Page 53 of Naga Warlord's Mate

Andear followed her over the edge with a low, guttural growl, his release spilling deep inside her. For a moment, they stayed like that, joined in every way possible, their breaths mingling and their hearts beating as one.

When he finally pulled her down to his chest, his arms wrapped tightly around her, his voice was a rough whisper in her ear. “Mine. Forever.”

Priscilla didn’t argue. She couldn’t. She was his—body, soul, and now, by the mark on her neck, forever.

Andear traced the fresh mating mark on Priscilla’s neck with surprising gentleness, his massive frame curled protectively around her smaller body. The heat radiating from his scales kept her warm despite the cool night air drifting through the den’s high windows.

“I’ve wanted to claim you for a while now,” he admitted, his deep voice rumbling through his chest where she rested against him. “Your spirit, your defiance—you challenged everything I thought I knew about humans. About myself.”

Priscilla’s heart skipped at his words. She turned in his arms to face him, studying the sharp angles of his face and the intense gold of his eyes. Who would have thought that the fierce warlord who had once dismissed her as weak would become her mate?

“I thought you hated me at first,” she said, trailing her fingers along the scar on his arm.

His laugh was low, dark. “Hate was easier than admitting I wanted a human mate.” His tail wrapped possessively around her thigh. “But you proved yourself worthy of being a warlord’s mate. More than worthy.”

Sleep tugged at Priscilla’s consciousness, but she fought it, wanting to savor this moment. For the first time since gaining her freedom, she felt complete. No longer adrift, no longer searching for purpose. She had found her place—not as a slave, not as a burden to her sister, but as the mate of a Niri warlord. As his equal.

“Sleep,” Andear commanded, pulling her closer. “You’re safe now. You’re completely mine.”

Priscilla closed her eyes, letting his presence envelop her. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat lulled her into darkness, and for once, she didn’t fear what tomorrow might bring.

Chapter 29

Andear

AndearwatchedasPriscillastirred in his arms, her golden hair spilling across his red scales. His tail curled possessively around her legs, keeping her close against his chest. The mark on her neck—his mark—stood out against her pale skin, a permanent symbol of their bond. A warmth spread in his chest at the sight of it.

Her eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze. The sunlight streaming through the high windows caught the green of her irises, making them shine like precious stones. His mate. Forever. The thought sent a surge of satisfaction through him.

“You are forever mine now, little warrior,” he rumbled, his voice rough with sleep and contentment. His hand traced the curve of her hip, reveling in the softness of her skin against his battle-hardened scales.

Priscilla’s fingers found the bite mark on her neck, touching it with a reverence that made his chest tighten. The mate bond reverberated between them, strong and unbreakable. He felt her emotions through it—wonder, joy, and belonging.

“I’m not lost anymore,” she whispered, pressing closer to him. Her small form fit perfectly against his larger frame. “I belong here. With you.”

Andear’s tail tightened around her legs instinctively. He had spent so long fighting against this—against wanting her, against needing her. Now, with her marked as his, he couldn’t remember why he had resisted for so long.

A smirk curved her lips as she looked up at him. “And you are forever mine.”

The words sent a rush of heat through him. His warrior woman, claiming him as boldly as he had claimed her. He growled low in his throat, rolling to pin her beneath him.

“Yes,” he agreed, his fangs grazing her neck. “All yours. Every inch of me.”

He claimed her mouth in a kiss that was both tender and fierce. The mate bond throbbed between them, making his scales tingle where they pressed against her soft skin. His hands cupped her face as he deepened the kiss, tasting the sweetness that was uniquely her.

Through the bond, he felt her complete surrender, her absolute trust in him. It humbled him, made his warrior’s heart clench with a protective instinct he’d never known before. This small, fierce human had become his world.

His fangs grazed her lower lip, careful not to break skin. The mark on her neck—his claim—stood out proudly against her pale throat.Mine, the primitive part of him growled. The part that had fought wars, led armies, and now found its greatest victory in her arms.

“My little warrior,” he breathed against her lips, his voice rough with emotion. His tail tightened possessively around her legs as she arched into him.

He’d spent centuries believing warriors didn’t need softness, that mates were earned through strength alone. Yet here she was, proving him wrong with every breath. She had earned him—not through battle but through her unwavering spirit.

Her smile was radiant. “Someone had to challenge the mighty warlord.”

Andear’s eyes blazed with possession and pride. He captured her lips again, pouring all his devotion into the kiss. The mate bond sang between them, a symphony of belonging and forever.

A sharp knock cut through their intimate moment. Andear’s tail curled protectively around Priscilla as his head snapped toward the door. His warrior instincts flared, even though he knew they were safe within his den.

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