Page 30 of Naga Warlord's Mate

“My sister’s probably asleep,” Priscilla whispered, reaching for the door. “Just... stay here.”

Andear’s eyes narrowed. “Four minutes now.”

She slipped inside, leaving him to guard the perimeter. His tail moved in slow, methodical patterns as he scanned the area. Every rustle of leaves, every distant footstep caught his attention. His body remained coiled tightly, ready to strike at the slightest threat.

The mate bond urged him to follow her inside, to keep her within sight. But he held his position, trusting her to return quickly.His claws scraped against his armored scales as he counted the seconds.

Through the window, he caught glimpses of her moving silently through the darkened house, gathering her belongings. His tail twitched with impatience.

Andear’s tail moved quietly across the stone path as Priscilla emerged from her sister’s house, a small bag clutched in her hands. His muscles tensed at her scent—honey and the lingering metallic tang of blood from her wound. The mate bond thrummed stronger, urging him to pick her up and carry her back to his den. He resisted, barely.

“That’s all you need?” His voice rumbled low as he positioned himself between her and the shadows. The night air carried unfamiliar scents, making his scales bristle with suspicion.

“I travel light.” Priscilla adjusted the bag on her shoulder, her chin lifted in that defiant way that made his blood heat.

He guided her through the darkened streets, his massive form creating a protective barrier around her smaller frame. His den lay ahead—a stone building near the training grounds, designed for a warrior’s needs rather than comfort. The thought of her soft form in his sparse quarters made something primitive stir in his chest.

“The grounds are patrolled constantly,” he explained, his tail sweeping in a wider arc to keep her close. “No one enters without my permission.”

“And I suppose that includes me leaving?” The edge in her voice made his eyes narrow.

Andear’s upper body tensed as he turned to face her, towering over her slight frame. The moonlight caught the gold undertones in his black scales as his tail coiled restlessly. “You are not a prisoner.”

“No?” She took a step closer, tilting her head back to meet his gaze. “Then what am I?”

The mate bond demanded he tell her exactly what she was to him. His claws flexed as he resisted the urge to pull her against him and tell her, but instead he simply said, “You are mine to protect.” His voice dropped lower, rougher. “Whether you like it or not.”

They reached his den, but Andear paused at the entrance, his senses alert for any threat. The night had proven that nowhere was truly safe—except perhaps here, under his direct protection.

Chapter 16

Priscilla

Priscilla’sheartpoundederraticallyin her chest as she followed Andear into his den. The stone walls rose high above them, carved with ancient Niri symbols that caught the dim light. Heat radiated from somewhere deep within, making the air thick and heavy with his scent—leather and steel mingled with something wild and distinctly male.

Her fingers traced the rough stone wall as she took in her surroundings. The main room was sparse but organized with military precision. Weapons lined one wall on a rack, each one gleaming and perfectly maintained. A large table dominated one corner, covered in maps and tactical plans.

But the bed made her breath catch in her throat. Massive and low to the ground, it lay covered in dark furs and silks. Built for a warrior of Andear’s size. Built for...

She swallowed hard, forcing her gaze away.

“The washroom is through there.” Andear’s deep voice broke the silence as he secured the heavy door behind them. “You’ll find everything you need.”

“Everything except privacy, apparently,” Priscilla muttered, eyeing the open doorway that led to what appeared to be a bathing chamber.

Andear’s tail lashed out, a sign of frustration she’d learned to recognize. “Privacy is a luxury we cannot afford right now. The Xirath will try to come after you again.”

“So, I’m just supposed to live in your den indefinitely?” She crossed her arms, ignoring how his presence seemed to fill every corner of the space. “What happened to me not being your prisoner?”

“You are not.” His golden eyes fixed on her with predatory intensity. “But you are under my protection. That means you stay where I can keep you safe.”

The possessive growl in his voice sent a shiver down her spine. He moved closer, forcing her to tilt her head back to maintain eye contact. His tail curled around her ankle, a gesture that felt both protective and claiming.

“The bed is yours,” he said, his voice rough. “I’ll take the floor.”

Priscilla’s cheeks heated. “That’s ridiculous. The bed is massive. We could both—” She suddenly stopped, realizing what she was suggesting.

A dangerous smile curved his lips. “Careful, little warrior. There are some lines we shouldn’t cross twice in one night.”

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