He nuzzles my neck, running his tongue along the pulsing artery.
“You are addicting,” he whispers against my skin. “I could take you all day and all night and still want more.”
Running my fingers tenderly through the short hairs at the nape of his neck, I feel the same.
Chapter 22
Varus
I hold Lilliana close. With my stav still buried deep in her channel, I nuzzle her neck and inhale deeply of the combined scent of our mating. Her inner thighs are sticky with my release and yet, I find myself wanting to take her once more, desiring more than anything for my seed to take root deep within her womb. I can hardly believe that I am holding my linaya in my arms.
As my gaze travels over her smaller form, I release a deep sigh of contentment. Her name stands for a flower on her home world, I remember. She is as beautiful as the inora flower and her features, while just as delicate, hide a strength of will that rivals any Drakarian female.
I roll to the side until we are facing one another. She nestles against my form and I tug her close as myriad thoughts float to the surface of my mind.
I must officially break off my betrothal to Noralla and I must do so delicately. I do not want to instigate a war between our two Clans, one that could drag Lilliana’s people into it as well. The Wind Clan has already become our enemy since Raidyn broke our treaty. My Clan cannot afford to fight a war on two fronts.
But one question remains: what do I do about Lilliana’s people?
Should I tell the Water Clan about the humans or would it be wiser to keep their species a secret?
Lilliana tips her head back to meet my eyes with a sleepy smile. She runs her hand tenderly over the scales on my chest and abdomen as she gives me a questioning look. “What’s wrong, Varus?”
“I was thinking of the Water Clan princess.”
Her expression falters and she stills.
Recognizing the beginnings of devastation written in her features, I move to reassure her. “I do not regret binding myself to you. I was merely thinking of how I left the betrothal ceremony without officially canceling the agreement with Noralla. If we are to avoid war with their people over a broken betrothal, I must speak to her and explain what has happened.”
Lilliana nods in understanding. “I don’t want to be the reason your people go to war, Varus.”
“Even if we did,” I whisper, “I would not regret taking you as mine.” I pause. “But I am uncertain if I should tell them about you… or your people. Raidyn of the Wind Clan already saw you and I believe it is only a matter of time before the other Clans discover the truth as well. I think it would be wise to share with the Water Clan now, rather than wait for them to hear it elsewhere.”
“I think you’re right; sooner or later, everyone will find out. You can’t keep us a secret for long.” She gently pushes me onto my back, resting her chin on my chest as her luminous green eyes meet mine. “Tell Noralla that you found your fated mate. Tell her people about mine. But only if you believe they won’t hunt us like the Wind Clan.”
“Whatever happens, my Clan will protect yours,” I reassure her. “In becoming my mate, you are granted the title of future Fire Queen. As such, your people fall under our protection.”
She still looks uncertain. “You really don’t think the Water Clan will react aggressively like the Wind Clan did?”
“No. I do not.”
She smiles. “Then, let’s go talk to them. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can retrieve my people.”
I wrap my arms around her, hugging her close to my chest as I run my fingers through her long, silken red hair.
“What’s wrong?” she whispers.
“It is instinct,” I tell her. “Possessiveness of one’s mate.”
She moans softly as I cup her breast and kiss a heated trail down the elegant curve of her neck. I will make love to her again before we speak with the Water Clan. Instinct demands that I fill her with my essence so that every unbonded male knows without a doubt that she is mine. “I must have you again, my beautiful linaya.”
Dressed in the silken robes of our people, Lilliana stands beside me as I summon my faithful guard and friend, Rakan. We grew up together, he and I. With orange-red scales and crimson eyes, he stands tall and proud before us for a moment before bowing low to my mate.
As he straightens, I do not miss the way his gaze rakes over her features in fascination. A low growl rumbles in my chest and Lilliana places a hand on my forearm. I turn to find her smiling.
“You really need to stop doing that, Varus. I’m yours, my love. I don’t want anyone else.”
Her words fill me with pride as I turn back to face my friend.
“Rakan?”
“Yes, my prince?”
“I need your oath that you will protect and defend my mate, who is more precious to me than all the world. Swear that you will protect our future—the future queen of our Clan.”
“I swear, my prince,” he bows low again. “I will protect the princess with my life.”
I place a hand on his shoulder and meet his eyes evenly. “Thank you, my friend.”
He dips his chin in a subtle nod and I turn to face Lilliana. “Please, my mate, wait here while I go speak with the Water Clan.”
“Shouldn’t I go with you?”
I shake my head softly. “I do not want them to know of your existence until I am certain they are not a threat.”
Chapter 23
Varus
My footsteps echo as I enter the throne room. My mother’s hard gaze falls upon me. Noralla and her brother, Prince Llyr, stand off to the side, observing my approach
