Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 429(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 429(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
“Oh, promises, promises.”
He kissed her again, loving the way her body fit against his. She was all soft, female curves, and they were skin to skin. He paused to brush his lips over her jawline, letting his tongue tease the delicate curve of her ear before nipping it lightly.
“There’s nothing more we can do for anyone else right now,” he murmured, his lips trailing down her throat. “The tests are running under Fizzlewick’s watchful eye, the perimeter is secure, and all the females are safe. Soldiers are ill, but the Realm has us covered from attack. So, I thought we’d take this time to get our mating situation sorted out.”
He leaned back just enough to meet her gaze, enjoying the heat simmering between them. “This is where you ask nicely.”
* * * *
Lyrica paused, her breath catching as emotions swirled inside her. He was violent—there was no denying that. He was a warrior in every sense, an enforcer in the Kurjan nation. And yet, somehow, he made her feel safer than she’d ever felt in her life. Was it because she’d never known shelter before? Or was it something deeper? She needed to reconcile his duality—the protector and the predator—because this was who he was. She had to accept him. All of him.
Her heart spun, but she whispered the truth anyway. “I love you, too.”
“Yeah, I know,” he said, his grin wicked as his hand trailed possessively over her hip.
“You do not know,” she challenged, a spark of defiance lighting in her chest. Her nails scraped down the impossibly hard planes of his torso, tracing the indents and ripples of his abs, marveling at the strength in him.
“Maybe not before,” he admitted, his voice dropping, “but I do now. You taught me.”
His words were raw, and the honesty behind them struck a chord deep within her. She was his weakness, and as terrifying as that knowledge was, it also filled her with a fierce sense of belonging.
“Ask me,” he said, his tone soft but insistent.
Oh, for goodness’ sake. She blinked up at him. “Fine. Can you mate me Kurjan style without biting me all the way to the bone?”
He was on top of her now, their skin pressed together, his warmth enveloping her. “No. Your very bone will wear my mark.”
Her pulse quickened at his words. There was no hesitation in his voice, just raw possession. “You sure?”
His grin returned, dark and alluring. “You’ll like it. I promise.”
She didn’t doubt that. She’d liked everything he’d done to her so far—more than liked. Everything about Vero was intense, consuming, and exhilarating. He didn’t just touch her body; he reached her soul.
“Okay,” she whispered.
His eyes flared with colors so deep and rich they made her breath hitch. Blues, darker than midnight and lighter than the ocean, swirling together in a way that was uniquely him. “Good,” he said, his tone carrying a promise she felt down to her bones.
But she had to warn him. “I’m not the obedient, meek type.”
He smirked, leaning down to press his lips to the pulse point in her neck. “I’m well aware of that,” he murmured against her skin. His voice was gravelly and full of heat. “But you’ll obey when I want you to.”
Her body jerked at the promise in his tone. She tunneled her fingers into his hair, tugging sharply. “I have absolutely no intention of obeying.”
His laugh rumbled through him, low and dark. “We’ll see about that.”
Then his mouth claimed hers, going deep, dominant, and possessive. She moaned, surrendering to the fire between them. His kiss was more than just a physical connection—it was a promise of a life together. Yes, they’d butt heads; yes, they’d clash. But it would keep things exciting, and deep down, she knew they’d make it work.
His hand slid down her side before gliding lower to find her wet and ready. His lips wandered to her jawline, teasing her skin before nipping at her ear. She shuddered, arching into him as he moved lower, his tongue flicking over one nipple, then the other.
Her thoughts scattered as pleasure consumed her. The warrior above her—the violent, unapologetic protector—was her world. Though he terrified others, he made her feel invincible.
Vero continued his journey down her body, his mouth finding her most sensitive spot. She gasped, her hands fisting in the sheets as he drove her higher. Her orgasm slammed into her so fast she couldn’t hold back the cry that escaped her lips.
He chuckled, the sound full of male satisfaction. Then, slowly, he did it again, this time more leisurely. The second climax was just as devastating, leaving her trembling as she came down with a soft whimper.
“There you go,” he said, his voice rough and full of affection.
Before she could catch her breath, he slid a hand beneath her and flipped her over onto her stomach.