He looks taken aback by my question. “I have never slept with anyone before.”
“No other females?” I ask, shocked. He is a Prince, after all. Even if women rejected him as a mate because of his scar, I figured there would still be some who were willing to sleep with him simply because of his title and status.
He shakes his head. “My people mate for life. We do not sleep together casually like some species do.” He pauses. “Is it the same with yours?”
“Well, some people wait to have sex until after they get married. I mean, bonded,” I correct, making sure to use words he’ll understand. “But others mate while they’re dating, which doesn’t necessarily mean they commit to staying together forever, you know. It’s different for every human. Some people don’t want to be tied down to a mate, so they never bond.”
When I look up, his eyes are full of concern. “And what about you?”
Heat blooms across my cheeks and the bridge of my nose as I look away. My voice is barely a whisper as I shyly admit, “I’ve never had sex. I’ve never even shared a bed with anyone before you. Well, I have technically shared a bed with my female friends. But just for companionship, not for… mating.” He blinks and I continue, stumbling over my words. “Not that there would be anything wrong with that, I’m just into men. Not women.”
He studies me curiously. “Is it normal for human females to seek companionship with one another through touch?”
“I suppose so.” His question strikes me as odd. “Why?”
“Because our females are very territorial. They do not normally associate with one another because they view other females as potential rivals.”
“What about Drakarian men?” I ask. “Are they territorial?”
“Only recently, due to the lack of females. Once we find our mate, it is instinct to protect her. The desire to nest and provide for our mate and fledglings makes us very territorial against other males.” He cocks his head to the side. “Are humans not this way?”
I shrug. “We can be. To be honest, I think things would be a lot simpler for humans if we had fated mates like you, and marks to tell everyone who’s taken and who isn’t.”
A smirk twists his lips. “Then you are fortunate that I bear the mark for us both. I will display our bond to every one of your people so that they know that you are mine.”
His words make me smile even as lingering doubt threatens to steal my joy. I haven’t agreed to be his mate yet. Though my heart has already decided, my brain keeps insisting that I hold back and tread carefully.
His people do not have casual sex. So, as much as I’m attracted to him, nothing can happen between us until I’m completely sure.
Chapter 19
Skye
Sunlight spills in through the open window, casting a soft glow throughout the bedroom. I snuggle into Raidyn’s warm embrace, enjoying the feel of his larger form wrapped around mine.
It has only been a week since we escaped the castle and came to the cabin, but it feels like so much longer. Raidyn is so caring and gentle. Despite his fierce and intimidating appearance, he’s so tender with me.
He takes me to the falls every day for a picnic and we spend a lot of time walking in the gardens around the cabin. It always ends with us making out, but we never do anything more than kissing and holding each other close.
I want him, but I’m also trying to take things slow. I’ve never been one to just jump into something so quickly. And I think that’s part of what scares me. I never thought it was possible to fall so hard and so fast.
He asks questions about my life on the ship and about my family. It’s been so long since I’ve talked about them and it feels good to be able to grieve over Thomas with someone who not only cares, but listens.
Still lying in bed, I prop myself up on one elbow as I look to him. “My brother would have liked you, you know.”
He smiles. “From what you have shared, I believe I would have liked him as well.”
“He always loved dragons, myths, and fairy tales. All the things that you, your people and this place remind me of. This world is…it’s almost magical, Raidyn. Your species is blessed to call this planet home.”
“It is your home now too, my Skye.” He takes my hand in his. “I wish my mother had lived to meet you. She would have been thrilled that I found such a perfect mate.”
I look down at myself and then arch a brow at him. “You don’t think she would have been upset that I don’t have claws, wings or fangs?”
Pulling me back into his arms, he hugs me close to his chest. He gives me a handsome smile as he tucks a stray tendril of hair behind my ear, staring at me as if I were a rare and precious treasure. “Even without all those things you are perfect, my beautiful mate.”
His words melt my heart and I nestle even closer to him. He makes me feel so safe and warm and loved.
He curls his tail around my thigh as if anchoring me to him. He dips his nose to the curve of my neck and inhales deeply.
“Your scent,” he growls.
Worried, I ask, “Do I smell bad?”
“No.” His voice is a low rumble. “Your scent is intoxicating.”
I’m suddenly aware of his hardened length pressing against my abdomen. Heat pulses in my core at the memory of his touch. I wonder what his stav would feel like deep inside me.
He inhales sharply, dragging me closer. I still when his stav pushes between my thighs. He quickly releases me and pulls away.
“Forgive me,”
