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She gulped. Pressing my mouth to her throat, I felt her pulse thrumming against my lips.

“You’re mine. My mate,” I murmured, pressing another slow, claiming kiss under her jaw. “And being mine means you listen to me. You obey me.”

Her breath hitched, and a shiver ran all the way down her body.

I pulled back just enough to hold her gaze, my eyes burning into hers. “Being my mate isn’t temporary, Lia.” My fingers flexed against her waist, grounding her, staking my claim. “It means forever.”

Her eyes were wide, pupils fully dilated, and she held my stare. For a long moment, she didn’t speak. When she did, her voice was barely above a whisper.

“I know, Silas.”

I saw that she was still overwhelmed by the intensity of what had just happened. Her breathing was shallow, her skin flushed and damp with sweat, and I could feel the slight tremor in her limbs as she struggled to stay upright.

I wasn’t having that. She had taken her punishment. Now it was my job to take care of her. Without another word, I wrapped one arm around her shoulders, the other around her slender waist, and drew her to me. She let out a soft, exhausted sigh as I held her close, her weight sinking against me, her forehead falling to my chest and her fingers gripping the front of my shirt like she wasn’t quite ready to let go.

“You’re okay, Lia,” I crooned, pressing my lips to the top of her head. “I’ve got you. I forgive you.”

She hiccupped a little sob, but caught herself and released a long shaky breath.

And I did have her. Safe and sound.

For now.For always.

I scooped her up effortlessly, one arm under her knees, the other around her back, lifting her as if she weighed nothing. She gave a small, surprised yelp, but didn’t fight me. Instead, she curled against my chest, her fingers still fisting my shirt as I carried her back through the trees toward camp.

The fire was still burning when we returned, the others keeping their distance, pretending they weren’t fully aware of what had just happened in the woods. Lia might feel humiliated come morning, but I hoped this punishment would ensure she never put herself in danger again.

Rowan gave me a brief glance, but didn’t comment.

Varek, of course, smirked knowingly.

I continued ignoring him.

I carried Lia past the fire, heading toward where I had already started setting up my tent. It wasn’t much, just thick canvas stretched between sturdy wooden poles, but it would do. It would keep her warm and sheltered.

I knelt down, gently easing her onto the nest of blankets and furs I had laid out for us. Her eyelids were heavy, her breathing slow, and I could see the exhaustion weighing on her.

I reached for my pack, pulling out a metal flask and unscrewing the cap before pressing it to her lips.

“Drink,” I ordered softly.

She blinked up at me, her eyes glassy. “I’m fine.”

I raised a brow. “I wasn’t asking, Wildcat.”

The corner of her mouth tugged up a tiny bit, but she obediently took a few sips, swallowing the cool water before sighing and letting her head rest back on the blankets. I ran my fingers through her hair, untangling it gently, trying to make my heavy male touch tender.

“You did well today,” I murmured, watching the way her breathing deepened under my hands.

Her lashes fluttered, her body relaxing further. I brushed my knuckles down her cheek, reveling in how soft she felt. I wasn’t accustomed to anything soft in my life.

“I’ll always take care of you,” I promised, hoping my tone could convey my deep sincerity. “No matter what. No matter how much trouble you get yourself into.”

A small, sleepy hum left her lips as she nuzzled closer to me. My chest ached with a fierce, unshakeable feeling.

I pulled the blankets up over her shoulders, tucking her in, making sure every inch of her was covered. Then, carefully, I lay down beside her, sliding under the blankets and wrapping my arms around her, pulling her into the solid warmth of my body.

She sighed, pressing her face into my chest, her fingers resting lightly against my ribs.