Page 58 of Xara and the Xenobeast

“Together,” he agreed finally, the word a vow between them.

She settled back against him, listening to the steady beat of his heart. The pups had quieted, lulled to sleep by the rhythm of the rain and the knowledge that their protectors were near.

In the morning, they would continue their preparations. They would face whatever came for them with all the strength and cunning they possessed. But for now, in this moment, there was only the two of them, bound by something stronger than fear, deeper than desire.

Outside, the storm began to ease, the wind’s howl softening to a whisper. Inside, Xara closed her eyes, safe in the arms of her fierce, gentle warrior.

Whatever came next, they would face it as one.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

The Xenobeast crouched at the entrance of their cave, watching dawn break over the jungle canopy. Crimson light filtered through violet clouds, casting everything in a strange, beautiful glow. Behind him, Xara slept, her breathing deep and even. The smallest Graxlin pup—the one she’d named Flicker—was curled against her neck, its tiny body rising and falling with each breath.

Hope.

The feeling sat uncomfortably in his chest, foreign and fragile. Hope was dangerous. Hope meant having something to lose.

He turned back to the task at hand, carefully wrapping sharpened bone in vines soaked in paralytic sap. The trap would not kill—he wanted intruders alive for questioning—but it would immobilize. He had spent the night setting similar traps throughout the surrounding jungle while Xara slept.

“You should have woken me. I could have helped.”

He didn’t startle at her voice. He’d sensed her approach, the shift in air currents, the subtle change in the cave’s acoustics. He continued working, not looking up as she settled beside him.

“Need rest,” he said simply.

Her hand found his forearm, warm and small against his skin. “So do you.”

He glanced at her then, taking in the sleep-softened curves of her face, the determination in her eyes. His mate. The word still felt new, precious. Dangerous.

“Different,” he said. “Built for this.”

She snorted, a sound he’d come to recognize as amused disagreement. “You weren’t built to be a one-man army against an entire military force.”

No, he’d been built to lead that force. To command death on a scale that still haunted his dreams.

“Besides,” she continued, “we’re stronger together. You know that.”

He did know it. The knowledge terrified him.

Flicker chirped from the cave entrance, now awake and demanding attention. Xara smiled and reached for the pup, but the Xenobeast was faster, scooping the tiny creature into his palm. It immediately curled around his thumb, its bioluminescent patches glowing contentedly.

“He likes you better,” she said, but there was no jealousy in her voice, only warmth.

The Xenobeast felt that dangerous hope flare again. A mate who fought beside him. Young ones who trusted him. A home to defend.

A life he could build—if they survived.

“More traps,” he said, rising to his feet. “Need to scout.”

Xara nodded, taking the finished trap from him. “I’ll finish these and set them along the eastern approach. The pups can help me identify the best hiding spots.”

He hesitated, wanting to tell her to stay in the cave, to keep safe. But he’d seen her fight. Seen her stand her ground. She wasn’t fragile, despite her size.

“Be careful,” he said instead.

Her smile was quick, bright. “Always am.”

He didn’t believe that for a second.

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