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His gestures were gentle and slow, as if he wanted his words to be taken lovingly. “Knowing that my bride feels adored and cared for makes me happy. You are carrying our younglings, not me, and I see how much it burdens you. I want you to feel appreciated.”

Damnit. It was hard to stay mad at him when his feelings were so sweet and noble.

Just as she opened her mouth, he quickly cut her off. “Just know that you will have a very pent-up and horny Mavka. One that will be very excited to have you once more. You better be ready for me, little nightingale.”

Linh let out a squeal when he dived for her. Wrapping his entire body around hers, he brought her into a protective hold that blocked out the late-afternoon sun. She giggled when his hand dived underneath her dress to cup the side of her belly, wanting to touch it directly as if he could feel the vibrations within through his palm.

“I think you should be more worried about how I will be! I’m going to punish you for making me wait,” Linh stated around giggles. She wrapped her arms around his neck, thankful she was comfortable enough to feel this way about him, about intimacy, and their relationship.

In the darkness, she felt him open and close his maw mockingly, making the bones clack. Her smile grew when he cupped the side of her head and nuzzled her cheek with affection. Then he pulled back and bright-pink orbs shone down at her, making her heart flutter with tenderness.

He didn’t even need to sign for her to know what he thought, what he was saying, and she knew he meant it with every part of his being. She adored seeing it glow while in this cuddle that allowed her to feel so secure and safe.

She kissed the side of his maw. “I love you, too, Nathair.”

And I love that I’ll have someone so attentive for the rest of my life.Someone who made her feel cherished in ways she never imagined, and made sure all her needs were met. Someone who had saved her when she was on the brink of drowning in fear, and made her love the skin she was in simply because it was a vessel for him to cherish her in every way possible.

Someone who was understanding on the days she wasn’t okay, and never took it to heart when she lashed out without meaning to.

A Duskwalker who showed her it was okay to love a skull-headed serpent monster with all her heart.