Page 54 of Naga General's Mate

The distance between them felt like a physical wound. Had he misread everything? His instincts screamed at him to pull her back, to claim her properly, but he forced himself to remain still.

“Something troubles you.”

“I just…” She twisted the sheet between her fingers. “What happens now?”

“What do you mean?”

“Was this just…” Her voice cracked. “I know Niri need breeders. And I’m a human, so maybe you thought—”

A growl rumbled in his chest before he could stop it. The mere suggestion that he’d use her like that made his scales bristle.

“I’ve heard stories.” She raised her chin, that familiar fire sparking in her eyes despite her vulnerability. “About Niri taking human women just to breed them. Last night meant something to me, Brivul. It wasn’t just…” She swallowed hard. “It wasn’t just pleasure or convenience. And if that’s all it was to you—”

His muscles coiled with the need to show her exactly how wrong she was, but he held back.

“I gave myself to you because I wanted to. Because I felt…” She pressed her lips together, clearly struggling for words. “I felt safe. Special. Like I mattered beyond my usefulness.”

The raw honesty in her voice struck him like a physical blow. His fierce little mate, laying her heart bare despite her fears.

“I need to know if it meant anything to you.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Or if I’m just another human to warm your bed until something better comes along.”

“You’re my mate.” The words burst out of Brivul’s mouth, his voice rough with emotion. “From the moment our hands touched in that market, my soul recognized yours.”

Mila’s eyes widened. “What?”

“A mate bond. The most sacred connection for my kind.” His fingers traced the curve of her cheek. “That’s why I couldn’t leave you with Kurg. Why every instinct screamed to protect you.”

“But I’m human.”

“The bond doesn’t care about biology. It’s deeper than that, a spiritual connection that can’t be forced or denied.” His thumb brushed across her lower lip. “When our hands touched, everything in me shifted. Like finding a piece of myself I never knew was missing.”

“Is that why you helped me?” Her voice trembled.

“I helped you because you deserved it. The mate bond just gave me the courage to finally act.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “You’re not some breeder to me, Mila. You’re my equal. My partner. The other half of my soul.”

“So, what do mates mean to a Niri, traditionally speaking?”

“It means I’ll protect you with my life. Stand by your side through any battle.” His eyes blazed with intensity. “It means you’ll never be alone again.”

A smile curved her lips. “I felt something, too, that day in the market. Like I could trust you, even though everything in my life taught me not to trust anyone.”

His heart almost burst out of his chest. His clever mate had sensed their connection, even without knowing what it meant. He gathered her closer, his powerful tail curling around them both.

“The bond grows stronger over time,” he explained.

“That sounds absolutely wonderful and beautiful.” She traced patterns on his arms. “When did you plan to tell me?”

“I wanted to wait until you felt completely safe with me. Until you knew you could trust me without the bond influencing your choice.”

Mila leaned forward, her lips brushing against his with a tenderness that made his heart stutter. Brivul growled low in his throat, one hand sliding into her hair while the other pulled her closer against his chest.

The sweet taste of her nearly drove him mad. His mate. His to protect, to cherish, to love. Every protective instinct inside him roared to life as she melted into his embrace.

He deepened the kiss, claiming her mouth with passionate possession. Her fingers traced patterns along his scales, sendingshivers down his spine. The mate bond hummed between them, a symphony of belonging and rightness.

“I’ll never let anyone harm you again,” he promised between kisses. His tail coiled tighter around them both, creating a protective cocoon.

She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, her green eyes bright with emotion. “I know.”

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