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“Blair,” he gasps, my name emerging as both warning and plea as his wings flutter. His claws card through my hair with exquisite gentleness, careful not to hurt me despite his mounting pleasure. The tenderness in this gesture, even as his body tenses with approaching release, makes my heart swell with emotions too complex to name.

I increase my efforts, hands and mouth working in tandem as I feel him approach the edge. His skin shifts through colors I’ve never documented before—deep crimson to obsidian, to that rare iridescent beauty that makes me feel cherished in a way I’ve never experienced.

His breathing grows ragged, his tail tightening around my shoulder, his wings fully extended and quivering. The crystal light catches on his skin, turning each droplet ofsweat into a prism that scatters rainbow reflections across the chamber.

When release finally claims him, it comes with an intensity that vibrates through our bond. His wings extend to their full impressive span, his body arching as he surrenders completely to the pleasure we’ve created together. His thick length pulses against my tongue as I hollow my cheeks, taking him deeper until he hits the back of my throat.

“Fuck, Blair,” he growls, his usually controlled voice rough with need. “Your mouth is incredible. So hot, so perfect wrapped around my cock.” His claws dig into the sheets as I swirl my tongue around his tip, tasting the bead of moisture there. “I’ve dreamed of this—of you on your knees, taking me so deep.”

The salty-sweet taste of him mingles with his unique spice, and I moan around his shaft, the vibration making him buck his hips helplessly.

“Look at me,” he commands softly when my eyes flutter closed in concentration. “I want to watch you suck my cock, want to see those beautiful lips stretched around me.” The raw hunger in his voice makes me moan around his shaft, the vibration drawing a curse from his lips in a language I don’t recognize.

I stay with him through every pulse and shudder, feeling his ecstasy echo through me via our connection.

His taste is warm and not unpleasant—an ultimate act of intimacy.

Afterward, I move up his body to settle against his chest, his arms immediately enfolding me in warmth. His breathing gradually steadies as he holds me close, his wings creating a private sanctuary around us both. His expression is one of wonder and contentment as he gazes down at me.

“That was…” he whispers, seemingly at a loss for words as his claws comb through my hair. I smile against his chest, feeling unusually shy despite what we’ve just shared.

“We should probably rest a while,” I point out, my voice soft and drowsy as I nestle against him, feeling my boneless contentment. My body feels pleasantly heavy, satisfied in ways I’ve never experienced before. The gentle rise and fall of his chest beneath my cheek and the secure embrace of his wings create a perfect cocoon of warmth and safety.

His breathing gradually steadies as he holds me close, wings creating a private sanctuary around us both.

“We should probably rest between… research sessions,” I point out, trying to sound clinical and failing miserably.

“Always cataloguing.” But his voice carries nothing but affection as he presses a kiss to the top of my head. “Even in moments like this.”

“Would you want me any other way?” My voice sounds almost young; I wish I could hide my vulnerability.

His arms tighten around me. “No. I want exactly who you are, Blair. The scientist. The tactician. The woman who uses data to understand emotion, and strategy to navigate connection.”

The simple acceptance creates a tightness in my throat that has nothing to do with physical exertion. “And I want you, Dante. All of you—sarcastic deflections, protective instincts, Jersey Devil adaptations, and even the secrets you still don’t trust me with.”

I’m acutely aware of thehypocrisy of that statement and push the guilt to the back of my mind.

His skin flushes to warmer crimson, tail tightening slightly around my thigh. “Even the parts shaped by solitude and suspicion?”

“Especiallythose parts.” My fingers trace the curve of his horn with practiced ease. “Because they’re what shaped you into who you are now.”

As crystal light shifts to indicate approaching dawn, we remain wrapped in each other’s embrace, the mate bond swirling with contentment between us. I never expected this unlikely connection, but now that I have it, I can’t imagine how I could ever live without it.

Chapter Sixteen

Dante

The memory of our night together hangs between us like a phantom—intense and undeniable, yet somehow fragile in the harsh light of day. Our bodies still remember every touch, every intimate discovery, every moment of perfect connection.

The mate bond vibrates with echoes of that closeness even as we go about our daily routines.

The laboratory feels different tonight—colder, despite the constant temperature maintained by the crystal formations. Blair hunches over her workstation, mixing compounds with the precision that’s become familiar over our weeks together. The mate bond pulses strongly between us, responsive to our proximity. I can sense her deep affection, but overshadowing is a strong feeling of…guilt? I’m filled with a feeling of foreboding.

“Your wing toxin shows peculiar molecular patterns.” Her voice breaks the silence as I enter. “Specifically engineered to target flying cryptid physiology.”

“More impressive scientific deductions,” I drawl, settling against the doorframe. “Next, you’ll tell me it was designed to cause maximum pain with minimal immediate tissue damage.”

Her hands freeze above her equipment. “Actually, yes. How did you know?”