“Always, Vraxxan murmured, shifting onto his side and drawing me against him, his warmth enveloping me like a cocoon of safety and love.
When I woke again, the delicate blush of light caressing the walls told that dawn was whispering its arrival. Only the gentle rhythm of breathing beside me broke the silence surrounding the treehouse. Vraxxan’s muscular arms enveloped me in a protective embrace, and I had forsaken the feather-stuffed pillow, preferring the solid comfort of his chest beneathmy cheek. The steady drumming of his heart beneath my ear was like a comforting melody.
My mate. My forever.
Not only had we found each other across the vastness of space, but the goddess herself had blessed our union with a gift known only in whispered legends.
I still couldn’t quite believe the miracle of it all.
Vraxxan was mine.
I couldn’t remember a single moment when my heart didn’t belong to him. Even before our destinies intertwined, the intoxicating promise of true love dancing through romance novels stole my dreams. Deep within, I had always believed that somewhere, the other half of my heart awaited. I never imagined my search would carry me beyond the stars. Still, every tear shed, every obstacle overcome on that journey, had been a precious price for this treasure beyond measure.
And I realized, with unwavering certainty, that regardless of what challenges awaited us—whether it was navigating his mother’s hateful whims or forging a life amidst the lush, untamed wilderness of this jungle planet—as long as we remained together, everything would be alright.
But right now, I really needed to pee.
I carefully slipped out of bed, moving with deliberate caution. Although Vraxxan stirred slightly when I eased myself from his embrace, he remained asleep. Unlike my pale skin, which showed telltale smudges of fatigue, Vraxxan’s black scales gave nothing away, although there was still some puffiness around his eyes. I wondered how long he must have sat vigil by my bedside, refusing to rest until he was certain of my well-being.
I bit my tongue to stifle any involuntary sounds of discomfort as I gingerly rose to my feet. The room was dimly lit, shadows playing softly against the walls, and the air was coolagainst my skin. I took a step. Despite a faint twinge of soreness, the wound in my leg was surprisingly untroublesome. It seemed that the legendary healing properties of Zarpazian blood had indeed worked wonders.
I attended to my needs with whisper-quiet movements. The treehouse’s gravity system eliminated the telltale flush that might disturb the peaceful silence. Catching my reflection in the mirror, I saw my hair cascading in wild, untamed waves—a testament to days spent confined to bed. Yet beneath the dishevelment, my skin radiated with a luminous glow, and my eyes sparkled with newfound vitality. The tunic draped over me had clearly seen better days. I lifted it over my head, choosing to slip back into bed naked, eager to nestle against Vraxxan.
As I slid beneath the luxurious furs, he released a soft, contented sigh that melted my heart. Though still embraced by dreams, he instinctively turned toward me, enfolding me in a perfect spooning embrace. His powerful chest pressed against the curve of my back, his arm securing me against him as if afraid I might vanish. His cock nestled against my backside, hot and pulsing with desire even in slumber. I suppressed a broad grin at how much he wanted me, even in his sleep. Vraxxan had restrained himself before, unwilling to force our bond. Now we were bound…eternally connected. No more hesitation. The time had come—once he awakened, of course. I wanted him well-rested for what lay ahead. I wanted him, period.
From somewhere within the treehouse, I detected the subtle movements of Vysar gathering his hunting gear with the same natural stealth his son had inherited. He materialized in our doorway without a sound, his presence as ethereal as morning mist. When his eyes found me awake, his face transformed with a knowing smile that illuminated his weathered features. Our gazes locked in wordless understanding, and he offered anaffectionate nod beforedeparting, bow and quiver adorning his back like an ancient symbol. Vysar was setting out to hunt, gifting us precious solitude. He knew it was time, too.
I don’t know how long I lay there, in that dreamy space between sleep and wakefulness, savoring the warmth of being enveloped in the arms of the man I loved. The sun climbed higher in the sky, transforming the rich golden rays of dawn into a softer, more delicate glow that danced across our skin. The sun d climbed higher in the sky, transforming the rich golden rays of dawn into a softer, more delicate glow that danced across our skin.
