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I rumbled deep in my throat, the sound low and steady, meant to soothe, to calm.

Her body relaxed immediately, melting against mine.

Her breath slowed.

My purr deepened.

Perfect.

“I am not your mate,” she mumbled against my chest. “I don’t even know what that means.”

“You will,” I promised, breathing in her scent. “For now, you need rest. Food. Safety.”

“I need to go home,” she countered, though there was little force behind the words.

“And I will help you discover how you came to be here,” I assured her. “But first—shelter.”

The jungle was growing darker, the twin suns of this forsaken planet sinking below the horizon. Night brings dangers in every wilderness, and this one was no exception. I could feel the fatigue in her body, the way she leaned against me despite her protests.

“You’re exhausted,” I said, not a question but a statement.

“I’ve been walking for hours,” she admitted. “Before you found me. Before that …thing attacked.”

I nodded. “The predators will be more active soon. We need to find safety.”

She pulled back slightly, looking up at me with those impossibly deep eyes. “Why are you helping me?”

The question surprised me. “You are mine to protect,” I said simply.

“I am not yours,” she insisted, though her voice lacked conviction.

“The universe disagrees,” I said with finality.

When her lashes fluttered closed, I lifted her gently, carrying her through the trees until I found a suitable copse—tall, wide-barked sentinels, their thick branches woven like a cradle.

She didn’t protest, her head nestled against my shoulder, her breathing already evening out. The stress and fear of her ordeal were catching up to her.

I set her down carefully, constructing an easy shelter, weaving broad leaves together to form an insulated roof.

A temporary den.

Once satisfied, I activated a small force shield—a protective barrier meant to keep unwanted creatures out while allowing air to pass through.

Only then did I leave, moving swiftly and silently through the jungle, my ears twitching at every sound.

I hunted. Gathered.

Brought back provisions, stowing them high where scavengers could not reach.

The smaller creatures of the forest posed little challenge. I returned with meat, fruit, and clean water from a nearby stream. I arranged them near our shelter, saving the bulk for morning.

Everly had not moved from where I’d placed her, her body curled on the soft ground covering I’d fashioned from fallen leaves and moss. Her breathing was deep and even, her face peaceful in sleep.

I stood guard for a time, my senses alert for any danger. But the forest seemed to understand that this territory was now claimed—marked by my scent, by my presence.

When I was certain all was secure, I settled beside her, my body curved protectively around her smaller form.

And then—I curled my body around her, sheltering her with my warmth.

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