Page 27 of Xara and the Xenobeast

His eyes blazed silver and she felt the unmistakable evidence of his arousal against her stomach before he quickly stepped back.

“Do you want to join me?” she added, not entirely sure she was teasing, but he was already backing away. She shrugged and turned back to the water, already stripping out of her shirt and, after a brief hesitation, her bra. The alcove was not entirely shielded from the main cave and she was sure he was watching her but the pleasure of the cool, clean water overcame any lingering shyness.

A sudden indignant squeak made her whirl around to find a very wet and unhappy Trouble behind her. She reached for him just as Ash stepped into the alcove and plucked him out of the water. He shook him once and the pup gave a violent shiver. He tucked the pup against his chest but his silver gaze was fixed on her bare breasts. She probably should have covered herself, but instead she arched her back slightly.

His expression shuttered, and for a moment she thought he might retreat, but then he reached out one clawed hand to tracethe curve of her breast. The touch was feather-light, but it sent a shiver through her entire body. His eyes blazed at her reaction, and his hand lingered, circling her aching nipple with exquisite care.

She leaned into the touch, her eyes fluttering closed.

He gave her nipple a gentle pinch, the pleasure so intense it made her gasp, then he was gone, the sound of his steps fading as he retreated to the main cave.

Her cheeks flushed and her entire body hummed with need. It was going to be a very long evening.

It was indeed a long night, made even longer by the awareness that the male sitting so silently by the fire was also awake and suffering.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The Xenobeast lay motionless, every muscle in his body tense with awareness. Xara had finally fallen asleep, her breathing deep and even, her face peaceful in the dying firelight, and he’d crawled in with her as he did every night. The Graxlin pups nestled around them, small bodies radiating warmth, their bioluminescent markings pulsing in time with their dreams.

He should move. Get up. Hunt. Run. Anything to escape the torment of being so close to her.

But her hand rested against his forearm, five small fingers splayed across his skin like a brand. The contact sent electricity through his veins, awakening sensations he’d thought long dead. Pleasure. Desire. Need.

His sensory tendrils coiled restlessly, yearning to explore the curves of her face, of her body, but he forced them back, maintaining his rigid control.

She shifted in her sleep, murmuring something unintelligible. Her hand slid higher on his arm, her fingers tightening slightly, and the innocent gesture nearly undid him.

His body responded instantly, primal and demanding. Heat surged through him, pooling low in his abdomen. His skin flushed with bioluminescence, silver-blue patterns rippling across his chest and arms.

Take. Claim. Mine.

He closed his eyes, fighting for control, and the smallest pup—the one she’d named Dot—stirred, squeaking softly as she sensed his distress. The pup crawled over its siblings to nuzzle against his chest, her tiny claws gripping his skin. Her presence was both comforting and accusatory.

These creatures trusted him and depended on him, despite knowing what he was.

No. They didn’t really know. Other than that one fight with the predator, they’d seen only what he allowed them to see—glimpses of gentleness, moments of restraint. If they knew the blood on his hands, the destruction he’d wrought...

Xara sighed in her sleep, her lips curving into a slight smile. What did she dream of? Her world? Her life before? Or this strange existence they’d carved out together?

The firelight caught in her dark curls, making them gleam, and her skin glowed warm and soft in the amber light. The urge to touch her overwhelmed him. Before he could stop himself, one tendril extended toward her face, hovering just above her cheek. He felt the heat radiating from her skin, the faint electrical field that surrounded all living things. Just one touch. One taste.

His tendril brushed her cheek, feather-light and her scent flooded his senses. His body hardened further, desire coiling tight in his core as he remembered her body wet and naked bythe bath he’d created for her. The markings on his skin flared brighter, pulsing with his accelerated heartbeat.

She stirred again, turning her face toward his touch, and he jerked back, ashamed. Taking advantage of her vulnerability went against everything he’d fought to become. He was not the weapon they’d created. He would not be ruled by instinct alone.

Dot chirped questioningly, her head tilted in confusion at his sudden movement.

“Sleep,” he commanded silently, stroking the pup’s head with one careful claw.

She yawned, showing her tiny fangs, then curled back against her siblings. Their trust was a gift he hadn’t earned, a responsibility he’d never sought.

Just like her.

She’d crashed into his world, bringing chaos and warmth and complications. She’d seen his violence and still smiled at him. Touched him without fear. Laughed in his presence.

The sound of her laughter haunted him—bright and unexpected, like finding water in the desert. Had there ever been laughter in his life? If there had it had been buried beneath years of training and pain.

Her hand shifted again, sliding down to rest against his wrist. Her fingers curled around him, holding on even in sleep as if she needed him.

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