Page 16 of Naga Warlord’s Mate (Nagas of Nirum #3)
Priscilla
Priscilla’s heart pounded erratically in her chest as she followed Andear into his den. The stone walls rose high above them, carved with ancient Niri symbols that caught the dim light. Heat radiated from somewhere deep within, making the air thick and heavy with his scent—leather and steel mingled with something wild and distinctly male.
Her fingers traced the rough stone wall as she took in her surroundings. The main room was sparse but organized with military precision. Weapons lined one wall on a rack, each one gleaming and perfectly maintained. A large table dominated one corner, covered in maps and tactical plans.
But the bed made her breath catch in her throat. Massive and low to the ground, it lay covered in dark furs and silks. Built for a warrior of Andear’s size. Built for...
She swallowed hard, forcing her gaze away.
“The washroom is through there.” Andear’s deep voice broke the silence as he secured the heavy door behind them. “You’ll find everything you need.”
“Everything except privacy, apparently,” Priscilla muttered, eyeing the open doorway that led to what appeared to be a bathing chamber.
Andear’s tail lashed out, a sign of frustration she’d learned to recognize. “Privacy is a luxury we cannot afford right now. The Xirath will try to come after you again.”
“So, I’m just supposed to live in your den indefinitely?” She crossed her arms, ignoring how his presence seemed to fill every corner of the space. “What happened to me not being your prisoner?”
“You are not.” His golden eyes fixed on her with predatory intensity. “But you are under my protection. That means you stay where I can keep you safe.”
The possessive growl in his voice sent a shiver down her spine. He moved closer, forcing her to tilt her head back to maintain eye contact. His tail curled around her ankle, a gesture that felt both protective and claiming.
“The bed is yours,” he said, his voice rough. “I’ll take the floor.”
Priscilla’s cheeks heated. “That’s ridiculous. The bed is massive. We could both—” She suddenly stopped, realizing what she was suggesting.
A dangerous smile curved his lips. “Careful, little warrior. There are some lines we shouldn’t cross twice in one night.”
Priscilla turned away and walked over to the rack lined with Andear’s weapons. She ran her fingers along a curved blade, admiring how the metal caught the dim light. The weapon was beautiful in its deadliness, perfectly balanced and clearly well-maintained. Her skin tingled as she traced the intricate engravings along the hilt.
“You keep these near your bed?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady despite the heat radiating from Andear as he moved behind her.
His chest pressed against her back, his scales smooth and warm through the thin fabric of her shirt. The contact sent electricity racing through her body. Memories of their earlier encounter in the training center came flooding back—his hands on her skin, his mouth claiming hers with fierce possession.
“A warrior does not leave himself unarmed,” he growled, his breath hot against her ear. His tail curved possessively around her waist, holding her against him.
Priscilla’s pulse quickened. She should step away, maintain some distance between them. But her body betrayed her, leaning back into his solid warmth. His scent surrounded her—leather and steel and male musk.
“Is that why you’re keeping me here?” The words came out breathier than she intended. “Because you think I need a warrior’s protection?”
His hands settled on her hips, his fingers flexing against the fabric. “I’m keeping you here because you’re mine to protect.” His voice dropped lower and rougher.
The possessiveness in his voice should have angered her. Instead, it sent heat pooling low in her belly. She turned her head, meeting his molten gold gaze. “And if I don’t want protection?”
His grip tightened. “What you want,” he growled low, “is irrelevant when your safety is concerned.”
“My safety,” she echoed, turning in his arms to face him fully. “Is that really all this is about?”
Priscilla’s breath caught as Andear leaned in, his massive frame caging her against the weapon rack. The heat from his body enveloped her, his scales radiating warmth that made her skin tingle where they touched. His scent filled her senses, making her head swim.
His eyes dropped to her lips, darkening with an intensity that made her heart skip. The grip of his hands on her hips tightened possessively. His tail curled tighter around her waist, pulling her closer until she could feel every hard plane of his warrior’s body against hers.
She parted her lips slightly, anticipation coursing through her veins. Never had she wanted someone’s kiss so desperately. Never had she felt this pull, this magnetic need drawing her toward another person. His breath fanned across her face as he drew closer, and her eyes fluttered shut. The world narrowed down to just this moment, just the two of them and the electric tension crackling between their bodies.
