Page 32 of Naga General's Mate

Mila snatched up a fallen pipe and swung it into the back of the leader’s knees. The thug collapsed with a howl of pain.Brivul delivered a final strike to the leader’s head, sending him sprawling unconscious.

The remaining thugs backed away, their eyes wide with fear as they saw their leader’s broken form.

“Anyone else?” Brivul bared his fangs.

They fled, dragging their wounded with them. The alley fell silent except for Brivul and Mila’s heavy breathing.

The rush of battle soon faded, replaced by a sharp, burning pain in Brivul’s side. His scales felt wet—too wet. The knife must have slipped between them. He pressed his hand against the wound, his fingers coming away crimson.

“Damn lucky shot.” The edges of his vision wavered, the alley’s shadows stretching longer than they should.

“Brivul?” Mila’s voice sounded distant despite her standing right beside him.

His tail scraped against the ground as he tried to maintain his balance. No way in hell would he show weakness, not when Mila needed him strong. But his upper tail wouldn’t cooperate.

“It’s nothing.” The words came out slurred. The metallic taste of blood filled his mouth.

“You’re hurt!” Mila’s hands pressed against his side, her touch sending sparks through his nerve endings even amid the pain. “This is really bad!”

“Just need to catch my breath.” He tried to straighten up, to show her he was still in control. His knees buckled.

Mila caught him before he could fall, her small frame somehow supporting his massive weight. The scent of her—jasmine and determination—anchored him as the world spun.

“Stop being stubborn.” Her voice cracked with worry. “Let me help you.”

The former general in him wanted to refuse, to maintain the image of the invincible protector. But his mate’s concern penetrated even his thick skull.

“Maybe sitting would be good.” He slid down the wall, his tail curling protectively around them both, even as pain lanced through his side.

Blood seeped between his fingers despite the pressure he maintained on the wound. Not good. The knife must have gone deeper than he’d realized during the fight.

Brivul clenched his jaw against a groan. Even dying, he’d be damned if he showed that much weakness. But darkness crept at the edges of his vision, and keeping his head up became harder with each passing second.

Chapter 15

Mila

Blood spread between Brivul’sfingers where he clutched his side, staining his tunic dark. His massive form slumped against the alley wall, his violet eyes unfocused.

“No, no, no.” Mila’s heart hammered. She’d seen wounds like this before. Slaves who’d crossed Kurg rarely survived them. But Brivul couldn’t die, not after everything he’d done for her. “Stay with me. We need to get back to Ellri’s.”

“Just… need a minute.” His words slurred together.

“We don’t have a minute.” She ducked under his arm, bracing herself against his weight. Her muscles screamed in protest—even half-conscious, he was still mostly serpent and pure muscle. “Up. Now.”

He rose slowly, his scales scraping against the wall. His tail dragged limply behind them as they stumbled forward.

“Almost there.” The lie tasted bitter. The hotel was still three blocks away.

Blood dripped onto the pavement with each step. Mila’s arms shook from supporting him. If they were spotted now…

“Should leave me.” His head lolled against her shoulder.

“Shut up.” She hitched him higher, ignoring the wet warmth seeping into her clothes. “You didn’t leave me with Kurg. I’m not leaving you.”

The hotel’s faded sign appeared ahead. Just a few more steps. Brivul’s breathing grew more labored.

“Ellri!” Mila’s voice cracked as they entered the hotel. “Help!”

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