I grin. “I am glad that you are happy.”
Her expression falls, sadness pooling in her deep blue eyes.
“What is wrong, my Skye?”
“I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you. If not for me, you wouldn’t have to hide.”
I roll onto my side to face her, gently stroking her cheek. “Do you not know that I would give up my entire world just to keep you safe?”
Tears gather in the corner of her eyes, but she says nothing.
“I love you, Skye. You are a blessing I never imagined could be mine. I would do anything to keep you from harm and to see you happy, my beautiful mate.”
A tear slips down her cheek, which she quickly brushes away.
“Do not cry, my mate. I am here and I will take care of you. I will protect you from all danger. My vow.”
She smiles, softly biting her lower lip before she reaches out and traces her delicate fingers along the sharp ridge of my brow. She studies me intently as if memorizing the contours of my face. I lean into her touch and close my eyes as a deep growl of pleasure vibrates my chest.
She laughs, pink blooming across her cheeks.
My eyes snap open. “What is so funny?”
With a soft sigh, she does her best to suppress a smile as she shakes her head. “You really need to wear some clothes when we’re alone.”
“If that is what you wish, I will need you to carry them for me so that I can put them on after I shift.” I blink several times, unnerved. “Does my nudity bother you so much?”
I anxiously await her answer. I thought she desired me, but if she keeps insisting I wear clothing, my form must offend her in some way.
“No, it doesn’t bother me. Quite the opposite.” She grins. “I’d rather carry something to put over your mouth to stop you from saying things that distract me even more.”
I tip my head to the side. “I do not understand.”
She reaches out to cup my cheek and I note sadness lingers behind her eyes, as it did the other night when she asked me if I would still want her without the bond. “I’m… falling in love with you, Raidyn. But, I—” Her voice catches and she lowers her gaze.
I place two fingers under her chin and tip her face back up. “What is it? Why is it so wrong to allow yourself to be mine? I am already yours, my linaya.”
A tear slips down her cheek. “That’s the problem. You only want me because of the bond. Without it, I don’t know if you would even see me.”
My brow furrows deeply. “We cannot change what is, my Skye. The bond exists between us. Of this, I have no doubt.” I take her hand and place it on my chest, directly over my glowing scales. “Many question the fate bond because they are uncertain about the partner the Gods have chosen for them. I did not—and have never—felt this hesitation toward you.
“You are a strong female. Fire burned in your eyes when you fought the male who attacked you. And when you thought I meant you harm, you fought me as well. Even after being thrown in a cell, you stood up to my father—the King. I admire your strength of spirit.” I stroke her cheek and stare deep into her eyes with a smile. “Despite your lack of natural defenses, you have a strong will that rivals any Drakarian female’s. I was proud when you threatened my guard, Tai; despite your fear, there is admirable fire in your heart. I am proud that the Gods have paired us. I am proud to be yours and I want so desperately for you to be mine as well.”
She watches me silently and I wonder if I have said too much.
“Forgive me,” I tell her. “I do not wish to make you uncomfortable.”
She cuts me off by leaning forward and gently pressing her lips to mine.
I’m so shocked, I do not move or dare to breathe as I wait to see what she will do next. This touching of lips is not customary among my people and I am uncertain how to respond. I saw this in her mind, but... I do not know what it means.
She pulls back and looks up at me, a small frown creasing her brow. “Do your people not kiss?”
“Kiss?” I ask, touching my lips. “Is that what this is?”
She nods.
“Is it part of your mating ritual?”
She flushes a deep red. “Sort of. But do you mind if this is all we do?”
My brows shoot up to my forehead. Do I mind? I would give anything to feel her mouth on mine again. “I do not mind at all. I am just unsure of what to do.”
“Luckily for you,” she smiles, “I, at least, have some experience with this.”
A growl threatens to rise in my throat at the thought of another male touching her in this way, but I force it back down. That was before she met me. Now that I am here, I will endeavor to kiss her so often and so well, she will never think of any male who came before me.
She cups my face, leaning closer to touch her mouth lightly to mine. Her lips are soft and warm. I gasp as she runs her tongue along my lower lip as if asking for entrance. I open my mouth and when her tongue finds mine, I am lost.
It is soft and smooth like the rest of her form, whereas my tongue is ridged. She moves her tongue along mine and I groan low in my throat at the delicious sensation. How have my people never discovered this custom?
Her taste is exquisite and as her tongue curls around mine, I want more. I want to possess her as she has possessed me—mind, body, and soul. I cup the back of her neck and hold her in place as I deepen
