Page 50 of Naga Warlord's Mate

A low growl rumbled through his chest, but his touch remained gentle as he cradled her face in his massive hands. “You are mine,” he said, the words carrying the weight of an oath. “My warrior. My mate. Mine to protect, even when you insist on fighting your own battles.”

The ship hummed around them as it carried them home, but Priscilla barely noticed. All she could focus on was Andear’s presence, solid and real, keeping her anchored.

The heavy door of Andear’s den closed behind them with a solid thud, sealing out the chaos of the aftermath. Priscilla’s muscles ached, her body still thrumming with leftover adrenaline from the battle. The familiar scent that permeated Andear’s quarters wrapped around her like a blanket, grounding her in the present.

Andear hadn’t spoken since they’d entered, but his presence behind her radiated an intensity that made her shiver. The mate bond vibrated with a mix of emotions—relief, pride, andsomething darker, more primal. When she turned to face him, his golden eyes blazed with an intensity that stole her breath.

“You fought well today,” he growled, closing the distance between them. His massive frame towered over her, but Priscilla didn’t feel intimidated. Not anymore.

“I had a good teacher,” she replied, lifting her chin. The movement exposed her throat, and Andear’s eyes tracked it with predatory focus.

His hand cupped her face, his thumb brushing over a smudge of dirt on her cheek. Priscilla leaned into his touch, letting herself feel truly safe for the first time since the battle began.

Something snapped in Andear’s expression. He crashed his lips to hers, the kiss fierce and claiming. His tail wrapped around her body, pulling her flush against him as his hands tangled in her hair. The mate bond sang, carrying promises of protection, freedom, and something deeper—a future neither of them had dared to imagine before.

When they finally broke apart, both breathing hard, exhaustion hit Priscilla like a physical wave. Her knees buckled, but Andear caught her, sweeping her into his arms as if she weighed nothing.

“Sleep,” he commanded, carrying her to the massive bed. “You’ve earned your rest, warrior.”

The title made her smile as he laid her down, his body curling protectively around hers. His scales were warm against her skin, his heartbeat steady beneath her ear. As sleep pulled her under, Priscilla realized she’d finally found what she’d been searching for since gaining her freedom—not just purpose but belonging. Here, in the arms of her warlord mate, she was home.

Chapter 27

Andear

Andearsurveyedthecouncil,his eyes taking in the faces of those who had once doubted him. The morning light filtered through the high windows, casting long shadows across the polished floor. His muscles still ached from battle, but he held himself with the rigid posture of a warlord who had proven his worth.

“The Xirath threat has been neutralized,” Elder Merat announced, his voice carrying through the chamber. “But we cannot ignore the possibility of future invasions. We need a permanent war commander, someone who understands both strategy and combat.”

Andear’s gaze drifted to Priscilla, who stood near the chamber’s edge. She wore the same clothes from battle, refusing to pretend she was anything other than a warrior who had fought beside him. Pride swelled in his chest at the sight of her.

“Warlord Andear,” Elder Merat continued, “we offer you a position on the council. Your judgment in this matter has proven invaluable, and your leadership in battle was... exceptional.”

A murmur rippled through the chamber. Andear caught snippets of conversation—some approving, others concerned about tradition. His lip curled slightly. Let them worry about tradition. He had seen enough to know that change was necessary.

“You would trust a warrior to make decisions for the state?” Andear’s voice carried a hint of challenge.

“We would trust the Niri who saw the truth when we were blind,” another elder spoke up. “The Niri who acted when we hesitated.”

Andear shifted his weight, considering. His gaze found Priscilla again. She met his eyes steadily, a slight smile playing at her lips. She had changed everything—his perspective, his priorities, his understanding of strength. And now, perhaps, she had helped change Nirum itself.

“I accept,” Andear said, his deep voice resonating through the chamber. “But understand this—I will not sit idle while threats gather at our borders. We will be ready. We will be strong.”

“Then it is decided,” Elder Merat declared. “Welcome to the council, Warlord Andear.”

The weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders, but now, Andear felt truly purposeful. He had found his war—not just against external threats, but against the complacency that had nearly destroyed them. And he had found his mate, who had helped him see it all clearly.

Andear felt Priscilla’s presence before he saw her. She moved to stand beside him, her shoulder barely reaching his chest. The mate bond vibrated between them, stronger now after battle, after proving themselves to each other.

The council continued their deliberations, but Andear’s attention split between their words and the woman beside him. She had changed everything. His training grounds were nolonger just a place to prepare warriors. She had made them a proving ground for anyone with the courage to fight. And now, as a council member, he had the power to ensure that change remained.

“The training program must be expanded,” Elder Merat was saying. “If humans can fight as Priscilla has shown...”

Andear’s jaw clenched. The elders spoke of her like she was a curiosity, an experiment. They didn’t understand what she truly was—his mate, his equal, a warrior who had earned her place through blood and determination.

Priscilla shifted beside him, her fingers brushing against his arm. The touch sent electricity through his scales. They needed to talk—about the mate bond and about what came next. He had claimed her body, but not formally as his mate. The thought made his blood burn.

“We should discuss integration protocols,” another elder suggested. “If more humans wish to join the warrior ranks—”

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