“You’re so beautiful,” Draven muttered against her neck, his lips brushing her skin as he drove into her again and again.
Lila felt the coil of pleasure tightening inside her, building with each thrust. But beneath the physical sensations, she felt something deeper—a pulse of energy that seemed to emanate from Draven, brushing against her soul. It wasn’t frightening; it felt like recognition, like being seen and claimed in a way that transcended the physical. For a moment, she felt their connection deepen, a bond that was both ancient and new, before the sensation faded back into warmth.
“You’re all mine now, Lila,” Draven growled as he moved faster, his thrusts growing harder. “Say it.”
“I’m all yours,” she gasped, her body trembling as she felt her orgasm crescendo.
The moment peaked, a merging that felt more spiritual than physical. Lila cried out as her orgasm ripped through her, overwhelming her senses. Draven groaned her name as hefollowed her over the edge, his powerful body shuddering as he spilled himself deep inside her.
As they rode out the waves of their shared pleasure, the pulse of energy between them returned—brighter and stronger. Lila felt it lock into place, a connection that went beyond flesh and bone. The mate bond, Draven had called it. She could feel him now, his emotions brushing against hers, his presence a steady warmth in the back of her mind.
“That was…” she whispered, her voice shaky as she tried to catch her breath.
“Perfect,” Draven finished for her, his lips brushing against hers in a tender kiss.
Lila couldn’t help but smile, her heart full as she wrapped her arms around him, feeling the steady beat of his heart against hers. She didn’t fully understand what had just happened, but she knew one thing for certain—this was just the beginning.
FOURTEEN
DRAVEN
Draven lay on his side, propped up on one elbow as he watched Lila’s face in the fading light. Her dark hair spread across the black sand like silk, and her green eyes reflected the twin suns as they began their descent toward the horizon. The air around them still hummed with the energy of what they’d shared and his mind was completely quiet.
No fire madness. No panic clawing at the edges of my consciousness.
He traced a finger along her bare shoulder, marveling at the smoothness of her skin. “How do you feel?”
Lila turned toward him, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. “Happy. And different somehow, like something shifted inside me.” She paused, studying his face. “What about you? Any... anxiety?”
“Nothing.” The word came out heavier than he intended, weighted with years of desperation. “My head is completely clear, and I feel so calm. You did that, Lila.”
Her cheeks flushed pink. “We did that together.”
He couldn’t argue with that. The sex was incredible. But deep down he still wished for more.
She’d let him claim her body, but he needed more. The dragon mark that would seal their bond permanently, ensuring she could never leave him, called to every instinct he possessed.
But he had to exercise patience. She’d said if things kept going well, she’d consider it.
Then I’ll make damn sure things go perfectly.
He pulled her closer, tucking her against his chest as the twin suns painted the sky in shades of purple and pink. “Look,” he murmured against her hair.
Lila sighed contentedly as they watched the spectacular sunset together, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his chest. Through their strengthened mate bond, he could feel her emotions—satisfaction, wonder, and beneath it all, a growing love that made his dragon rumble with contentment.
She’s falling for me.
“I know the mate bond isn’t complete, but I can already feel the difference,” he said carefully. “Although, I think I’ll still need to continue the therapy sessions and avoid my kingly duties for the full two weeks like you recommended. I can’t get overconfident just because I’m feeling better.”
“I agree.” She tilted her head to look at him. “That shows real insight, Draven. Recovery isn’t linear, and you need to build sustainable coping mechanisms.”
Always the therapist.
But her professional concern warmed something deep in his chest. “If I’m feeling this good after just claiming you...” He let the words hang between them, heavy with implication.
“One step at a time,” she said softly, but he caught the flutter of anticipation through their bond.
As the last traces of sunlight faded, Draven sat up, his muscles pleasantly loose. “We should head back. I want you to meet my mother properly—have dinner with her.”
