Page 22

Islae

The broth’s warmth seeped through the clay bowl into Islae’s palms. She watched as Nirrn coiled attentively beside her, his orange scales shining in the soft lamplight.

Four days of his constant attention had changed something fundamental between them.

The strange heat in her blood that began in that prison cell now thrummed steadily, a connection she couldn’t explain but didn’t want to fight anymore.

“You’re staring again,” Nirrn said, meeting her gaze.

“I’m not used to being the patient.” Islae touched the healing gash on her temple. His skilled hands had stitched it with such gentleness, despite those same hands having torn through Jorvlen guards to reach her. “Usually, I’m the one hovering and fussing.”

“I do not hover.” His tail twitched, betraying his words. He hadn’t left her side for more than minutes at a time since their escape from the stronghold.

“Right.” She hid her smile behind another spoonful of broth. “And I suppose you didn’t threaten that scout yesterday for speaking too loudly near my room?”

“He was being disruptive to your recovery.” Nirrn’s broad shoulders tensed. “Your concussion required rest.”

“Required rest, not complete silence in a three-room radius.” But warmth bloomed in her chest at his protectiveness. She had spent so long taking care of others and fighting alone for what was right. Having someone care for her with such fierce dedication felt foreign but addictive.

Nirrn moved closer, his bare torso rippling with muscle as he reached for her empty bowl. His fingers brushed hers, sending that familiar spark through her body. “How does your rib feel?”

“Completely better.” She pressed a hand to her side, assessing the area. “The binding really helped. Though I still say you didn’t need to carry me to the washroom yesterday.”

“You seemed unsteady.” His voice dropped lower, more possessive. “I will not risk you falling.”

“I’ve handled much worse on my own before.”

“Well, you are not alone anymore.” His hand gently cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing her jaw. “Accept it.”

The heat in her blood surged at his touch. She leaned into his palm, finally letting herself acknowledge the truth. “I know. I just… I’ve never had anyone take care of me like this before.”

“Then it’s time you learned how to be taken care of.” His tail curled around her cot protectively as he leaned in, his presence both commanding and gentle. “Because I am not going anywhere, ever, Islae.” His voice was low and firm, the kind of certainty that made her chest tighten.

For a moment, she just stared at him, tracing the hard lines of his face, the orange scales that shimmered faintly along his shoulders and upper arms. His presence was overwhelming, a mix of power and gentleness that she still couldn’t reconcile.

Without thinking, she leaned forward, closing the gap between them, and kissed him.

It started soft and tentative, her lips brushing against his in a quiet acknowledgment of all he’d done for her.

But the moment their mouths met fully, something primal surged between them.

Nirrn’s hand slid to the back of her neck, his fingers tangling in her hair as he deepened the kiss.

His tail, coiled around her cot, tightened its grip, pulling her closer until she was practically in his lap.

Islae’s hands roamed over his chest, her fingers skimming the smooth, warm skin of his abdomen before moving up to the rough texture of his scales.

She could feel the wild thrum of his heartbeat beneath her palms, a rhythm that matched the frantic pace of her own.

Her mind raced, but not with fear or doubt—this time, it was pure, unrelenting need.

“Nirrn,” she breathed against his mouth, her voice barely a whisper.

He pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his golden eyes dark with hunger. “Islae.” Her name on his lips sounded like a vow and a promise.

She didn’t hesitate this time. Her hands slid up his shoulders, feeling the strength in his muscles as she pulled herself closer.

Their lips met again, this time with a desperation that left her dizzy.

His tail shifted, sliding up her leg in a slow, deliberate motion that made her shiver.

His hands explored her body with a possessive urgency, as if he needed to memorize every curve and every inch of her.

“You’re mine,” he growled against her lips, his voice rough with raw emotion. “Mine to protect. Mine to care for.”

The words sent a thrill through her, a heat that pooled low in her stomach. She’d spent so long pushing everyone away that his claim felt both foreign and achingly right.

“I’m yours,” she whispered back, her fingers trailing down his chest again. She didn’t think, didn’t second-guess. She just let herself feel.

His lips left hers, trailing down her neck in a series of kisses that made her gasp. His tongue soon circled against her skin, sending jolts of pleasure through her body. His hands were everywhere, touching and claiming, igniting a fire she couldn’t control.

“Nirrn,” she moaned, arching into him.

“Tell me what you need,” he murmured, his breath hot against her ear.

