She was more than all right. She was perfect, floating in a sea of bliss, her body humming with satisfaction.

“Good. You’re mine now.”

“I’m yours,” she agreed, smiling up at him.

His knot was still locked inside her, and they were connected in the most intimate way possible. She couldn’t imagine ever wanting anything else.

“You’re a brave, amazing little bird.”

“You make me brave,” she whispered, and he smiled down at her, his eyes soft.

“We’ll be like this for a few minutes,” he murmured. “Let me know if it gets uncomfortable.”

“Okay.”

“It won’t always be this fast and frantic. Next time, I’ll go slow. Tease you for hours.”

“Hours?”

The thought made her pussy clench, and he groaned.

“You’re going to be the death of me.”

He shifted a little, and his cock twitched inside her. A jolt of pleasure shot through her, and she arched up towards him, already hungry for more.

“I’m glad this isn’t next time,” she said breathlessly, “because I can’t imagine waiting for hours.”

“Insatiable little bird.”

His hands tightened on her hips, his smile turning wicked, and he began to thrust, a long, slow glide. Pleasure hummed through her, every stroke fanning the flame burning inside her.

“You are mine now,” he growled again, and she shivered.

“Yes. All yours. Just don’t stop.”

“Never,” he promised.

“Will your knot always be this big?”

“Only when I’m close to coming. It’s nature’s way of ensuring my seed takes hold.”

“And you… enjoy that too?”

“Fuck, yes. The feeling of being inside you, claiming you. It’s the most intense pleasure I’ve ever felt.”

His golden eyes held such intensity, such raw emotion, that it made her chest ache.

“I want to give you my mark,” he growled, his thumb brushing across her lower lip. “Make you truly mine.”

The thought of wearing his mark, of belonging to him completely, sent shivers down her spine. But the shadow of her past still loomed over her—pressing against the edges of this perfect moment.

“I want that too,” she whispered, reaching up to cup his face. His stubble scratched against her palm as he leaned into her touch. “But I need to clear my name first. I don’t want our bond to start with lies and shadows hanging over us.”

She saw the flash of disappointment cross his face, his eyes darkening for a moment, and her heart ached. She hated causing him pain, even this small amount. But before she could say anything else, his mouth crashed down on hers.

The kiss stole her breath away. It was fierce, possessive, filled with promise and need. His hands tangled in her hair, holding her close as if afraid she might slip away. The raw passion behind it made her tremble, and she gripped his shoulders to steady herself.

When they finally broke apart, both breathing hard, his eyes blazed with determination.