Page 101 of A Dance of Water (Moon Song #2)

DEVOUR HER

VALE

T he dragon wanted to devour her whole. But not to consume.

White hair fell around her shoulders, sticking to her skin, while the rope dug into her stomach and arms.

She had winced. It caused her pain. And for that, the dragon wanted to tip his head back and let loose a roar so deafening it would crumble the mountain around them and?—

No.

That would kill her. He did not want her to die. Never.

His tail coiled around her ankle. She sighed, neck lolling against her shoulder as she slept. Soft, soft. She was so soft. Her skin was like silk. But she was cold. Needed to be warm. He could take her somewhere warm and dark and safe.

His den.

At the thought of the island off the coast of Serpentis, a mere few hours’ flight from the castle, he ran a forked tongue over a sharp tooth, a grumble radiating from his chest. She stirred, a tiny crease forming between her brows as she shifted against the stone behind her.

Sleep , the dragon let the order drift to her, filling her mind.

Immediately, her limbs grew lax as she settled back down.

Mine, mine.

Mine .

Possession filled him. Instinctively, his tail tightened even harder around her slim ankle—this time, she did not stir. He ran the end over her bare foot, in awe of her softness, before skimming it up over her leg. He wanted her warm. And safe.

Pretty on a bed of furs while he curled around her, giving her his heat.

The rumbling in his chest grew louder.

Even as the sun broke through the thick clouds above and filled the cavern with precious rays of golden light, the dragon did not sleep. Not once. He guarded something much more precious. More valuable than all the jewels in his hoard.

His mate.