He growled low in his throat, the sound vibrating through her. “You’re mine to claim,” he said, his voice rough, almost guttural.
Priscilla’s heart pounded. She had never belonged to anyone, not truly. Not like this. But with Andear, it felt different. It felt right. She cupped his face in her hands, forcing him to meet her gaze.“I’m not a possession,” she said, her voice calm despite the storm raging inside her.
Andear’s eyes burned with intensity. “No,” he agreed, his voice softening. “You’re my equal.”
The words sent a shiver through her body. She had never thought of herself as anyone’s equal, let alone a Niri warlord’s. But with Andear, she felt it. She felt seen, valued, and cherished.
He kissed her again, this time with a tenderness that made her chest ache. His hands moved to the fastenings of her clothes, undoing them with a precision that spoke of his control. Priscilla’s breath quickened as he peeled away the layers, exposing her to the cool air of the den. She shivered, but not from the cold.
Andear’s gaze roamed over her, his eyes dark with desire. “You’re beautiful,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
Priscilla’s cheeks flushed, but she didn’t look away. She wanted him to see her, all of her. The scars, the imperfections, the strength she had fought so hard to build. She wanted him to know that she was more than just a survivor. She was a warrior, just like him.
Her hands moved to his armor, fumbling with the clasps. Andear chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent a thrill through her. “Impatient,” he teased, his voice laced with amusement.
Priscilla smirked, her fingers finally finding the right latch. “You’re the one who started this,” she shot back, her voice breathless.
Andear’s laughter faded as she pushed the armor aside, revealing the hard planes of his chest. His scales were warm under her touch, the texture both smooth and rough in a way that fascinated her. She traced the scar that ran down his left arm, a reminder of the battles he had fought, the life he had lived.
“You’re beautiful, too,” she said, her voice soft.
Andear’s eyes darkened, and he captured her lips in another searing kiss. His hands moved to her hips, lifting her and positioning her on the bed. Priscilla’s breath caught as he loomed over her, his body a solid weight that made her feel both safe and vulnerable.
“Tell me to stop,” he said, his voice rough, his eyes searching hers.
Priscilla shook her head, her heart pounding. “Don’t stop,” she whispered, her voice trembling with need.
Andear’s lips curved into a slow, predatory smile. “Good,” he said, his voice low and dangerous, “because I don’t think I could.”
Priscilla’s breath hitched as Andear’s mouth left hers and began a slow, deliberate descent down her body. His lips trailed across her collarbone, his tongue flicking against her skin in a way that sent shivers racing down her spine. His hands were everywhere, possessive yet reverent, as if he couldn’t decide whether to claim her or worship her. She arched into him, her fingers tangling in his thick, dark hair, urging him closer.
When his mouth closed over her nipple, a sharp gasp escaped her lips. The sensation was electric, his tongue teasing and swirling, sending waves of pleasure straight to her core. His other hand drifted lower, his fingers brushing against the sensitive folds between her legs. Priscilla’s back arched off the bed, her breath coming in short, ragged bursts. She could feel the slickness pooling there, her body responding eagerly to his touch.
“Andear,” she whispered. His name was a plea, a prayer, a demand all at once.
He didn’t respond with words, only with action. His fingers slipped inside her, curling expertly to hit a spot that made her gasp. His mouth moved to her other breast, his teeth grazing the sensitive peak. She writhed under him, her body on fire, every nerve ending alive with sensation.
“You’re mine,” he growled against her skin, the words a vibration that sent another wave of heat coursing through her. “Every part of you.”
She didn’t argue. She couldn’t. She was lost in him, in the way he made her feel—alive, desired, claimed.
When he finally pulled back, his gold eyes dark with hunger, she knew what was coming next. He rolled onto his back, his massive frame taking up most of the bed, and gripped her hips, lifting her with ease. “Get on top,” he commanded, his voice rough, brooking no argument.
Priscilla obeyed, her legs trembling as she straddled him. He was huge, his primary member hard and waiting for her. She hesitated for a moment, but he gripped her hips tighter, guiding her down. She took him slowly, inch by inch, her body stretching to accommodate his size. A low moan escaped her lips as she sank down, the fullness of him filling her completely.
She started moving slowly, her hands braced on his chest and her head thrown back as she adjusted to the sensation. But as the pleasure began to build, her rhythm quickened. Her hips rocked against him, her body taking control and chasing the heat that coiled deep inside her. Andear’s hands stayed on her hips, guiding her while urging her on.
“Faster,” he growled, his voice thick with need. She could feel the tension in him, the way his muscles clenched beneath her hands as his tail coiled around her leg, pulling her closer.
She obliged, her movements becoming more frantic, more desperate. The pressure inside her was building, dangerously close to the edge. She leaned down, her hands on either side ofhis face, her lips brushing against his. His breath was hot against her skin, his eyes locked on hers, intense and unyielding.
And then she felt it—the brush of his fangs against her neck. Her breath caught, her body freezing for a moment as realization dawned. This wasn’t just passion, wasn’t just pleasure. This was the final claiming. The bond. The mark of a Niri warlord’s mate.
Her heart pounded, a mixture of fear and anticipation coursing through her. She knew what he was asking, even without words. Her eyes met his, and she saw the raw, unspoken need there. He wanted her, all of her, forever.
“Do it,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, but she knew he heard her.
His grip on her hips tightened almost painfully, but she didn’t care. His fangs sank into her neck, piercing her skin and sealing their bond. The pain was sharp, fleeting, but then it was gone, replaced by a rush of pleasure so intense it stole her breath as she started rocking back on Andear again. She soon cried out, her body trembling as her orgasm crashed over her, wave after wave of ecstasy that left her shaking.