I felt Vraxxan stir behind me, his deep, rhythmic breathing quickening as consciousness found him. The powerful arms that held me close tensed ever so slightly, pulling me more firmly against his chest.
His hardness pressed insistently against my backside, sending a delicious shiver up my spine. With a mischievous smile playing on my lips, I deliberately arched back against him, relishing the friction between us. The sound that escaped Vraxxan’s throat was a tantalizing mixture of pleasure and sweet torment.
“I see someone is feeling better,” he murmured, his voice husky with desire. He slid his powerful arms around my waist, holding me captive against him while he buried his face in my hair, inhaling deeply, as if trying to memorize my scent.
“Much better,” I sighed, melting into his embrace.
“How long have you been awake?” I felt Vraxxan lift his head, his vigilant gaze sweeping across our surroundings, ever protective.
“A while,” I admitted softly, my fingers tracing patterns on his forearm. “I wanted to let you sleep. You seemed exhausted. You probably didn’t rest at all while I was sick, did you?”
Vraxxan gave a deep, languid yawn and stretched his magnificent body, the smooth movement of his scales against my skin sending pleasant tingles through me. When he spoke again, his voice was deep and vulnerable, laden with emotion. “I was afraid to shut my eyes. I worried you wouldn’t be here when I opened them again.”
My heart broke for the worry he’d suffered. I twisted in his embrace, curving my arms around his neck and pressing myself tightly against him. Vraxxan’s arms encircled my waist, gentle yet exuding an undeniable strength that enveloped me like a protective shield. For long moments, we simply held each other, our breaths mingling as we savored the intoxicating blend of our scents. Then, he kissed me—soft, gentle kisses he scattered across my face and neck, each one a tender caress that gradually transformed into a deep, passionate encounter. Our tongues intertwined, engaging in a dance as ancient as time itself. I pressed myself against him, feeling the rigid hardness of his cock against my belly, and a moan of pleasure escaped my lips at the thought of finally being claimed by him.
“You want this? You want me?” Vraxxan asked, his hands gliding upward, his fingers teasingly brushing across my swollen nipples, sending delicious shivers cascading down my spine.
“More than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life,” I sighed breathlessly, arching into his touch, feeling his cock grow impossibly thicker where it pressed insistently against my belly. I squirmed against him, a seductive smile playing on my lips as I heard him groan in response, the sound vibrating through my very soul.
Vraxxan kissed his way down my neck and shoulders, his lips warm and insistent against my flushed skin, then gently rolled me onto my back. His eyes shimmered like a sparkling teal sea beneath a summer sun as he swept back the blankets, hishungry gaze drinking in my naked form with an intensity that sent waves of desire rippling across my trembling body.
“You are so fucking beautiful,” he murmured, his voice thick with unbridled desire. I smiled at his words, not only because he made me feel so utterly desirable but also at the way he had adopted my favorite curse word, making it his own in that deliciously deep voice.
His hands moved to my breasts, fingers tracing soft, tantalizing circles before lightly pinching my nipples, drawing a sharp, needy cry from my lips. When he latched onto a nipple with his hot mouth, suckling gently, my back arched in desperate response, and he growled, sucking greedily. His hands gripped my waist, holding me still as he moved from one breast to the other, leaving each one tingling and exquisitely sensitive.
His hands traveled lower, and he emitted a low, rumbling growl, his lips curving upward slightly at the abundant wetness he discovered between my thighs. I rocked against his hands, craving more of his touch as he expertly stroked my swollen clit with his thumb, sliding two thick, powerful fingers inside my aching channel. I felt myself pulse around his fingers, my hips instinctively rising to meet him, wanting more, needing more of the delicious pressure he provided, my body begging for his possession.
His powerful hands gently parted my trembling legs, and he lowered his head between my quivering thighs. His ravenous tongue explored my inflamed, sensitive flesh, creating a maelstrom of sensation as he nipped, licked, and sucked, stoking the inferno within me to unbearable heights. I erupted in a flood of ecstasy, a scream of pure, unrestrained pleasure escaping my lips as I coated his mouth with my release.