Page 29 of Captured By the Dragon Warlord (Fated Mates of the Sarkarnii Warlords #2)

T he way my little mate reacted to being mated by my Sarkarnii was the best thing I have ever done. Scarlett is perfection, from the way she takes my cock to the noises she makes while she is being filled. I know now why mating is something Sarkarnii do, even at the risk of envenomation.

Once you have your fated mate, what else matters?

Only her safety, protection, and comfort, which is why I ensure she is fully cleansed of our messes once my hook finally lets her go.

It is a process she seems to enjoy, and I certainly do.

Even if all of this did take place down the mine and, given what I can hear in my head, my warriors are on their way back from dealing with Dante.

Scarlett seems to find standing a little difficult and I help her as she pulls on her clothing.

“I must stay here, little mate,” I say as the first warrior walks past, eyeing me with concern, his thoughts filled with what I might do to him if he accidentally looks at my mate. “There is work to be done and you are too much of a distraction.”

Scarlett gasps. “I’m a distraction! Dexx you are so full of cheek I’m amazed you survived this long at all.”

“My clan is tough. I am descended from the High Bask.”

“That is not what I meant.” She slaps me on my flank.

I like it.

“I am not distracted by you, little ember, but my warriors are. The Paralnyi who services my quarters will arrange for you to use my private aquium and for you to have food.”

“I do really like Cestapal but actually, Dexx”—Scarlett looks up at me and I would mate her mouth if I didn’t have so many teeth—“given the current situation with these devices perhaps I could I ask my friends to come here?” She gazes at the wall behind me.

“I know you probably don’t want me to leave your sector, so maybe this is a compromise. ”

I dislike the word compromise. My mate should not have to do anything for anyone if she does not want to.

“I do not have any concerns around you leaving my sector, Scarlett. Other than I am not there to protect you.”

And there are other Sarkarnii, a thought which chills my blood right down to the marrow.

“So, should you wish to visit your friends in Darax’s quadrant, I can arrange an escort.”

She smiles at me.

“Please my sweet mate. I do not wish you to feel you are trapped with me. You should do what your heart desires.”

Even if it means leaving my sight .

“I don’t want to cause trouble, Dexx.”

I curl my claws around her waist. “You are my trouble, Scarlett. And you are my heartsfire.”

Her little brow furrows for a nova-second but then she brightens. “Well, at least I’m something,” she says cryptically.

I have a long way to go until she accepts I want her because I want her, not because of the rut or a need to find a cure for my crew.

And, in any event, given nothing seems to have changed in relation to my shift.

I felt the pain as I reached the cusp like I have done since we landed on this ancestor-forsaken planet, regardless of having Scarlett by my side.

“Come.” I beckon to her and we make our way to the main shaft. “Over here.” I lead Scarlett to the small (to me) opening in one of the shaft walls.

“What is this?” she asks.

“A riser. It will take you to the top.”

“You mean this was here all the time ?” Her voice squeaks higher and higher.

“I wanted you on my back, sweet mate.” I give her a flash of my fangs.

“What the hell happened to rule three?” She puts her hands on her hips and glares at me.

“You didn’t ask if there was a riser.”

“And you didn’t offer it!” She shakes her head. “I knew you couldn’t follow the rules.”

Her words strike me in the heart. I grasp at my chest and feign to the side.

“I will always follow anything you tell me, my Scarlett.”

“As long as it’s your interpretation of the rules.” She narrows her eyes.

I wonder if she is angry at me properly or not. Without her thoughts in my head, I am not so sure.

“But you know what happens to Sarkarnii who don’t follow the rules?”

My heart speeds up.

“What?”

“They lose privileges.”

Blood sings in my ears.

“What are privileges?”

“Wait and see.”

She walks into the lifter, her hips swinging, and my cock presses insistently at my pouch.

“What are privileges?” I ask again.

“You’ll find out soon enough, Lord Dexx,” she says as the riser doors slide shut and it begins its journey upwards.

If the privileges have anything to do with not mating, I am so nevved I may as well stay in the mines forever.