A sharp knock at the door shattered the moment.
“Warlord!” a voice called out through the heavy door. “Urgent news from the council regarding the Xirath delegation.”
Andear’s growl rumbled through his chest, vibrating against her where they touched. His tail tightened briefly around her waist before slowly unwinding. When she opened her eyes, his expression was thunderous, his jaw clenched in barely contained frustration.
“We’re not finished here,” he growled low, for her ears only. The promise in his voice sent shivers down her spine.
The knock came again, more insistent this time. “Warlord!”
Priscilla watched as Andear pulled away from her. The loss of his warmth left her skin tingling where they’d touched. He yanked open the heavy door with barely contained irritation, revealing Jorek.
Jorek’s eyes widened slightly at finding her there, but he quickly focused on Andear. “The council meets at dawn to discuss the Xirath alliance further. They’re pushing for immediate approval of the moon base.”
Andear’s tail whipped against the stone floor, the sound sharp in the tense air. “Of course they are. The cowards would rather bend than fight.”
“There’s more.” Jorek shifted uncomfortably. “The Xirath leader suggested that allowing human breeding programs would strengthen our... relationship.”
Priscilla’s stomach turned to ice. Breeding programs. She knew exactly what that meant. She’d seen it firsthand in the slave markets of Jorvla. Women forced to carry children for alien masters.
Andear’s growl filled the chamber, deep and threatening. His claws extended, scraping against the door frame. “They dare suggest this? After we abolished slavery?”
“The council claims it would be voluntary,” Jorek said, though his expression showed what he thought of that lie.
“Nothing about the Xirath is voluntary. They take what they want through force or manipulation. They will not stop until they own everything—including Nirum.” Andear paused for a moment. “Leave us,” Andear finally commanded.
Jorek bowed and retreated quickly.
The door slammed shut with enough force to rattle the weapons on the wall. Andear stood with his back to her, every line of his body rigid with barely contained rage. His tail continued its agitated movement, sweeping across the floor in sharp arcs.
“They won’t stop,” he said finally, his voice rough. “Not until they have what they want.”
“Then we need to stop them,” Priscilla said firmly, even as fear churned in her gut. “The council has to see what they really are.”
Andear turned to her then, his golden eyes blazing with protective fury. “I will not let them take you.”
The fierce possessiveness in his voice made her breath hitch. This wasn’t just about politics anymore. This was personal.
Priscilla wrapped her arms around herself, trying to fight back memories of chains and cruel hands. She couldn’t let that happen here. Not to other humans. Not ever again.
The weight of everything suddenly crashed over her like a tidal wave. Her legs gave out, and she stumbled backward onto Andear’s massive bed.
Her body began to shake uncontrollably. The room spun as bile rose in her throat, and she curled into herself, wrapping her arms around her stomach. Tears burned hot trails down her cheeks as the memories flooded back.
“Mila,” she choked out, remembering how her sister had taken beatings meant for her. “She always protected me. She suffered so much...”
The bed dipped beside her as Andear settled next to her. His tail curled protectively around her waist. He didn’t speak, just pulled her against his chest, one large hand stroking her hair while the other held her firmly.
“I can’t let it happen again,” she whispered into his chest. “Not to anyone else. Not here.”
“It won’t.” His deep voice rumbled through her, fierce and certain. “I swear on my life. No one will ever cage you again.”
She pressed closer to him, breathing in his scent. Her trembling slowly subsided under his steady touch.
“You should rest,” he said, his thumb brushing away a tear from her cheek. “You’ve fought enough battles today.”
Priscilla gripped his arm as he started to move away. “Stay?” She hated how vulnerable her voice sounded, but she couldn’t bear the thought of being alone with her memories. “Please?”
Andear’s golden eyes softened slightly. Without a word, he shifted them both fully onto the bed, arranging the furs around them. His powerful arms encased her, creating a fortress of warmth and safety. His tail remained wrapped around her waist, anchoring her to him.
Priscilla soon felt her muscles truly relax. Here, surrounded by Andear’s strength and heat, the memories couldn’t touch her. She closed her eyes, letting his steady heartbeat lull her toward sleep.