He climbs up next to me, pulling me into his arms. “How’s that for proof?” he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear.

I laugh, a weak, breathless sound. “I think you’ve made your point.”

“Not yet,” Karc says. “You need to be reminded of who’s in charge, little bird.”

I laugh, giddy and breathless, as he grabs a silk rope from the bedside table. The soft fabric brushes against my skin as he ties my wrists behind my back, his movements deliberate and unhurried. I feel the rope tighten, secure but not painful, as he loops it around my ankles, pulling them up to meet my wrists. The position is restrictive, but the thrill of being at his mercy makes my heart race.

He blindfolds me with a swath of black silk, and the world disappears into darkness. My breath comes in ragged gasps as the last sliver of light fades, leaving me adrift in sensation. I hear him move, the soft rustle of fabric, and I strain to track him, my body tense with anticipation.

“Find me,” he says, his voice close, but not close enough. I squirm, the silk ropes digging into my skin as I try to shift toward him. My chin bumps against something warm and firm, and I hear his low chuckle. “Warmer, little bird.”

I nudge forward, my lips brushing against something smooth and hot. I open my mouth, eager to taste him, but he pulls away,leaving me with nothing but the faint scent of his skin. I groan, frustration and desire warring in equal measure.

“Come on,” I whine, trying to arch my body toward him. “Stop teasing.”

“Teasing?” His voice is rich with amusement. “This isn’t teasing. This is teaching you patience.”

I feel the tip of him brush against my lips, and I lunge forward, only to have him pull away again. My face burns as I hear him laugh, the sound warm and indulgent. “Eager, aren’t you?”

I feel the weight of his cock against my cheek, and I turn my head, trying to catch him, but he’s gone again. My breath comes in short, shallow gasps as I twist and turn, trying to find him.

Finally, he relents, pressing himself against my lips. I open my mouth, taking him in, and the taste of him floods my senses. He’s warm, slightly salty, and I moan around him, my tongue working to please him. I feel his hands on my head, not pushing or guiding, just resting there, a reassuring presence.

“Good girl,” he murmurs, and the praise sends a surge of warmth through me. I redouble my efforts, eager to hear him say it again. His breathing quickens, his muscles tensing as he nears the edge. I feel him swell in my mouth, and then he’s coming, hot and thick, filling me with his seed.

I swallow as much as I can, but some escapes, trickling down my chin. He pulls away, and I hear the soft sound of him reaching for something. Before I can react, he’s sliding a gag into my mouth, the smooth, phallic shape a reminder of what’s to come.

“Just to be sure,” he says, his voice tinged with amusement. I can’t respond, my mouth full and my body humming with the afterglow of his release. The ropes around my wrists and ankles keep me immobile, but it’s not restraint I feel—it’s surrender. And for once, I’m okay with that.

Karc’s claws gently untie the silk ropes around my ankles, the rough pads of his fingers brushing against my sensitive skin. I shiver at the touch, my body still vibrating from the orgasm he wrung out of me moments ago. He spreads my thighs wide with his clawed hands, and I feel the cool air hit my most intimate places. My heart pounds in anticipation, the gag still filling my mouth, muffling any sounds I might make.

“Relax, little bird,” he murmurs, his voice low and teasing. “You’re going to enjoy this.”

Before I can even process what he’s saying, I feel his tongue against me, hot and wet, teasing at a place I hadn’t expected. I gasp around the gag, my body tensing as his tongue presses against my anus, probing gently. My back arches off the bed, a muffled moan escaping my lips. It’s a sensation I’ve never experienced before, and I’m surprised at how much I enjoy it.

Karc’s tongue works me with precision, each flick and press sending waves of pleasure through my body. I squirm against the ropes that bind my wrists, my hips bucking uncontrollably. The gag mumbles something incoherent, but I’m sure he gets the gist:Don’t stop.

His claws grip my hips, holding me steady as his tongue delves deeper, teasing and penetrating in a way that has me trembling on the edge. I feel the pressure building, building, until it bursts, and I come with a muffled scream, my body convulsing with pleasure.

Before I can catch my breath, I feel the head of his scaled cock pressing against my pussy, hot and slick with my own arousal. I arch my back, inviting him inside, a needy whimper escaping my gagged mouth. Karc doesn’t hesitate, thrusting into me with the full force of his Vakutan might. I moan around the gag, the sensation of his scaled cock filling me completely overwhelming.

He grabs my hips, pulling me onto him with each thrust, his rhythm steady and relentless. I feel his claws dig into my skin, just enough to send a shiver of pleasure-pain through me. My body responds to his dominance, yielding to him completely. Every movement, every thrust, sends me higher and higher, until I’m teetering on the edge of another orgasm.

“That’s it, little bird,” he growls, his voice rough with desire. “Come for me.”

And I do. My orgasm crashes over me like a tidal wave, my body clamping down on his cock with powerful spasms. I scream into the gag, my vision going white as pleasure consumes me. Karc cries out, his thrusts faltering as he comes with me, his body collapsing on top of mine.

For a moment, we lie there, breathing heavily, our bodies still pressed together. He nuzzles into the crook of my neck, his breath warm against my skin.

“I’m yours, Raven,” he whispers into my ear. “Now and forever.”

I try to tell him the same, but the gag muffles my words, making them unintelligible. Karc chuckles, pulling back to look at me with those piercing orange eyes.

“What’s that?” he teases, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “You want me to spank you now? Okay, you’re in charge.”

I squeal as he unties me, flipping me over and drawing me across his lap. My protests are half-hearted, drowned out by laughter and the anticipation of what’s to come. Clearly, I’m not getting any sleep tonight.

Just like it's supposed to be on my wedding night.