“You.” The word came out as a plea, one she didn’t try to hold back. “Just you.”

His response was immediate. His tail shifted, lifting her effortlessly until she was straddling him, her legs resting on the smooth, powerful coils beneath her. His hands grabbed her hips as his mouth found hers again.

The kiss was relentless, all-consuming, a silent communication of everything they couldn’t put into words. Her fingers tangled in his dark hair, pulling him closer as the heat between them reached a boiling point.

His tail shifted again beneath her. The smooth, powerful coils flexed as he gently rolled them over.

Islae’s breath caught as her back pressed into the cot, Nirrn looming over her, his golden eyes burning with intensity.

His hands braced on either side of her head, his broad shoulders blocking out the dim light of their small room.

She could feel the heat radiating off his body.

“I’ll be gentle,” he murmured, his voice low and gravelly, his gaze flicking to her ribs.

She nodded, her heart pounding as his hands moved to the hem of her shirt.

His touch was deliberate, reverent even, as he slowly peeled the fabric away, revealing her bare skin.

His eyes darkened as he took her in, his tail curling tighter around the cot, as if to anchor himself.

She shivered under his gaze, her nipples hardening as the cool air brushed against them.

“Nirrn,” she whispered, her voice trembling with anticipation.

He didn’t respond with words. Instead, he lowered his head, his warm breath ghosting over her skin before his lips closed around one nipple.

She gasped, her back arching off the cot as he licked and suckled, his tongue flicking over the sensitive bud.

His hand trailed down her abdomen. His fingers soon slipped under her pants and between her thighs, exploring her folds.

“You’re so wet,” he growled against her skin, his voice thick with need.

She moaned, her hand grabbing his hair as his touch sent sparks shooting through her. His fingers moved with precision, stroking and teasing until she was writhing beneath him. Every nerve in her body was alight, every touch igniting a fire she couldn’t resist.

When he finally pulled away, she whimpered at the loss of his touch.

But before she could protest, his hands moved to the waistband of her pants, sliding them down her legs and tossing them aside.

He leaned back, his eyes raking over her naked form, his expression a mix of desire and possessiveness.

“Simply beautiful,” he murmured, the words a low rumble in his chest.

Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn’t look away.

She watched as he reached for the garment covering his dual members, his hands steady despite the hunger in his eyes.

When he freed himself, she couldn’t help but stare.

Her breath hitched at the sight of his members, thick and throbbing, ready for her.

“Relax,” he said, his voice a soothing balm as he positioned himself between her thighs. His hands grabbed her hips, his touch firm but gentle, as he guided himself to her entrance. “I’ll go slow.”

She nodded, her heart pounding as he pressed forward, the tip of his primary member barely breaching her.

She gasped, her fingers digging into his shoulders as he stretched her, filling her inch by excruciating inch.

He moved with deliberate slowness, his eyes locked on hers, watching for any sign of discomfort.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice strained.

“Yes,” she breathed, her hips lifting to meet him. “More.”

He didn’t need to be told twice. He pushed himself deeper, his movement steady but unrelenting, his tail coiling tighter around her as he buried himself inside her. Islae moaned, her legs wrapping around him as he filled her completely, the sensation overwhelming and perfect.

“Mine,” he growled, his voice rough with need as he started to move, his thrusts slow and deep.

“Yes,” she gasped, her nails raking down his back as pleasure coiled in her belly. “All yours.”

Her words seemed to ignite something primal in him. His pace quickened, his thrusts growing harder and deeper, his tail tightening around her as he drove into her with a desperate urgency. She cried out, her back arching as he hit a spot inside her that made stars burst behind her eyelids.

“Again,” he demanded, his voice a low growl. “Say it.”

“I’m all yours,” she gasped, her voice breaking as pleasure consumed her.

He growled, his lower half snapping against her as he pushed her closer to the edge. She could feel the tension building, coiling tighter and tighter until it finally snapped. Her orgasm crashed over her like a tidal wave, her inner walls clenching around him as she cried out, “You are mine.”

He soon followed her over the edge with a guttural roar, his release spilling deep inside her as he collapsed against her chest, his tail coiling possessively around her. They lay there, breathless and tangled, their bodies still connected as the aftershocks of pleasure rippled through them.

“I’m yours,” he murmured against her skin, his voice soft.

She couldn’t argue, not anymore. He was hers, and she was his.