“You never do with Gerri,” Draven called after them, earning a laugh from the retreating pair.
As they headed toward the castle, Lila’s urgency pulsed through their bond. “I need to see them now. Make sure they’re really okay.”
The grand living room buzzed with animated conversation as they entered. Lila’s mother Lisa sat on the plush sofa beside Harper, both women gesturing expressively as they recounted their experience to Nyra. Liam paced near the fireplace, his eyes bright with excitement rather than trauma.
“Lila!” Lisa rose as her daughter rushed across the room.
Draven watched with deep satisfaction as Lila wrapped both her mother and brother in a fierce embrace, tears of relief streaming down her face.
“I was so scared I’d lose you both,” she whispered.
“Are you kidding?” Liam pulled back with a grin. “That was the most incredible thing I’ve ever experienced. Your dragon form, Lila—you’re absolutely magnificent.”
“Badass is more like it,” Harper added with characteristic bluntness. “I’ve seen you handle crisis situations before, but dragon-shifting to save your family? That’s next-level heroic.”
Lisa cupped Lila’s face gently. “We’re so proud of the queen you’ve become, sweetheart. The way you fought for us, for Draven—your father would be bursting with pride.”
Through their sacred mate bond, Draven felt Lila’s heart overflow with love and belonging.
Lisa turned to face him, her green eyes luminous with emotion. “Draven, thank you,” Lisa said softly. “For saving Lila’s life. For protecting all of us.”
Draven’s alpha instincts stirred at the gratitude in her voice. “That’s what I do,” he said simply. “I protect my mate and her family.”
Later that evening, Draven and Lila lay in their bed in their private chambers, the fire in the hearth casting flickering shadows across the obsidian walls. The events of the day—Veyra’s downfall and Lila finally becoming his queen—still echoed in his mind. But now, in the quiet of their sanctuary, all that mattered was them.
She was sprawled beside him, her dark hair fanned out on the pillows, and her green eyes full of warmth. His gaze lingered on the bandage on her shoulder, a reminder of her bravery today. He’d insisted on tending to her wound himself, his alpha instincts flaring at the sight of her in any kind of pain.
“How’s your shoulder feeling?” he asked, his voice low and rough with worry. His fingers traced the edge of the bandage lightly, careful not to press too hard.
“It’s perfectly fine,” she said, brushing off his worry with a small smile. “You’re the one who needs checking.” She sat up, her hands moving to the bandages that had covered his burns. The wounds had healed remarkably fast, thanks to his dragon’s enhanced healing, but she still insisted on inspecting them constantly. “Let me see.”
Draven chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that vibrated through his chest. “You’re worse than the castle healer, you know that?” But he didn’t protest as her hands worked deftly, unwrapping the bandages around his chest and arms. Her touch was gentle, yet it sent sparks through him, igniting a primal heat.
She leaned back, her eyes scanning his bare torso with a mixture of admiration and relief. “Looks like you’re miraculously healed,” she said, her fingers brushing over the now-smooth skin where the burns had been. “No more bandages.”
“Told you I’d be fine,” he said, his voice dropping to a low growl as he reached for her, pulling her closer. “But you? You’re my priority now.”
She laughed softly, the sound like music to him. “Draven, I’m fine. Really.”
He didn’t respond immediately, his eyes locking onto hers. The firelight danced in her gaze, and for a moment, he was lost in her. This woman had done more than just save his kingdom. She’d saved him. His mind, his heart, his very soul. The fire madness that had haunted him for years was gone, replaced by a calm he hadn’t known since he was a boy. And it was all because of her.
“You’ve stabilized me,” he said softly. “My mind’s clear. My heart’s steady. You’ve made me the man I always should’ve been, Lila. I didn’t think I could ever feel this way. This whole.”
Her hand cupped his cheek. “You just needed someone to remind you of who you are. And now you have me. Always.”
His chest swelled with something fierce and primal. Gratitude. Love. Possession. “Thank you,” he murmured. “For choosing me. For being my queen.”
“Draven,” she whispered, “you don’t have to thank me. Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
Her words sent a jolt of heat through him, and he couldn’t hold back any longer. His lips crashed into hers, a kiss that was equal parts passion and reverence. He poured everything into it—his gratitude, his love, and his need. Her hands tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, and he groaned into her mouth, the sound low and possessive.
When they finally pulled apart, he didn’t let her go. Instead, he trailed his lips down her neck, his hands sliding down her body until they found the hem of her nightgown. He tugged it up and over her head, leaving her bare before him. His breathcaught at the sight of her—her skin glowing in the firelight, and her curves perfect and inviting.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his lips finding the sensitive spot just below her ear. “My perfect queen.”
Her hands gripped his shoulders as he lavished attention on her breasts, his tongue swirling around one nipple while his fingers teased the other. She gasped, her back arching, and he felt a surge of pride at the way she responded to him.
He would never tire of this—of her. He moved lower, his lips and tongue tracing a path down her stomach until he reached the apex of her thighs. She was already wet for him, and the scent of her arousal was intoxicating.
