choose this profession again?

That's right.

I was inspired by Appa's passion and dedication.

I loved it too, so it wasn't a huge burden but sometimes I liked to have mini pity parties.

Surain worked the night shift today, so I'd probably see him when I left for work tomorrow.

I looked at the clock and saw I had less than an hour to get ready. I rushed to take a bath and wore a simple but elegant yellow chudidhar.

I went next door to my parents' house, and Lali opened the door for me.

Amma! she cried, and her tiny arms wrapped around my waist.

I laughed and hugged her back.

Lali, how was school today? Were you a good girl? I asked, and she let go of me and stood with her arms behind her back and biting her lower lip.

What did she do now?

I was good, she mumbled in a small voice, not meeting my eyes.

I knelt down in front of her and lifted her chin up to meet my gaze.

Lali. What did I say about lying? What does God do to liars?

He punishes them and makes them sad, she replied obediently, and I waited.

I watched as her lower lip trembled and her eyes filled with tears.

What happened, baby? I asked softly.

Srikanth took my barbie pencil and didn't give it back. So, I pushed him down and Miss. Rebecca shouted at me. He took my barbie pencil first, she wailed, and I gathered her into my arms, rubbing her back soothingly.

Ssh, it's okay, Kuttima. That Srikanth is a bad, bad boy, I said, and Lali giggled, making me smile.

Next time, if somebody takes something from you, you go to Miss.Rebecca and tell her, okay?

Okay, Amma, she replied cutely.

Good girl, I said and kissed her forehead.

Somebody cleared their throat behind me, and I turned to see Lincoln King standing there with the woman I'd seen on stage with him.

What are you doing here? I blurted out in surprise.

Is this how you treat your guests, Suhasini? Lincoln teased me, his blue eyes twinkling in mischief.

This was who my father invited over for dinner?

This was not good.

Chapter 3

For a moment, we all stood frozen, looking at one another. Technically, it was me who couldn't seem to process the fact that Lincoln was at my house.

His gaze ran over my face and down at the simple yellow chudidhar I'd worn for dinner. It made me feel self-conscious, so I cleared my throat, making his eyes snap up to mine.

The smirk he wore said he didn't care that I'd caught him ogling me. I grew annoyed.

Welcome to our home, Mr.King, I said politely, and he narrowed his eyes at me. Being formal always created a barrier between people. I wasn't sure if I wanted to get closer and be friends with him.

Call me Lincoln, Suhasini. This is my sister, Melissa, he said, pointing to the woman by his side.

She gave me brilliant smile and was shooting curious looks at Lalitha, who was peeking from