Page 335 of Hunters and Prey

The other physician beamed as she completed the surgery.

Disrobing in the clean room Chiara only had eyes for Roman. “I’ve managed to deliver part of my promise even if Gia did most of the work. I have her researching how to prevent the Snatcher from taking the host in the first place as well.”

When she stepped out Roman wrapped her up in a hug so tight she could barely breathe. “You truly are the most wondrous thing that’s ever happened to me,” he murmured into her hair. Then he released her and pulled out his simulcast. “I need to send a report to the queen immediately. This is excellent news.”

Chiara nodded. “And now the Snatcher is gone. We’re safe here in the palace.”

Roman paused in his message and took her hand, pulling Chiara into the hallway for privacy.

“I’ll have to send a report to Prince Ian of course,” she murmured, staring into Roman’s eyes as he looked at her like she was the only person in the universe. “He will be pleased to hear about the breakthrough.”

“I’m sure he will be,” Roman said softly. “But not as pleased as I am to have such a brilliant mate. You, Chiara, are going to be the reason Anarr accepts your people. I know it. It’s not going to be just the queen. It’s going to be you and Gia and every Kalan who proves to us that we were not mistaken in this alliance.”

Chiara blinked back tears and wrapped her arms around Roman’s waist. “You’re just saying that.”

“No, I’m not, velika,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “You cured me, saved one of my warriors from the Snatcher and my killing blow, and are working on a way to keep them out of our heads. What would we do without you?”

“I’m sure Gia would have figured out how to deal with the Snatchers at some point on her own,” Chiara said, burying her face in Roman’s chest. “Most of the physicians Adelina brought to Hai are brilliant. Not just me.”

“Let me praise you,” he growled.

Chiara laughed and looked up into her mate’s eyes. The springtime sunlight filtering through the lattice made them glitter and his brown skin seemed to glow. He was a warrior prince – a dragon.

And he was hers.

“Taking a chance on you was the best decision I ever made,” Chiara told him. “And you kept your word. You were there when I needed you.”

Roman kissed her. It was soft and gentle and full of promise. “I will always be here,” he swore. “I am yours. And you are mine.”

Chiara smiled at the familiar words – a vow. “You are mine. And I am yours.”

“When this war is over, you’re marrying me in an extravagant ceremony so everyone can witness how gorgeous you are,” Roman growled, kissing her hard.

Laughing Chiara kissed him back, loving the way his proximity made her feel – like anything was possible. Like nothing bad could happen to her while he was around.

“Was that a proposal?” she teased.

“You’re mine either way, velika,” Roman told her, tugging her close as he led her down the corridor. “But I want the whole galaxy to know it.”

Chiara looked outside to the spring day and knew this was the calm before the storm, but she was going to enjoy it. And she would never regret this choice – this time with Roman. “Survive what comes next, and I will marry you.”

Roman grabbed her and dipped her low. Smiling, eyes sparkling – he kissed her breathless. “Deal.”

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