Raven smiles and blushes a little, a soft giggle escaping her throat. I arch a brow at her, feeling the muscles in my face relax into an expression of curiosity.
“What made you giggle?” I bump my nose against hers, inhaling her breath as it mingles with mine. The intimacy of the gesture sends a shiver down my spine.
“The God comment...” Her cheeks turn a brilliant shade of pink that spreads down her neck to her collarbone. I arch a brow higher, studying the fascinating way her blush contrasts with her dark scales that haven’t fully receded. “I agree...” She smiles as she curls up to pepper kisses along my jaw, each touch of her lips like tiny sparks against my skin.
It takes several moments for understanding to dawn, and heat rushes to my face. I didn’t mean to call myself a sex god on the beach; the words slipped out in the heat of passion. But if that’s the title she wishes to give me, I will gladly bear it with honor. The thought makes my lips curl into a satisfied smile.
“Only for you, my mate,” I murmur, brushing my lips over hers. The contact sends a jolt through my body, and I feel whole for the first time in my existence. The emptiness that has haunted me for years is finally filled, the jagged edges of my soul smoothed over by her presence.
Raven purrs a little deeper, the vibration from her chest transferring to mine where our bodies press together. She nuzzles my cheek, her nose tracing a path to the sensitive spot behind my ear. The gentle caress makes goosebumps rise on my arms.
“So, Alpha, when do you want to move your pack into my territory?” Her breath is warm against my ear, sending a pleasant shiver down my spine. “We can set up housing within the Sovereign territory and set them up in the tithe system we have.” Raven pulls me down so that more of my weight rests on her while we’re still joined. The trust in that gesture—allowing me, a predator by nature, to press her smaller form into the sand—isn’t lost on me.
“Oh shit, that’s right. I’m the alpha now. Fuck...” The responsibility crashes down on me like a physical weight. My heartbeat quickens, and I feel sweat bead at my temples as I look around the interior of the cavern. The light dancing on the water casts shifting patterns across our clothing scattered everywhere—tangible evidence of our passion.
“Shhhh...” Raven’s calm is almost terrifying in contrast to my sudden anxiety. Her steady heartbeat under mine serves as an anchor. “One thing at a time. First, you claim your title. Then we go and speak with my mother and nest father Klauth.” She runs her fingers through my hair, nails gently scraping against my scalp in a way that makes me melt into her touch. My muscles uncoil gradually, tension bleeding out with each stroke of her fingers. She makes it sound so easy, the confidence in her voice soothing my fears.
“How are you so calm?” I rest my cheek against hers, feeling the softness of her skin against mine. I feel my length finally release her and fall free, the cool air of the cavern a stark contrast to her internal heat. A shudder runs through me at the sensation.
“I’ve been groomed by my mother to take over the flight since I was young.” She giggles as I roll her to lie atop me, the sound vibratingthrough her chest and into mine. Her weight is a pleasant pressure, grounding me in this moment. “My birth father, Thauglor, has taught me the ways to structure a flight for the best outcome. How my ancestors did it back when the lands were savage.” Her sapphire eyes search my face, pupils still slightly dilated from our lovemaking. I can’t help but smile at the intelligence and determination I see there.
“We’ll move your pack into the safety of my territory.” Raven smirks, a hint of fang visible at the corner of her mouth. The predatory expression should frighten me, but instead, it sends a thrill of desire through me despite our recent activities. “It’s not like we don’t already control most of the continent.”
It’s moments like this—with my mate lying on me or even just being in her presence—that I forget she’s next in line to rule. The weight of her destiny should intimidate me, but all I feel is pride and fierce protectiveness. The sand beneath us is cooling against my back, but her body remains furnace-hot against mine.
“Let’s be greedy for a little bit longer before we head back.” I curl up to kiss her lips, tasting the last traces of our passion. “I just want to spend time with my mate alone for a little longer.” My voice drops to a whisper, vulnerable in a way I’d never allow with anyone else.
Raven’s smile lights up the dim cavern, brighter than any sunbeam filtering through the ceiling. She nods, her dark hair cascading around us like a curtain. “Nap first, then whatever happens next.” She lays her head on my chest, her ear pressed over my heart. I wonder if she finds the rhythm as comforting as I find hers.
She brings her wings up and drapes them around us, trapping our body heat in a cocoon of warmth. The texture is smooth against my skin, unlike anything I’ve ever felt before—leather covered in hundreds of tiny scales.
My mate drifts off to sleep quickly, her breathing slowing and deepening. Her body grows heavier against mine as she relaxes completely.The ultimate trust.I brush a strand of hair from her face, marveling at how someone so powerful can appear so vulnerable in sleep.
I really am a lucky bastard. The thought makes me smile as I close my eyes, surrounded by her scent, her warmth, and the steady sound of her breathing echoing in the quiet cavern. For now, the responsibilities waiting for us outside this sanctuary can wait.
Chapter 43
Raven
It’s been almosta week since I bonded Keir, and today he’s getting recognized as Alpha of his people. The weight of what that means—what we mean—still feels surreal. “You didn’t have to host it here, you know.” I hear the nervous waver in Keir’s voice, see the way his hands won’t stop moving.
“Nonsense.” My mother, Mina, says as she walks into the room in her fighting leathers—dark and supple, creaking slightly with each step. The scent of oil and old battles clings to the material. “Being a leader deserves being recognized.”
Arching a brow, I look at my mom and tilt my head. Something about her energy feels off — too bright, too deliberate. “Is something going on that I don’t know about?” I hold the orange cursed egg in my hands, feeling the warmth radiating through the shell, before slipping it into the egg carrier and passing it off to Corvis. His fingers brush mine, steady and reassuring.
“Yes, your fathers and I are announcing your transition into the role of flight mother upon graduation.” Mom says with a broad smile and looks affectionately over at Klauth and Thauglor.
My stomach drops.Flight mother.The words echo in my head, heavy with responsibility I’m not sure I’m ready for. “Oh, okay.” Shrugging my shoulders like this isn’t terrifying, I pull at the strings of my corset top, cinching my waist further. The pressure helps ground me, giving me something to focus on besides the panic building in my chest.
Hemlocke steps closer and starts tying the laces, his fingers working methodically. “No, no, no... That’s going to be very uncomfortable for her. Let me do it.” Keir says as he takes the ribbons from Hemlocke. I feel him loosen the ribbons, the sudden release making me gasp, then readjust their tightness with practiced ease. His fingers are warm against my back through the thin fabric of my chemise.
“Where’s my other dad?” I look at two out of three dads being here, suddenly needing all of them present. The anxiety makes me want my whole family close.
“He’s coming. Trust me, Balor will not miss this for the world.” Mom says and smiles, but there’s something knowing in her expression that sets me on edge.
“Explain to me again what happened?” Hemlocke says and tilts his head, pink eyes curious and confused.
“We have a theory.” Klauth says, waiting for Mom to nod before continuing. “Because dragons and basilisks are closely related, that factored in with your mom’s bloodline; she somehow fused the genetics of all three dads into two eggs.”
